Preparing for the Autumn Gas Safety Check Season
Even though summer has consisted of heatwave after heatwave, it’s important for landlords to start thinking about heating supply, appliances and installations in their rental properties.
Timing this article around Gas Safety Week (14th - 20th September 2026) is no accident. Coordinated annually by the Gas Safe Register, the campaign brings the gas industry, landlords, letting agents and consumer bodies together to reinforce one message - every check counts.
Approaching Phase 2 - Renters’ Rights Act 2025
As the Autumn approaches, letting agents, landlords and most important of all, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are preparing for the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act. It is the Private Rented Sector Database - to be known as “Register Your Rental Property” which has created a stir since the Conservative government announced all landlords in England would be required to register their rental properties on a database.
Starting 1st September 2025., MHCLG will be starting a pilot of the database in Birmingham, Gateshead and Nottingham. The pilot will involve completing a 3-part registration process which includes providing personal details, property details and compliance information (e.g. Gas safety certificates). The data provided will be viewed by local council enforcement officers but won’t be used for enforcement purposes.
Dress Codes - Are they necessary during a Heatwave?
As the UK braces itself for its fifth heatwave of the year, with possible temperatures of 36C, it’s important to note the impact this extreme weather has had on industries where a dress code is the norm. The focus for the purpose of this blog is the property sector, but it applies to paramedics, the fire service, people working in construction, police officers, barristers, refuse collectors - the list could go on and on. In short, the UK is not used to extreme weather conditions and the heatwaves this year have proven that fact.
The History behind Section 13 and the New Rules
Since 1 May 2026, Section 13 (Form 4A) of the Housing Act 1988 (Amended) has become the only mechanism for increasing rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England. Rent review clauses, informal agreements, and the pressure of a tenancy renewal have all been swept away, and letting agents managing rent reviews now need a considerably more disciplined process than many were used to under the old fixed-term system.