A peer battling to get letting agents recognised in law as estate agents has failed in her bid. 

Rents across England and Wales ended last year with falls over the last two months, while tenants’ rental arrears worsened. 

Labour leader Ed Miliband has called for the national regulation of private landlords and letting agents. 

A senior figure in the Scottish lettings industry has warned his colleagues in England what they might have to expect if there is blanket licensing, and fees to tenants – for example for referencing and inventories – are banned. 

A crooked agent who stole £210,177 in tenants’ deposits has been jailed for two years. 

More than one third of UK landlords will be raising rents this year, with almost a quarter (24%) planning inflation-busting rent increases of more than 3%. 

ere is a final reminder that the Government’s inquiry into the private rented sector is near the end of its public consultation stage. 

The cheapest tenancy deposit rates in the market yet have been announced by a new scheme being launched by the Deposit Protection Service. 

Landlords and agents should be required by law to provide their tenants with insurance when they sign up to a new tenancy. 

Other councils should not even think about introducing blanket licensing of private rental properties until it is clear how the controversial Newham scheme is faring. 

The Residential Landlords Association has warned that 1% caps to rises in benefits will lead to an increase in homelessness. 

Traditional shared student rental accommodation in a university city is to be restricted, following the approval of a housing masterplan.