Agents are being urged to campaign to change Labour’s Renters Rights Bill to stop it damaging the lettings industry. Neil Cobbold, commercial...
Archive
22 July 2024
From: Breaking News
![Labour will regulate lettings because it's a cheap option - claim](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/BuildToRent-400x310.png)
Labour is likely to make rental sector reform and regulation a priority - at least partly because it will be low-cost...
03 July 2024
From: Breaking News
![Agents prefer PropTech to extra staff to ease workload](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/PropTech/PropTech3-400x310.png)
PropTech - not more staff - can make letting agencies more productive and reduce costs. A new rental confidence survey of lettings...
27 June 2024
From: Breaking News
![Agents Distinctly Underwhelmed by Tories’ manifesto pledges](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews2-400x310.png)
Agents, and others in the lettings industry, have given a sceptical response to the Conservative manifesto and its varied pledges about...
12 June 2024
From: Breaking News
![Agents’ Election Briefing - free webinar update on industry issues](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/PropTech/Webinar-400x310.png)
The future of the UK lettings market will be determined by the July 4 election and now PropTech player Reapit |...
11 June 2024
From: Breaking News
![Tenant Turnover - landlord sales and not evictions are chief cause](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/HouseForSale_400x310.png)
Some 50% of tenants who moved last year did so because their landlords decided to sell the property. By contrast, eviction was...
16 May 2024
From: Breaking News
![ESTAS announce new PropTech headline partners for 2024](/upload/images/shutterstock_377461951.jpg)
The ESTAS, the customer review and awards platform, has unveiled new headline partners for 2024. Reapit and PayProp will become the Headline...
29 April 2024
From: Breaking News
![PropTech tool will help eviction process under Renters Reform Bill changes](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/PropTech/PropTech3-400x310.png)
A new communications log feature has been introduced by a PropTech supplier which allegedly makes it easier to gather evidence for...
25 April 2024
From: Breaking News
![Agents must work with (not against) those wanting regulation - call](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/LearningAgents-400x310.png)
A prominent PropTech entrepreneur is urging agents and other in the property industry to engage with those wishing to introduce regulation...
12 April 2024
From: Breaking News
![New Banking Scandal as thousands of agency accounts are closed](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews3-400x310.png)
A Parliamentary committee has heard that thousands of small and medium-sized letting agencies were debanked in 2023, with financial institutions forcibly...
11 March 2024
From: Breaking News
![Rental scams could soar as AI spreads, warns industry figure](/upload/images/shutterstock_2156624731.jpg)
A prominent industry expert says lettings agents and other property sector insiders should be extra-vigilant over cybersecurity breaches. Neil Cobbold, managing director...
12 February 2024
From: Breaking News
![Unique lettings agent motivation event scores award success](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/shutterstock_1697309575.jpg)
An event which claims to change the fortunes of letting agents has been recognised by the Professional Speakers Academy. Agent Rainmaker Live...
19 January 2024
From: Breaking News
![Artificial Intelligence and Client Money Security - free webinar tomorrow](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/PropTech/Webinar-400x310.png)
Propertymark is hosting a client money security webinar tomorrow lunchtime between 12.30 and 13.30. The webinar will discuss the rise of Artificial...
15 January 2024
From: Breaking News
![Neil Cobbold, Managing Director at PayProp UK](/upload/images/400x310.png)
Who are you and what does it say on your business card? Neil Cobbold, Managing Director What is PayProp and what does it...
08 January 2024
From: 60 Second Interview
![Labour to ban bidding wars and offer new anti-social behaviour rules](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews-400x310.png)
A prominent housing market commentator says Labour would introduce a tougher version of the Renters Reform Bill if it forms the...
27 December 2023
From: Breaking News
![PropTech boss makes 22 amendments to Renters Reform Bill](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/Upfront%20information%20is%20here%20and%20now%20-%20digital%20conveyancing%20is%20next!%20by%20Beth%20Rudolf.png)
A leading PropTech entrepreneur has written to MPs outlining detailed plans that he believes would ensure the controversial Renters Reform Bill...
26 October 2023
From: Breaking News
![Build To Rent ‘may get favourable treatment’ on rent legislation](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/BuildToRent1-400x310.png)
A controversial consultation document about rent controls is proposing that Build To Rent operators be exempt from the caps which may...
13 October 2023
From: Breaking News
![Rent Control proposals slammed by prominent industry commentator](/upload/images/shutterstock_2239146247.jpg)
Proposals for rent controls made in a government consultation document have been slammed by a prominent industry commentator and PropTech entrepreneur. The...
06 October 2023
From: Breaking News
![Renters Reform Bill - Agents urged to lobby MPs with amendments](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews-400x310.png)
A prominent industry supplier is urging agents and landlords to lobby MPs to suggest improvements to the Renters Reform Bill. PayProp UK...
21 September 2023
From: Breaking News
![MPs back to work but Renters Reform Bill clarity still awaited](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews3-400x310.png)
Parliament resumes today following its summer recess but there is still a lack of detail on aspects of the Renters Reform...
04 September 2023
From: Breaking News
![Agents told to lobby MPs over Renters Reform Bill](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/PropertyNews1-400x310.png)
It appears almost certain that the Second Reading of the Renters Reform Bill - expected some weeks ago - will not...
14 July 2023
From: Breaking News
![Share your views and you could help shape the evolution of the Renters (Reform) Bill](/upload/images/adv-2021/sponsored-content/PayProp/PayProp_SC_070723.jpg)
The Renters (Reform) Bill rewrites many of the rules that the private rented sector has played by for decades. This may...
07 July 2023
From: Sponsored Content
![Renters Reform Bill is chance to professionalise sector - PropTech chief](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/AgentHouseInHand_400x310.png)
The Renters Reform Bill can be the perfect opportunity for the industry to become more professional - just so long as...
13 June 2023
From: Breaking News
![Key reasons why agents use IT revealed by PropTech survey](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/PropTech/Software-400x310.png)
A new survey reveals that the safety of client funds is one of the key reasons why letting agents look to...
08 June 2023
From: Breaking News
![Agents Warned: hefty fines if firms found to be non-compliant](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/Fine-400x310.png)
A PropTech expert is warning that letting agents can expect hefty fines if they fail to comply with complex Client Money...
16 February 2023
From: Breaking News
![Actual rent rises may be below figures in surveys - claim](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Property%20Market/AgentsWorking-400x310.png)
PropTech firm PayProp UK claims actual rent rises may be well below those suggested in some surveys. In response to the Scottish...
15 December 2022
From: Breaking News
![It’s never been more important to air your views on lettings](/upload/images/adv-2021/sponsored-content/PayProp/PayProp%20sponsored%20content%20article%20-%20survey.jpg)
Does the lettings industry cater properly for agents' needs? There’s only one way of knowing – asking you directly. To find out...
14 November 2022
From: Sponsored Content
![Lettings will be safety net for agents hit by major downturn - claim](/upload/images/Shutterstock-only%20images/Rental%20Market/Stressed(F)Tenant-400x310.png)
Agents should look to lettings to protect themselves when the sales market is hit by the coming recession and drop in...
08 November 2022
From: Breaking News
![Top industry figures to address new agency event this autumn](/upload/images/Miscellaneous/Conference1400x310.jpg)
High profile lettings industry figures Paul Shamplina and Sally Lawson are amongst the keynote speakers at a new event for agents...
15 August 2022
From: Breaking News
![Pressure mounts on politicians to relax proposed eviction rules change](/upload/images/Housing%20Market%20%26%20Property%20Images/NoteOfEviction.png)
Another prominent industry voice is warning of the dangers of the Scottish Government’s new eviction policies. So far the National Residential Landlords...
30 June 2022
From: Breaking News
![Get Involved Now! Big industry debate on Rental White Paper](/upload/images/Politics%20(MPs%2C%20party%20logos%2C%20etc)/Parliament-Summer-400x310.jpg)
Today’s proposed changes to the private rental sector are the most radical for a generation. The first industry debate on this hot...
16 June 2022
From: Breaking News
![Is rental reform a distraction from government failures elsewhere?](/upload/images/Politics%20(MPs%2C%20party%20logos%2C%20etc)/HousesofParliament-3-400x310.jpg)
A prominent lettings industry supplier has asked whether the earlier-than-expected arrival of the rental reform white paper was a distraction from...
16 June 2022
From: Breaking News
![Evictions - What Next? Industry must rethink process, say leaders](/upload/images/Housing%20Market%20%26%20Property%20Images/NoteOfEviction.png)
Two of the most respected figures in the lettings sector are calling on agents, landlords and tenants to consider the future...
31 May 2022
From: Breaking News
![Tax Consultation - only days left for agents to respond](/upload/images/Housing%20Market%20%26%20Property%20Images/Tax-400x310.png)
There’s just a week left - including the long Jubilee celebration period - for agents to respond to a major property tax...
30 May 2022
From: Breaking News
![Vote 2022 - today's elections could change course of rental reform](/upload/images/Politics%20(MPs%2C%20party%20logos%2C%20etc)/Conservative-logo400x310.png)
A leading lettings sector commentator believes today’s local elections may not directly change the private rental sector but could have a...
05 May 2022
From: Breaking News
![Agents must be more transparent to staff and customers - call](/upload/images/Housing%20Market%20%26%20Property%20Images/HouseSearch-400x310-min.jpg)
A prominent industry supplier says lettings agents must be increasingly transparent on the services they provide - not just to landlords...
03 May 2022
From: Breaking News
![PropTech Today – supporting smarter, more streamlined enforcement with PropTech](/upload/images/PropTech%20%26%20Online/PropTech-TouchScreen-400x310.jpg)
Housing is back on the political agenda with a bang. The government’s new Levelling Up White Paper sets out sweeping reforms...
23 March 2022
From: Breaking News
![More industry regulation needed - but not if it alienates agents](/upload/images/PropTech%20%26%20Online/OnlineProperty-400x310.png)
A leading figure in the PropTech sector says more regulation could make the rental sector fairer, more transparent and ultimately more...
25 February 2022
From: Breaking News
![Agents may shun landlords with poor compliance record - claim](/upload/images/Housing%20Market%20%26%20Property%20Images/LandlordStressed-400x310.png)
Self-managing landlords who think they don’t have the same compliance obligations as agents could face serious repercussions, Trading Standards chiefs have...
31 December 2021
From: Breaking News
![How can letting agents improve their reputation?](/upload/images/new-story-stock-images/Staff-Recruitment-Image-400x310.jpg)
How can agents improve their position in society? A report has been published following a roundtable discussion between prominent agency figures...
14 December 2021
From: Breaking News
![Last chance to register – webinar on transparency in lettings tomorrow](/upload/images/PropTech%20%26%20Online/Webinar-400x310.png)
The live launch of a roundtable event hosted by rental payments platform PayProp takes place tomorrow – and letting agents can...
08 November 2021
From: Breaking News
![Webinar – how can letting agents be compliant with Trading Standards rules?](/upload/images/PropTech%20%26%20Online/magneteventpro.jpg)
A recent industry roundtable event hosted by PayProp, which brought together some of the lettings industry’s biggest hitters, will be live streamed next week...
05 November 2021
From: Breaking News
![Agent Alert: Change to eviction notice periods from today](/img/default/lat.png)
The ban on bailiff-enforced evictions is now finally at an end and from today there is a change to the notice...
01 June 2021
From: Breaking News
![Agents should educate landlords over Breathing Space scheme - call](/img/default/lat.png)
A prominent industry figure says lettings agents will have a key role educating landlords over the controversial Breathing Space scheme introduced...
05 May 2021
From: Breaking News
![Government mediation can help agencies recover arrears - industry leader](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading figure in the lettings sector says the government’s new Housing Possession Mediation Scheme can help agencies and landlords recover...
28 April 2021
From: Breaking News
![Surprise as Capital Gains Tax left unchanged in government plans](/img/default/lat.png)
The lettings sector is giving a sigh of relief at the absence of any change to Capital Gains Tax by HM Treasury. CGT...
24 March 2021
From: Breaking News
![Help bring rental sector Health and Safety up to date, agents urged](/img/default/lat.png)
Letting agencies are being urged to help to shape the future of the rental sector by completing a survey as part...
19 March 2021
From: Breaking News
![Furlough extension will be saviour for many agents - PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
The extension of the furlough scheme might be an indirect saviour for many lettings agencies says a leading PropTech entrepreneur. Neil Cobbold,...
04 March 2021
From: Breaking News
![Budget: Will it hurt or help the private rental sector?](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech expert says the lettings industry hopes next week’s Budget will provide clarity on taxes - but he’s also...
23 February 2021
From: Breaking News
![Agents 'should guide landlords through blizzard of licensing rules'](/img/default/lat.png)
Letting agents should help landlords through a blizzard of red tape and regulation cause by local licensing schemes, a PropTech entrepreneur...
10 February 2021
From: Breaking News
![Eviction ban extension - predictable but an opportunity, says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading market commentator and PropTech chief says the extension of the bailiff-enforced eviction ban was predictable, but presents agents with...
13 January 2021
From: Breaking News
![Recent drop in arrears is false dawn, warns PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
Rent arrears in the private sector have actually dipped from their pandemic peak over the past two months - but they...
31 December 2020
From: Breaking News
![‘Sharpen up arrears process’ agents told as eviction truce starts](/img/default/lat.png)
Today is the start of the official Christmas eviction ban ‘truce’ in the private rental sector - and it continues until...
11 December 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agencies should review banking and payments - PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
Letting agencies should review banking and payment systems in the light of rule changes and the ongoing challenge of the pandemic. This advice...
20 November 2020
From: Breaking News
![Stand by for referral fee restrictions, letting agents warned](/img/default/lat.png)
Agents are being warned to prepare now for likely controls on referral fees, following recommendations made to the government by the...
27 October 2020
From: Breaking News
![Text messages from agents to tenants work best - PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech figure says using text messages to remind tenants when rent is due and chase late payments is a...
15 October 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agents advised to appoint dedicated eviction specialist to help landlords](/img/default/lat.png)
A prominent PropTech figure says agents have a key role in reducing evictions in the short term - and he suggests...
23 September 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agents must not be tempted to charge illegal fees, industry chief warns](/img/default/lat.png)
One of the leading figures in the PropTech world is warning that letting agents must not be tempted into charging illegal...
08 September 2020
From: Breaking News
![How has Covid-19 hit the rental market? Your chance to find out…](/img/default/lat.png)
ARLA Propertymark is holding a webinar later this month to discuss the impact of Coronavirus on the private rental sector. It will...
04 September 2020
From: Breaking News
![Industry self-regulation now moves centre-stage says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech figure says a political issue north of the border demonstrates the advantages of voluntary industry codes of practice over...
13 August 2020
From: Breaking News
![Warning to agents - three reasons why arrears may rise from next month](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech entrepreneur is warning agents to prepare for increased rent arrears from as soon as next month. Neil Cobbold, chief...
30 July 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agents must help landlords as Corona-fuelled arrears grow - call](/img/default/lat.png)
A call has gone out for agents to offer extra support to landlords in the coming months as arrears may well...
19 June 2020
From: Breaking News
![Short lets ‘annual limits’ could spread outside London - expert](/img/default/lat.png)
The current restriction on Airbnb-style short lets to 90 nights a year in London could spread to other cities - and...
08 June 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agents must have complete records to avoid Corona complaints - claim](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech expert has urged lettings agents to improve their administration and paperwork if they want to avoid what could...
29 April 2020
From: Breaking News
![Furloughing scheme will help agents to reschedule rent payments](/img/default/lat.png)
The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be essential to keeping payments flowing through the rental sector, according to a leading...
21 April 2020
From: Breaking News
![Today’s The Day: multiple tax changes will hit the rental sector](/img/default/lat.png)
It’s not just navigating a path through the Coronavirus crisis that is proving the value of letting agents - it’s their...
06 April 2020
From: Breaking News
![Robust systems vital to manage rent and mortgage holidays - claim](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading Proptech expert says agents must have robust payment systems to cope with the unusual pressure of tracking mortgage and...
27 March 2020
From: Breaking News
![Rental sector can do more to raise housing standards - PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech expert says there’s still more that can be done by the rental sector to drive up the quality...
18 March 2020
From: Breaking News
![Fees Act confusion could trigger surge in complaints about agents](/img/default/lat.png)
Confusion among renters over the complex Tenant Fees Act could trigger a surge in complaints about agents to redress schemes -...
12 February 2020
From: Breaking News
![PropTech lettings supplier wins Gold Trusted Service Award](/img/default/lat.png)
Lettings payment automation provider PayProp has won a Gold Trusted Service Award from online reviews platform Feefo. The PropTech firm was deemed...
03 February 2020
From: Breaking News
![Banning Orders could rise this year after councils win extra cash](/img/default/lat.png)
Councils that have been awarded additional cash injections by government could use their windfalls to enhance their enforcement of the private...
20 January 2020
From: Breaking News
![Agents can beat S21 ban by working harder to avoid evictions - claim](/img/default/lat.png)
Letting agents can beat the upcoming ban on Section 21 by updating key documentation and automating arrears management to reduce the...
31 December 2019
From: Breaking News
![Letting agents told: Improve communications with tenants](/img/default/lat.png)
If letting agents want more satisfied clients and fewer disputes they should provide better information to tenants. That’s the view of PropTech...
17 December 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents warned: Prepare for imminent Anti-Money Laundering changes](/img/default/lat.png)
[Letting Agent Today was ‘off air’ for some of Wednesday and most of Thursday thanks to technical problems - we apologise to...
06 December 2019
From: Breaking News
![Short lets offer opportunities for agents - but only if they’re regulated](/img/default/lat.png)
The growing chorus of calls to professionalise the short lets sector has won influential backing from a senior PropTech entrepreneur. Neil Cobbold...
13 November 2019
From: Breaking News
![Selective licensing overhaul needed quickly, government told](/img/default/lat.png)
The government is being urged to speed up the release details of the future it sees for selective licensing following revelations...
25 October 2019
From: Breaking News
![Exodus begins as landlords set to sell-up, warns Rightmove](/img/default/lat.png)
New research from Rightmove shows almost a quarter of landlords are planning to sell at least one property from their current...
17 October 2019
From: Breaking News
![Best agents should demonstrate compliance to expose rogue operators](/img/default/lat.png)
A call has been made for the best letting agencies and other rental sector professionals to show how they comply with...
01 October 2019
From: Breaking News
![Labour’s controversial right to buy could work, if landlords benefit too](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech chief says there is nothing inherently wrong with private tenants being given the right to buy their property,...
23 September 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents warned that let-only tenant-find portfolios are less profitable](/img/default/lat.png)
A respected transfer agent who has been selling lettings businesses for 25 years has issued a warning that tenant-find let-only portfolios...
06 September 2019
From: Breaking News
![Bank client account changes: Agents urged to have a Plan B](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading industry figure is calling on agents to have a Plan B ready if their bank closes undesignated client accounts. This...
21 August 2019
From: Breaking News
![Scrapping S21 could be chance for agents to secure more work - claim](/img/default/lat.png)
If the government follows through with its plan to scrap Section 21 there could be more work for agents as a...
30 July 2019
From: Breaking News
![Tricky conditions mean agents need to impress professional landlords](/img/default/lat.png)
A rise in the number of professional landlords means letting agents need to ensure their service meets the expectations of experienced...
04 July 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents can cut complaints by adopting more PropTech, says guru](/img/default/lat.png)
Letting agencies can reduce the number of complaints about the industry and improve their own customer service and relationships by improving...
26 June 2019
From: Breaking News
![PropTech boss renews call for agents to offset Fees Ban through more IT](/img/default/lat.png)
The head of an automated payment system for the rental sector says lettings agents can help offset losses caused by the...
03 June 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents must get to grips with deposit alternatives - their time has come](/img/default/lat.png)
Lettings agents are being urged to educate themselves as much as possible about rival deposit alternative schemes which are becoming increasingly...
28 May 2019
From: Breaking News
![Should ‘revenue raising licensing schemes’ reinvest in the PRS?](/img/default/lat.png)
Revenue raised by landlord licensing schemes should be used to enforce rental sector regulation, according to PayProp. It says that the money...
09 May 2019
From: Breaking News
![PropTech should free agents to meet customers ‘not lead to fewer jobs’](/img/default/lat.png)
Increased use of PropTech by lettings agencies should allow staff to be freed up to engage in all-important face-to-face contact with...
25 April 2019
From: Breaking News
![Are you on it? The ESTAS People Award shortlist is here...](/img/default/lat.png)
The final - and some say most prestigious - shortlist for this year’s ESTAS awards has been revealed. The People Awards, sponsored...
05 April 2019
From: Breaking News
![‘CMP will protect clients from agents that go under after Fees Ban’](/img/default/lat.png)
The mandatory Client Money Protection scheme membership that comes into effect today will protect landlords and tenants from letting agents that...
01 April 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents must hammer home buy to let benefits, says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
It’s a vital time for letting agents to hammer home the benefits of buy to let and the dangers to landlords...
28 March 2019
From: Breaking News
![Quality of homes to let must improve, says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
Sub-standard homes remain a key weakness in the private rental sector, which needs to get its house in order in the...
20 February 2019
From: Breaking News
![Fees Ban ‘could keep High Street agents viable’ says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
The tenants’ fees ban coming into effect from June 1 could help traditional lettings agents keep their place on High Streets,...
05 February 2019
From: Breaking News
![Should there be a Rogue Tenants register? Should the lettings industry fight back?](/img/default/lat.png)
The news this week that even individual private landlords must join a redress scheme is just the latest in an onslaught...
25 January 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents 'could get quicker, fairer redress' through Housing Court](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech exponent is supporting the government’s Housing Court initiative, suggesting it could make redress for agents, landlords and tenants...
22 January 2019
From: Breaking News
![Agents ‘must add value for landlords’ if they want to survive 2019](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech entrepreneur says letting agents must provide value for their landlord clients through technology, transparency and service if they...
03 January 2019
From: Breaking News
![Festive cheer as PropTech company reveals charitable roots](/img/default/lat.png)
The automated lettings payment platform PayProp has revealed that it comes from charitable roots. PayProp is part of Humanstate, a private technology...
21 December 2018
From: Breaking News
![Agents using technology can cut arrears and voids - claim](/img/default/lat.png)
Increased use of PropTech by letting agents can cut rent arrears, minimise voids and reduce the financial and legal fall out...
11 December 2018
From: Breaking News
![Agents embracing fees ban set to succeed long-term says PropTech chief](/img/default/lat.png)
A leading PropTech entrepreneur says agents who accept that the lettings fee ban is coming and who plan positively for its...