This week’s landlord news covers important updates on tenant rent increase appeals, new government guidance, a significant council crackdown on unlicensed HMOs, rising tenancy fraud concerns, and a recent tribunal case involving a rogue landlord. These developments highlight ongoing challenges and regulatory changes affecting the private rental sector.

Tenant Rent Increase Appeal Fee Introduced

The government has announced a new fees framework for the Property Chamber, introducing a £47 fee that tenants must pay to challenge rent increases at the first-tier property tribunal. The Ministry of Justice emphasises that all fees remain under continuous review and that this fee is subject to Parliamentary approval.

Justice Minister Ms Sackman explained that the framework aims to create a fair and sustainable Property Chamber accessible to all parties. Notably, the £47 fee applies only to applications appealing rent increases, with no additional hearing fee, making it one of the lowest fees across Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

For tenants unable to afford the fee, a Help with Fees scheme is available to provide financial support.

Government Publishes Draft Forms and Guidance

Landlords should take note of the newly published draft forms, including form 3A, the updated section 8 notice, and form 4A, the notice for statutory rent increases. These forms, along with further guidance, are accessible via the government’s Housing Hub, which serves as a central resource for the forthcoming changes in renting regulations.

Greenwich Council Launches HMO Enforcement Blitz

Greenwich Council has demonstrated a robust approach to tackling unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and anti-social behaviour. In a coordinated effort involving environmental health, licensing, waste services, parking enforcement, anti-social behaviour teams, integrated enforcement departments, and the police, the council targeted 120 HMOs across the borough in a single day.

Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan assured residents that the council is responding to their concerns, stating, “We will continue to organise these intervention days in different areas to help reduce anti-social behaviour and environmental offences across the borough, helping residents feel safer.”

The council confirmed that all incidents recorded during the operation will be addressed appropriately, marking this as the first of several planned crackdowns.

Tenancy Fraud Increasing in Complexity and Cost

Tenancy fraud is becoming more widespread and sophisticated, according to Sim Sekhon, CEO of LegalforLandlords. Recent figures reveal that 70% of landlords are unable to recover losses from fraud, with 275,000 landlords having been victims. Illegal subletting affects 20% of landlords, while 8% have encountered fake financial documents and identification.

The financial impact is significant, with fraud costing landlords approximately £38 million monthly and a total of £266 million lost permanently. Non-payment of rent remains the most common fraudulent activity, alongside suspicious references and irregularities in background checks.

Sim Sekhon emphasised the seriousness of the issue: “Tenancy fraud is a growing and increasingly complex issue across the private rental sector, and these figures highlight just how significant the financial impact has become for landlords.” He advises landlords to be meticulous when verifying documents at the start of tenancies.

Tribunal Fines ‘Brash and Overbearing’ Rogue Landlord

A First Tier Tribunal recently imposed a rent repayment order of £9,000 plus additional fees on a landlord described as “brash and overbearing.” The landlord, Mr Howe, failed to protect tenants’ deposits and withheld them without evidence, citing cleaning and repair costs. He also accused tenants of maintaining an “untidy flat” during viewings and issued threats, stating, “If you disrespect me again, we will just go the legal route, and I have no liquid assets in the UK (the business runs at a loss) and subsequently nothing to lose, which means you have nothing to win.”

Mr Howe blamed the council for not informing him about the need for a property licence. The tribunal judge criticised his conduct and enforced the financial penalties accordingly.

What this means for landlords

Landlords must prepare for the new tenant appeal fee and ensure they understand the updated forms and guidance to remain compliant. The Greenwich Council’s enforcement action signals increased scrutiny on HMOs, emphasising the importance of proper licensing and management to avoid penalties.

The rise in tenancy fraud underscores the necessity for thorough tenant vetting and document verification to mitigate financial risks. Additionally, the tribunal case serves as a reminder that poor landlord behaviour and non-compliance with deposit protection and licensing requirements can result in significant financial consequences.

Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/