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Here you will find news items, reports, consultations and publications that will be of particular interest to LIN members, plus all the latest information from government, regulators and local authorities.
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Overwhelming tenant vote in favour of partnership plans
20 November, 2019
The plans would see the merge of Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership and Wheatley Group
Johnson's seat among worst in the country for 'unfair' evictions
20 November, 2019
But seat of neighbour John McDonnell is no example either
Council housing fraud falls 23%
20 November, 2019
Housing fraud cases concerning council homes fell 23% last year
Nine in 10 homes unaffordable to families on housing benefit
20 November, 2019
Government statistics show the number of children in temporary accommodation has risen by 81% since 2011
Agent's 'manifesto' calls for a bedroom tax to be paid by private home owners
20 November, 2019
Property search agent Stacks has called for a 'bedroom tax' for the private sector
'Nuisance' council tenants 'should live in tents' says Ashfield Tory candidate
19 November, 2019
"Nuisance" council tenants should be forced to live in tents and pick vegetables
Emergency housing in Brighton and Hove to be made more welcoming for poorest tenants
19 November, 2019
Homeless people given emergency housing in Brighton and Hove look likely to be offered better properties and facilities
Former tenants of demolition targeted sheltered housing set to receive £6,400 payments EACH
19 November, 2019
Twenty-two former residents of a sheltered housing scheme are set to be given "home loss" payments of £6,400 each after they moved out of the property because of subsidence
Major victory after Earls Court housing estates under threat of demolition handed back to council
19 November, 2019
Two west London housing estates that have been under threat of demolition by developers for 12 years are to be handed back to the council in a major victory for campaigners
Election 2019: Reports Labour will 'drop right-to-buy plan'
19 November, 2019
A report published over the weekend suggests Labour has dropped its controversial plan to offer tenants the right to buy their privately rented homes
Landlord removes giant iPhone advert blocking daylight into poverty-hit families' homes
19 November, 2019
Residents wake up to daylight from windows for first time in three years after campaign
ALMO chief reveals challenges dealing with devastating floods
19 November, 2019
An ALMO chief executive has spoken of the "extremely challenging" situation in tackling last week's severe floods after residents at 81 of its homes were affected
UK social security payments 'at lowest level since launch of welfare state'
19 November, 2019
Millions now excluded from mainstream society
Four in ten letting agents thought of giving up as fees ban threatened income and profits
19 November, 2019
Four in ten letting agents have considered ceasing trading over the past year amid falling profitability
Regulator places association 'under review' over governance
18 November, 2019
The group's regulatory status will be confirmed following an investigation into compliance
Council obtains London's first rogue landlord banning order
18 November, 2019
Investigations found tenants at risk in several unlicensed HMOs
Cladding crisis front and centre of election campaigning
18 November, 2019
Government accused over its record on HPL cladding linked to Bolton student-housing block blaze
'Hunger doesn't have to be the reality': Childhood poverty on Teesside is among the worst in England
18 November, 2019
Almost half of Middlesbrough's neighbourhoods are hit by childhood poverty: Campaigners say benefit upheaval and cuts have got us here
Grenfell Inquiry: companies involved in Grenfell refurbishment respond to phase one findings
18 November, 2019
A number of companies that were involved in the refurbishment of the Grenfell Tower before the fire that killed 72 people have responded to the publication of the findings from the first phase of the inquiry
Bradford's Accent Housing to build 500 homes in five years
18 November, 2019
Bradford-based housing association Accent Housing has announced plans to build about 500 homes a year for the next five years
Government announces business rates and council tax relief following severe flooding
18 November, 2019
Further support now available for households and businesses affected by severe flooding
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 17.11.19 (PDF version)
18 November, 2019
Week ending 17th November 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 17.11.19 (Word version)
18 November, 2019
Week ending 17th November 2019
Renters quizzed in relation to landlords' tax affairs
15 November, 2019
Tenants are being quizzed on the tax status of their landlords by HMRC
Bristol housing associations begin merger talks
15 November, 2019
The boards of Solon South West and United Communities have agreed to explore bringing the businesses together
Manchester City Council unveils plans to help associations buy back Right to Buy homes
15 November, 2019
Manchester City Council will introduce a new policy which will see them offer money to housing associations to help them buy former Right to Buy homes
Revealed: 39 housing associations have credit ratings affirmed by Moody's
15 November, 2019
Moody's has affirmed the credit ratings of 39 housing associations, including some of the country's biggest, and said the sector should remain "resilient" to the risks facing the UK
HomeLet Rental Index
15 November, 2019
Rents in the UK rose by 2.7% in October compared to the same month a year ago; the average monthly rent now stands at £953 a month
Temporary accommodation costs councils over £1bn in just one year
15 November, 2019
Shelter chief exec warns of an "even higher price" without election commitments to social housing
Home owner and buy-to-let repossessions soar
15 November, 2019
Home owner and buy-to-let repossessions jumped in the third quarter of 2019
Newly agreed rents dipping across most of UK despite annual climbs
15 November, 2019
Newly agreed rents have dropped across most of the country
Purplebricks backs Stamp Duty reforms to save movers £3.2bn
15 November, 2019
Purplebricks has backed Conservative proposals to reform Stamp Duty despite no certainty that such a change will be in the party's election manifesto
Government and DWP dealt another blow over bedroom tax
14 November, 2019
Supreme Court says application of the bedroom tax can breach human rights - after European Court said the tax was discriminatory
Housing associations face 'limited risks' from weakening UK fiscal strength
14 November, 2019
Ratings agency Moody's relatively upbeat about sector's prospects
Half of disability benefits appeals won in tribunal court
14 November, 2019
One in two people who appealed in court against a decision to deny them disability benefits was successful
500 new council homes could be built over the next six years
14 November, 2019
More than 500 new council homes could be built in Norwich in the next six years in the wake of the success of the Goldsmith Street estate
Is the sector well equipped to assess tenant satisfaction?
14 November, 2019
A shift in focus since the Grenfell fire has moved tenant satisfaction further up the agenda for social landlords. But have they got the right tools to assess it?
Manchester housing plans to prioritise 'most vulnerable'
14 November, 2019
An overhaul of social housing policy to prioritise Manchester's "most vulnerable" residents for rehousing has been approved by the city council
Shared ownership Right to Buy plan forces landlords to rethink strategic partnership bids
14 November, 2019
Housing associations are being forced to reconsider their bids for the next phase of strategic partnership funding after the government unveiled plans to give their tenants the right to buy a portion of their home
UK government loses supreme court fight over bedroom tax
14 November, 2019
Judgment will restore full housing benefit to at least 155 partners of disabled people
Agent warns that rent rises are on the way as increasing numbers of landlords sell up
14 November, 2019
Government data suggests annual rental growth remained at 1.3% across the UK for the fifth consecutive month in October, but there are warnings that the rate of increase could accelerate
Brexit, general election and 'misguided' rental reforms hitting entire housing market
14 November, 2019
Brexit and the general election are hitting the housing market everywhere that it hurts
Benefit sanctions statistics to July 2019 (experimental)
13 November, 2019
Sanctions statistics for Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit, data to July 2019
Basildon Council announces plan to build 1,000 new homes in five years
13 November, 2019
Basildon Council has announced plans to build 1,000 new homes in five years
Council decides to scrap Mansfield Homes development firm
13 November, 2019
Mansfield District Council has decided to scrap its Mansfield Homes Ltd housing developer once its current contract expires
Trussell Trust wants hunger to be an election issue
13 November, 2019
Charity urges parties to pledge hunger protection, with more than 820,000 emergency food parcels given out over past six months
The social housing network: how Facebook is changing the relationship between social landlords and tenants
13 November, 2019
Facebook groups have given tenants a new way of ramping up pressure on landlords to improve performance. But does this mean the relationship has to be adversarial?
London Mayor labels government reforms to private rented sector as 'unambitious'
13 November, 2019
The Government has come under criticism from the Mayor of London for "cherry picking" solutions to rental market reform
Confusion hangs over tenant fees ban five months after implementation
13 November, 2019
Agents are still facing significant issues following the tenant fees ban, with some afraid to charge fees - even if they are allowed to - for fear of enforcement action
Landlords using personal savings to fund refurbishments
12 November, 2019
New report reveals one in eight landlords in the dark about finance options
Right To Buy vs Landlord
12 November, 2019
So, we may have a general election to navigate in the coming months - and one group who will be watching the opinion polls closer than most will be Britain's 2.6 million landlords
One in 10 associations believe regulator could do more to tackle breaches
12 November, 2019
One in 10 social landlords regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing believe the body could be tougher on those that breach standards
Shared ownership cheaper than renting in London
12 November, 2019
People who are renting in London could save more than £40,000 in two years by purchasing a property using shared ownership
Severe housing shortage in England's most deprived area
12 November, 2019
Jaywick has become a byword for deprivation, suffering the stigma of topping the government's list of the most deprived areas in the country three times now
Cumbrian housing association to transfer operations to Riverside
12 November, 2019
Impact Housing Association has begun to consult tenants on proposals to transfer its operations to Riverside Group
Tenancy Deposit Service says returns average £320 in excess deposit money
12 November, 2019
The Tenancy Deposit Service has overseen 2,550 repayments totalling over £800,000 in returning excess deposits
Landlords' Barometer - #75: A property investment scandal that needs exposing
12 November, 2019
Welcome to a special edition of my Landlords Barometer which I am dedicating to a very important issue and also to the memory of Danny Butcher
Government 'must ensure' social housing is a priority
11 November, 2019
A new NHF campaign calls for the sector to engage with prospective parliamentary candidates ahead of the election
RBS to launch UK's first 'social bond' to address regional inequality
11 November, 2019
Royal Bank of Scotland has announced plans to launch the UK's first "social bond" to address regional inequality and boost economic growth
Next government 'should build three million new social homes'
11 November, 2019
New Economics Foundation pitches transformative political programme into election campaign
Senior housing schemes to be given facelift
11 November, 2019
Senior housing schemes are set to get a facelift in a bid to encourage older people to downsize from council homes
Right to Buy ban could be temporary
11 November, 2019
The Welsh housing minister has opened the door for Right to Buy in Wales, saying she "hopes" its ban in Wales is a temporary measure and could be removed as the country increases its social housing stock
No plans to introduce national landlord register
11 November, 2019
The Government has confirmed that it has no plans to introduce a national register of private landlords
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 10.11.19 (Word version)
11 November, 2019
Week ending 10th November 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 10.11.19 (PDF version)
11 November, 2019
Week ending 10th November 2019
Austerity has pushed families into crisis and then thrown away the lifelines
08 November, 2019
Relentless cuts have put more children at risk of violence, poverty and homelessness, with no end in sight whatever politicians promise
Welsh Government responds to default fees and holding deposits consultation
08 November, 2019
The Welsh Government has responded to the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 consultation
Benefit cap: number of households capped to August 2019
08 November, 2019
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and August 2019
Commons response 'rules out' replacing Universal Credit
08 November, 2019
DWP minister says any replacement system would require a similar level of investment
Cheshire West social housing waiting list trebles in 5 years
08 November, 2019
The number of people waiting for social housing across the borough has trebled over the past five years - with the council battling to provide enough homes
Does social housing pay, commission asks
08 November, 2019
An exploration of whether the Church can invest in social housing while securing good returns is part of the work of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Housing Commission
Landlords call for return of rent convergence in response to regulator's consultation
08 November, 2019
Social landlords have used a consultation about setting rents for social housing to call for the government to reintroduce convergence rules which would allow them to increase rents on some of their homes
Majority of asylum seekers and refugees housed in poorer areas while dozens of councils support none
08 November, 2019
More than half of asylum seekers and resettled refugees accommodated by just 6 per cent of UK councils, all which have below average household income
Landlords braced for block management overhaul after Grenfell Inquiry changes
08 November, 2019
Social landlords are readying themselves for new tower block management challenges arising from last week's Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one report
DWP has 'misleading' Universal Credit ads banned
07 November, 2019
Advertising Standards Authority says the ads "did not accurately reflect the evidence"
Johnson 'shuts door' on social housing
07 November, 2019
No reference to housing crisis in PM's election address as issue free-falls from "number one domestic priority"
Near 3,000 social housing repossessions so far this year
07 November, 2019
Stats analysis shows London experiencing the equivalent of four repossessions a day
Next government needs to 'reset balance' between landlords and tenants
07 November, 2019
Citizen's Advice wants indefinite tenancies introduced in PRS
Labour pledges 120,000 new social homes in Scotland
07 November, 2019
Richard Leonard opened his party's campaign with a £10bn housing pledge, designed to help end homelessness "once and for all"
Electricity theft on the increase as more tenants turn properties into cannabis farms
07 November, 2019
Electricity theft by criminals using rental properties for cannabis production is soaring
Council to pay housing group £450k to leave Grade I listed block of flats
07 November, 2019
The building used to be a hotel
Council and housing association to team up to build new homes - and then sell them off
07 November, 2019
And changes are also planned to housing waiting lists
Thousands of vulnerable people could be living in 'unregulated' housing
07 November, 2019
Report exposes "accountability deficit" in use of non-commissioned exempt accommodation
General election: Corbyn pledges to eradicate food bank use and rough sleeping within five years
06 November, 2019
Labour leader's remarks come as Boris Johnson formally launches general election after meeting with Queen
Landlords hit back at national renter manifesto
06 November, 2019
Campaigners from across England have warned that political parties would be "foolish" to ignore the renter vote
Free TV licences for the over-75s is a 'welfare' issue that should not be the responsibility of the BBC
06 November, 2019
Peers say BBC should never have covered cost of free TV licences for over-75s
Council propose changes to housing allocation following 'major' consultation
06 November, 2019
The initial consultation aimed to ensure those in "greatest need" of housing receive higher priority than others on the waiting list
Watchdog bans government's Universal Credit adverts for being 'misleading'
06 November, 2019
Government newspaper adverts about Universal Credit were misleading, the advertising watchdog has ruled
Labour remains under fire for amended 'right to buy' policy for private tenants
06 November, 2019
Labour has hinted that it will bring in 'right to buy' for private tenants - but that it will restrict the policy to larger landlords
Agent who conned landlords out of thousands in repairs scam ordered to repay just £850
06 November, 2019
An agent who conned landlords out of thousands of pounds by inventing unnecessary maintenance work has been ordered to pay back just £850
Major tenancy referencing and insurance firms merge in wake of fees ban
06 November, 2019
Two major suppliers to the lettings industry are merging in the wake of the tenancy fees ban
London Tenant Unable To Heat His House After Landlord Cages Thermostat
06 November, 2019
Alex Milsom said people have been in touch to tell him it is common practice
Benefit claimants to get more cash to help with funeral costs
05 November, 2019
Funeral Expenses Payments scheme to provide up to £1,000, in addition to paying for essential costs of burial or cremation
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 11/2019
05 November, 2019
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Over 2,800 social housing repossessions so far in 2019
05 November, 2019
Latest statistics from the government have revealed that of the 25 major cities in England and Wales, there were a grand total of 2,880 social housing repossessions
Family of six left to live in one blood-stained bedroom as councils 'refuse responsibility'
05 November, 2019
Two local authorities are allegedly arguing over whose responsibility they are
Housing associations complete merger to create 38,000-home landlord
05 November, 2019
Radian and Yarlington have completed a merger to create a new 38,000-home landlord for the South and South West of England
Shelter wants all-parties commitment to 90,000 social rent homes a year
05 November, 2019
Charity releases survey stats showing 9 in 10 renters now face years on end limbo of waiting lists
'We'll only do this as a last resort...' - Cash-strapped council to write off £5.8 million of 'irrecoverable' debt
05 November, 2019
The debt includes unpaid council tax and business rates, rent arrears and overpaid housing benefit
Fury after Jacob Rees-Mogg suggests Grenfell Tower residents who followed fire brigade's 'stay put' instructions lacked 'common sense'
05 November, 2019
He was on LBC discussing findings of Grenfell inquiry report with Nick Ferrari
UK households at food banks living on £50 a week
05 November, 2019
The State of Hunger report found that 94% of people at food banks are destitute, with one in five having no money coming in
ACM found at housing association block missed in post-Grenfell checks
05 November, 2019
Aluminium composite material cladding has been discovered on a housing association high-rise block after being missed by checks carried out after the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017
Councils handed £4m extra money for crackdown on private landlords
05 November, 2019
More funding for councils to crack down on criminal landlords has been announced by the Government
Additional funding to help crack down on criminal landlords
04 November, 2019
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced £4m in funding for councils
'Cull claimants' comments overshadow end of benefits freeze
04 November, 2019
Tories condemned for backing candidate who said benefit claimants "need putting down"
Leicester City Council to spend £22m improving council homes
04 November, 2019
Work will include new kitchens, bathrooms and boilers
Renters target Tory seats with national manifesto
04 November, 2019
Political parties warned they would be "foolish" to ignore the renter vote
Landlords reveal their positive vision for the future of the PRS
04 November, 2019
Ahead of next month's General Election, the RLA has unveiled its manifesto and, athough acknowleding there are problems that need addressing in the sector, focuses on the positive
PWLB interest change 'too market sensitive' to put to LGA
04 November, 2019
Commons question confirms LGA informed of change said to have stilled council housing plans only after market closed
EU's bank signs off multimillion-pound loan to London housing association ahead of Brexit
04 November, 2019
London-based housing association Peabody has struck a deal with the European Investment Bank for a loan facility that was approved by the lender four years ago
Mum of toddler who died in fall from ninth-floor Tottenham flat 'repeatedly asked council to fix faulty window'
04 November, 2019
The mother of a toddler who died after falling from a "faulty window" in a block of flats reportedly made repeated calls to the local council to ask them to fix the broken handle
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 3.11.19 (PDF version)
04 November, 2019
Week ending 3rd November 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 3.11.19 (Word version)
04 November, 2019
Week ending 3rd November 2019
London's social housing shortage snowballs
01 November, 2019
New stats show need for shared ownership slashed by 90%
DWP ducks behind 'disproportionate cost' over Universal Credit questions
01 November, 2019
No stats for alternative payment arrangements
£10 million fund to help vulnerable people claim Universal Credit
01 November, 2019
Funding will be available to partner organisations, including charities, from April 2020 to help vulnerable people claim Universal Credit
Council breached Home Standard over fire safety failure at 17-storey tower block
01 November, 2019
A council has been found in breach of the Regulator of Social Housing's Home Standard, partly for failing to carry out urgent fire safety work on a 17-storey tower block
New Rent Standard set for launch in April 2020
01 November, 2019
RSH says sector feedback from consultation reflects government direction
Corbyn reinforces Labour pledge to scrap 'damaging' UC
01 November, 2019
"Real change is coming," said the Labour leader in his first major speech ahead of the General Election in December
Why Zoopla won't give a home to discrimination in the housing market
01 November, 2019
Discrimination against tenants who claim housing benefit, which frequently surfaces as 'no DSS' in rental listings, has generated a significant volume of political
Three housing associations leave sector pension fund to set up own schemes
01 November, 2019
Three more major housing associations have left the sector's SHPS, as part of a move to give them greater control over their pension arrangements
Housing associations may not be able to cover fire safety costs for all leaseholders
01 November, 2019
Housing associations cannot give "blanket assurances" that they will cover the cost of fire safety and cladding remediation work for leaseholders in the blocks they own
Rent prices rising as landlords continue to exit the private rental market
01 November, 2019
Nearly six in ten (58%) letting agents are seeing a rise in rent prices
Foxtons reports fall in revenue as tenancy fees ban costs it £1m in the first few months
01 November, 2019
Revenues have fallen at London's best known agent Foxtons, with the tenancy fees ban costing it £1m in the first full quarter of trading since implementation on June 1
Jenrick stresses commitment to social housing White Paper
31 October, 2019
Housing Secretary reinforces PM's pledge to accept and implement Phase 1 Grenfell report recommendations in full
The bedroom tax is still ruining lives. Its victims need to know they matter
31 October, 2019
The cruelties of 'welfare reform' have not gone away. As the election looms, politicians must shift their focus beyond Brexit
£0.5bn of HA loan facilities incur 1% PWLB rate rise
31 October, 2019
Housing associations face a 100-basis-point hike on half a billion pounds of loan facilities provided by a council in the North West
600,000 people still trapped in 'unsafe' tower blocks
31 October, 2019
Following first phase of the Grenfell Inquiry, new analysis reveals increased levels of uncertainty over other potentially dangerous cladding materials
Homeowners who refuse to install a smart meter will face a huge hike in energy bills
31 October, 2019
Officials want 85 per cent of all homes to be fitted with a smart meter by 2024
Corby councillors hit out at developer bid to reduce social housing obligation at Priors Hall
31 October, 2019
Developers' hopes of removing all agreed social housing from the Priors Hall development in Corby have stalled after councillors rejected the move
Councillors clash over conditions in Barnet housing block
31 October, 2019
Councillors have clashed over the state of a housing block that residents say has been plagued by pest infestations, flooding and crime
Government to implement Grenfell Inquiry recommendations 'in full' and provide funding
31 October, 2019
Ministers will implement recommendations put forward in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's first report "in full" and "without delay"
Cutbacks to housing repairs in Birmingham due to massive £93m Grenfell safety bill
31 October, 2019
Birmingham has felt the financial repercussions of the disaster more than other areas due to having more than 200 council tower blocks - say bosses who have criticised the government for a lack of support
LIN member report October 2019 - Local housing allowance rates
31 October, 2019
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
Grenfell survivors offered 'active role' in shaping social-housing policy
30 October, 2019
Boris Johnson says "getting to the truth" of Grenfell is a catalyst for the future of social housing in the UK
Grenfell report reveals 'compelling evidence' tower was too dangerous to live in
30 October, 2019
Report on Phase 1 of the Grenfell Inquiry raises stakes for Phase 2
Housing Benefit statistics on speed of processing 2019 to 2020
30 October, 2019
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
General Election 2019 - what will this mean for landlords in the PRS?
30 October, 2019
It was announced that there will be a general election held on 12 December, after MPs voted in favour of an election 438 votes to 20
This is how long you have to wait for social housing in each Kent town
30 October, 2019
There are still long waits for councils with smaller registers
Council wins battle with government over housing delivery test result
30 October, 2019
A council has forced the government to admit it got it wrong on its housing delivery test result after threatening ministers with High Court action
Baroness Gardner: Local authorities must be given the funding and authority to regain control over short lets
30 October, 2019
Local councils need powers over short lets to re-introduce a registration system, a licencing scheme and inspection rights to ensure home owners and neighbours are treated fairly and equally
'Charity shops too expensive': Soaring rent arrears and food bank referrals for Universal Credit claimants in Islington
30 October, 2019
Universal Credit claimants in Islington Council have accumulated nearly four times the rent arrears as people on Housing Benefit
Developer behind tiny and 'completely unsuitable' homes could gift house to council
30 October, 2019
All the area's housing associations rejected the homes as "too small"
Complaint about tenancy referencing provider is resolved informally
30 October, 2019
A complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority about tenancy referencing and insurance provider Let Alliance has been informally resolved
From the frontline - financial well-being team member Amos Phillips
29 October, 2019
Amos Phillips, financial well-being team member at Peabody, on the impacts of welfare reform and his passion for helping people
People in Leicester 'desperate' for council houses as city in 'massive housing crisis'
29 October, 2019
There is no doubt that Leicester is caught up in a massive housing crisis
Private Rented Sector Report - September 2019
29 October, 2019
The number of tenants experiencing rent rises decreased marginally in September, with 58% of agents witnessing an increase in rent prices
Landlords say rent controls are 'hurting' tenants
29 October, 2019
To see him into a second term as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan sets out blueprint for rental sector overhaul
Four more acquisitions announced as franchise chain sets out to negate tenancy fees ban
29 October, 2019
Franchise organisation Northwood, part of Belvoir, has announced four acquisitions made by its business owners
Agent claims tenancy deposit service has 'flawed' process for returning excess deposit money
29 October, 2019
An agent has raised a formal complaint against the Deposit Protection Service for the way it has handled the return of money owed to tenants
An end to no-fault evictions - what's next?
28 October, 2019
Over six months ago, the government promised to make renting fairer for everyone
Meet the councils quietly building a housing revolution
28 October, 2019
A crescent of semi-detached houses stands on the edge of a playing field in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, offering views of the rolling hills beyond
Council house rents set to rise as part of £40 million housing budget
28 October, 2019
Council house rents in Dudley look set to rise if proposals are passed by councillors
'It's like living in a hotel' - inside the award wining social housing estate in Lenton
28 October, 2019
Two people who know the estate better than anyone are Pauline McCoid, 74 and Frank McCoid, 69, who were one of the first residents to move in
Council moves to safeguard future of half-built £50m Blackpool housing estate
28 October, 2019
Blackpool Council says it is in talks to safeguard the future of a £50m flagship housing project in the town
Letting agent who found tenant sub-letting through Airbnb by chance 'did everything right'
28 October, 2019
A letting agent that by chance discovered a tenant sub-letting through Airbnb is to be featured on a prime time TV programme tonight
Discrimination against benefits tenants still exists but now more subtle
28 October, 2019
Blatant discrimination against tenants on housing benefit is being replaced by more subtle bias in rental adverts
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 27.10.19 (Word version)
28 October, 2019
Week ending 27th October 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 27.10.19 (PDF version)
28 October, 2019
Week ending 27th October 2019
Leeds City Council urges selective licensing applications
25 October, 2019
Leeds City Council is urging landlords with properties within the selective licensing areas of Beeston and Harehills, which received the formal designation on 18 July 2019, to submit their applications
Birth rates new weapon in fight for London's council estates
25 October, 2019
With over 100 estates facing demolition, survey shows the higher the housing costs the greater the decline in birth numbers
European Court lands blow on the 'Bedroom Tax'
25 October, 2019
Ruling has a big bearing on how Housing Benefit will be administered
Revealed: Carillion collapse contributes to increase in number of repairs left outstanding at the NIHE
25 October, 2019
The number of repairs left outstanding by Northern Ireland's housing authority have more than doubled over the past three years
RLA warns of rented housing supply 'crisis'
25 October, 2019
The landlord association is calling on the government to scrap the stamp duty levy on the purchase of additional properties
Property Ombudsman looking into 24 possible complaints about one property company
25 October, 2019
The Property Ombudsman has confirmed that it is looking into 24 possible complaints about a property company
Two-year wait ends as Leyland test track approved
25 October, 2019
South Ribble Council has finally given the green light to the redevelopment of Leyland test track with 950 homes and more than 300,000 sq ft of employment space now set to be built on the brownfield site
Universal credit: MPs call for action on women driven to 'survival sex'
25 October, 2019
Evidence that women are being driven to sex work because of problems with universal credit must lead to government action
Scottish regulator urges landlords to keep rents affordable
24 October, 2019
Last year the average rent increase for all social landlords in Scotland was 3.7% - the highest level since 2013
Government expects social sector cladding deadline to be met
24 October, 2019
Ministers expect the cladding remediation deadline for the social housing sector to be met, despite nearly 100 blocks still not having work completed with only three months to go
DWP faces audit investigation over claimant suicides
24 October, 2019
National Audit Office wants to know what DWP claims it can't afford to say, after 24housing reported brush off to Commons question
Welfare reforms are 'forcing Londoners onto the streets'
24 October, 2019
Sadiq Khan calls for powers to put the capital under rent control
The gold standard: how a council housing scheme won architecture's biggest prize
24 October, 2019
Two weeks ago, a social housing scheme won the Stirling Prize for the first time
Universal Credit is forcing private tenants out of their homes and to live on streets
24 October, 2019
London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the roll-out of Universal Credit to be halted, saying it is forcing private tenants into homelessness and living on the streets
Agent expelled by Ombudsman failed to pass over money after offering rent guarantee
24 October, 2019
An agent that offered guaranteed rent to a landlord went into administration owing him over £12,000
S11/2019: Rents for Social Housing from 2020 to 2021 for local authorities in England
23 October, 2019
Subsidy circulars are about the money the government pays local authorities to administer Housing Benefit and other financial matters
DR UK welcomes NAO investigation of suicide monitoring of welfare benefit claimants
23 October, 2019
The NAO is to investigate the Government's monitoring of suicides among benefit claimants amid concerns about links between welfare reforms and declining mental health
Scottish regulator stresses importance of ensuring tenant safety
23 October, 2019
All social landlords in Scotland have been sent letters highlighting responsibilities
Council failed homeless applicant at risk of self-harming and suicide
23 October, 2019
Court of Appeal ruling has implications for councils outsourcing decision-making and medical opinions relating to homelessness
The school of social housing
23 October, 2019
When a south London community landlord wanted to get more tenants involved at board level, it launched its very own housing academy
Somerset West and Taunton Council says Universal Credit has increased rent arrears
23 October, 2019
Around one third of all council tenants in the area are struggling to pay their rent
Moody's reaffirms ratings on two associations ahead of merger
23 October, 2019
Two housing associations due to merge and create one of the biggest landlords in the South of England have had their credit ratings reaffirmed by Moody's
Woman, 87, told she would have to go without hot water or heating as she didn't fit the criteria for emergency boiler repair
23 October, 2019
Northwards Housing has since apologised for the 'misunderstanding'
'People need more housing benefit for rent'
23 October, 2019
Labour councillors are demanding an increase in housing benefit levels to reflect the lack of social housing
Housing association offering support to tenants of liquidated charity
22 October, 2019
A Lancashire housing association has stepped in to provide support to more than 160 vulnerable tenants of a charity that went into liquidation this summer
VIVID to abolish all fixed-term tenancies for residents
22 October, 2019
The decision was made to provide customers a "safe and secure" place they can call home
Government Legal Department was consulted over 'misleading' DWP ads
22 October, 2019
Commons question confirms efforts of DWP to see controversial, unattributed Universal Credit campaign signed off
Two-thirds of young single parents to lose out under universal credit, think tank warns
22 October, 2019
'Reduction in generosity' for under 25-year-olds with children prompts fears already soaring child poverty rates will only increase further
Hamptons reports record results in lettings despite tenant fees ban
22 October, 2019
Countrywide brand Hamptons International has announced record results in its lettings division - despite the tenant fees ban and its decision not to pass costs to landlords
Rent passport founder attacks property portals for failing to do right thing by renters
22 October, 2019
The founder of a rental passport system has announced plans to abolish all tenancy referencing costs, which are currently charged to landlords and agents
Housing associations and councils working together to end homelessness
22 October, 2019
In November and December 2018, the LGA and the NHF hosted five roadshow events across England, under the theme: 'Working Together to tackle Homelessness'
October 2019: Touchbase edition 138
21 October, 2019
News and articles from across government for advisers, employers and organisations that help people find jobs
Security, freedom - and an inside loo: 100 years of council housing
21 October, 2019
To mark the centenary of the first large-scale social housing estate in Britain, four authors remember their experiences
Dundee man claims he's been forced out of home after housing association told him his neighbour 'has a right to party'
21 October, 2019
A man claims he has been driven out of his flat after a housing association told him his neighbour had a "right to party"
Social housing tender prices remain largely unchanged for last three quarters
21 October, 2019
Tender prices for social housing in Scotland fell by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter of 2019 but rose by 4.3% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to new figures
Housing association and council team up to deliver more than 300 homes
21 October, 2019
£43m job in south Wales expected to start in the autumn of next year
Calls for council to challenge government housing targets
21 October, 2019
Dorset Council's Tory majority will continue to accept the Government's housing need figures for the county
Primary schools give free food to hungry families
21 October, 2019
The biggest primary school academy trust in England is to give food to parents to prevent "family hunger"
Stats show fall in sector operating margins but scope for savings
21 October, 2019
Latest financial analysis report from Vantage and the Performance Improvement Club is upbeat about the sector achieving greater efficiencies
London council to overhaul £370m housing upkeep
21 October, 2019
London's Lambeth council is planning to overhaul its housing repair, cleaning and major works contracts
Ex-professional footballer scores own goal as landlord of unlicensed properties
21 October, 2019
A landlord has been fined over £25,000 after admitting 12 licensing offences
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 20.10.19 (PDF version)
21 October, 2019
Week ending 20th October 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 20.10.19 (Word version)
21 October, 2019
Week ending 20th October 2019
Jenrick confirms roll out of Shared Ownership Right to Buy
18 October, 2019
The government is reviewing a new national model for shared ownership to "make it easier for people to buy more of their own home", including allowing them to buy in 1% increments
New Scottish Government fund to improve benefit take-up
18 October, 2019
It will support charities and third sector organisations to address barriers which prevent people from applying for benefits
New DWP Secretary of State won't confirm an end to the benefit freeze
18 October, 2019
Therese Coffey says only that the DWP is in talks with the Treasury over benefit rates
Bristol council 'on track' to build 2000 homes a year
18 October, 2019
In his final address before the mayoral elections, Marvin Rees outlined his achievements of his first term in office
Homeowners £350k better off than renters over next 30 years
18 October, 2019
New research from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association has revealed the wealth gap between those who are lucky enough to get on the property ladder and those who rent
Stevenage housing plans 'trashed' by interest rate hike for council loans
18 October, 2019
Plans for a £300 million investment in social housing in Stevenage have been 'trashed' due to a shock increase in interest rates for council lending, but the town centre regeneration is said to remain on track
Westminster rough sleepers evicted after complaint by Commons chaplain
18 October, 2019
Group 'driven from closest thing we had to a home' after Rose Hudson-Wilkin's objection
Residents and campaigners protest outside Housing Ministry over delay in removing flammable cladding
18 October, 2019
Seventy-three organisations, unions and MPs put their names to a letter delivered to the government yesterday calling for the removal of flammable cladding
'Inhumane': Ceiling collapses in 'toxic' Goodmayes family home despite weeks of warnings to housing association
17 October, 2019
The tenant's ceiling collapsed on the morning of his daughter's seventh birthday - six weeks after first raising the issue and warning this would happen
Rental Market Report 2019 Q3
17 October, 2019
The annual rate of UK rental growth is +2.0%, up from 1.3% a year ago as rental growth increases on tightening supply as levels of new investment decline
Women forced to choose between abuse and homelessness
17 October, 2019
Report reveals that the main barrier to leaving an abuser is fear of losing a tenancy
Over £5m still owed to Rochdale Council for wrongly-paid housing benefits
17 October, 2019
The council has already written off £330k it won't get back
Poverty report urges DWP to share Universal Credit data with councils
17 October, 2019
London Councils outlines a new model of local welfare the capital's councils could lead on
Minister refuses to rule out extending UK benefits freeze
17 October, 2019
Freeze imposed in 2015 was planned to last until end of 2019-20 financial year
Asking rents at an all-time high as landlords torn between shall I go or shall I stay
17 October, 2019
With asking prices for rents at a new record, more landlords are planning to raise their investment in the sector than quit
Housing needs a 'policy overhaul' to preserve health of future generations
16 October, 2019
New report sees scope for significant PRS reform with future generations in mind
Huge increase in Brighton & Hove residents relying on the city's food banks
16 October, 2019
A record number of 21 food banks and emergency food providers in the city are distributing more than 20,000 parcels a year
One in three councils using algorithms to make welfare decisions
16 October, 2019
Exclusive: machine-learning tools being deployed despite evidence they are unreliable
Calls for benefit sanctions as rogue tenants 'costing millions'
16 October, 2019
A new report finds that problem tenants have cost the London taxpayer at least £3.4m
The UK cities where rent is rising the fastest
16 October, 2019
The cost of renting a home rose fastest in Nottingham, Leeds and Bristol in the past year, research indicates, while Aberdeen recorded the biggest fall
S&P; warns 20 associations risk downgrades in no-deal Brexit
16 October, 2019
Standards & Poor's has warned that 20 housing associations remain at risk of being downgraded in the event of a no-deal Brexit, with landlords exposed to market sales the most "vulnerable"
Rents rising at fastest rate for three years - but still affordable
16 October, 2019
Rents are rising at their fastest rate for three years
Rental business offers 'lifetime freeze' on rates to agents that back its funding round
16 October, 2019
A new rental business currently raising money via crowdfunding is offering agents that back it a lifetime 'freeze' on subscriptions
Former Knight Frank partner joins firm which plans to be world's biggest landlord
16 October, 2019
Rentify, a lettings and management platform which plans to be the world's biggest landlord without actually owning any property, has appointed Lucy Jones as director of agency
Manchester partnership plans delivery of social housing
15 October, 2019
Subject to approval, work could begin on the new family homes by next spring
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 12 September 2019
15 October, 2019
Experimental statistics covering the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Stockport council owed £5.5m in housing benefit that it overpaid to residents
15 October, 2019
The council has warned it will 'exhaust all reasonable avenues' in order to recover the money
Families driven from homes by flooding still no clearer when they can return
15 October, 2019
Families driven from their homes by heavy flooding are still no clearer over when they will be able to return
Boris Johnson accused of betraying private renters after shelving pledge to end no-fault evictions
15 October, 2019
Theresa May attacked landlords' power as 'wrong' and vowed to act - but issue has been left out of Queen's Speech
Corbyn urges Johnson to set 'hard deadline' for private sector cladding removal
15 October, 2019
Jeremy Corbyn has called on the government to set a "hard deadline" for private building owners to fix blocks with Grenfell-style cladding
Benefits system automation could plunge claimants deeper into poverty
15 October, 2019
DWP spending millions on 'intelligent automation garage' to develop welfare robots to replace humans
Landlords' Barometer - #74: Does buy-to-let really have rigor mortis?
15 October, 2019
Welcome to this edition of the Landlords' Barometer, bringing you trending topics for the private rented sector
Revealed: the private landlords profiting from England's housing crisis
14 October, 2019
Big companies accused of overcharging as families are forced into low-quality emergency accommodation
Only one social block had its ACM cladding fully removed last month despite end of year deadline
14 October, 2019
There are 114 high-rise residential and publicly owned buildings in England that have completed remediation works to removeand replace ACM cladding systems
Connexus remains compliant for governance despite Home Standard breach
14 October, 2019
A housing association, which failed to meet the Home Standard because of safety issues earlier this year, kept its governance rating but has been warned it must still make improvements
Private profit, public squalor: Britain's housing scandal
14 October, 2019
Benefit cuts, high rents and a lack of social housing have left thousands stuck in temporary homes
Rises for newly agreed rent prices outpace inflation over the year
14 October, 2019
Rents on new tenancies rose across all 12 UK regions last month
Drop in accidental landlords as home owners rush to beat the taxman by selling now
14 October, 2019
Only 7% of homes that came on to the rental market this year were listed for sale in the previous six months
Huge number of HMOs have no licence and are illegal
14 October, 2019
There is a non-compliance rate of 75% in unlicensed HMOs in London
Firm offers landlords guaranteed rent for up to ten years 'with Home Office as tenant'
14 October, 2019
A firm that has written to landlords offering long-term rental contracts where the Home Office is the tenant has caused concern among HMO owners
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 13.10.19 (Word version)
14 October, 2019
Week ending 13th October 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 13.10.19 (PDF version)
14 October, 2019
Week ending 13th October 2019
How renters could decide the next government
11 October, 2019
In April, the government made private renters the promise of a generation: to end Section 21 'no fault' evictions
Tenants face rent increase 'acceleration' as PRS demand outstrips supply
11 October, 2019
Figures from the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors see rental growth of approximately 2% over the coming twelve months alone
Private registered provider social housing stock in England - sector characteristics and stock movement
11 October, 2019
Private registered provider social housing stock in England - rents profile outlines the stock owned and managed by private registered providers
The Bedroom Tax in Northern Ireland: playing a dangerous game with peace?
11 October, 2019
Northern Ireland is about to experience many of the austerity policies that have been rolled out in England, including the Bedroom Tax
Over 1,200 homeless people in Welwyn Hatfield ask the council for help every year
11 October, 2019
Over 1,200 Welwyn Hatfield residents who face homelessness, or have already lost their homes, ask the council for help every year
RLA ready to fight for Section 21
11 October, 2019
Government warned repossession threatens rental supply
Rents rise but fail to keep pace with inflation
11 October, 2019
New stats show some 32% of wages now being spent on rent
Government accused of wrecking plans to build more social housing
11 October, 2019
Councils voice frustration after shock interest rate rise imposed on cheap Treasury loans
Council housebuilding: back with a vengeance
11 October, 2019
If the government's housing ambitions are to be met, councils will have to step up to the plate
Landlords 'in limbo' as still no sign of when mandatory electrical safety checks will be introduced
11 October, 2019
The Government is yet to set a start date for mandatory electrical safety checks in the rental sector despite committing to doing so in July 2018
Hunters chooses tenancy deposit replacement service to offer across its 200 branches
11 October, 2019
Hunters has teamed up with flatfair to bring deposit-free renting to tenants across its national network of over 200 offices
Welsh associations to pilot 'best practice' approach to empty properties
10 October, 2019
Report gives Welsh Government/Llywodraeth Cymru a year to work on a national action plan for empty homes
Government has made no assessment of case for increasing housing benefit
10 October, 2019
Answer to Lords question commits only to "discussions" due later this year
McVey brush off over council powers to manage housing association homes
10 October, 2019
Written Commons question gets a "we'll talk about it later" response from housing minister
Evictions cost private renters in England £70m a year
10 October, 2019
Generation Rent says majority believe landlords should foot bill for making tenants move
World Homeless Day: 3 in 4 say housing benefit should rise in line with rents
10 October, 2019
Charities call on government to invest in housing benefit to prevent homelessness
Regulator appoints sector heavyweights to non-compliant association's board
10 October, 2019
Three senior sector figures have been drafted in to join the board of lease-based provider Westmoreland Supported Housing by the RSH, in a bid to improve the performance of the non-compliant association
North West community housing associations join forces to put tenants first
10 October, 2019
Community housing associations from across the North West met to discuss how together they are putting tenants first
Unpicking Jenrick's shared ownership Right to Buy plan
10 October, 2019
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick's shared ownership Right to Buy plan has caused a stir across the sector
Government forced into U-turn over disability benefits for chronically ill
10 October, 2019
Sick claimants were wrongly denied benefits because they were not taking powerful painkillers
Centrepoint wants benefits review as gig economy drives rent arrears
10 October, 2019
Survey shows just over two in five respondents had difficulties with their benefit claim when in gig work
East Kent Housing likely to be ditched and properties brought back under Thanet council control
10 October, 2019
Thanet council is proposing to ditch arrangements with East Kent Housing and bring its social housing service back under authority control
Average private rents are on the rise - but lag behind inflation
10 October, 2019
Average UK rents rose between July and September but the average increase was below inflation
Agent is fined £80,000 over HMO failures discovered after blaze in attic
10 October, 2019
A letting agent has been fined £80,000 for HMO failures after a fire at one of the properties
Goldsmith Street winning the Stirling Prize shows that councils can lead the way in building more social housing
09 October, 2019
Last night a significant moment in the history of social housing occurred
Scottish Labour proposal to increase social housing supply 'welcomed'
09 October, 2019
But welcome comes with warning of continued uncertainty over housing investment
Government urged to commit to section 21 abolishment
09 October, 2019
The launch of a new Age UK campaign seeks to give all older renters the security of tenure necessary to feel safe in their own homes
'Evictions and hardship': Universal Credit still failing private renters
09 October, 2019
SNP MP Marion Fellows calls on UK Government to increase Local Housing Allowance to pre-2025 levels
How the campaign for national tenant representation is gathering pace
09 October, 2019
Amid concerns that government is kicking the idea into the long grass, members of a campaign group calling for a National Tenant Voice asked Inside Housing to host a crisis meeting to build consensus across the sector and draw up an action plan
Campaigners serve 'Section 21' on MHCLG
09 October, 2019
Government warned of tenant backlash if rental reform thrown out
Manchester rent caps: would they curb house prices or choke the market?
09 October, 2019
A report released last week called for rent caps to be imposed on private lettings in Greater Manchester to control house prices, but the RLA has warned they could have the opposite effect
Mikhail Riches' Goldsmith Street social housing wins Stirling Prize 2019
09 October, 2019
The Passivhaus and high-density Goldsmith Street social housing scheme designed by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley has been awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize 2019
Asbestos, live electric wires, fire hazards and a hole in the floor - safety review reveals serious risks to Hamilton House protesters
08 October, 2019
Squatters who have taken over an empty Chester office block have been warned there is likely to be deadly asbestos in the building
Social housing tenants to be given free bike hire membership
08 October, 2019
Social housing tenants at an estate in west London are set to be given free membership to a bike hire scheme after a deal was struck with the local council
Move to suspend rent arrears tenants from Darlington council housing
08 October, 2019
Leading members of a local authority which has refused to allow its stock of council housing go into private hands look set to approve changes to the criteria for getting social houses
A new chapter for council housing?
08 October, 2019
From the top council for affordable homes delivery in England, to the largest local authority landlord in Scotland
Housing association to provide all residents with lifetime tenancies
08 October, 2019
A housing association in the South West has announced it will scrap fixed-term tenancies in favour of lifetime contracts
For-profit housing association with only one board member deemed non-compliant by regulator
08 October, 2019
A for-profit housing association has been deemed non-compliant by the Regulator of Social Housing after it discovered "significant failures"
Rent Smart Wales training scheme given highest seal of approval
08 October, 2019
Safeagent's training for the Rent Smart Wales has been given the highest rating possible
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 10/2019
07 October, 2019
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Curo to end all fixed-term tenancies for residents
07 October, 2019
We've heard how important having a long-term tenancy is to feel safe, secure, and be able to put down roots in the local community
Right to rent checks updated guidance factsheet
07 October, 2019
Guidance on conducting right to rent checks onnationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA who have entered the UK through eGatesas visitors
Market digest: housing association bond yields - October 2019
07 October, 2019
How have financial market movements and political swings impacted housing association bonds in the secondary market?
3,100 new council homes to be built to meet housing needs
07 October, 2019
Plans for the largest council house building programme for decades are taking shape in Sheffield
Sector predicts low tenant take-up of government's new shared ownership Right to Buy plan
07 October, 2019
Housing sector figures have predicted a "low take-up" of the new shared ownership Right to Buy if it was offered to housing association tenants
London council halts 'out of borough' homeless placements
07 October, 2019
Enfield Council has set out plans to stop moving homeless people outside the borough, as part of a wider effort to end its "extensive use" of temporary accommodation
Housing benefit freeze means nine in 10 homes unaffordable for families
07 October, 2019
NHF research exposes inadequacy of Local Housing Allowance for the 1.3m families relying on it cover rent
'Community' letting agents and rent caps proposed to cut housing costs
07 October, 2019
A new report has called for the creation of community letting agencies and local rent controls to help younger people cope with housing costs
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 6.10.19 (PDF version)
07 October, 2019
Week ending 6th October 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 6.10.19 (Word version)
07 October, 2019
Week ending 6th October 2019
Manchester rent controls would 'damage supply of housing'
04 October, 2019
A recent report called for a new devolution deal for Greater Manchester, with measures including "rent pressure zones"
Housing associations hit out at government as nitrate pollution leaves thousands of new homes in limbo
04 October, 2019
Housing associations in the South of England have expressed frustration with the government for the "lack of progress" in overcoming issues that have seen the construction of thousands of new homes put on hold due to concerns over nitrate pollution
Locked Out: How Britain keeps people homeless
04 October, 2019
94% of rented homes are too expensive for families on housing benefit
Special report: sector sees large rise in income from non-social housing
04 October, 2019
This month, Social Housing looks at how housing associations are diversifying their income, and finds that they made 10.3 per cent more revenue from shared ownership and non-social housing activity
Buy-to-let expert says he will not allow his tenants to use deposit replacement services
04 October, 2019
Landlord and best-selling buy-to-let author David Lawrenson says he will not be giving any of his tenants a deposit replacement option
An end to 'No DSS' after competition watchdog says agents and portals must have no blanket bans
04 October, 2019
New guidance to letting agents has suggested the end of 'no DSS' tenants exclusions
Northern Ireland Social housing sector ready to build on £1bn impact
03 October, 2019
NIFHA launches Benefits to Society NI report highlighting impact of social housing sector
How we can help local councils tackle short term housing demand
03 October, 2019
Three million new social homes are needed by 2040, but only 6,000 a year are being built
NHF supply survey: housing association development starts rise by nearly a quarter
03 October, 2019
The number of homes started by housing associations in the three months to the end of June this year jumped by nearly a quarter compared with last year
Southwark Council to build new homes on top of existing blocks to tackle chronic housing shortage
03 October, 2019
Council says short supply of land and its expense leaves them with limited options
Bank of China launches into UK social housing
03 October, 2019
Bank of China has entered the UK social housing sector as a lender, agreeing a revolving credit facility with a major housing association
Midlands council had 622 gas certificates outstanding
03 October, 2019
A council in the Midlands had 622 gas safety certificates out of date for a short period this summer
A quarter of all fire service prosecutions under safety order are to do with HMOs
03 October, 2019
A new study has reviewed 200 cases brought by fire services under the Fire Safety Order since it came into force 13 years ago
Landlord of dangerous HMO where foreign tenants spoke little English hit with huge fine
03 October, 2019
A landlord has been found guilty and fined £40,000 for letting out a dangerous and unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation
Why post-Grenfell recommendations cannot be ignored
02 October, 2019
Landlords need to take back control of fire safety compliance to ensure transparency, oversight and accountability
Three Rivers District Council says it can 'prove' it can't meet government housing targets
02 October, 2019
A council leader says she is ready to tell the government they cannot meet the housing targets they have been set
Millions for 'ludicrous Right to Buy lottery' should fund homelessness schemes
02 October, 2019
Commons hears Minister challenged to admit housing association right-to-buy was "daft" as homeless death rates rise
Government holds no official record of UK food banks
02 October, 2019
House of Lords has confirmation in answer to question on food banks being set up in schools
Rise in council spending on land and buildings slows
02 October, 2019
The recent boom in council spending on land and buildings slowed last year, indicating that the craze for borrowing to invest in commercial property may be reaching its peak
Large housing association scraps 'pointless' affordability checks for new tenants
02 October, 2019
One of the UK's largest housing associations has scrapped 'affordability testing' for prospective tenants, deeming the process "pointless bureaucracy"
Blackpool Council accused of trying to 'dump another 330 houses on our doorstep for financial gain'
02 October, 2019
A war of words has broken out over Blackpool Council's plans to build 330 homes over the border in Wyre - on fields that are not earmarked for such development
Agents will have to do AML checks on landlords earning around £8,900 a month
02 October, 2019
The new directive on Anti-Money Laundering means that agents will have to carry out checks on landlords who earn over 10,000 euros a month - regardless as to whether this is from one property or a portfolio
PlaceShapers broadens membership beyond housing associations
01 October, 2019
An organisation that represents community-based housing associations has broadened its membership to include other non-profit social housing providers
Norwich City Council in favour of Section 21 Abolition
01 October, 2019
During a council meeting on 24 September councillors resolved to back to the abolition of Section 21 as proposed by the Government and will seek the support of local MPs
Conservative Party Conference: Where is the government's offer for struggling renters?
01 October, 2019
In its mission to use the Conservative Party Conference to promote homeownership
Leigh Day Solicitors seeks clients to join a group action compensation claim for loss of disability premiums after moving to Universal Credit
01 October, 2019
Leigh Day Solicitors are bringing compensation claims claims for people who have migrated to Universal Credit before 16 January 2019 and have lost their disability premiums
Asbestos in two thirds of council homes as residents urged to call Town Hall before renovating
01 October, 2019
Council officers are warning that asbestos is present in two thirds of council properties, with residents being urged to get in touch with the Town Hall before they do work on their own homes
Housing association tenants to get 'shared ownership' Right to Buy
01 October, 2019
Housing association tenants will be given a right to buy 10% of their homes under new proposals announced by the housing secretary today
Rental stock would drop by almost 1m dwellings if abolition of Section 21 goes ahead
01 October, 2019
Letting agents would have the challenge of greatly reduced stock if Section 21 - the so-called no-fault eviction process - is abolished as the Government proposes
London Assembly warned of rent control 'consequences'
01 October, 2019
To see him into a second term as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan set out a blueprint for the overhaul of the rental sector
Shared ownership Right to Buy 'will worsen housing crisis'
01 October, 2019
Sector bodies have said that proposals to offer housing association tenants the right to buy upwards of 10% of their homes could "worsen the housing crisis"
Social housing snubbed at Tory conference
01 October, 2019
With nothing offered in the Spending Review, conference housing "headline" repeats announcement of expanded shared ownership options
Give tenants greater say in running their own housing
30 September, 2019
In the two years since the Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people, there have been many discussions about how to ensure social housing tenants are heard
Esther McVey says she is 'tenure blind' in response to 'social housing revolution' question
30 September, 2019
Housing minister Esther McVey said she is "tenure blind" when asked whether the current government is planning to lead a "social housing revolution"
Rent remains at record high for fourth consecutive month
30 September, 2019
ARLA Propertymark's PRS report shows that the number of tenants experiencing rent rises increased to the highest figure on record in August
Grainger ramps up PRS pipeline to 25 projects
30 September, 2019
Private rental homes developer Grainger has built up a development pipeline of 25 schemes as it strives to double the size of its portfolio of buildings
Somerset West and Taunton Council to remove asbestos from council homes
30 September, 2019
The council is to spend £350,000 removing asbestos from its council houses over the course of the year
Great Harwood pensioner's anger at 'uninhabitable' housing association home
30 September, 2019
A pensioner has expressed her horror at the state of her home which she claims is 'uninhabitable' following work which has been done to it
Universal credit: Labour pledges to scrap welfare scheme
30 September, 2019
A future Labour government would scrap universal credit - which merges six benefits into one payment
Housing Association Data Comparison Analysis - 2018/2019
30 September, 2019
The most accurate and comprehensive UK Public Sector Procurement Portal
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 29.9.19 (Word version)
30 September, 2019
Week ending 29th September 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 29.9.19 (PDF version)
30 September, 2019
Week ending 29th September 2019
JRF comments on Labour policy on Universal Credit
27 September, 2019
Responding to Labour's announcements on Universal Credit, Helen Barnard, Deputy Director for Policy and Partnerships at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said:
Increase in new affordable homes fails to offset private sector decline
27 September, 2019
Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see growth coming through in the affordable and rental sector
Can tech help agencies combat the lettings fee ban?
27 September, 2019
Earlier this year the UK government introduced the Tenant Fees Act, banning landlords from charging renters hundreds of pounds in administration fees for tenancies signed after June 1st, 2019
Survey shows social housing could unify post Brexit UK
27 September, 2019
Findings could shift Tories onto Labour turf over a new national plan to 3m social homes in the next 20 years
Blackpool high school to be redeveloped for housing
27 September, 2019
The council is set to sign off plans to build up to 176 homes on the former Bispham High School at a meeting next week
Council looks to landlord licensing scheme to tackle rogues
27 September, 2019
Landlords could face increased costs and scrutiny as councils turn to a little-used licensing scheme to crack down on rogue operators
NHF 2019: Regulator to raise fees for associations
27 September, 2019
The announcement comes amid a lack on sector consensus of the fees model
Government's housing policies 'risk undermining Northern powerhouse efforts'
27 September, 2019
Covert housing targets will go against the north
Regulator warns of changing behaviours by associations trying to attract 'wall of money'
27 September, 2019
The regulator has warned housing associations against changing their behaviors in a bid to secure funding from large investors offering a "wall of money"
The gulf between housing benefit payments across Essex is revealed
27 September, 2019
The GMB says the move to providing direct access to council homes is long overdue
RSH stats show average rent reductions for English social housing
27 September, 2019
But latest SDR release recognises "significant difference" in rent levels across regions
Labour conference backs building 155,000 social rent homes a year
26 September, 2019
Unanimous show of support for putting the motion to National Policy Forum
Social housing crisis builds as government passes the buck
26 September, 2019
Growing political and financial turmoil leaves social housing providers facing huge challenges
Thousands of pounds in homes grant returned unclaimed
26 September, 2019
Thousands of pounds of grants meant to help low-income Barrow residents with their housing costs has been sent back to the Government
Labour conference votes unanimously for 155,000 social rent homes a year pledge
26 September, 2019
Labour conference delegates have voted unanimously in favour of a bumper housing motion calling for the party to pledge new 155,000 social rented homes a year
Commons papers play out 'numbers game' over social housing investment
26 September, 2019
HCLG committee tested Kate Henderson and Terri Alafat over what investment adds up to
NHF and LGA bosses clash over social rent focus
26 September, 2019
England's top councillor has warned against being too focused on building social rent homes as a means of solving the housing crisis
Tenancy deposit replacement providers report progress as they grow
26 September, 2019
Proptech firm Canopy has teamed up with mydeposits to make it easier for tenants to pay their deposit into its custodial scheme
City council unanimously backs government plans to ditch Section 21
26 September, 2019
A city council is calling on the Government to abolish Section 21 - so-called 'no fault evictions'
London borough tenants pay three times more in service charges than neighbours
25 September, 2019
London Tenants Federation uncovers wide borough-by-borough variations in service charges
Unlocking value: The role of refurbishment in buy to let
25 September, 2019
With yields for property still below their pre-financial crisis levels, house price growth stalling, and tax reforms biting, there's greater incentive than ever for landlords to make the most of their assets
How one housing association changed its approach to frontline services
25 September, 2019
When PA Housing decided to improve its relationship with its tenants, it started by reinventing its frontline services
Fury at 'Hunger Games-style' application process for Grenfell funds sees council chief abandon Twitter
25 September, 2019
'It's vile and disrespectful. To exploit people's grief and turn it into an episode of Dragon's Den is unconscionable'
Planning rules to be changed to stop developers building student flats that can't be used for anything else
25 September, 2019
The proposed rule change would student flats would have to be built to a high enough standard to be used to meet demand for social housing places
'People deserve better': tenants, activists and academics on the state of social housing
25 September, 2019
Ten people share their views on the state of social housing and what the future holds
Motion commits Labour to building 155,000 social rented homes a year
25 September, 2019
Conference could also back councils having the powers to over housing associations
Survey shows PRS housing quality has improved over past decade
24 September, 2019
Responses suggest proportion of non-decent homes fell as sector professionalises and landlords undertake refurbishment
Briefing: How many people need a social rented home?
24 September, 2019
8.4m people in England are in some form of housing need
Council gives advance rent to landlords backing homelessness scheme
24 September, 2019
Private landlords are to be given a month's rent upfront and 12 months' membership of a trade body if they sign up to a local council's new scheme to combat homelessness
Council to buy back Right to Buy properties to meet affordable homes target
24 September, 2019
More than 10% of a Welsh council's new homes target will be met by buying properties from the open market, the majority of which were originally sold through the Right to Buy
Calls mount for crackdown on adverts which specify 'No DSS' tenants
24 September, 2019
Calls are growing for a legal crackdown on adverts which specify 'No DSS' tenants
ARLA slams Labour's pledge to bring in rent controls if it comes to power
24 September, 2019
ARLA has slammed Labour's intention to introduce rent controls if it gets into power at the next general election
Survey shows private tenants not interested in buying a home
23 September, 2019
Government urged to end "penalisation" of landlords and prioritise PRS investment
Rethinking the private rental sector for the future health of young people
23 September, 2019
Home ownership cannot be the only housing solution on offer to the next generation
Funding still available to improve social housing safety standards
23 September, 2019
The Scottish Government has hailed the impact of a new loan scheme to help social landlords meet improved housing safety standards
DWP: The shocking number of North East teenagers on Universal Credit
23 September, 2019
More than 6,000 teenagers across the North East are receiving Universal Credit
People moving into temporary homes should be provided with basic kitchen equipment and bedding
23 September, 2019
People moving into temporary homes should be provided with basic kitchen equipment and bedding
Whose Right to Buy? New research raises fears of fraud
23 September, 2019
The Right to Buy was launched to give tenants living in council housing the chance to buy their home. However, the reality is often somewhat different
Agents who emphasise that they don't charge fees 'helping to raise awareness of ban'
23 September, 2019
ARLA has defended a new practice by which a large number of agents are turning the tenancy fees ban to commercial advantage
Letting agent and landlord both fined after guilty pleas to unlicensed HMO
23 September, 2019
Both a letting agent and a landlord have been fined after prosecutions over an unlicensed HMO
Concerns over 'safeguarding of tenancy deposits' as high street agent enters liquidation
23 September, 2019
An estate agent has gone into liquidation with concerns about possible missing client money
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 22.9.19 (PDF version)
23 September, 2019
Week ending 22nd September 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 22.9.19 (Word version)
23 September, 2019
Week ending 22nd September 2019
The longer Universal Credit exists in an area, the higher the need for food banks
20 September, 2019
In areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out for at least a year, food banks in the Trussell Trust's network have seen a 30% increase in demand
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 10/2019
20 September, 2019
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Small sites must deliver social housing
20 September, 2019
Here at Shelter, we want to see the introduction of reforms that will help deliver more social housing
144 social houses could be given contemporary modern "facelift"
20 September, 2019
Dated social housing considered to be a "failing community" could be given a contemporary face-lift if planning permission is secured
Private registered provider social housing stock in England - stock profile
20 September, 2019
Private registered provider social housing stock in England - stock profile outlines the stock owned and managed by private registered providers
Kettering Council brings back lifetime tenancies after fixed term rentals were causing anxiety for tenants
20 September, 2019
Kettering Council is reintroducing a lifetime tenancy for renters after its fixed-term scheme was causing anxiety and had become too 'bureauratic'
LGA has another go at Right To Buy reform
20 September, 2019
Receipt retention part of a seven-point plan pitched for the Queen's Speech
Right to Buy sales slide to lowest level in six years
20 September, 2019
The number of Right to Buy sales have fallen to its lowest level in six years
One in seven council homes sold to tenants on housing benefit under Right to Buy
20 September, 2019
One in seven council homes sold through the Right to Buy since David Cameron hiked discounts in 2012 has been bought by a tenant on housing benefit
What are the implications when tenants swap in and out of a tenancy?
20 September, 2019
A dispute arose between the landlord and tenants due to the cleanliness of the property at the end of the tenancy, deterioration to the décor, damage caused to various items and tenant belongings left behind at the end of the tenancy
Government warned that scrapping Section 21 could spark rise in homelessness
20 September, 2019
Letting agents and landlords are warning that scrapping Section 21 eviction notices could drive up homelessness
September 2019: Touchbase edition 137
19 September, 2019
News and articles from across government for advisers, employers and organisations that help people find jobs
The repeal of section 21 and its impact on the sector
19 September, 2019
I took a sharp intake of breath when Theresa May announced the abolishment of section 21 notices by October 2019
Sheffield Council finds 164 serious hazard homes
19 September, 2019
Sheffield Council found serious hazards in 164 privately rented homes in just 10 months
Stats show increase in social housing stock in England
19 September, 2019
Private registered providers of social housing reported owning 2,995,569 units to the Regulator - a 2% increase since 2018
Liberal Democrats agree to Section 21 abolition
19 September, 2019
Delegates at the Liberal Democrats conference in Bournemouth voted in favour of a motion that proposed reforming the housing legislation and scrapping Section 21 notices
Liverpool housing company to kick out any tenant caught carrying or using a knife
19 September, 2019
Bold plan by social landlord in war on knife crime
Universal credit wait fuels poverty and food bank use
19 September, 2019
Government urged to reduce five-week wait claimants must endure before first payment
760,000 renting families one pay cheque away from losing home
19 September, 2019
Survey shows almost three million private renters could be a single pay cheque away from homelessness
Landlord becomes first in England to be banned after HMO conviction
19 September, 2019
A landlord has been banned for letting out a house for five years
Council's warning to letting agents over fees ban leads to over £34,000 refunds to tenants
19 September, 2019
A council's warning to letting agents on its patch has resulted in £34,416 worth of unlawful fees and deposits collected since the ban being refunded
Nationwide gets into bed with digital lettings agency Bunk - backing 'will help DIY landlords'
19 September, 2019
Nationwide Building Society has invested in Bunk, a new digital lettings agency
The technology helping social landlords stay 'gas safe'
18 September, 2019
As part of Gas Safety week, a new online system is pitched as the key to ensuring landlord compliance
Safe as Houses 3: Have government reforms to Universal Credit reduced the rent arrears of Southwark's tenants?
18 September, 2019
Southwark was one of the first areas of the country to see Universal Credit full service roll out
Autistic man, 28, is found dead in his cupboard by housing officials nine months after he 'hanged himself and left a damning suicide note blasting the DWP for stopping his benefits'
18 September, 2019
Ayman Habayeb was under care of social services in Milton Keynes for six years
Activists rally over claims of social housing discrimination
18 September, 2019
Housing activists protested outside Hackney Council town hall last night over claims they had been victimised and mistreated
England: Council housing families win battle for homes with billionaire aristocrat
18 September, 2019
Dozens of families living in council housing have won a battle with a billionaire aristocrat who wanted to replace their homes with luxury housing
End-of-tenancy cleaning service introduces body cameras for all its staff
18 September, 2019
An end-of-tenancy cleaning service available right across the UK has introduced body-worn cameras for all its teams
Landlord hit with £500,000 bill by court after illegally converting property into tiny flats
18 September, 2019
A landlord has been hit with a bill of some £500,000 after illegally dividing a property into eight tiny flats
Residents in temporary accommodation displaced by Clapton fire
18 September, 2019
A number of the flats which were evacuated following a fire in a block in east London earlier this week were used to house families in temporary accommodation
Labour considers scrapping Universal Credit
18 September, 2019
Radical proposal for the failed 'reform' could be raised as soon as the party conference next week
England: Landlords vote for merger of representative bodies
18 September, 2019
After a meeting held yesterday, members of the NLA and the RLA voted for the two organisations to merge to form the National Residential Landlords Association
Put people before process when allocating social housing
17 September, 2019
New report warns of a system now failing those in greatest need
North Lanarkshire Council approves enforcement access for electrical safety checks
17 September, 2019
North Lanarkshire Council has announced new procedures allowing for enforcement access in order to carry out electrical safety checks in council properties
Homeless denied social housing for being too poor
17 September, 2019
Research shows landlords 'screen out' homeless applicants deemed financial risk
Somerset council accused of 'immorality' over new-build maintenance
17 September, 2019
A council has been branded "immoral" for refusing to take on maintenance work on housing development
Disabled 28-stone man despairs because housing association won't make his door big enough so he can get out
17 September, 2019
Darren Burns is worried that he can't exit his house safely if there's a fire because the back door is inaccessible
Lib Dems motion passed to address 'widening' poverty levels
17 September, 2019
New policy outlines an increased rate of housebuilding to 300,000 a year - 100,000 of which will be for social rent
Khan: government's cladding deadline 'unrealistic and irresponsible'
17 September, 2019
Sadiq Khan has branded the government's June deadline to complete the replacement of dangerous Grenfell-style cladding on high rises "unrealistic and irresponsible"
Universal Credit: direct rent payments 'more effective than government reforms for curbing arrears'
17 September, 2019
Direct rent payments for tenants on Universal Credit have been more effective at keeping them out of arrears than government reforms introduced last year
New housing minister defends Right to Buy but says escalating house prices 'cannot be right'
17 September, 2019
New housing minister Esther McVey has said that although there have been nine housing ministers in nine years, all have been united to deliver the homes that she claims Britain needs
Scottish government slams Tories over massive welfare cuts
16 September, 2019
The Scottish Government will not stand by and let people already struggling face a reliance on food banks and the stress of debt and rent arrears
Large London housing associations estimate fire safety costs at nearly £6.9bn
16 September, 2019
Large London housing associations have estimated that the total cost of making their buildings fire safe will be up to £6.87bn
Tenants face paying 31% more to trade up from a room rental to a whole home
16 September, 2019
New research has revealed the high costs for young tenants moving from renting a room in a shared property to a whole house
Deposit diaries: Why a landlord's claim of mould 'caused by tenants' lifestyle' was rejected
16 September, 2019
A dispute arose between the landlord and tenants due to the condition of the walls at the end of the tenancy
Letting agency and its boss hit with bill of almost £24,000 after fly-tipping rubbish from tenants' homes
16 September, 2019
A letting agency and its director have been successfully prosecuted for five counts of fly-tipping
Auction entries rise as clobbered buy-to-let landlords look to sell their properties
16 September, 2019
Auction House, which works with a network of local agents, has a record 846 lots entered into its sales this month
Housing Association Financial Data Comparison Analysis - 2018/2019
16 September, 2019
From 76 Financial Returns currently available
The websites helping renters fight rogue landlords
16 September, 2019
It was a dispute over a missing bed cover that sparked the idea for Marks Out Of Tenancy - a website that allows renters to rate their past landlords
MHCLG seeks your views on banning orders and rogue landlords
16 September, 2019
Government wants to hear from letting agents and tenants about its latest reforms to the private rental market
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 15.9.19 (Word version)
16 September, 2019
Week ending 15th September 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 15.9.19 (PDF version)
16 September, 2019
Week ending 15th September 2019
Thousands of Glasgow teens on Universal Credit
13 September, 2019
Analysis of the latest government figures shows that 1167 Glasgow youngsters aged between 16 and 19 received the six-in-one benefit in August this year
Univeral Credit probe shows 100,000 teenagers on new benefit including thousands in Birmingham
13 September, 2019
Most teens on the controversial welfare scheme are unemployed and campaigners say these latest figures highlight the number of families across the country who are struggling on low incomes
Call for private landlords to have access to energy efficiency funds
13 September, 2019
Only one of the six financial support options can be used by landlords offering affordable homes in Scotland
New tech to test air quality in council homes
13 September, 2019
Partners confirmed for trials to get underway in Leeds and York
Renters want rent control - and it's not just about the money
13 September, 2019
There's no doubt that private renters are being hit hard by the housing emergency
Barking fire: residents' lawyer slams 'scandalous' return of housing association tenants
13 September, 2019
The lawyer representing tenants living at the Barking development that was hit by a devastating fire in June has slammed Southern Housing Group's decision to allow residents to return to their homes
Social housing - Quarterly survey for Q1 April to June 2019
13 September, 2019
This quarterly survey report is based on regulatory returns from 218private registered providers (PRPs) and PRP groups who own or manage more than 1,000 homes
Property renting platform goes over target in crowdfunding campaign
13 September, 2019
Property renting platform Inadash has gone over target in its crowdfunding campaign
ARLA boss begs agents to speak out over proposed abolition of Section 21 - and not just complain
13 September, 2019
ARLA Propertymark boss David Cox has urged letting agents to respond to the consultation on repealing Section 21 - something he warned could "break the industry"
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to July 2019
12 September, 2019
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
Disabled people still by far the worst affected by the bedroom tax
12 September, 2019
More than two thirds of households subject to the bedroom tax under housing benefit are in receipt of DLA, PIP, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, or Severe Disablement Allowance
CIH Scotland says new PRS energy regulations need 'proactive communication'
12 September, 2019
Scottish Government preparing to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard for PRS homes
Property inspections key to Lib Dem PRS plan
12 September, 2019
Proposals for property inspections for rented homes form part of new housing plans announced by the Liberal Democrats
Southern sees 14% slide in surplus as fire safety checks increase
12 September, 2019
Southern Housing Group has a reported a 14% fall in annual surplus as the landlord hikes its spending on fire safety
Landlords' Barometer - #73: Labour's plans to make landlords sell to tenants causes uproar
12 September, 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of the Landlords' Barometer, where we list the main trending topics for landlords from the PropertyTribes forum:
RICS blames 'wild west' of parts of lettings industry for lack of public confidence in rental sector
12 September, 2019
The RICS has expressed hopes that regulation of the agency sector will help stem the decline in landlord instructions
Universal Credit changes in October: Why claimants could get MORE money from next month
11 September, 2019
Universal credit claimants will see changes to their payments from next month
Average Personal Independence Payment appeal wait tops 35 weeks
11 September, 2019
Commons confirms the figure includes cases cleared both with and without Tribunal ruling
Tenants complain over housing association's 'abysmal' service
11 September, 2019
Inhabitants of L&Q; estate say they face leaking roofs, poor plumbing and unreliable maintenance
'I had to live in one room with my daughter for 11 years'
11 September, 2019
i speaks to homeless families who are being housed in hostels in London 'temporarily' - only to be left there for years
Council to buy back Poole flats for revamp
11 September, 2019
A council is to buy back a number of flats to allow the renovation of four tower blocks after leaseholders complained about the cost of the works
Regulator finds four East Kent councils breached Home Standard
11 September, 2019
The RSH has concluded in regulatory notices published today that four councils, through a shared ALMO, breached the Home Standard, with the potential for serious detriment to their tenants
Rents in UK up almost 5% in second quarter of 2019
11 September, 2019
Rising rents, a doubling of tenant applications and a shortage of housing stock continues to put pressure on the Private Rental Sector in the UK
Is it time to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance rates to end homelessness?
11 September, 2019
Since the Local Housing Allowance was frozen, more and more people have been unable to afford their rent
Cut bailiff use for non-payment of council tax
11 September, 2019
Councils are asked to consider vulnerable people as referrals increase in half of all English and Welsh local authorities
Independent letting firm's acquisition strategy paying off after tenancy fees ban
11 September, 2019
City rental specialist Let Leeds has completed the takeover of local rival Parklands Estate Agents, increasing the size of the business and adding further managed tenancies to its portfolio
Welfare mitigation in Northern Ireland needs 'another four years'
10 September, 2019
Commons report raises fears of a "cliff edge" fall in claimant income should mitigation end in March 2020
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 8 August 2019
10 September, 2019
These experimental statistics cover claims, monthly starts and people on Universal Credit up to 8 August 2019
Social value focus for Greater Manchester's providers
10 September, 2019
6,561 residents were helped into work by the region's housing providers last year
Prorogation times out answers over future for welfare assistance
10 September, 2019
MHCLG minister says written Commons question asked in July could not be answered ahead of the House being suspended
Online letting agent bought for undisclosed sum by rentals platform Howsy
10 September, 2019
Rental platform Howsy has acquired online lettings business Urban
Protesters including local councillor force sale of rental property to be abandoned
10 September, 2019
Demonstrators disrupted a property auction to protest against the sale of rental properties occupied by families with children
Agents warned not to pass costs of arranging repair work on to tenants
10 September, 2019
Letting agents were last night advised that if they charge commission on repairs to damage caused by tenants, then the cost of arranging the work should not be passed on to the tenant
The DWP's Universal Credit changes coming in next month - what you need to know
09 September, 2019
The Department for Work and Pensions will be introducing a change in October that should benefit those receiving UC
Parents and guardians given extra time to claim back childcare costs with Universal Credit
09 September, 2019
An extra month to claim back childcare costs could mean parents avoid missing out on up to £1,100 per month
Local authority U-turns on licensing after threat of legal action by landlords
09 September, 2019
Landlord and lettings agent groups have claimed a victory after Hounslow Council is believed to have backtracked on plans for a licensing scheme in the London borough
Rents for pets being increasingly charged by agents in wake of fees ban
09 September, 2019
"Pet rents" are being increasingly charged in the wake of the tenancy fees ban
Family of SEVEN are forced to live in single hotel room 11 miles from their old £115-a-week two-bed flat after judge deemed it 'above their means'
09 September, 2019
Jon Mitchell and his partner forced to live in one hotel room with their five kids
Amber Rudd's departure from DWP is bound to be deeply destabilising
09 September, 2019
Resignation comes at time department faces myriad problems of policies
Triple Point Social Housing REIT lifts dividend as rental income rises
09 September, 2019
Triple Point Social Housing REIT posted a slight rise in its first-half valuation performance after it grew its rental income
Special report: housing associations' impairments rise by nearly a third
09 September, 2019
Social Housing takes a close look at the accounts of the 130 largest housing associations, and finds that impairments rose by nearly a third to £78.4m in 2018
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 8.9.19 (PDF version)
09 September, 2019
Week ending 8th September 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 8.9.19 (Word version)
09 September, 2019
Week ending 8th September 2019
Enfield Council to consult on additional and selective licensing
06 September, 2019
Enfield council has begun their consultation on additional and selective licensing which will close on 29 November 2019
DWP ducks behind cost when quizzed over claimant deaths
06 September, 2019
Minister with form for citing cost denies answers again
Landlord education required on EPC legislation
06 September, 2019
A national awareness campaign is required to help landlords get to grip with new Energy Performance Certificate legislation
Housing chiefs hit by deluge of calls for council home repairs
06 September, 2019
Camden failing to answer the phone within two minutes for half of calls
Ark Housing takes action against 'antisocial' Fairfield tenants
06 September, 2019
A housing association has revealed it has taken action against some of its tenants in Fairfield following complaints from neighbouring residents over antisocial behaviour
Nearly 17,000 applications over first year of PRS improvement scheme
06 September, 2019
Nottingham city council takes the wraps off a birthday milestone
Tenants are seen to be bearing costs of ban as rents shoot up
06 September, 2019
Rents have surged enormously in the three months since the tenants fees ban was introduced
LIN member report September 2019 - 'Right to Rent' update
06 September, 2019
LIN member report by Kevin McCready
Manchester council outlines affordable housing commitment
05 September, 2019
Ambitions present the case that all new homes should be equally split between social housing, affordable housing and shared ownership
Birmingham takes action against HMO landlord in first civil penalty case
05 September, 2019
City council secures £2,000 fine for failure to appropriately fit an unlicensed HMO with fire safety measures
Spending Round: government injects £40m into DHPs but is silent on LHA rates
05 September, 2019
An extra £40m in housing cost top-ups for private renters has been unveiled as part of today's Spending Round, but no announcement has been made on future benefit levels
Social housing: a natural home for ESG finance?
05 September, 2019
A drive into impact investment and ESG is being mooted as a big opportunity for UK housing. So what is holding the sector back?
No-deal Brexit will bring food shortages despite assurances
05 September, 2019
October worst time to stockpile as warehouses full of Christmas goods
Government testing Universal Credit bulk uploads with social landlords after delays
05 September, 2019
The government is testing a system that allows housing providers to upload information about Universal Credit tenants' rent changes in bulk with a number of social landlords
Face value Spending Review offers nothing for social housing
05 September, 2019
No reference to Right To Buy reform needed to back councils building homes
Dramatic drop in void periods reported as tenancy demand rises - and rents increase
05 September, 2019
Agents are filling properties for existing landlords in record time
Property photographs made rooms look bigger than they really were
05 September, 2019
Property photographs were 'misleading' about room sizes, a complainant to the advertising watchdog claimed
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2018 to March 2019
04 September, 2019
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 9/2019
04 September, 2019
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Five-week UC wait causes 'stress and ill health'
04 September, 2019
Briefing calls on today's spending review to reduce the amount of time people wait to receive the first payment
270 families for every West Bromwich council house
04 September, 2019
Members of Sandwell's cabinet have been told the town has the highest demand for houses, which are suitable for parents and children, than anywhere else
Landlords charge 'pet rent' to recoup losses after ban on unfair fees
04 September, 2019
Practice has emerged since new law designed to save renters in England money
West Midlands Mayor calls for housing allowance 'supercharge'
04 September, 2019
Andy Street said there was "no doubt" the government's decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance led to a rise in homelessness
Sector figures call for LHA changes and council funding boost in Spending Review
04 September, 2019
Leading housing figures have called on the government to use tomorrow's Spending Review to bring in wide-scale changes to help local authorities and housing associations to combat the housing crisis
Welsh Government's own guidance on tenancy fees ban contains 'serious errors'
04 September, 2019
The Welsh Government's own guidance on the tenancy fee ban, which came into force at the weekend, is incorrect
Opinion: Deposit replacement schemes - do the risks outweigh the benefits?
04 September, 2019
There is no doubt that the lettings industry is going through a period of change
Agent says landlords would have to sell to tenants at 20% discount under Labour
04 September, 2019
A letter written to the Sunday Times and London Evening Standard has been released by estate agent Marc von Grundherr
Surge in schools setting up food banks to help feed families
03 September, 2019
There is an increasing demand on schools to take responsibility for more areas of children's lives than simply their education
SFHA chief: Report proves social housing is 'best in country'
03 September, 2019
Regulatory findings reveal nine in 10 tenants are satisfied with their homes and services across Scotland
Angry mum says council house is not habitable and she fears it might fall down
03 September, 2019
Council has apologised and said the house needs an urgent survey
RLA says Labour's Right To Buy plans would 'kill off' private-sector renting
03 September, 2019
Landlords fear creeping compulsory purchase inherent in policy proposal outlined by Shadow Chancellor
Food banks increasing in schools for pupils' families
03 September, 2019
More schools in England are setting up food banks to help feed their pupils' families
Two large London housing associations get credit downgrades
03 September, 2019
Two large London housing associations have received credit downgrades as fears grow over the state of the housing market in the capital
Belvoir posts first results since tenancy fees ban - with a 48% rise in revenue
03 September, 2019
Belvoir this morning posted results showing remarkable success on the part of its franchisees, who helped the firm achieve a 48% rise in revenue, at £9,047,000 in the first half of this year, up from £6,123,000 in the same period last year
Labour under fire over plans to introduce Right to Buy for private tenants
03 September, 2019
Labour has been accused of trying to kill off the private rented sector after it resurrected its idea of extending Right to Buy to the private rented sector
New Welsh Government law to 'make letting fairer'
02 September, 2019
Under the legislation, tenants cannot be charged for things like signing a contract or renewing a tenancy
Two in five benefit claimants found to have less than £100 at end of month
02 September, 2019
Citizens Advice calls on government to clearly commit to ending the benefits freeze and recalculating LHA
Government has no specific 'poverty plan' for no-deal Brexit
02 September, 2019
Evasive answer from DWP minister suggests present welfare provision seen as enough in the event of economic collapse - despite rising destitution
Benefits row as DWP criticised for refusing payments to dying man
02 September, 2019
A man whose terminally ill brother was refused disability benefits has accused the Department for Work and Pensions of being "shambolic and incompetent"
Third of Corby council tenants in arrears
02 September, 2019
Almost a third of people living in a Corby council house are in arrears
Deposit cap means renters could be owed refund
02 September, 2019
Report pitches potential for one-off payments where tenancies are renewed
LSE academic develops 'social value' housing framework
02 September, 2019
Catalyst for team led by professor Anne Power was Home Group's Rayners Lane estate regeneration
Labour could give private tenants chance to buy their rented homes
02 September, 2019
The Labour Party could bring in a radical "right to buy" scheme if it gains power at the next general election which could help millions of private tenants in the UK to buy their rented homes at a reasonable price
Vast majority of private renters earning under £30,000 are unable to access Help to Buy support
02 September, 2019
Fewer than two in every 100 private renters that earn under £30,000 have been able to secure their first home under the government's Help to Buy scheme
Benefits freeze leaves a third of claimants 'with £100 to live on a month'
02 September, 2019
Chief executive says people are losing sleep and unable to afford essentials
So, what do you think of the tenancy fee ban now it's three months in?
02 September, 2019
Agents are being invited to have their say on industry matters in a new survey
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 1.9.19 (Word version)
02 September, 2019
Week ending 1st September 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 1.9.19 (PDF version)
02 September, 2019
Week ending 1st September 2019
Tenants in flat-shares lose their living rooms as landlords make the most of space
01 September, 2019
Tenants in shared houses are facing the end of the sitting room for Generation Rent, as landlords increasingly convert every possible space into bedrooms
Landlords show strong performance against Scottish Social Housing Charter
30 August, 2019
Regulatory report shows tenant satisfaction is high, with nine in 10 social housing tenants satisfied with overall service
No Help To Buy for England's average renters
30 August, 2019
Research reveals only 0.2% of private renters who earn £30k or less are able to use failing scheme
From the frontline Universal Credit and the broken housing safety net
30 August, 2019
The five-week wait is five weeks too long
Landlords stronger together
30 August, 2019
The country's largest landlord organisations are to come together to deliver a stronger voice for the private rented sector
Bedroom tax applies even when children must share very small rooms
30 August, 2019
A court ruling has prompted the government to remind councils that the bedroom tax applies even when children are forced to share very small rooms
UK food banks run low as demand surges in school holidays
30 August, 2019
Organisers say donations falling during the summer, just as more families seek help
Spending Review plea over future for Local Housing Allowance
30 August, 2019
Report from Shelter says "robust mechanism" needed to keep rates in line with at least the cheapest third of local rents
Tenants flock to apply as soon as fees ban started - but rents rise as landlords say 'enough'
30 August, 2019
The number of tenancy applications rose 'dramatically' as soon as the fees ban came into force in England
Landlords being called in by council for interviews under criminal caution
30 August, 2019
Landlords suspected to be in breach of licensing are attending interviews with a local council under criminal caution
'Down to the last few tins': summer crisis at Preston food bank
29 August, 2019
The Salvation Army centre is seeing more working families, while donations have fallen
Families threaten council with legal action over allocation policy
29 August, 2019
A group of families is preparing to take a London council to court as they claim the authority's housing allocation policy discriminates against homeless people
Energy efficiency comes high up in the list of 'wants' for buyers and tenants
29 August, 2019
Energy efficiency is in high demand among home buyers and renters, with over a fifth wanting reduced CO2 emissions in their next home, notably in the form of energy-efficient appliances and electric car-charging points
Tenants to be able to buy tiny 1% shares in homes each year in 'radical' new plan
29 August, 2019
Changes are to be made to the shared ownership scheme, by which people will be able to buy their home in chunks of just 1%, rather than 10% as has been the case
Repairs and maintenance levels across England hit 20-year low
29 August, 2019
Reports show construction output per property is decreasing in real terms by £192 a year
'It shows callous disdain for residents': Angry row erupts after council and Man City owners threaten to evict tenants from Ancoats apartments
29 August, 2019
Manchester Life, a joint venture by the council and the Abu Dhabi United Group, has been criticised for serving tenants in Ancoats with section 21 eviction notices
Social housing provider apologises after 'gross' conditions at Gloucester property
29 August, 2019
Young persons social worker say they saw 'discarded needles, crack wraps littering the floor, blood-soaked rags and bottles filled with urine' at Bedford Street property
Councils could be just days away from Right To Buy reform
28 August, 2019
But no hint from government if LGA campaign to boost council housebuilding has paid off through the brought-forward Spending Review
Single Grenfell family still in hotel
28 August, 2019
As of June, 194 Grenfell affected households said to have accepted a permanent home, with 185 households already moved in
Winsford set for new council houses in 139-home development
28 August, 2019
Dozens of council houses are in the pipeline as part of a new development set for Winsford
Abolishing Section 21 is a great first step - but rental reform has only just begun
28 August, 2019
Soon, private tenants in England will have the security they need to call their rented house a home
Private Rented Sector Report - July 2019
28 August, 2019
The number of tenants experiencing rent rises increased to the highest figure on record in July
Letting agents in Wales brace themselves for tenancy fees ban to kick in this weekend
28 August, 2019
Letting agents in Wales will lose an average of £181.15 in fees per tenancy as from this weekend
Record number of rent hikes after tenancy fees ban - 'We told you so' says ARLA
28 August, 2019
The number of renters experiencing rent rises hit a record high in July, the second month after the introduction of the tenant fees ban in England
Scottish social housing sector 'should be confident' about the future
27 August, 2019
Sally Thomas says SFHA is ready to help shape housing policy in upbeat AGM address
Social housing construction continues to defy downturn
27 August, 2019
Work on social housing construction is set to rise from 2019-2020
Shift to 'affordable housing' happening at the expense of social rents
27 August, 2019
New report pitches potential for "perfect storm" as austerity policies increasingly push those on the lowest incomes into private rental sector
The scandal of Thistle Housing Association in Toryglen
27 August, 2019
In my time at the Evening Times I've come across a lot of angry people who want their stories told in the paper to try to mobile the authorities into some kind of action
Britain's 'most eligible bachelor' the Duke of Westminster, 28, is accused of 'social cleansing' over plans to evict 40 families from their council homes to make way for luxury flats
27 August, 2019
Hugh Grosvenor, 28, the Duke of Westminster, owns more land than the Queen
HMOs, housing woes and the blueprint for the future - we lift the lid on the big property issues facing South Tynside
27 August, 2019
For every local authority, housing brings its own set of challenges
Scottish regulator found 'inappropriate payments' made by landlord before deregistration
27 August, 2019
A Scottish housing association was wiped off the register after weaknesses were found in its governance and financial management, including inappropriate payments to committee members
Confusion as Welsh government brings in tenancy fee ban in 'two parts'
27 August, 2019
Confusion will reign when the fees ban comes into force at the weekend
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 25.8.19 (Word version)
27 August, 2019
Week ending 25th August 2019
London Residential Landlord Information Network weekly news round-up - week ending 25.8.19 (PDF version)
27 August, 2019
Week ending 25th August 2019
HB Bulletin U3/2019
23 August, 2019
Urgent information for all local authority Housing Benefit staff
LGA goes 'gloves off' over Right To Buy reform
23 August, 2019
The government has warned plans for thousands of new council-built homes are at risk without reform through the Spending Review
Council housing residents blocked from accessing communal play area and gardens
23 August, 2019
The only building that has access to the gardens and play area is full of privately owned flats
Landlord confidence hits seven-year low
23 August, 2019
Only 29 per cent of landlords had positive expectations for their letting business over the next three months, down from 44 per cent the same time last year and an "historic low"
'I was housed in a shipping container for two years - they aren't fit for purpose'
23 August, 2019
'It would make me feel crazy because it was a box. Four walls, not much space' one woman tells Vicky Spratt
Research reveals extent of PRS Universal Credit arrears
23 August, 2019
Majority of landlords say arrears only started after tenants were subjected to "welfare reform"
Over half of landlords letting to Universal Credit tenants experiencing arrears
23 August, 2019
Universal Credit is causing tenants to fall behind with their rent
Court hands agent £4,500 bill after HMO fire safety breaches
23 August, 2019
An agent has been fined £3,000 after admitting three offences relating to a House in Multiple Occupation. It was also ordered to pay £1,496 in costs plus a £120 victim surcharge
Tenancy deposit replacement firm launches new product allowing tenants to take their cash
23 August, 2019
Tenancy deposit replacement business Zero Deposit is launching a new product which allows tenants to unlock their cash deposit and replace it with a guarantee
Legal crowdfunding campaign to back Section 21 appeal nearly at target after just one day
23 August, 2019
A legal crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an appeal against a Section 21 ruling has almost reached target - after just one day and with 27 days still to go
We need social housing, not warehouses, for homeless kids
22 August, 2019
Parking familes in temporary 'human warehouses', as reported by the children's commissioner, is storing up problems
State of the PRS (Q1 2019) A survey of private landlords and the impact of welfare reforms
22 August, 2019
Universal Credit is forcing tenants into rent arrears
Tenant, Cyril Hall, reflects on 92 years in same Barnsley council house
22 August, 2019
Cyril Hall was just a baby when his father got the keys to a new council house in Barnsley
New analysis shows private renters 'miss out' at elections
22 August, 2019
Some London boroughs with the highest numbers of renters are revealed in having the lowest levels of voter registration
Budget uncertainty forcing councils into further cuts
22 August, 2019
Committee calls for £4bn boost to restore council funding to 2001 levels
Social housing staff show 'lack of' environmental conscience
22 August, 2019
40% of those surveyed said that they didn't worry about energy consumption in the workplace as they "don't pick up the bill"
130,000 families living in one-bed flats
22 August, 2019
More than one in ten children in England are living in overcrowded homes, with 130,000 families squeezed into one-bedroom flats
Stop meddling with private rented sector but please get on and regulate
22 August, 2019
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has called on the Government to stop meddling with the private rented sector
Two brave landlords and their long quest for justice in case of fraudulent agent
22 August, 2019
A pair of landlords were instrumental in the long battle to bring fraudster agent Andre Montaut to justice
MPs call for huge council tax hikes for southern England to reflect property values compared to the north
21 August, 2019
MPs say councils need billions more every year than they're given by Treasury
Equalities watchdog reveals 10 social landlords that filed gender pay reports 'late'
21 August, 2019
Ten social housing landlords were recorded as publishing their gender pay gap reports late to the government in the past two years
Commons report reinforces links between welfare reform and housing insecurity
21 August, 2019
The government is accused of focussing on tackling the symptoms of homelessness rather than addressing root causes
Emergency services called to housing association offices after carpet clean leaves staff 'sick and dizzy'
21 August, 2019
Housing association staff had to be treated by paramedics this week after an office carpet clean left them feeling "sick and dizzy"
House prices would flounder in six months after no-deal Brexit
21 August, 2019
Britain's drifting property market would probably take a hit from a disorderly Brexit, with average prices slipping about 3% nationally in the ensuing six months and as much as 10% in London
Students paying lower rents than 20 years ago in almost half of the UK's university towns and cities
21 August, 2019
Landlords are finding it harder to increase rents for student housing because of a competitive market
Agent is jailed for 25 months after committing 'sophisticated' tenancy deposit fraud
21 August, 2019
An estate agent has been jailed for 25 months and banned from being a director for five years after stealing deposits as he tried to prop up his failing business