During her speech at the Labour Party conference, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner unveiled a new government strategy to increase oversight within the property management sector. The central component of this plan is the creation of a dedicated watchdog tasked with monitoring and regulating leasehold property agents. Rayner characterized the move as a necessary step to protect leaseholders from predatory practices, specifically using the term 'cowboy' to describe agents who exploit the current system.

The proposed regulations are intended to curb the financial and administrative burdens often placed on leaseholders, which Rayner identified as a significant form of 'injustice' in the housing market. While the government has signaled its intent to move forward with this oversight body, specific details regarding the watchdog's enforcement powers, budget, and timeline for implementation remain limited. The announcement reflects the government's broader commitment to reforming the leasehold system, a long-standing issue in UK property law. The proposal has been framed by the government as a consumer protection measure, though industry groups have yet to provide a comprehensive response to the potential impact on property management firms. The move follows years of complaints from leaseholders regarding opaque service charges and poor maintenance standards, which the government now aims to address through centralized regulation.