As we enter April, recent reports highlight significant challenges and shifts within the private rented sector, from enforcement issues to changing attitudes towards pet-friendly rentals and increasing court delays. These developments carry important implications for landlords and agents navigating the evolving rental landscape.

Councils Struggle to Collect Civil Penalty Fines

New data reveals a concerning failure by councils in the North West and North East to collect the majority of civil penalty fines issued to rogue landlords. Between 2023/24 and 2024/25, councils issued £2.8 million worth of fines, yet collected less than £290,000—only 16% in the North West and 13% in the North East.

This shortfall undermines councils’ ability to fund enforcement activities critical to protecting tenants and maintaining housing standards. It also unfairly tarnishes the reputation of compliant landlords who provide quality accommodation within legal frameworks.

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

Decline in Pet-Friendly Rental Properties

With the Renters’ Rights Act approaching, a notable decrease in rental properties permitting pets has been recorded. Inventory Base reports a 39% drop since January 2026, with only 5.9% of nearly 99,000 properties on the market described as ‘pet friendly’.

Sian Hemming-Metcalfe of Inventory Base suggests landlords may be quietly reducing pet-friendly listings as a response to forthcoming legislation. However, she warns this approach is more likely to delay rather than resolve issues surrounding pet tenancy.

She emphasises 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.

Lengthening Delays in Court Possession Hearings

Landlords face increasingly prolonged waits to regain possession of their properties due to court delays. Average possession claims now take over 68 weeks to resolve, a stark increase from 20 weeks in 2019.

These delays affect landlords financially through lost rent and property damage, while tenants endure extended uncertainty. The backlog stems from administrative hold-ups, frequent adjournments, insufficient bailiff enforcement, and chronic underinvestment in the court system.

Propertymark stresses that “a functioning, efficient court system underpins the entire private rented sector” and is calling for increased court resources and digitalisation of claims. It urges the House of Lords to prioritise reform of the court system to address these critical issues.

Additional Sector Developments

Recent news also includes calls from a Northern Ireland politician for rent controls to curb rising rents, Wales’ plan to introduce a single council tax band for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and the publication of London boroughs’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rankings.

Reports have emerged of scam locksmiths exploiting landlords in urgent situations, while research suggests that addressing the UK’s housing crisis could positively influence the national birthrate. Furthermore, energy-efficient homes face increasing risks from flooding and subsidence, adding complexity to property management considerations.

What this means for landlords

The failure of councils to collect fines highlights the need for landlords to remain vigilant about compliance, as enforcement may become more transparent and stringent. The decline in pet-friendly rentals signals potential challenges for landlords wishing to accommodate tenants with pets, underscoring the importance of clear agreements and thorough property checks.

Prolonged court delays mean landlords should prepare for extended timelines when seeking possession, potentially impacting cash flow and property condition. Engaging with professional bodies advocating for reform may help accelerate improvements in the legal process.

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/