General News Updates

DASH launch of our new Basic Building Construction and Common Defects Training Course

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:31:00 GMT

DASH Services are excited to announce the launch of our new Basic Building Construction and Common Defects Training Course from DASH Services.

This course has been developed to support the ‘Grow Your Own Talent’ initiative that DASH Services and Jigsaw have been championing over the past two years. It’s designed as an entry-level foundation, giving new colleagues the core knowledge they need to confidently step into & progress in their roles.

Date: 20 April 2026
Location: DASH Training Centre, Derby
Format: Face-to-face, in-person

If you’re a onboarding new staff or looking to strengthen baseline knowledge across your team, this course is a practical, no-nonsense starting point.

Get in touch for more details DASH@derby.gov.uk or call 01332 641111

Renting is Changing – In Derby & Nationally for all

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:59:55 GMT

Derby City Council is asking for your views on the proposed Private Landlords’ Charter, while also preparing for major changes coming into force under the Renters’ Rights Act from 1 May.

The draft Landlords’ Charter sets out clear expectations for landlords across Derby, including property safety, legal compliance, tenancy management and professional conduct. It is designed to support higher standards and improve conditions in the private rented sector for tenants across the city.

At the same time, significant new national legislation, under the Renters’ Rights Act will begin to take effect from 1 May.

These changes will impact landlords, letting agents and tenants, so it is important to understand what’s coming and how it may affect you.

Derby City Council is encouraging all landlords, tenants, letting agents and residents to:

· Review the proposed Landlords’ Charter

· Take part in the consultation

· Familiarise themselves with the upcoming legislative changes

· Get prepared as ‘Renting is Changing’

You can find out more about the changes to renting here:
https://www.derby.gov.uk/housing/renting-is-changing/#page-1

Take part in the Derby city council consultation here:
https://letstalk.derby.gov.uk/landlords-charter

The consultation closes on 26 May 2026

DASH Services and Partnersmith CIC announce collaboration to support PocketBite

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:34:19 GMT

DASH Services and Partnersmith CIC are pleased to announce a new partnership to support PocketBite, a practical, shared solution for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

PocketBite is a simple, low-barrier tool that helps people find free and low-cost meals they can access immediately. The pocket-sized, waterproof map brings together reliable, up-to-date information, making it easier to meet basic needs and engage with wider support.

DASH Services is supporting the development of PocketBite’s national website and digital infrastructure. This will create a trusted public platform where meal providers can maintain accurate listings. It will also give Local Authorities a consistent, scalable resource that can be adopted across different areas.

Linda Cobb OBE, from DASH Services, said:

“PocketBite is a practical, shared solution that aligns closely with DASH’s work with Local Authorities across the Country. By supporting the development of a national platform, we can help make reliable, low-barrier information available to frontline teams and the people they support.”

Tamasin Fisher, Founder & Director of Partnersmith CIC, said:

“PocketBite was created to solve a simple but critical problem: people going hungry because they don’t know where to go. Partnering with DASH Services allows us to build the infrastructure needed to scale this idea, so more Local Authorities can offer a small, practical tool that makes a real difference day to day.”

If you work in a Homeless / Rough sleeping team within a Local Authority please do get in touch to discuss further linda.cobb@derby.gov.uk or call 01332640324

Tackling Antisocial Behaviour Under the Renters Rights Act 2025 - What private landlords and managing agents can learn from Scotland’s experience

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:32:56 GMT

At the recent DASH conference, which Green and Burton ASB Associates were proud to sponsor, partner Janine Green took to the stage to explore what the Renters Rights Act will mean for the private rented sector. The session drew on her dual role as a partner at Green and Burton and as a housing member of the First Tier Property Tribunal in Scotland. That combination of frontline experience and tribunal insight places her in a unique position to help landlords and agents understand what is coming and how to prepare.

Scotland has already travelled the path now facing England. Seven years have passed since no fault evictions were abolished north of the border and tribunal powers were widened to hear private rented cases. The challenges that emerged there are almost certain to surface here too.

Janine used her DASH session to distil the most important learning for the sector. Her reflections offer three clear messages for anyone responsible for managing ASB within private rented homes.

1. Not everything reported as antisocial behaviour is actually ASB

One of the most consistent issues Janine sees in tribunal work is the volume of reports presented as ASB that simply do not meet the threshold. Late night toilet flushing, crying babies or an ambulance crew ringing the wrong doorbell are genuine frustrations, but they do not constitute antisocial behaviour in law.

The definition of ASB hinges on nuisance or annoyance, which is subjective and interpreted differently by each person affected. Without careful assessment, minor issues risk being escalated unnecessarily, which weakens cases and damages credibility in court.

Landlords and agents should sense check reports and consider:

• Is the behaviour deliberate or targeted
• Is it persistent
• Is the impact more than irritation

Filtering early prevents avoidable disputes and stops weak cases progressing into formal action.

2. Evidence makes or breaks an ASB case

Under the Renters Rights Act, judges will need to decide two things. First, whether the ASB occurred. Second, whether granting possession is reasonable. The first test depends entirely on evidence.

In Scotland, Janine regularly sees possession applications built on statements such as “I have received lots of complaints”, with no dates, details or corroboration. These cases almost always fail.

Stronger evidence includes:

Incident logs with times and dates
Photos or recordings where proportionate
Signed statements from neighbours
Police log numbers or involvement
Records of repeated reports
Documented actions taken by the landlord

Private landlords do not benefit from statutory information sharing, which places even more weight on keeping accurate internal records.

3. Courts look closely at reasonableness

Even if ASB is proven, tribunals still assess whether eviction is reasonable. This is where well documented, proportionate steps make a difference.

Judges expect to see:

· Warning letters or advisory notes

· Notes of conversations with the tenant

· Evidence that expectations were explained

· Clear detail on the impact on neighbours

· Any repairs or costs arising from the behaviour

· The effect on the landlord’s time and management

The Renters Rights Act goes further by directing judges to consider whether the tenant has cooperated with the landlord. Interventions that demonstrate fairness and opportunity to change will strengthen, rather than weaken, a case.

What private landlords can do now

Preparing ahead of legislative change will put landlords and agents in a stronger position.

Strengthen tenant onboarding

Supplement tenancy clauses with practical examples of expected behaviour.

Create simple and consistent reporting processes

Whether using diary sheets or digital tools like the ASB App, structure ensures reliable evidence collection.

Develop template communications

Warning letters and early engagement records demonstrate proportionality if a case escalates.

Keep clear, dated records

Logs, photos, notes of conversations, repair invoices and neighbour accounts all help a court establish reasonableness.

Know the threshold

Identifying which issues fall below the ASB threshold helps avoid wasted time and unnecessary conflict.

Tackling Antisocial Behaviour Under the Renters Rights Act 2025

The shift in the legal landscape will feel significant, but Scotland has already shown that ASB possession cases can still succeed when landlords bring solid evidence and act fairly. The Renters Rights Act will not lower expectations. If anything, it raises the importance of structure, documentation and clear communication.

Green and Burton ASB Associates were pleased to support the DASH conference and share these insights with the sector. They continue to work with private landlords, agents and local authorities to strengthen ASB practice and prepare for the changes ahead.

If you would like to explore support, training or case review options, their team is always happy to talk.

Navigating Housing Conditions and Tenant Rights: Reflections from the NRLA Panel by Charlotte Vale

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:35:00 GMT

In November, I joined a panel at the 2025 National Residential Landlords Association conference. I had the pleasure of speaking alongside Linda Cobb OBE, Principal Manager at DASH and Juliet Mountford, Executive Director at Crisis. We discussed one of the most pressing topics in housing today: property conditions and tenant rights. The session, “Navigating Housing Conditions and Tenant Rights: What Landlords Need to Know,” explored the implications of the new Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and application of Awaab’s law for the private rented sector.

As almost 80% of the private rented sector (PRS) currently meets the DHS, the chances are that the landlords in attendance already provide good homes. But with the uncertainty around exactly what the DHS will mean in the PRS, and when it will be implemented, there are understandably a lot of questions. The consistent message from everyone called for additional resources from the government for safe, informed, and effective implementation and enforcement to take place.

What do we know about the proposed new Decent Homes Standard?

The consultation for the new standard ran from July to September 2025. There are a number of proposals on the details of how it will operate. It has been proposed that it will be implemented between 2035 to 2037, but this is under consultation along with the implementation date for Awaab’s Law in the PRS.

The proposed new standard will bring consistency and clarity to both private and social housing. Those in attendance broadly welcomed this consistency as it is something that has been called for by NRLA and tenant groups.

Another win is the removal of the existing standard that states kitchens and bathrooms must be replaced after a specific number of years following installation. The new standard will place importance on amenities being usable and reasonably modern. With the overall standard aiming for a reasonable state of repair, thermal comfort, and of course, no Category 1 hazards and free from damp and mould. This led the conversation into preparing for Awaab’s Law coming to the PRS.

Awaab's Law

The advice is not to wait for an implementation plan; prepare now. Moving away from reactive repairs to scheduled maintenance should happen now. A lot of landlords are already doing this; budgeting for this now will save money in the long term. Ensuring every step of this process is documented is important. Keep track of the efforts you are making to train tradespeople, build relationships and implement tech solutions. The key messages from the panel were to ensure diligent record keeping and, as always, work collaboratively with tenants.

Approach to inspections

At the Good Landlord Charter, we believe that good housing standards start with good relationships. Strong landlord and tenant relationships were echoed by Linda Cobb, who spoke about the value of taking a regular and empathetic approach to inspections. Linda highlighted how essential it is to balance maintaining an asset with providing a home.

The Charter recognises that regular inspections carried out with tenants, rather than simply on them, are a vital part of maintaining safe and decent homes. When tenants are part of the process, reporting issues early, understanding what to expect, and seeing that landlords are proactive, everyone benefits. Problems are solved faster, trust is built, and compliance becomes less about box ticking and more about shared responsibility.

At the Good Landlord Charter, this principle of collaboration sits at the centre of our approach. We are developing support and guidance to help landlords not only be compliant, but also build better communication with tenants. This leads to meaningful inspections and practical steps to meet the new standards. Our goal is to make it easier for landlords to do the right thing, not just because regulation demands it, but because it is the foundation of a fairer and more sustainable private rented sector.

The importance of collaboration

Juliet Mountford, Executive Director at Crisis, spoke on the work of Goodplace Lettings. Juliet’s contribution reminded us that decent homes are not only about compliance, but about partnership and respect. When landlords and tenants see each other as collaborators rather than opponents, outcomes improve across the board, from property conditions to tenancy sustainment.

In a post-Renters’ Rights Act world, collaboration is not just good practice; it is essential. By working together, landlords, tenants, and local partners can ensure that every rented home in Greater Manchester is safe, decent, and well-managed. The Charter exists to make that possible, by recognising landlords who go above and beyond, and by supporting those who want to get there.

Navigating Housing Conditions and Tenant Rights

Renting is changing

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:41:12 GMT

Reforms to the private rented sector in England are bringing in new rights and responsibilities for landlords, letting agents and tenants.

As a landlord, you play an important role in delivering these reforms and will need to understand what these changes mean for you and your business. That way, you can be confident that you are complying with the law and providing your tenants with a safe, affordable and decent home.

The following government officical web page is for private landlords with rental properties in England only.

The Government guidance is designed to help landlords and agents understand how the reforms will affect them when renting out a home in the private rented sector. It’s written in clear and accessible language, and it’ll help you get on top of these important changes.

Click here to access the guidance: Private landlords

FREE Renters' Rights Act 2025 Online Training Course UPDATED

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:01:00 GMT

Big changes are coming with the Renters’ Rights Act— are you ready?

DASH Services has launched and Updated our FREE online training tool to help you explore the Renters' Rights Act:

DASH E-learning portal

This FREE training is delivered in two parts to help you navigate these changes:

Part 1 covers:

Abolition of Section 21 Notices and Fixed Term Tenancies
Grounds for Possession
Rent - Prohibition of Rent in Advance, Rent Increases and Ban on Rental
Bidding, Pets, Prohibition of Rental Discrimination
Written Statement of Terms & Implementation

Part 2 covers:

Awaab's Law
PRS Ombudsman
PRS Database
Decent Homes Standard
Strengthened Enforcement inc. RROs

Self-paced. Online. Expert-led. Certificate included. Please do Share 😊

Enrol now: Renters Rights Act FREE E-learning

Illegal Eviction Shared Service for Councils

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:54:00 GMT

Safer Renting has worked in partnership with councils for over 10 years to support their enforcement and homelessness functions.

They provide expert housing law advice and advocacy to residents who are experiencing, or at risk of, illegal eviction and harassment in the private rented sector.

The Safer Renting team provides tailored advice to individuals about their rights and options, as well as advocating to prevent evictions and stop harassment.

The service supports council’s enforcement activity in relation to breaches of the landlord legislation by gathering evidence and taking witness statements.

The evidence bundles provided can support issuing a Civil Penalty Notice or bringing a criminal prosecution; these are the two options for councils under the new ‘duty to enforce’ imposed by the Renters Rights Act 2025.

Safer Renting have teamed up with DASH Services to offer Local Authorities a workable practical solution to implementing and adapting to the duties that Council now have as a result of the Renters Rights Act 2025.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can support your council, please email us and we can provide more information or arrange a time to speak: SaferRenting@ch1889.org & linda.cobb@derby.gov.uk

DASH launch 'The East Midlands 2025 Housing Conference

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:20:00 GMT

The East Midlands 2025 Housing Conference

Understanding the Renters’ Rights Act, MEES + More – a practical conference to help Landlords & Agents

Friday 21st November

East Midlands Conference Centre

09:00 - 16:00

Agenda & Speaker Info

Event Sponsors

Workshops & Booking Form

Event Features

Exciting news from DASH Services - DASH will be hosting the East Midlands 2025 Housing Conference for Landlords and agents at the East Midlands Conference Centre on Friday 21st November.

Bookings can be made now for this free event via Eventbrite

This event is designed to provide critical updates and practical guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and other pressing topics affecting private rented sector Landlords businesses.

We are delighted to confirm our guest speaker will be David Smith, Partner at Spector, Constant and Williams. Many of you will recognise David from Linked In where he is a regular contributor, he will take us through all aspects of the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act and take questions from the floor.

We are currently confirming our full agenda and will be in touch when we have more to share but book ahead as this is going to be a fabulous event -

Bookings can be made now for this free event via Eventbrite

EVENT SPONSOR: ArcAirTech

Privacy Policy - Splice Creative | Norfolk and Suffolk

Eventbrite Privacy Policy | Eventbrite Help Centre

Did you Know: Smoke alarms have dates on them?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:47 GMT

Nottingham City Council advised this week that they have come across numerous properties where the smoke alarms are out of date.These are the 10-year smoke alarms.

In one case they mention that the smoke alarm was more than 9 years past the 10-year date!

We appreciate that times flys BUT this puts the tenants more at risk of false alarms and the alarm not working if there was a fire.

It also puts the Landlord at risk should an incident occur and they are found liable.

Nottingham City Council reminds landlords that when undertaking their (minimum) 6 monthly routinely inspections they must make sure that the smoke alarms are checked and replaced if necessary.

More information can be found on the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) website Smoke alarms - NFRS

NFRS also offer a free service to remind you to test your smoke alarm, why not share this link with your tenants too.
New Smoke Alarm Reminder Service Launched Across Nottinghamshire - NFRS

rDASH Services is not a fan of battery smoke detection and alway urge landlords to install hard wired interlinked detection whereever possible: Smoke Alarm Leaflet 2019.pdf

Do Sulets have a Solution to help student landlords as Renters Rights Act hits?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:34:00 GMT

The new Renters’ Rights Act will fundamentally change the lettings landscape for the entire PRS sector, but the changes will be particularly felt by student landlords.

With the loss of periodic tenancies, the removal of Section 21, the abolition of advance rent and no student possession grounds for 1-2 bed properties, many student landlords will find it increasingly complex and costly to operate in the market.

DASH caught up with Irving Hill who is the CEO of Sulets to hear about a possible solution to help Landlords during this time.

Sulets is a not-for-profit specialist student lettings operation based in Leicester operating for over 13 years and rent approximately 2300 rooms to students at the two Leicester Universities. Sulets are a ‘specified institution’ under the Housing Act 1988 which means that they have a special status in law, like a university does. Sulets lease high quality properties direct from landlords and then sub rent them to students. Their special status means that these tenancies fall outside the Housing Act and the Renters’ Rights Act which means we can offer landlords:

· A guaranteed fixed term lease with Sulets.

· Guaranteed rent, paid direct from Sulets.

· All lettings and management arranged by Sulets

· Guaranteed return of your property at the end of the agreement.

· A competitive rent with no fees or VAT.

This is a new model of working for Student landlords so if you would like to find our more about the Sulets Leased Service here - www.sulets.com/landlords-area/leased-service

or contact them directly for more information:

Website – www.sulets.com

Phone number: 0116 467 0315

Email: enquiries@sulets.com

DASH Landlord Accreditation Customer Survey

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:31:08 GMT

We've launched our DASH Landlord Accreditation Customer survey today to help shape the services we offer our members.

The survey will help us find out how you navigate & engage with DASH and how we can continually improve.

With the new Renters’ Rights legislative on the horizon, which will fundamentally change the renting arena, your input has never been more valuable.

The survey is simple and quick to complete via Microsoft Forms & can be completed on your PC or mobile device using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/EL9zrdjcQe

Or use the QR code below

Survey closes on 31^st Oct 2025

Keep in touch

Linda Cobb

ArcAirTech: Tackling mould, damp & supporting Landlords with the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:06:00 GMT

In the article below DASH Services hears from Andrew Fitzpatrick from ArcAirTech on what services they can offer Landlords ahead of the new legislation that is due to come into force in the Private rented sector.

The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill brings major changes for private landlords. A key element is the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard (DHS), aligned with measures already in place for social housing.

Under this, Awaab’s Law will apply to the private rental sector. This means landlords must meet strict requirements on timescales for dealing with hazards such as damp and mould.

Penalties for non-compliance are severe:

Minor or initial breaches: civil penalties of up to £7,000
Serious, persistent, or repeat breaches: civil penalties of up to £40,000, or even criminal prosecution

With enforcement ramping up, damp and mould are no longer just tenant complaints — they’re a serious compliance and financial risk.

Why mould matters

Mould isn’t just unsightly — it’s a recognised category 1 hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Left unchecked, it damages property, lowers EPC performance, and risks tenant health. Traditional methods of treatment often fail to tackle the root cause, leading to recurring issues.

That’s where our innovative technology comes in.

A Proven Full-Home Solution

At ArcAirTech, our patented technology has been proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of mould spores and contaminants. Here’s how it works:

ARC Cell Technology – Our system generates hydroxyl radicals using UV-C light and a specially engineered quad-metallic catalyst. These hydroxyls are active cleaning agents that neutralise mould at a molecular level.
Whole-Home Reach – Unlike other methods that only act at the source, hydroxyls travel through the property, tackling both air and surfaces — covering up to 1,500 square feet.
Moisture Harnessing – Our process temporarily binds water molecules, reducing condensation, damp, and stagnant moisture build-up, while promoting airflow and ventilation. As our systems are designed to run constantly, water molecules are continuously recycled and bonded.
Preventing Regeneration – By breaking mould down into harmless base elements, our systems disrupt spore regeneration and help prevent mould from reoccurring.

In practice, this means a true long-term solution for landlords dealing with persistent mould issues.

Options for Landlords:

Fixed ARC: A permanent solution

Provide peace of mind for tenants and protect properties: Our fixed unit eliminates surface and airborne mould spores.
Helps to prevent future mould growth: Reducing the need for repeat maintenance visits.
Non Invasive: Small and compact design, mounted high on a wall out of the way. No interruption to tenants daily lives.
Whole Home Protection: Covers up to 1000 square feet.
Energy Eﬃcient: Running 24/7, can cost as little as £40 per annum.
A Healthy Home: Eliminates odours, viruses, allergens and VOC’s.
Fixed ARC has delivered some remarkable results within the social and private housing sectors, we knew it was capable of the extraordinary but even we have been blown away by the results we have seen in housing.

Case Example:

One of our clients faced ongoing issues in a block of flats where mould problems reappeared every 3–4 months. Despite repeated mould washes and remediation, the problem kept returning, creating recurring costs, tenant disruption and ongoing maintenance pressures. Since installing our Fixed ARC over a year ago, they have had no reports of mould in any of the properties. The Fixed ARC has eliminated the cycle of repeat callouts and remedial works whilst delivering safe homes for their Tenants.

Portable ARC: A rapid-response

Plug and Play: Simply deliver and switch on the unit to start eliminating airborne mould spores, pathogens, VOCs, respirable particulates and odours.
Reduce Need for Decant: Tenants can continue to live in their homes whilst the property is surveyed and repairs are carried out.
Remove and Re-use: Once repairs have been carried out, this product is ready for you to use again when required.
Whole Home Solution: Covers up to 1500 square feet.
App Connected: One app to manage all of your units remotely. Monitor humidity and temperature in real time within your properties.
Auto Mode: Intelligent air sensor technology. The HEPA+ Pro will adjust its output depending on the contaminants detected.

The Portable ARC has been proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of airborne mould within 24 hours. Its eﬀectiveness has led to the product being formally adopted into the damp and mould first- response strategies of several major social housing providers, including L&Q Housing.

Why ArcAirTech is Diﬀerent

We are not a rebrand or marketing spin — our technology is unique, patented, tested and proven. Traditional methods can work and provide temporary relief, however the reality is clear: if they provided a long lasting solution as some now claim, damp and mould would not still be such a widespread and worsening problem

At ArcAirTech, we believe collaboration is key, we work in partnership with housing providers and other organisations to ensure homes are safe, healthy and compliant. While there may be no single silver bullet for mould, we believe our systems come close. Tested in real housing environments, our technology consistently delivers measurable, long-term results.

The Takeaway for Landlords

With tougher enforcement around the corner, landlords must take appropriate action when dealing with mould. The Renters’ Rights Bill will place greater responsibility and liability on private landlords.

ArcAirTech’s solutions can help landlords:

Protect their investment by safeguarding property assets from recurring mould damage
Reduce ongoing costs from repeat maintenance visits
Stay compliant with new housing standards
Protect tenants from health risks
Mitigate against potential fines and enforcement action

Many of our clients are taking a proactive approach by installing our Fixed ARC units before mould becomes an issue. To learn more about our technology and how ArcAirTech can support you, visit www.arcairtech.com.

Let’s work together to create healthier homes.

Unipol Survey Finds Rising Rents a Major Concern for 75% of Students

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:33:00 GMT

Unipol have launched the survey results today and are running a quick one hour long webinar on Monday at 11am to present the findings.

Access the full report is below and sign up information for the webinar.

The results from Unipol’s national House Hunting Behaviour Survey, based on responses from more than 2,600 students across 37 universities, provides fresh evidence of the affordability crisis in student housing and highlights the risks posed by the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB).

Sam Bailey-Watts, CEO of Unipol, said:

“Students are telling us loud and clear that they want affordable, shared housing close to campus, however rising rents and a contraction in the number of rooms that meet this demand, puts this at risk. Protecting HMOs, understanding what affordable means and increasing these options are solutions in tandem with giving students clearer guidance. It's incumbent on all of us to work together to keep universities accessible to all."

Key findings from the survey show:

· 76% of students put affordability first when house-hunting – but almost two-thirds said they had struggled to find anything within budget.

· Students are paying £36 a week more than planned, on average, to secure accommodation.

· Parental contributions average £506 per month, yet 57% still need part-time jobs, typically 15 hours per week, to make ends meet.

· Severe shortages reported in York, Bristol and Oxford; Leeds and Birmingham fared better.

· The housing search is “far too early” – 56% say being pushed to choose in October/November adds stress just weeks after starting university.

· Awareness of the RRB is very low – 62% of students have not heard of it.

The Bill, set to overhaul the private rented sector, may unintentionally shrink the student housing market by making it harder for landlords to operate HMOs – which currently house almost half of returning students. Evidence from Scotland shows similar reforms reduced supply and drove up rents.

Simon Thompson, CEO of Accommodation for Students and our survey sponsor added,

'Affordable housing must remain central to ensuring higher education in the UK is both accessible and inclusive. This research highlights the real challenges students face and calls on all of us in the sector to work together to protect and expand the diversity and affordability of student accommodation.'

· You can access the full survey here

· You can Register for the launch webinar here

Nottingham city council: PRS Landlord Database Pilot

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:35:42 GMT

Nottingham City Council are reaching out to invite you to participate in an exciting pilot study being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), starting this September. The study will run for approximately 4–6 weeks and is focused on testing the new Private Rented Sector Landlord Database.

We are seeking 10 volunteer landlords who have properties in Nottingham City Councils boundaries to take part in this pilot. Participation will involve:

Registering yourself and some or all of your properties on the new online portal.

Providing feedback on your experience using the system.

Helping shape a tool that will soon become a legislative requirement under the forthcoming Renters Rights Bill.

Full details can be found on the attachment from MHCLG PRS Database landlord info sheet

Your input will be invaluable in ensuring the database is user-friendly, effective, and fit for purpose for landlords before its wider rollout.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please register your interest to participate with James Lilley (james.lilley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk) by Sunday 10th August.

Renters Rights Update: How will members of the National Code be treated under the Renters Rights Act?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:04:56 GMT

Date Posted: 9th July 2025 - Unipol Student Homes

The vast majority of the private rented sector will fall under a new tenancy regime following enactment of the Renters’ Rights Bill, giving enhanced rights and greater protections to tenants.

But in framing the Bill, the Government recognised that providers of PBSA who are part of an Approved Code should be treated differently, and last week they set out their proposals on how this may work.

Click here to continue to the article: Renters Rights Update: How will members of the Code be treated under the Renters Rights Act? | Unipol Student Homes

Boston, South Holland, & East Lindsey Councils Landlord Forum - Jan 2026

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:19:00 GMT

Renters' Rights Bill – An Information Event for all Landlords & Agents

The Renters' Rights Bill represents the most significant change in the private rented sector in over 30 years.

Boston, South Holland, and East Lindsey Councils are committed to supporting all landlords and agents in understanding, preparing & implementing this new legislation.

To help you navigate these changes, we are hosting an in-person landlord event:

Date: Wednesday, 21st January 2026
Time: 12:00 noon til 2.30pm
Location: Boston United Football Stadium (The Jakemans Community Stadium)

DASH Services will be supporting this event so we look forward to seeing you there!

Please complete this form to register your interest in attending the event https://forms.office.com/e/cWuDzi5de0

Government amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill - June 2025

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:50:03 GMT

I was going to write an article for DASH landlords today on the Government amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill that came out last week in advance of the Report Stage starting on 1 July.

However, I then saw Suzanne Smith’s (also known as the ‘Independent landlord blogger’) had released a great YouTube video giving her take on the news.

Suzanne's video is clear & covers exactly what I would have said therefore I thought ‘why re-invest the wheel’ so I am sharing that instead.

As you will hear there were some unexpected changes, and Suzanne explains each of the government amendments and what they mean for landlords/agents, as well as her predications on when they will come into force :

New transition arrangements for rent in advance
Scrapping pet insurance
Potential for rent increases to start earlier after tribunal appeal
Different rules for notices to quit for joint tenants
How some student accommodation will be exempt
Councils' increased rights of entry to suspected residential tenancies.

To access the You Tube video click this link https://lnkd.in/gFJqHfSd

How YouTube protects data privacy - How YouTube Works

Selective Licensing in Mansfield – Applications Open 12 June 2025 & Free Support Events

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:51:00 GMT

From Thursday 12^th June 2025 Mansfield District Council will invite landlords to apply online for a licence under the new Selective Licensing Schemes.

Key Dates at a Glance:

Landlords will have a three-month window (12 June – 12 September 2025) to submit an application including the supporting documents before the scheme become enforceable on 13th September 2025.

Milestone	Date
Application portal opens	12^th June 2025
Early Application window closes	12^th September 2025
Enforcement starts	13^th September 2025
Scheme duration	Until 12^th September 2030 (or earlier if revoked)

What you will need when you apply for a licence from the 12th June 2025:

Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Details of any managing agent

A checklist and step-by-step application guide will be available on the portal from 12th June 2025.

Further information, including maps and fees are currently available on the councils Selective Licensing webpages https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/licensing/selective-licensing

If you have any questions before then, please email selectivelicensing@mansfield.gov.uk.

Initial Copy Of Licesning Conditions MDC

FAQs

Free drop-in support events:

Mansfield Council is holding a series of drop in events to answer any questions that you may have about the scheme, and the application process.

Landlord organisations such as DASH, EMPO and the NRLA will be on-site to answer landlord queries and help you enrol on their accreditation schemes on WEDNESDAY 4TH JUNE.

Accreditation and training could entitle you to a further discount of £100 off your license fee!

Everyone is welcome: landlords, agents, tenants or anyone who needs assistance with the forms or to just ask questions about the scheme.

Date	Time	Venue
Thu 22 May 2025	10 am – 12 pm	The Vibrant Centre, Warsop
Thu 22 May 2025	12 pm – 2 pm	Council Chamber, Civic Centre
Wed 4 Jun 2025	10 am – 1 pm	Council Chamber, Civic Centre
Thu 26 Jun 2025	10 am – 1 pm	Council Chamber, Civic Centre
Thu 17 Jul 2025	10 am – 1 pm	Council Chamber, Civic Centre
Thu 14 Aug 2025	10 am – 1 pm	Council Chamber, Civic Centre

No booking is required—just drop in at a time that suits you.

Rent Smart Wales Evaluation published

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:31:53 GMT

Thank you to all the team at RH Global for their recent evaluation of the Rent Smart Wales scheme.

Rent Smart Wales (RSW) was introduced under the Housing (Wales), as the designated licencing authority for the private rented sector.

RSW intends to improve standards, enhance access to landlord and agent information for local authorities and tenants, and raise awareness of landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.

The evaluation considers stakeholder perceptions of the role and effectiveness of RSW, to assess the impact of RSW on the private rented sector in Wales.

The evaluation found that RSW has contributed to improving professionalism in the PRS and increasing awareness of landlord and agent responsibilities. However, inconsistencies in compliance, low levels of awareness of RSW amongst tenants, and enforcement resource constraints remain challenges.

To read more click this link: Evaluation of Rent Smart Wales | GOV.WALES