MHCLG Consultation - Extending Awaab's Law to the Private Rented Sector
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a consultation on extending Awaab's Law to private rented sector tenancies and to certain types of accommodation occupied under licence.
Awaab's Law was introduced in social housing sector in October 2025 and requires social landlords to investigate and address hazards such as damp and mould within set timescales. The consultation will use these existing social housing requirements as its starting point, however, it recognises that there are significant differences between the social and private rented sectors and seeks views and evidence on whether the same requirements would work effectively in the private rented sector, or whether modifications are needed to achieve the best outcomes.
Provide User Feedback for the PRS Database Development Team
Following a TLIC meeting last week, Theresa Wallace has asked us to share an opportunity for letting agents to trial the Government's Register Your Property Service as part of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database private beta.
The PRS Database team at MHCLG have advised that the most effective way for letting agents to provide feedback on the service is to participate in the private beta.
Out of Hours, Not Out of Mind - After-Hours Property Management
Most letting agency offices close at 5.30pm, but properties do not. Boilers break down on Friday evenings, keys get lost at midnight and pipes burst on Christmas Day. How an agency handles those moments says a great deal about the quality of its service, and as winter approaches, now is the ideal time to review your out-of-hours arrangements.
Be clear about what counts as an emergency
One of the biggest sources of frustration for tenants and agents alike is uncertainty over what warrants an out-of-hours call. If tenants are unsure, some will call about minor issues at 2am, while others will sit through a genuine emergency because they do not want to cause a fuss. Neither outcome is good for the property or the relationship.
New Government Strategy for Tackling Money Laundering
The UK Government has published its Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Strategy 2026 to 2029. Its aim is simple - to make it harder for criminals to hide and use money gained from crimes committed.
The government is investing £550 million in the strategy over the next three years. It is built around three key objectives: -
Target - focus efforts where the risk is highest, rather than on low-risk activity.
Integrate - help government organisations share information more effectively.
Empower - give those dealing with law enforcement better tools, skills and powers.