Property licensing, Renters’ Rights Act changes, cladding remediation and spring maintenance across London & Essex
Welcome to Our April Property Management Update
Spring is here, bringing a natural shift in focus across the residential buildings we manage.
As we move out of winter, our priority is preventative property maintenance, building safety, and compliance with evolving UK property regulations. This includes progressing key safety projects, improving communication with residents, and ensuring buildings remain fully compliant.
This month, we’re sharing updates on:
- Our new Property Licensing Support Service
- Progress on a cladding remediation project in Hackney
- Changes linked to the Renters’ Rights Act
- Seasonal maintenance across our managed portfolio
Tip of the Month: Prevent Damp and Condensation in Spring
As temperatures rise, improving airflow is one of the simplest ways to maintain a healthy home.
Opening windows regularly and increasing ventilation can:
• Reduce condensation and damp
• Improve indoor air quality
• Prevent mould growth in kitchens and bathrooms
This is particularly important in leasehold flats and multi-occupancy buildings, where airflow can often be restricted.
Legal Watch: Property Licensing & Renters’ Rights Act Explained
What landlords and leaseholders need to know in 2026
Local authorities across London and Essex are increasing enforcement around property licensing and rental compliance.
At the same time, the Renters’ Rights Act is set to introduce major changes to:
• Tenant protections
• Tenancy agreements
• Property standards and compliance obligations
To stay ahead of these changes, we’ve launched our Property Licensing Support Service, helping landlords and resident directors ensure full compliance with local authority requirements.
What happens next?
We’ll be contacting landlords directly in the coming weeks to confirm compliance and gather required information.
Responding promptly will help avoid:
• Fines or enforcement action
• Delays in licensing approvals
• Compliance risks as legislation evolves
Health & Safety: BBQs, Balconies and Fire Risk
As we head into warmer months, outdoor spaces naturally see more use.
However, BBQs are not permitted on balconies or in communal areas due to fire safety risks in residential buildings.
In multi-occupancy properties, even a small fire can spread quickly, putting multiple residents at risk.
This policy is in place to ensure:
• Resident safety
• Building compliance with fire regulations
• Reduced risk across shared spaces
What we’re working on: Cladding Remediation Project in Hackney
We’re pleased to confirm that government funding has been secured for a cladding remediation project in Hackney, with works now underway.
Cladding remediation is a critical part of improving building safety, fire compliance, and long-term asset protection.
Reaching this stage reflects significant coordination between stakeholders, contractors, and funding bodies and marks a major milestone for the building and its residents.
“Emma has been consistently calm, organised, and proactive… communication has been clear and responsive throughout a complex issue.” – Resident Review
Feedback like this reinforces our focus on transparent, proactive block management across London and Essex.
Refer a Building or Landlord
If you know a building, landlord, or resident director looking for a more proactive managing agent, we’d be happy to help.
Successful referrals can earn up to £1,000.
To refer a building, email support@habitare.uk with your name and the building details.
For support anytime:
support@habitare.uk | WhatsApp 01245 330 291 (text ‘Hi’)
Ask Habitare: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the Renters’ Rights Act and how will it affect landlords and tenants?
The Renters’ Rights Act is expected to reshape how rental properties are managed across England.
Key changes include:
• Stronger tenant protections
• New tenancy structures
• Higher expectations around property condition and compliance
For landlords, this means increased responsibility.
For residents, it provides greater consistency and security.
We are actively monitoring developments and will continue to guide clients through these changes.
Q: What is property licensing and do I need it?
Property licensing is a legal requirement set by local councils for certain rented properties.
In many boroughs, landlords must obtain a licence to:
• Legally rent out a property
• Meet safety and management standards
• Comply with local housing regulations
As enforcement increases, more landlords are being brought into scope, often without realising it.
This is why we are proactively contacting landlords to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Got a question? Email us at support@habitare.uk and we may feature it in next month’s newsletter.
Seasonal Property Management: Spring Maintenance in Action
Spring is a key time for preventative maintenance in residential buildings.
Current works across our portfolio include:
- External building inspections after winter weather
- Gutter and drainage clearance
- Preparing communal areas for increased use
- Identifying early-stage maintenance issues
These steps help reduce long-term costs and maintain building condition.
Improving Resident Communication: New Habitare Website
We are currently redeveloping the Habitare website to improve resident access to information and support.
The new platform will provide:
- Clear guidance on maintenance and reporting
- Better visibility on responsibilities
- Faster access to support and contact channels
Our goal is simple:
make property management more transparent and easier to navigate.
Thank You for Being Part of the Habitare Community
Thank you for your continued support.
We’ll be back next month with further updates on property management, compliance, and building safety across London and Essex.