July was an especially busy month inside and outside the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
Not only do we have a new Prime Minister, but the government has also given us much-awaited news on Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act. They’re also asking landlords to help ensure the upcoming Private Rented Sector Database is accessible to everyone (more on that later).
Our data partners are adjusting their methodology this month, so unfortunately we’ll be unable to bring you the latest rental market performance data. This will be back next month.
Andy Burnham becomes new Prime Minister
On July 20, 2026, Andy Burnham became Prime Minister after replacing Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party. Starmer had previously announced his resignation following mounting political pressure.
Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament as an MP for Makerfield having previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was elected unopposed on July 1.
What a Burnham government means for landlords
As with all incoming governments, Burnham’s Labour caused a stir of concern in the PRS.
This was especially felt when it was suggested that the new Prime Minister was considering instituting rent controls, including measures to regulate rent increases. This plan, however, was ruled out by the Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, who confirmed that no such measure was being planned.
While this gave the PRS some reassurance, it does not mean that landlords should expect business as usual. In previous years, Burnham has supported stronger private landlord regulations, tougher approaches to poor-quality housing, and greater public control.
This, and the fact that his government is proceeding with phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act, gives a good indication of what we might expect from Labour going forward. As your agent, we’ll be here to help you succeed through changing regulations and increased scrutiny on the PRS.
Renters’ Rights Act Phase 2: Landlords face new database and redress requirements
Ahead of Phase 2 implementation at the end of the year, the government has given more detail on Register Your Rental Property (previously known as the Private Rented Sector Database) and the landlord redress scheme.
We already knew that landlords would be required to register themselves and their rental properties on the database. The aim was to give councils and tenants more information about rental properties in their area and about who was renting them out.
In July, Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, confirmed that letting agents will be able to support landlords by submitting certain property information on their behalf. The government says the system has been designed with input from landlords and agents to make registration as straightforward as possible.
Phase 2 will also lay the groundwork for a new landlord redress scheme. Under the proposed framework, tenants will be able to take complaints about private landlords to an independent ombudsman rather than going directly to court.
The proposed scheme would have the power to investigate disputes, issue binding decisions, and award compensation of up to £25,000.
Government seeks landlords to test new rental and short-term let services
The government is recruiting landlords to help shape two new digital services that will affect the private rented and short-term let sectors.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is seeking private rented sector landlords to take part in user research for the new Private Rented Sector Database, while the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is looking for short-term let landlords to help develop a new registration service for England.
Participants will be invited to take part in an informal online session lasting around 60 to 90 minutes, where they can provide feedback to the digital development teams working on the services.
The government is particularly keen for the Private Rented Sector Database to be accessible and usable for everyone. As part of this, we are specifically looking to speak with landlords and letting agents who have experience of:
- Visual impairments (for example, sight loss or colour blindness)
- Hearing impairments (for example, deafness or hearing loss)
- Neurodivergent conditions (for example, ADHD or autism)
- Learning difficulties (for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia)
- Low digital confidence or skills
- Other accessibility needs or barriers that affect how they use digital services
This is an excellent opportunity for those in the industry to make a real impact on how the PRS operates. We would encourage all our landlords who fit the bill to take part. If you’re interested in taking part, you can fill out the survey here.