Property & The Senses
If there is one thing that letting agents and estate agents are extremely good at is using their sight to create and visual the property every potential buyer or tenant wants as their home.
When it comes to selling or renting a property the focus is often on practical matters such as location, price, compliance with regulations. However, whilst those elements influence prospective buyers’ and tenants’ decision-making, choosing a home, a place to live, is also a sensory experience. Those who intend to buy or rent for their impressions within seconds of entering a property, often using the five senses to make a decision.
Comments from David Smith on House of Commons debate - Renters' Rights Bill
Author - David Smith
September 8, 2025
I did not watch the House of Commons debate on the Lords' amendments to the Renters' Rights Bill live but I was reviewing the transcript in the Commons' Hansard.
Leaving aside how awesome it is that the Hansard is available with a detailed transcript so soon after the debate, I think the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, said a number of important things.
First was on rent increases. The Minister re-iterated the possibility of changing the rules to allow some backdating of rent increases to the date of a s13 notice. However, he was very clear that this is not something the government is intending to do as a matter of course and it will not be used "unless and until it is considered necessary to avoid lengthy delays for genuine cases to be heard" where the tribunal is "overwhelmed". Given that the government thinks the civil courts are going to be fine, I wonder what will count as overwhelm.
On the same topic the Minister also stated that the Government has "concluded that there is a compelling case for the use of an alternative body or mechanism to make initial rent determinations" and it will "establish such an alternative body or mechanism as soon as possible".
Gas Safety Week: Looking after your home, friends, and family
Gas safety is everyone’s responsibility and so we are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2025, taking place on the 8th - 14th September.
Gas Safety Week, coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas is an annual safety week to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety. Encouraging the public to get gas appliances checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
A New Academic Year: Lessons for the Private Rented Sector
September marks the beginning of a new academic year, bringing with it structure, renewal, and a sense of preparation. Pupils arrive with timetables, teachers with lesson plans, and educational establishments with strategies designed to ensure success.
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) can draw strong parallels with this process – particularly as it prepares for the most significant legislative reform in decades: the Renters’ Rights Act.
With the abolition of Section 21, a new type of tenancy, and strengthened compliance, landlords and letting agents cannot afford to be reactive. As with education, success will depend on foresight, organisation, and adapting.