# Propertymark regulatory advocacy in UK rental sector

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/propertymark-regulatory-advocacy-in-uk-rental-sector
> Updated: 2026-10-05T04:55:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

The industry body Propertymark has raised several concerns regarding the regulatory landscape for the private rented sector in England and Wales.

Following the enactment of the Renters’ Rights Act, the organization called for clearer guidance and improved processes for rent tribunals. This request follows a surge in cases where tenants challenge rent increases. Propertymark emphasized the need for simpler forms, practical advice for tenants, and qualified staff to assist with the tribunal process.

Propertymark has specifically advocated for the abolition of discretionary local landlord licensing schemes once a national Private Rented Sector database becomes fully operational. The organization argues that current local schemes impose high costs and administrative burdens, sometimes exceeding £1,000 per property, without necessarily improving enforcement against poor housing providers.

As the government prepares to launch the landlord registration service—the first phase of the Private Rented Sector Database—in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026, Propertymark suggests that councils should utilize this national database as their primary information source to avoid redundant data entry and fees. The service is expected to roll out across England over the following 12 months. Propertymark continues to highlight issues with local enforcement, noting that many local authorities struggle with recruitment and maintain low prosecution rates despite high volumes of complaints regarding property conditions.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Propertymark calls for end to local landlord licensing

Propertymark urges the scrapping of local landlord licensing schemes once England’s national landlord database rolls out to reduce costs and administrative duplication.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/propertymark-calls-for-end-to-local-landlord-licensing

### 2026-10-02: Propertymark urges removal of local landlord licensing schemes

Propertymark has called for the removal of local landlord licensing schemes in England and Wales, citing high costs and administrative burdens, once the national PRS database launches in late 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/propertymark-urges-removal-of-local-landlord-licensing-schemes

### 2026-09-10: Propertymark calls for clearer rent tribunal guidance

Propertymark is calling for clearer guidance and better support for the rent tribunal process in England following the Renters’ Rights Act and a surge in dispute cases.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/propertymark-calls-for-clearer-rent-tribunal-guidance

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Cite as: Propertymark regulatory advocacy in UK rental sector. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/propertymark-regulatory-advocacy-in-uk-rental-sector
