Page 48 – Property118
Fire spreading from a flat window in a residential block where no smoke alarm is installed

Fires soar in purpose-built flats without smoke alarms

29th December 2025

More than 1,200 fires broke out in purpose-built flats over the past year where no fire alarms were installed, according to new data. Findings from Drax Technology reveal London recorded the highest number of fires. The firm analysed incident data reported by Fire and Rescue Services across England, covering purpose-built flats of all sizes between […]

Renter opens bedroom curtains as Wales flag and rising cost graphics highlight increasing room rents

Wales sees sharp rise in room rents

29th December 2025

Room rents in Wales have soared nearly three times more than the average room rent across the UK over the past year, according to new research. Data from SpareRoom reveals that room rents in Wales have risen by 40% over the past five years, from £419 to £586 per month, compared with a 28% increase […]

Model house on rental paperwork with pens, representing the Renters’ Rights Act and professionalism in the private rented sector.

The Renters’ Rights Act and its impact on corporate landlords

29th December 2025

How BTR is responding to demands for increased professionalism in the private rented sector. Article by Andy Jones, group director of corporate sales at LRG. The Renters’ Rights Act has been met with mixed reactions across the property sector. While some private landlords have expressed concerns over increased regulation, corporate landlords – particularly those operating […]

Debt repayment reminder with calculator and pen on desk, symbolizing rent recovery and financial management.

Earnings Attachment Orders and finding a new employer?

29th December 2025

Can I ask if anyone has experience with Earnings Attachment Orders regarding ex-tenants’ debt? We`re currently going through a legally expensive (defended) Section 21 eviction before the Renters’ Rights Act comes in. The debtor does work (when he feels like it!) for agencies. IF we win (who knows with the law!), and if and when […]

Sell now or risk fines, bans and bankruptcy

25th December 2025

Two articles published on Property118 in recent days have sent a clear message to the sector. The most recent revealed the government’s newly published civil penalty tables, which show fines of up to £35,000 for breaches under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. https://www.property118.com/landlords-fines-renters-rights-act/ The second article , published a week ago, explained why acting early […]

Question mark surrounded by flying documents highlighting confusion over prescribed deposit information

Landlords demand efficiency and cost control for new enforced regulation?

24th December 2025

The government is imposing new regulations on new landlords’ databases. As responsible landlords, we demand efficiency and proportionality in compliance. A recent excellent article by the property118 team pointed to the disproportionate nature of regulation. >> https://www.property118.com/deposit-disputes-remain-rare-despite-rising-rents-tds/ The data points to the schemes holding 4.7 million deposits amounting to schemes holding £5.5 billion in cash, […]

Hand knocking on a front door, symbolising council inspections and enforcement under new renters’ rights rules

Council powers for surprise inspections will come into force this week

24th December 2025

Experts are warning that new rules for councils, which come into force this Saturday (27 December), will give authorities unprecedented powers to enforce compliance. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, councils will gain the power to carry out surprise inspections, including entering premises where tenancy records are kept, and to issue fines running into thousands of […]

Commercial Finance Blog featured image showing buildings, factory, handshake, loan document, calculator, pound sign and growth bars on a teal background.

From Stalled Project to Success – How a Landlord Used Bridging to Complete a Deal

24th December 2025

Not every property project goes to plan. Unexpected costs, tight deadlines, and lender withdrawals can stall even the most experienced landlord’s plans. This case study shows how bridging finance, when used strategically, turned a stalled project into a success – and highlights the lessons other landlords can learn. The Challenge A landlord had agreed to […]

Housing officer completing an inspection checklist during an HMO property visit

Council seeks views on plans to license and inspect all HMOs

24th December 2025

A council has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce additional HMO licensing, which would mean all HMOs in the area would need to be inspected. Telford and Wrekin Council has launched a 10-week consultation on the proposals and is asking landlords to have their say. We want to make sure that homes in HMO […]

Landlord trapped by problem tenant as neglected flat falls into disrepair

Caught in a trap by tenant from hell?

24th December 2025

When tenants left in January 2024, I used a local estate agent to find a new tenant, but after ten viewings, there were no takers, despite this being a very desirable flat. I went to inspect it and found it covered in black mould. While cleaning it up, a single lady asked to rent it, […]

Boxing Day house for sale springing from gift box symbolising a surge in UK property listings

Estate agents predict Boxing Day bonanza as market springs back

24th December 2025

Estate agents are predicting a “Boxing Day bonanza” as pent-up demand after months of Autumn Budget uncertainty drives sellers to put their homes on the market. Parkers Properties believes that this year’s Boxing Day could see an influx of homes coming onto the market that is “greater than the norm.” Traditionally, Boxing Day marks the […]

Scottish flag above rising rent debt blocks and house, symbolising pressure on private renters in Scotland

Charity urges Scottish government to act as private renters’ debt hits £4,000

24th December 2025

A charity is calling for the Scottish government to do more to tackle rising rents, as private renters’ debt is on average £4,000. Research by Citizens Advice Scotland reveals that private renters’ debt is twice that of social renters. The charity claims rent controls alone won’t solve the housing crisis and says the Scottish government […]

House overwhelmed by stormy waves with Renters’ Rights Act papers floating, symbolising upheaval in the private rented sector.

Renters’ Rights Act to reshape lettings market in 2026 – Leaders

24th December 2025

The private rented sector is heading into a turbulent 2026, with the Renters’ Rights Act set to drive sweeping operational change across the market, according to Allison Thompson at Leaders. The firm’s national lettings managing director warns that timing will matter as much as intent once the next phase begins. She says: “From an operational […]

House model on unstable wooden blocks with a broken chain and question mark symbolizing collapsing property chains

Renters’ Rights Act breaching Buy to Let mortgage terms and conditions?

23rd December 2025

Hi Everyone, With the Renters’ Rights Act stating that all tenancies are to be periodic from May 2026, how will that affect Buy to Let mortgages that have terms that condition the tenancy must be an AST? Are we being forced by the Act to breach mortgage Terms and Conditions? Is there a provision in […]

Cash being exchanged for a house to illustrate debates over rent-in-advance rules

Rent in advance – why you shouldn’t accept it?

23rd December 2025

We all know that the prohibition of rent in advance is going to make life really hard for tenants who, for whatever reason, can’t pass normal referencing and until now would have paid rent up front to get the place they want. So it’s natural that people are looking for ways to get around this. […]

Landlord Insurance Blog featured image showing a house, shield, umbrella, policy document, tick and pound coins on a teal background.

Illegal Activity by Tenants – Are You Covered?

23rd December 2025

One of the worst-case scenarios for landlords is discovering that tenants have used a rental property for illegal activity. Cannabis farms, unlicensed HMOs, or even organised crime can leave behind major damage, loss of income, and potential legal consequences. The immediate question for most landlords is: does my insurance cover this? The answer depends on […]

Model house on rental paperwork with pens, representing the Renters’ Rights Act and professionalism in the private rented sector.

Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What are landlords actually changing now?

23rd December 2025

With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 approaching, I’m interested in what landlords are actually changing in practice, rather than what the headlines suggest we should be doing. Much of the commentary focuses on the end of Section 21, but I’m not convinced that’s the most significant shift for landlords who already run their portfolios professionally. […]

Removal van loaded with boxes and furniture outside a rented home, illustrating tenant moves and eviction trends

Fewer renters moving as section 21 notices decrease – Generation Rent

23rd December 2025

A new Generation Rent survey reveals a decline in Section 21 notices and a drop in rent increases. In a poll of 711 renters about the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act, despite a drop in Section 21 notices, the number of Section 8 notices has risen. The survey comes ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ […]

Social housing application rejected, symbolised by house keys blocked by a prohibition sign

Government to tackle restrictions after affordability checks lead to social housing rejection

23rd December 2025

The government claim they have taken action to remove barriers for those on the lowest incomes to access social housing. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says they will review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations. The news comes after research reveals housing associations in England are increasingly rejecting applicants following affordability checks carried out […]