Articles by Sally Walmsley
Expert predictions as the new year approaches
It's fair to say most of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. However, a vaccine being rolled out and more on the horizon, the new year, for many, represents a new start and the hope of better things to come. While it is difficult to make predictions at any time, in the midst of a global pandemic, it's almost impossible. But with the new year just a couple of weeks away we have asked industry experts what they expect to see happen in the sector in 2021.
Rental homes could be lost without energy efficiency cash
Vital rental homes could be lost if ambitious new energy efficiency rules are brought in by the Government, the NRLA has warned. While the association backs plans to reduce carbon in homes and improve energy efficiency in the sector, it says landlords will need support or they could take properties off the rental market altogether. It is now asking for a financial package for those landlords facing the biggest challenges.
Welsh landlords hit with new tax hike
Landlord transaction tax in Wales on residential homes will be increased by 1% as of tomorrow, following an announcement by the Welsh Government. In the draft budget today the Welsh Government announced changes to the higher residential rates, and non-residential rates and bands, of Land Transaction Tax (LTT) – the equivalent of stamp duty in England.
Private landlords giving more support to tenants than social sector
Private landlords have been giving more help to tenants who cannot pay their rent as a result of Covid than those in the social sector according to the English Housing Survey, published today.
NRLA calls for financial support for landlords and tenants in Select Committee session
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle has called for a comprehensive package of financial support for the private rented sector while giving evidence to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Select Committee.
New How to Rent guide released by Government
A new 'How to Rent' guide has been released by Government - with landlords reminded they MUST serve this version at the start of any new tenancy or renewal. Rules were brought in five years ago making it mandatory for landlords to provide the latest version of 'How to rent: a checklist for renting in England' to their tenants when the first tenancy starts - and on renewal if there has been an update to the contents.
LSE Covid research: Can you help?
Coronavirus and its impact on landlords and tenants, is the subject of a new study by researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE). The team will be looking at how the pandemic, in combination with policy and tax changes, is affecting the behaviour of individual private landlords and rents and conditions for tenants.
Queen's Speech: Section 21 WILL go
Electrical safety: Expert guidance launched
New rules on electrical safety will be introduced this July, with expert guidance now launched by trade association NAPIT.
Electrical safety rules will leave tenants at risk
New electrical safety rules could leave tenants in high-risk rental homes vulnerable. The regulations are due to come into force from June this year and will immediately remove the obligation for landlords to carry out electrical safety checks in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
