Landlord Law Newsround #414: Key Updates on Property Improvements, Enforcement, and Renters’ Rights

This week’s Landlord Law Newsround highlights the mixed outcomes landlords face from property improvements, the challenges councils encounter in prosecuting rogue landlords, and widespread unpreparedness for the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act. Additionally, new government guidance on pet requests in rented properties has been issued, clarifying landlords’ responsibilities.

Many Landlords Regret Costly Property Improvements

A recent survey by The Mortgage Works reveals that over half (51%) of landlords who have undertaken upgrades to their rental properties now regret the expense. Nearly a third (32%) did not see the expected increase in rental income, while 30% felt their renovation costs were excessive.

The primary motivations for these improvements include attracting new tenants, increasing property value (25%), and reducing void periods (27%). On average, landlords spend approximately £43,000 per property on such works, though this varies with portfolio size. The most common upgrades are kitchens and bathrooms (20%), with environmentally friendly or “green” improvements less frequent at 18%. Notably, 68% of landlords have converted properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) as part of their improvement strategy.

This data aligns with advice from property management company Aduivo, which recommends landlords allocate nearly a quarter (23.6%) of rental income solely for maintenance. This significant ongoing cost underlines the importance of careful budgeting when planning upgrades.

Low Prosecution Rates for Rogue Landlords Prompt Government Funding

Despite receiving over 300,000 tenant complaints about substandard housing, two-thirds of English councils have not prosecuted a landlord in the past three years, according to a recent report. Between 2022 and 2024, nearly half of local authorities failed to issue fines or civil penalties for serious breaches, resolving fewer than 2% of tenant complaints.

Nye Jones from Generation Rent attributes this low enforcement to councils’ lack of resources. The forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act, effective from May next year, will legally require councils to take stronger action against illegal landlords.

Former enforcement officer Henry Dawson highlights staff shortages, noting that council enforcement teams have shrunk by over a third. He explains that pursuing prosecutions or appeals can sideline officers from routine duties for extended periods.

In response, the government announced £18 million in funding last week to help councils improve enforcement capabilities. While this is a positive step, Dawson cautions that the funding “must be sustained and predictable” to enable councils to recruit and train sufficient staff effectively.

For further details, see the full article here.

Majority of Landlords Unprepared for Renters’ Rights Act

A survey by Dwelly involving 930 landlords found that 57% feel unprepared for the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA). Alarmingly, 7% admit to having made no preparations, while only 15% consider themselves fully ready.

Landlords’ main concerns include the abolition of Section 21 eviction notices, managing tenant requests to keep pets, the introduction of a national landlord register, and changes to periodic tenancies. Many landlords are relying on letting agents for guidance, as 66% report that official advice so far has been unclear or insufficient.

On a positive note, 71% of landlords support the government’s decision to implement the RRA in a staggered rollout, allowing more time to achieve compliance.

Government Issues Guidance on Handling Pet Requests

The government has published concise guidance outlining the grounds on which landlords can accept or refuse tenant requests to keep pets. Each request must be considered individually and responded to in writing.

Landlords have 28 days to reply in writing, with an additional seven days allowed if further information about the pet is requested. Failure to respond within this timeframe enables tenants to apply to the courts. Any refusal must be clearly justified in writing, and tenants retain the right to legally challenge refusals.

Once a pet is approved, landlords cannot later revoke permission. However, tenants must submit new written requests for any additional pets.

Landlords can read the full government guidance here. Our earlier detailed article on pets in rented properties under the Renters’ Rights Bill remains a useful resource.

Additional News Highlights

• Young landlords increasingly use TikTok for property management advice
• Mayor pledges to utilise new powers to tackle rogue landlords locally
• Proposed national tourist tax expected to increase short-stay accommodation costs
• Some councils charging over £1,000 for HMO licence applications
• The Guardian commentary on challenges facing enforcement of renters’ rights

For ongoing updates, landlords and agents are encouraged to visit our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law.

Landlord Law Newsround will return next week with further developments affecting the rental sector.