We see this as an opportunity

It’s very easy to assume that being a landlord is no longer worth the effort. We think it’s the opposite. This is the best opportunity we’ve seen in our careers to improve the Private Rented Sector for everyone’s benefit. Through the forced professionalisation of the industry, tenants will enjoy better homes; landlords will have fewer bad tenants; and investors’ portfolios will increase in value both in monthly rental yields and capital gains over the long-term.

Councils now have stronger powers, and the fines are higher. At Homesure, we’ve already updated our processes, documentation and compliance systems to keep you protected. So, for our managed clients, everything’s handled. Rest easy, but please take the time to read this article; it’s very long, but it’s important to know your responsibilities.

Are you a self-managing landlord?

The risk landscape for you has changed significantly. Don’t underestimate the impact. Take action now. The penalties are serious. You need to be fully compliant, and have processes in place to make sure you stay that way.

Do you use agents other than Homesure?

Are you confident they’re ticking every box, and have the infrastructure to anticipate every new development? If not, take action. Make sure you’re on solid ground, or the repercussions could be serious. We are part of a national network of agents so, wherever your properties are, we can help.

What’s changing?

More rules ⚖️ Increased council power 📋 Bigger fines

Local Housing Authorities (councils) will:

• Have a duty to investigate breaches
• Be able to issue civil penalties without going to court
• Impose fines of up to:
  – £7,000 for first/minor breaches
  – £40,000 for serious or repeat breaches
• Support tenants to claim up to 2 years’ rent via Rent Repayment Orders

Enforcement is designed to be faster and more consistent – similar to how parking penalties are issued.

When councils are given enforcement powers that generate revenue, they tend to use them!

Key risk areas for landlords

Most important areas where fines may apply

1️⃣ Tenancy reform & possession

• No more fixed terms once reforms commence
• Section 21 abolished
• Section 8 becomes the only route to possession
• Misusing a possession ground (e.g. claiming you’re moving in when you’re not) can trigger fines up to £40,000

2️⃣ Advertising and rent rules

You must:

• State a clear asking rent in adverts
• Not invite or accept rental bidding above that figure
• Not take rent before the tenancy agreement is signed

Breaches can lead to penalties of up to £7,000 (or more for repeat offences).

3️⃣ Discrimination

It will be unlawful to:

• Refuse applicants because they receive benefits
• Reject applicants simply because they have children

Affordability checks remain allowed — blanket bans do not.

4️⃣ Database and ombudsman (coming soon)

All landlords will be required to:

• Register on the new PRS Database
• Join the PRS Landlord Ombudsman

Failure to comply, or providing false information, could result in penalties up to £40,000.

5️⃣ Re-letting after using “moving In” or “selling” grounds

If you regain possession to:

• Move in yourself, or
• Sell the property

You cannot re-let or market it for 12 months.

Breaches may result in fines starting around £25,000.

6️⃣ Property standards

The Decent Homes Standard will extend to the PRS.

Serious hazards may trigger immediate civil penalties — even before improvement notice deadlines expire.

Rent Repayment Orders (RROs)

Tenants (or councils) can apply for repayment of up to two years’ rent for certain offences – including:

• Unlicensed properties
• Misuse of possession grounds
• Database breaches
• Unlawful eviction

Company directors may also be personally liable in some cases.

How councils set fines

Councils must consider:

• Severity of the breach
• Harm caused
• Whether it was deliberate
• Previous history

Each authority will publish its own penalty policy.

What this means for you

❗The margin for error is shrinking.

❗Even accidental breaches could result in significant financial exposure — particularly for self-managing landlords.

❗Professional systems, documentation, and compliance processes are now essential, not optional.

Managed by Homesure? You’re covered!

The pace and volume of legislative change – particularly with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – has reached a point where it is increasingly difficult for an independent agent to confidently stay ahead of everything alone.

Rather than attempt to navigate that landscape in isolation, we made a strategic decision to join Lomond – a national network of sales & lettings agents.

This gives us access to specialist compliance teams, legal expertise, national infrastructure, and dedicated support – people whose sole focus is ensuring properties remain fully compliant as legislation evolves.

Importantly, what has not changed:

• The Homesure name and branding remain the same
• Our offices and location remain the same
• The team remains the same
• Nick and Mark are still running the show

You are still dealing with the same local people, with the same accountability and level of service.

What has changed is the strength behind us – meaning more support, more compliance, and more peace of mind, perfectly timed to kick in as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect.

✅ Same Homesure
✅ Same team
✅ Far greater support behind the scenes
💪

Self-managing? Time to reconsider

If you are self-managing any properties, saving fees can no longer be your top priority.

With penalties reaching £40,000, and rent repayment orders extending to two years, you have to consider:

• Risk exposure
• Legal knowledge
• Documentation accuracy
• Ongoing compliance
• Financial liability

Landlords must seriously weigh up whether managing alone remains commercially sensible.

One mistake could outweigh years of saved fees.

Thinking of selling? Homesure is your best choice

If the current legislative environment is making you reconsider your position, we’re ready to act.

Our investment sales service is already outstanding, and now, with the backing of the Lomond Group, we can reach far more buyers than ever before — ensuring maximum exposure for your property.

We can assist you with:

• Selling with tenant in situ – keeping your investment earning while marketing
• Selling with vacant possession – fully prepared and ready for the market
• Strategic advice on timing and positioning – tailored to your property and the market

Our sales teams is active across Liverpool and the wider regional market, combining local expertise ✅ national reach ✅ and compliance oversight ✅

There is truly no reason to speak to anyone else. Homesure is best placed to handle your sale efficiently, safely, and profitably.

And finally, our position

The days of passive landlord management are over.

Compliance now demands systems, structure, and proactive oversight.

We have been the largest independent agent in our region for some time. We’ve been in this business for 19 years, and landlords since 2004. We know these steps are the best way to secure our next chapter, and safeguard your investments.

Do you work with an agent who isn’t taking similar steps? If so, we can say with absolute confidence that consolidating your portfolio under Homesure’s management could be the safer, smarter choice.

We combine personal service and local knowledge, with the compliance systems, accountability, and now the national reach of Lomond. It’s the perfect time to review your management structure, reduce risk, and gain real peace of mind.

Our position is proactive ✅ protected ✅ and prepared ✅

Is yours?

Book a call with Nick or Mark, to discuss your portfolio or exit strategy