Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Industry Calls for Rayner to Rule Out Rent Controls and Prioritise Reform

Angela Rayner has been reappointed as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, following her appointment by new prime minister Andy Burnham. Matthew Pennycook has also retained his position as housing minister.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) welcomed Rayner’s return, while emphasising that reforms to the private rented sector must benefit both responsible landlords and tenants. The NRLA highlighted the importance of boosting housing supply and called for practical and fair reforms. The association also urged the government to focus on improving enforcement against rogue landlords and to repair the justice system to ensure effective implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act. The NRLA stated that any form of rent control should be ruled out, referencing warnings from both Angela Rayner and the cross-party Housing Select Committee about the potential negative impact of rent controls on rental supply.

Mark Chick, director of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), welcomed Rayner’s appointment and noted her previous commitment to leasehold reform. Chick said Rayner’s return should bring consistency to ongoing leasehold issues and described the retention of Matthew Pennycook as minister of state as a positive step for continuity. ALEP expressed support for the government’s ongoing consultations on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and emphasised the need for balanced and effective legislative reform.

The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) also welcomed Rayner’s return, citing her understanding of the challenges facing the housing market.

These developments are particularly relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as changes to the private rented sector and leasehold reform could impact day-to-day operations and compliance requirements.