Unsafe rentals:
warnings and council purchases.
The speech proposed warnings for landlords letting the worst-quality homes. If they refuse to improve them, councils would find it "much easier" to buy the properties. The Prime Minister said new laws would follow "if necessary".
The proposal
Burnham focused on rented homes that harm tenants' health. He criticised absent landlords who receive rent through the benefits system without spending on upkeep, comparing unsafe housing with unsafe food.
As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he introduced a Good Landlord Charter and called for similar council powers.
Details still to come
The government has not defined the homes this would cover, the number of warnings or the time landlords would have to make repairs. How purchases would be valued, and whether new legislation is needed, also remain unclear.
Landlord organisations, including the NRLA, have asked for more detail.
Empty homes:
a proposed six-month threshold.
On 27 September 2026, the government announced plans to let councils seek an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) after a home has been empty for six months. The current threshold is two years.
How an EDMO works
An EDMO lets a council take over the management of a long-term empty home and house people in it for up to seven years. Ownership stays with the owner.
The government also plans to simplify applications by removing requirements for evidence such as antisocial behaviour or community support. It has not confirmed when these changes would take effect.
What about a gap between tenancies?
Some homes are exempt under the current rules. They include properties genuinely marketed for sale or rent, holiday or second homes, and a deceased owner's home within six months of probate being granted.
The announcement does not say whether these exemptions would change.
Leasehold charges
and agent licensing.
Burnham promised a Leasehold Reform Bill before Christmas. A government announcement on 29 September 2026 also outlined fee caps and agent licensing. Both could affect landlords who own leasehold flats or use an agent.
Proposed caps on permission and admin fees
The government proposes powers to cap freeholder fees for permissions, such as keeping a pet, and administration charges, such as supplying documents or recording a change of mortgage lender.
A consultation will cover which fees would be capped and at what level. If you let a leasehold flat, keep a record of the charges you pay.
Proposed licensing for property agents
Property agents would need a licence and suitable qualifications. A regulator would set codes of practice and have powers to remove licences.
The announcement mentions tenants, suggesting letting agents would be covered. The government has not confirmed the scope or start date.
Other housing
announcements.
Your First Home
Your First Home is a proposed equity loan scheme for first-time buyers of new-build homes in England. It is expected to allow 2.5% deposits alongside a 20% government-backed loan.
The Chancellor is due to confirm details, including income and property price caps, at the October 2026 Budget.
Council homes and Right to Buy
The speech promised the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period. It also proposed removing Right to Buy from newly built council homes, while preserving the right for people in existing homes.
What to
check now.
Your existing duties still apply while these proposals are being developed.
- 1. Check the propertyUse the HHSRS self-check on your next visit. Record hazards, arrange repairs and date the work.
- 2. Keep the repair recordsFile photos, invoices and messages so you can show what was reported and what you did.
- 3. Record why a home is emptyKeep dates and evidence of marketing, repairs or other reasons for a vacancy.
- 4. Find your registration datesThe landlord register is due to open on 15 December 2026. Check the schedule for your property's region.
Official sources
- Labour — Andy Burnham’s speech to Labour Party Conference 2026
- GOV.UK — New reforms to bring more long-term empty homes back into use (27 September 2026)
- legislation.gov.uk — EDMO prescribed exceptions (England) Order 2006, article 3
- GOV.UK — Government goes further to protect leaseholders (29 September 2026)
- GOV.UK — New first-time buyer scheme to be confirmed at Budget (26 September 2026)
Join the discussion.
Discuss this story on X ↗No comments yet. Add your view below.