UKALA

04/06/2026

Holding deposits can provide reassurance for landlords and agents, but they also come with strict rules, potential pitfalls, and financial penalties if handled incorrectly 📑

At the same time, Agreements to Lease can create significant commitments for both landlords and tenants - often before all the necessary information is available.

In our latest blog, we explore:
📌 The risks and benefits of holding deposits
📌 Key considerations before entering into an Agreement to Lease
📌 Why these discussions should take place before a property is marketed
📌 How agents can help landlords make informed decisions

Understanding the implications upfront can help avoid costly mistakes later.

To read the full article, sign up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/consideration-on-holding-deposits-and-agreements-to-lease-england-and-wales/

28/05/2026

The rules around rent increases in England have changed.

Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, section 13 rent increases now follow a new process - and getting it wrong could lead to costly delays and lost income.

In our latest blog, we explain:
➡️ The new section 13 notice requirements
➡️ How often rent can now be increased
➡️ What happens if tenants challenge an increase
➡️ The common mistakes agents need to avoid

Understanding the updated rules is essential for compliant tenancy management in the new legal landscape.

Read the full article by signing up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/rent-increases-post-renters-rights-england-only/

27/05/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force… and the industry is already adapting fast.

New tenancy agreements.
Pet requests.
Updated notice processes.
New compliance requirements.

And with just days left to ensure tenants have received the correct Government information sheets, now is the time to make sure your knowledge is up to date.

That’s why our partners at Training for Professionals are hosting their final public Mastering the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 course on 29th May 2026.

This live and interactive online webinar will cover the latest updates, practical implications and what letting agents need to know right now.

📅 29th May 2026
📞 Book your place: 01258 858585

As a reminder, UKALA members receive a 25% discount on live training.

26/05/2026

Discrimination in lettings is no longer just a legal issue for the most obvious cases.

Across England and Wales, everyday phrases and routine processes are increasingly leading to complaints, enforcement action, and reputational damage for letting agents.

From “ideal for professionals” wording to policies around benefits applicants or families with children, many agencies may be exposing themselves to risk without realising it.

In our latest blog, we explore:
✅ The hidden compliance risks in modern lettings
✅ How discrimination claims are evolving
✅ What agents need to change now to stay protected
✅ Understanding the law is essential to protect both your business and your clients.

Read the full article by signing up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/discrimination-in-lettings-what-agents-in-england-and-wales-need-to-know-now/

18/05/2026

From 1 May 2026, tenants in England now have a legal right to request a pet 🐾

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, blanket “no pets” policies are no longer sufficient. Requests must be considered properly, strict 28-day deadlines apply, and unreasonable refusals could lead to legal challenges.

For letting agents, this is a significant compliance shift - not a minor change.

In our latest blog, we cover:
📌 What the new rules mean in practice
📌 How to handle pet requests correctly
📌 The risks of getting it wrong
📌 Why new processes and record-keeping are essential

Now the legislation is live, it is crucial to ensure your agency and your landlords are prepared.

Read the full article and sign up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/understanding-overcrowding-a-practical-guide-for-letting-agents/

14/05/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force - bringing major changes to tenancies, rent rules, possession, and compliance 📑

To stay ahead, Training for Professionals : Mastering The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 gives letting agents the clarity they need in a complex new legal landscape.

The course covers:
▶️ Assured periodic tenancies and transitional rules
▶️ Rent increases and restrictions
▶️ New rules around pets and tenant rights
▶️ Enforcement powers and increased penalties

UKALA members receive an exclusive 25% discount.

Ensure your agency is fully prepared.

https://www.tfponline.co.uk/Public/EventsShop.aspx

12/05/2026

Overcrowding is fast becoming one of the most overlooked compliance risks in the private rented sector 🏘️

With increased council enforcement, rising fines, and the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, getting this wrong could have serious consequences - from blocking possession to exposing landlords and agents to penalties.

In our latest blog, we break down:
➡️ What overcrowding actually means in practice
➡️ Why letting agents can now be directly liable
➡️ How to protect your business and your landlords
➡️ Understanding the risks now is essential to avoid enforcement action later.

Read the full article and sign up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/understanding-overcrowding-a-practical-guide-for-letting-agents/

05/05/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force, meaning letting agents and property professionals should already be adapting to the new legal framework 📋

In Part 2 of our blog, we explain what happens to Section 21 and Section 8 notices served before commencement, including key cut-off dates and the practical implications for possession.

We also cover:
✅ New requirements for providing information to existing tenants
✅ What the changes mean for day-to-day property management
✅ Common pitfalls to avoid during the transition period

Now the legislation is live, understanding these changes is essential to remain compliant and manage tenancies with confidence.

Read the full article and sign up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/renters-rights-transitional-provisions-part-2-england-only/

01/05/2026

From 1 May 2026, existing assured shorthold tenancies in England will automatically convert to assured periodic tenancies 📣

While tenancy agreements may not need to be rewritten, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes that letting agents and property professionals need to understand.

In Part 1 of our latest blog, we explore how the transitional provisions could affect:
▶️ The term of an existing tenancy
▶️ Rent paid in advance
▶️ Scheduled rent increases

Understanding these changes is essential to remain compliant and reduce the risk of enforcement action.

Read the full article and sign up to UKALA today.

https://www.ukala.org.uk/renters-rights-transitional-provisions-part-1-england-only/

20/09/2024

Will your property inspection regime stand up to scrutiny?

As a landlord, it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations regarding property maintenance, both within and beyond the dwelling itself, as well. The Defective Premises Act 1972 places a duty of care on landlords to ensure that external areas, like driveways, garages, walls, and other structures, are safe and well-maintained. Failure to address these issues can lead to costly civil claims or penalties.

Learn how to protect yourself, ensure tenant safety, and avoid unnecessary expenses in part 2 of this must-read guide for landlords in England and Wales.

In the first article concerning the management of the outside of the property we saw that the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 dealt with the dwelling itself, both internally and externally. This piece of legislation though ignores anything that is not part of the dwelling. The Defective Premises Act 19...