Future of the Private Rental Sector Conference 2025

Overview
The UK Private Rental Sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Legislative changes and shifting market dynamics are causing many landlords to reconsider their portfolios. With the prospect of fewer properties on the market and demand remaining high, the interplay between these new regulations and the market remains to be seen.

This conference will bring together senior-decision makers from local authorities and private housing providers to explore the evolving regulatory landscape and how both the public and private rental sector may mutually benefit.

Key sessions will cover critical policy updates, including the Renters’ (Rights) Bill, the abolition of Section 21 evictions, and the abolition of ASTs. Experts will analyse recent rental market trends, investment considerations, and the economic impact of new regulations. Attendees will gain insights into landlord licensing, enforcement strategies, and how councils can leverage their powers to drive compliance.

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Agenda
9.00am
Registration

9.50am
Chair’s Opening Remarks

10.00am
Keynote: Recent Legislative Reforms in the Private Rental Sector

Analysis of the Renters’ (Rights) Bill and its implications for landlords and tenants.
Abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions: anticipated challenges and opportunities.
Introduction of the Decent Homes Standard to the private sector: compliance requirements and timelines.
10.20am
Keynote: Market Trends and Rental Price Dynamics

Recent data indicating the first decline in private rents outside London since 2019.
Factors contributing to rental price fluctuations: supply-demand balance, economic influences, and regional disparities.
Strategies for landlords and councils to adapt to evolving market conditions.
10.40am
Keynote: Enhancing Tenant Rights and Protections: benefits and consequences

Legal implications of banning upfront rent demands and its impact on tenant accessibility.
Hear about the impact of abolishing ASTs.
Addressing discrimination: prohibitions on blanket bans against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
Strengthening tenant voices: the role of the proposed Private Renters’ Ombudsman.
11:00am
Questions and Answers

11.20am
Comfort Break

11.40am
Case Study: Landlord / Agent Perspectives and Property Management

Understanding the new grounds for possession and streamlined eviction processes for anti-social behaviour.
Best practices for maintaining compliance with enhanced property standards.
Navigating the Property Portal: resources and support for landlords.
12:00pm
Case Study: Local Council Strategies for Enforcement and Support

Empowering councils with strengthened enforcement powers against non-compliant landlords.
Implementing the Decent Homes Standard: inspection protocols and support mechanisms.
Collaborative approaches between councils and landlords to improve housing quality.
Sam Strong, Head of Housing Management, London Borough of Hillingdon (Invited)

12:20pm
Questions & Answers Panel

12:40am
Lunch Break

1:20pm
Breakout Networking

An opportunity to network with property professionals across the public and private sector.

1:50pm
Case Study: Economic Impacts and Investment Considerations

Assessing the effects of potential rent control measures on investment in the rental sector.
Balancing tenant protections with incentives for landlords to invest in property improvements.
Future outlook: economic forecasts and their potential impact on the rental market.
2:20pm
Case Study: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Rental Properties – the Warm Homes Plan

Understanding & preparing for the potential upcoming regulations on energy efficiency and their implications for rental properties.
Funding opportunities and incentives for landlords to implement sustainable practices.
Case studies: successful integration of green technologies in rental accommodation.
2:50pm
Questions & Answers

3:10pm
Comfort Break

3:30pm
Case Study: Strengthening Private-Public Partnerships in the Rental Sector

Exploring joint initiatives between local authorities and private landlords to increase affordable housing supply.
Case studies of successful Build-to-Rent and Private Rented Sector (PRS) schemes led by councils.
Developing long-term partnership frameworks: risk-sharing, incentives, and policy alignment.
Tracy Chambers, Head of Housing and Community, Canterbury City Council (Invited)

4:00pm
Case Study: Licensing, Regulation, and Compliance in the PRS

Expanding selective licensing schemes: benefits, challenges, and impact on housing quality.
Ensuring landlord compliance with property standards through better enforcement mechanisms.
Balancing regulatory burdens with incentives to encourage private sector participation.
Dawn Guster, Housing Officer, Reading Borough Council (Invited)

4:20pm
Questions and Answers

4:40pm
Chairs closing remarks

4:50pm
Conference Close