STL licensing report suggests scheme is raising standards despite concerns
On 30 August 2024, the Scottish Government published a report outlining the progress of its short-term lets (STL) licensing scheme since its implementation in October 2022. Propertymark supports the introduction of STL regulation with the aim of bringing them in line with standards in the private rented sector, and we are encouraged by evidence suggesting the safety and quality of properties is beginning to improve.
Engagement, not licensing, is the key to higher standards
Propertymark has responded to consultations about plans to introduce additional or selective property licensing schemes in Enfield, Reading, and Wandsworth. We have objected to all the proposals because we strongly disagree that licensing is the best method to improve housing stock within the private rented sector (PRS).
Updates to licensing give short-term lets more flexibility
Following the introduction of a licensing scheme in October 2022, the Scottish Government has been monitoring the impact of the legislation on consumers and the sector. Engagement with accommodation operators has resulted in improvements which allow the transfer of licences, more exemptions, and provisional licences for new properties. MSPs approved these measures on 26 June 2024.
Next London Mayor must leverage powers to tackle housing backlog
On Thursday 2 May 2024, Londoners will cast their votes for the next Mayor and 25 Assembly Members. With a population of over nine million, and the highest house sales and rental values in the country, London presents unique challenges. Propertymark has written to the candidates outlining our housing plan for London, highlighting key priorities for the next four years and our proposals for addressing the city’s crisis in housing availability.
Compulsory registration will enable short-term lets to demonstrate quality
Plans for statutory registration and licensing for all visitor accommodation in Wales have been announced with legislation expected to be introduced before the end of the year to address the negative impact second homes and short-term holiday lets have on the availability and affordability of housing for local people.
Student landlord hit by £43,000 in licensing fees
Middlesborough Council who issued the charges has defended it by saying each of the 52 flats in Linthorpe Hall 248 are eligible for the fee under their current selective licensing scheme, which began in 2019.
Agency fined for managing an unlicensed property
A property management and letting agency in Enfield received a £7,500 fine and was ordered to pay £1,299 in costs with an additional £2,000 victim surcharge (a total of £10,799), during a recent sentencing hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.
Local short-term let rules are the only way to ensure balance
Responding to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) consultation on the registration options for a short-term lets (STLs) licensing scheme in England, Propertymark stated that any scheme should not be compulsory for local authorities if they can prove they are having no impact on private rented sector supply in their area.
No tolerance for HMO failings with huge fines issued
Two separate investigations in Camden and Mansfield involving unlicensed Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) led to sanctions for landlords and agents. West Northamptonshire is the latest council to announce a crackdown on unregulated and poorly managed properties.
Fact sheet: Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014
The need to register applies to all landlords of properties let under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland. Landlords must be registered and have a Landlord Registration certificate, which is valid for three years.
Restrict licensing to priority areas only
Recognising the fact that some members in Wales operate for landlords of short-term holiday lets, Propertymark has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation to establish a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales.
Short-Term Lets Licensing requirements in Scotland extended
The Scottish Government has announced more time for hosts of short-term lets to apply for a licence. The deadline has now been postponed for six months from the original deadline of 31 March 2023 to 1 October 2023.
Licensing schemes and local authority enforcement concerns
Responding to consultations across England, Propertymark is concerned that licensing schemes are not the best tool to drive up standards in the private rented sector (PRS), particularly during difficult financial times.
Lettings vision for the future
The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) has published a report making practical and workable recommendations based on the expected changes to be introduced in the Renters' Reform Bill.
Third time lucky for renters' reforms?
The Queen’s Speech on 10 May 2022, saw the UK Government announce that it would bring forward legislation to reform the private rented sector in England.
UK Government to evaluate impact of legislative changes on the PRS
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee’s report on the Regulation of Private Renting, published today, 13 April 2022, claims that better data is needed to understand issues within the private rented sector (PRS) in England and to evaluate the impact of legislative changes on landlords, tenants, the housing market as a whole and the effectiveness of regulation.