Dear Valued Client,
The private rented sector has already undergone rapid change and as landlords you face yet more significant regulatory requirements in the coming months.
As you know, the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) has already introduced major legislative changes. For an overview of what’s different, see further down this newsletter.
At the same time, we are now preparing for two further changes which will directly impact you: the expansion of Selective Licensing in Brighton & Hove and the Government’s new national landlord and property registration system.
For that reason, we have comprehensively updated our Terms of Business and service structure. I want to explain why we have done this and, importantly, what it means for you.
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT – THE NEW LANDSCAPE
RRA changes have been in force since May.
Our team has spent a considerable amount of time preparing for these reforms, including updating tenancy documentation, changing internal procedures and issuing the required information to tenants. We’ve always strived to keep you, as landlords, fully informed.
Major changes include:
- the abolition of Section 21;
- the move from fixed-term ASTs to periodic assured tenancies;
- new procedures surrounding possession;
- restrictions on rental bidding;
- new rules relating to rent increases;
- additional requirements surrounding pets and discrimination;
- and substantially greater importance being placed on accurate property and compliance records.
Our updated Terms of Business reflect these new responsibilities and provide us with the authority necessary to manage properties compliantly.
SELECTIVE LICENSING IS EXPANDING IN HOVE
This is particularly important for landlords with properties in the Central Hove and Regency wards.
Brighton & Hove City Council has confirmed that its Selective Licensing scheme will expand into these wards from 20 October 2026. (See Brighton & Hove City Council).
This means that many landlords who have never previously required a licence will shortly have another significant compliance obligation to fulfil.
Obtaining a licence is not simply a question of completing an application form. The application requires property, ownership and compliance information and licensed properties must then continue to satisfy the ongoing licence conditions annually.
Where we manage an affected property, we will contact the landlord directly.
Fee schedule: We can also deal with the licensing administration on your behalf. Our updated Terms include a £210 administration fee inclusive of VAT, in addition to the relevant council and third-party charges.
The purpose is straightforward: where you want us to handle the process, our team will undertake the administrative work, helping to ensure that information submitted is accurate and complete.
THE NEW NATIONAL LANDLORD REGISTER
There has also been another important development.
The Government announced on 9 September that its new national “Register your rental property” service will begin rolling out across England from 15 December 2026. This is due to come into force in the South East on March 15th, 2027.
The system forms part of the Private Rented Sector Database created under the RRA.
Landlords will eventually be legally required to register themselves and their rented properties. The Government has said the system will be introduced region by region, with landlords given a three-month registration period when their area is brought into the scheme. All actively let properties are expected to be registered by November 2027. (See GOV.UK)
The database is expected to include information such as landlord details, property information and key safety and compliance information including gas, electrical and Energy Performance Certificates. Put simply; very similar to Selective Licensing requirements. (See GOV.UK)
In due course, registration numbers will also become relevant when properties are advertised for letting. (See GOV.UK)
Again, this demonstrates the direction in which the private rented sector is moving: greater regulation, greater transparency and a much greater requirement for landlords and agents to maintain accurate compliance records.
Our new Terms allow us, where instructed and legally permitted, to administer registration and update information on behalf of managed landlords.
Our fee schedule provides for an administration charge of £210 inclusive of VAT, plus any government or third-party charges.
We will be in touch nearer the time once we have further detail of whether we are even permitted to register your properties on your behalf as your agent.
UPDATED TERMS OF BUSINESS
Against this background, we have undertaken a complete review of our Landlord Agency Agreement and Terms of Business.
The previous agreement was written for a very different regulatory environment. The new document sets out much more clearly:
- our responsibilities as your managing agent;
- your responsibilities as landlord;
- RRA procedures;
- property licensing requirements;
- identity, ownership and sanctions checks; compliance and safety documentation;
- inspections and property-condition responsibilities;
- deposit administration;
- maintenance authorities;
- the forthcoming national landlord registration system;
- and our updated schedule of charges.
The objective is not simply to introduce a new fee schedule.
We also want to make sure that the agreement between us properly reflects the considerably expanded role and responsibility involved in professionally managing residential property this year and beyond.
We have tried to keep charges transparent so that, where additional work falls outside normal day-to-day management, you can see in advance what that work will cost.
The new agreement also states that additional services are only charged where the service and its cost have been disclosed and agreed, other than genuine emergency work authorised under the agreement.
A copy of the updated Landlord Agency Agreement and Terms of Business is available here.
Please note that your fully managed fee level may differ from these stated new terms and will remain at its current level.
Please review the updated Terms of Business carefully and acknowledge your agreement. Where your agreement or confirmation is required, we will contact you separately to obtain this.
If there is anything you would like us to explain, please contact me or a member of the team and we will be happy to go through it with you.Thank you, as always, for your continued business and trust in Town & Country Property Services.
Kind regards,
Stephen Chipp
Director
