Articles by Sally Walmsley
Boris to be PM, so what can we expect on housing?
Boris Johnson will become the UK’s next Prime Minister, so what does this mean for housing – and in particular the private rented sector? While both Johnson and Hunt have remained tight-lipped on plans regarding housing and the PRS, we can look to his record as London Mayor and to a lesser extent to his Telegraph column to find out more on his stance.
Coronavirus: Landlords call for tax relief on empty homes
Landlords are calling on Ministers to tell local authorities that they should not charge council tax on rented homes left empty because of coronavirus. A significant number of rented homes have been left empty because tenants have been unable to take up tenancies, or have chosen to move out to be closer to family during the lockdown.
EPCs and Listed buildings - an answer at last?
The issue of Listed Buildings and whether they are exempt from Energy Performance Certificate requirements has been around for a long time now. The good news is DCLG – now the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government – has updated its guidance in relation to Listed Buildings and those in Conservation Areas. The bad news is the legislation is still unclear.
Landlords welcome support for green improvements
Landlords have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that they will be able to apply for funding towards energy improvements to rental homes. The chancellor made the announcement during today’s Summer Statement.
Courts: New repossession rules
The strict procedures landlords must now follow when bringing forward possession cases have been laid out by government. Ministers announced there would be changes to the process on Friday – and have now released more details as to what landlords will need to do under new Civil Procedure Rules. Courts will reopen on August 24 following a five month ban on evictions, introduced by the government in a bid to protect renters during the Covid-19 crisis.
Whirlpool recall: Landlords urged to check white goods
More than half a million washing machines have been recalled by Whirlpool, with landlords urged to check whether white goods in their rentals are affected. Many landlords provide white goods as standard – even in unfurnished properties. And with 36% of accidental house fires caused by appliances, electrical safety is something that needs to be taken seriously.
New electrical safety rules
Five-year safety checks will be mandatory for landlords for all new tenancies from July 1 this year. This will be rolled out to all existing tenancies from April 2021. The new regulations were tabled today (MON), requiring pre-tenancy and five yearly checks of all fixed appliances and wiring. Landlords failing to comply with the new rules will face fines of up to £30,000.
Birmingham to introduce city wide Article 4 direction
Landlords who want to convert family homes in Birmingham into small HMOs will need to submit planning applications to do so under new plans revealed by the city council.
Tenant fees ban - what can I charge for?
The Tenants Fees Act comes into force in England on Saturday. In this article first published in RLA members’ magazine Residential Property Investor, we look at the latest government guidance on the new rules.The fees ban has caused huge consternation among landlords, unsure of what they can and can’t charge for once the act comes into force, and when the changes are being implemented for new and existing tenancies.
Labour Right-to-Buy plan would kill off PRS
Labour's proposal to force landlords to sell homes to tenant at below market values would kill off the private sector.
