Recent reports highlight significant challenges within the UK private rented sector, from council enforcement failures to court delays and a marked decline in pet-friendly rental properties. These issues have far-reaching implications for landlords, tenants, and local authorities alike.

Councils Struggle to Collect Civil Penalty Fines

New data reveals that councils in the North West and North East of England are collecting only a fraction of the civil penalty fines they issue to rogue landlords. Between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, £2.8 million worth of fines were issued, yet less than £290,000 was actually collected—equating to collection rates of just 16% and 13% respectively.

This shortfall undermines councils’ ability to fund enforcement activities essential to uphold legal standards in the private rented sector. It also unfairly damages the reputation of compliant landlords who provide quality housing within the law.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called for the creation of a Chief Environmental Health Officer role and greater transparency, urging councils to publish their enforcement rates and activities openly. Such measures aim to improve accountability and effectiveness in tackling non-compliance.

Significant Drop in Pet-Friendly Rentals

As the Renters’ Rights Act approaches, there has been a surprising 39% decrease in rental properties allowing pets since January 2026. Inventory Base’s analysis of nearly 99,000 properties available on the open market shows only 5.9% are advertised as pet friendly.

Sian Hemming-Metcalfe of Inventory Base commented, “What the data suggests is that some landlords are responding by quietly reducing pet-friendly listings. In reality, that is more likely to delay the issue than avoid it.”

She emphasised the importance of thorough inventory reports, detailed check-ins, and regular documented inspections when landlords agree to tenants keeping pets, highlighting best practices to mitigate risks associated with pet ownership in rental homes.

Lengthening Court Possession Delays

Delays in court possession hearings have reached alarming levels, with landlords now waiting over a year to regain possession of their properties. Average claim durations have increased from 20 weeks in 2019 to over 68 weeks in 2026, reflecting systemic failures at nearly every stage of the legal process.

These delays result in landlords losing rental income and facing increased property damage, while tenants endure prolonged uncertainty. The backlog is caused by administrative hold-ups, frequent adjournments, and insufficient bailiff enforcement, all exacerbated by chronic underinvestment in the court system.

Propertymark has stressed that “a functioning, efficient court system underpins the entire private rented sector.” They are calling for increased court resourcing, digitalisation of claims, and prioritisation of court reform by the House of Lords to address these critical issues.

Additional Industry Updates

Other recent developments include calls from a Northern Ireland politician for rent controls to curb rapidly rising rents, and Wales’ plans to introduce a single council tax band for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). London boroughs’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rankings have also been published, offering insight into regional energy efficiency standards.

Reports have emerged of scam locksmiths exploiting landlords in urgent situations, while research suggests that resolving the UK’s housing crisis could positively impact the nation’s birthrate. Additionally, energy-efficient homes face increasing risks from flooding and subsidence, raising concerns about long-term property resilience.

What this means for landlords

For landlords, these trends underscore the importance of proactive management and awareness of evolving legal and market conditions. The low collection of council fines highlights the need for landlords to maintain compliance independently, as enforcement may be inconsistent.

The decline in pet-friendly properties suggests landlords are cautious about potential risks, but adopting robust inventory and inspection procedures can help mitigate these concerns and meet tenant demand. Meanwhile, extended court delays necessitate patience and strategic planning when pursuing possession, reinforcing the value of clear communication and legal advice.

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/