Time is of the Essence
The phrase “time is of the essence” is familiar in the English language and most definitely to to the legal profession. Created under English common law where a contract specified a completion date or performance deadline, the premise exists today.
By the 19th Century there were 3 key principles:
Time would be essential if stated in a contract
Time sensitivity would be implied
Time sensitivity would required by serving reasonable notice
Reflect, Review and Prepare
As phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 approaches in 2026, the last 12 months have been defined by evolving change.
The last 14 months have shown the sector is no longer simply about providing property, accountability, resilience, strategic planning and the ability to adapt will take centre stage. and letting agents, landlords, solicitors, suppliers and other stakeholders who have embraced these changes are moving forward with confidence.
A Landscape Defined by Reform
Regulatory change is reshaping the private rented sector, with emphasis on property standards, compliance, licensing, transparency and more protection for tenants. Expectations are higher and local authorities have been given enforcement powers the industry has never expreienced before .
New Local Authority Investigatory Powers - What Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know
As from the 27th December 2025, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will introduce a new enforcement framework intended to improve standards across the private rented sector. At the heart of these reforms lies a set of investigatory powers being granted to local authroities in England.
Investigatory Powers
The purpose of the updated investigatory regime is to give councils the power to enforce legislation. These powers are not designed to be intrusive, they create a structured legal framework that ensures evidence is gathered lawfully, inspections are conducted professionally, and both letting agents’ and landlords’ rights are respected throughout the process.
Clarification on Mandatory Grounds 1 and 1A of the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act brings some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector for over 30 years. Among those changes are the amended Ground 1 of Section 8 and the introduction og Ground 1A. These Grounds will be relied upon if a landlord intends to sell, or where the landlord or a close family member wish to move into the property.