The UK government's plan to let local authorities take control of poorly maintained rental properties has drawn a cautious response from Propertymark, the professional body representing more than 18,000 estate and letting agents. The proposal, announced by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, would allow councils to step in and manage homes where landlords have repeatedly failed to address serious disrepair.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said the industry supports the goal of raising housing standards but needs far more detail on how the new powers will operate. 'Every case of poor property maintenance is unique, so we need a proportionate approach that considers the specific circumstances of the property and its occupants,' he said. 'We are seeking clarity on how remedial work will be carried out with tenants in place, who will be responsible for what, and how properties will be managed once under local authority control.'
Implementation questions remain
Propertymark has asked the government to publish detailed guidance before the measures take effect. Key concerns include the legal framework for transferring management, the funding available to councils for emergency repairs, and the rights of landlords to regain control once issues are resolved. The association also wants to ensure that tenants are not left in limbo during any transition.
Douglas stressed that existing tools should be used more effectively before introducing new legislation. 'We already have a range of enforcement powers available to councils, from improvement notices to civil penalties. The priority should be to make these work better, rather than adding another layer of regulation that could strain relationships with responsible landlords,' he said.
The announcement comes as the government prepares to launch the Register Your Rental Property Service in December, which will give councils enhanced access to data on private rented homes. This register is expected to enable more targeted enforcement, allowing authorities to identify problem properties earlier and intervene before conditions deteriorate further.
Propertymark has long argued for a fair and tailored approach to housing enforcement. 'We want to see sustainable, long-term outcomes for tenants and landlords alike,' Douglas added. 'That means working collaboratively with local authorities, residents, and property agents to address the root causes of poor maintenance, not just the symptoms.'
The new powers are part of a broader push to improve housing quality across the UK, particularly in the private rented sector, which has come under scrutiny for the condition of some homes. The government has already introduced measures such as the Renters' Rights Bill, which aims to give tenants more security and ensure homes meet minimum standards.
For travel and hospitality professionals, the news is a reminder of the importance of property standards in the wider accommodation sector. While the measures target residential rentals, similar debates are playing out in the short-term lets market, where platforms and local authorities are grappling with quality and safety issues. In Rome, for example, luxury homes are leaning into hospitality as prime prices climb, highlighting the convergence of residential and travel accommodation.
Propertymark will continue to work with its members to provide guidance and training on the new requirements. The association has also called for a clear timeline for implementation, so that agents and landlords can prepare for the changes.
As the sector awaits further details, the message from Propertymark is clear: any new powers must be applied fairly, with proper safeguards for all parties. 'We are not opposed to councils taking action where landlords fail to meet their obligations,' Douglas said. 'But we need to ensure the process is transparent, proportionate, and workable in practice.'
