Articles by James Wood
Does your local authority tell tenants to wait for the bailiff?
Renters Reform: NRLA pushing for vital amendments to notice periods
Challenging proposals to allow tenants to give notice as soon as they take on a new tenancy will be a key part of the NRLA’s ongoing rental reform campaign. Under the current plans tenants will be allowed to give two months’ notice at any point during the tenancy, meaning tenants could sign an agreement then immediately give notice – a practice some landlords fear could turn the PRS into ‘Airbnb-lite’. NRLA Head of Policy James Wood takes a look at this and other amendments the NRLA is campaigning for.
Important update in Wales: Occupation contracts
Landlords in Wales need to update their occupation contract templates, after the Welsh Government amended the documents this week. The change was made on Wednesday (December 6) when the Welsh Government amended the explanatory information part of the contract. NRLA Head of Policy James Wood explains what you need to know.
Trading standards publishes new guidance on property listings
This week, Trading Standards published new guidance for letting agents on the ‘material information’ that should be contained in property listings. The new guidance expands on the guidance for Part A material information published last year by adding Parts B (information for all properties) and C (information that may be relevant). Our Head of Policy James Wood explains what you need to know.
December deadline for HMO council tax changes
New legislation regarding council tax and HMO properties will come into force in England next week, putting an end to the practice of disaggregating houses in multiple occupation and clarifying who is responsible for council tax.
New amendments proposed to the Renter’s Reform Bill
This week the Renters (Reform) Bill reached the Committee stage, and a number of proposed amendments to the Bill have been tabled. NRLA Head of Policy James Wood explains more about the proposed amendments, and the further amendments the NRLA would like to see in order to secure landlord confidence.
NRLA Deep Dive: Court reform and possession: where are we at?
The subject of court reform has been getting a lot of attention lately after the Government’s announcement that it would not proceed with the abolition of section 21, until reforms to the justice system are in place. However, it has understandably raised concerns that it is kicking reforms into the long grass. Here policy manager James Wood takes a deep dive into the issue.
Government publishes damp and mould guidance, and promises simpler HHSRS system
NRLA Head of Policy James Wood explains more about the important updates landlords need to be aware of when it comes to property standards and safety, after the Government's HHSRS review were published this week.
Would you allow childminding in your rental property?
Over the last decade, the number of childminders in England and Wales has declined substantially, with the Government committed to addressing the issue. This week the NRLA met with the Government to discuss the barriers to childminding in rental homes. Policy Manager James Wood explains more.
Legal updates for landlords: August 2023
Our Head of Policy James Wood explains more about recent legislative changes, including a new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service and advance notice of a new version of the How to Rent guide.
