News

• Jul 04

  Decent Homes Standard

  On 2 July 2025 a Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes was opened which will consider the deceny standards for social and privated rented sector and will close on 10 September 2025
  
  

  The Government feel the DHS in its current form no longer reflects the present-day needs of tenants or landlords and it is falling short when it comes to addressing fundamental problems with our social housing stock. For these reasons and more, it needs to be modernised.  

  It also needs to be expanded because when it comes to quality and safety, transformational and lasting change cannot be confined only to those in social rented homes. Regardless of who is your landlord, there should be a universally accepted and understood minimum standard of safe and decent housing for all tenants and landlords across the country. That is why the Renters’ Rights Bill extends the DHS to the PRS for the first time.   

  The proposals in this consultation are designed to ensure that all tenants feel safe, secure and proud of their homes and that all landlords have a clear understanding of the standards they are expected to uphold. We appreciate fully that the latter want as much certainty as possible in order to plan for the future. That is why they are consulting on these changes at the same time as providing clarity and certainty on future regulation on quality and safety and grant funding support for Registered Providers.  

  The consultation also calls for views on:
  a) a proposal to introduce best practice guidance to sit alongside the DHS, including information to landlords on some of the ways in which they could choose to go further than the minimum standard set by the DHS

  b) a proposal that the DHS becomes an enforceable requirement in privately rented homes from 2035 or 2037, and a regulatory requirement in social housing from 2035 or 2037

  c) proposals for how regulatory and enforcing bodies should engage with landlords who are unable to meet the DHS for reasons relating to the property, their tenants, or the landlords 
  
  

  Awaab’s Law will apply to the social rented sector in phases from October 2025. They also intend to consult on extending its application to the private rented sector. In parallel, and are consulting on requiring all rented properties to meet EPC C by 2030.

  Together, these reforms are expected to deliver meaningful improvements in safety and energy efficiency for tenants across both sectors. However, they will also place significant new obligations on landlords. In this context, they are proposing that the updated DHS be brought into force in each tenure in either 2035 or 2037. 

  Click here to read the consultation proposals in full and click here to complete the consultation 

• May 30

  Missed the end of the month webinars? We have it covered!

  If you missed our Webinar: Managing Anti-Social Behaviour, simply get the recording here 

  Anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains one of the most challenging issues for letting agents — and with the end of Section 21 and the rise in Selective Licensing schemes, knowing how to manage it effectively is more important than ever.

  Gain the critical knowledge and tools to stay compliant, confident, and in control.

  Letting agents, property managers, and landlords who want to stay ahead of the curve and handle ASB proactively and professionally.

   

  If you missed the Webinar: Tenant duties – Repairs and Responsibilities, grab the recording here 

  Understanding what tenants are and aren’t responsible for when it comes to repairs is crucial — yet often misunderstood.  

  Perfect for letting agents, landlords, and property managers, this session offers practical, legal, and actionable guidance to help you manage tenant repair obligations with confidence.

  Whether you're new to lettings or want to sharpen your knowledge, this recording will help you reduce headaches, improve outcomes, and stay compliant.

  If you couldn’t attend our live sessions, don’t worry. The full recordings are now available in the TFP Shop for on-demand access!

  For Each webinar:

  ⏱ Duration: max, 1 hour  -  Relevant to England & Wales  -  £35 VAT

  Whether you're new to lettings or want to sharpen your knowledge, this recording will help you reduce headaches, improve outcomes, and stay compliant.

  
  

• May 19

  Legal Update England 2025

  3 Days to go for our Legal Update England 2025 courses to begin

  
  

  Whilst we still await with bated breath for the Renters' Rights Bill to receive Royal Assent, 

  there are other changes that agents and landlords need to be aware of.

  
  

  Are you attending? 

  Can you afford not to attend and become familiar or up to date with changes to the lettings industry?

  
  

  What You’ll Learn :

  New Landlord & Tenant Sanctions Checks

  Yes, real penalties, including fines and prison, are soon in play. With fines of up to £1 million you probably can’t afford to get it wrong (like so much of what we see written about it!).

  Furniture and Furnishing (Fire Safety) Amendments

  How the amendments may affect part-furnished or fully furnished properties.

  MEES Updates Incoming

  New EPCs and new efficiency requirements are on the way. Understand this so you can help your landlords.

  Property Visit Protocols

  Inspections have never mattered more. Are your processes compliant?

  Decent Homes Standard and Portfolio Resilience

  With increasing focus on property conditions, how do you ensure your stock stays compliant and market-ready?

  Recent Legal Cases

  Court and tribunal decisions that are shaping the future of property law.

  
  Book here to secure your place on one of our face to face or online courses 

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