Articles by Sally Walmsley
Today in politics: Renters' Reform Bill, referencing and Covid testing for students
Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher has told MPs the Renters Reform Bill needs to be taken forward in a 'considered manner' when urgencies of responding to the pandemic have passed in response to a written question. Elsewhere landlords and agents have been advised to be considerate of renters affected by Covid-19 when preparing tenant references and the Government has published full guidance on plans to allow students to go home for Christmas.
Green Homes: What do you think?
Landlords are being asked for their experience of the Government’s Green Grants Scheme as part of an inquiry into energy efficiency. The Environmental Audit Committee is asking anyone who has tried to access the scheme how they have found the process and whether they have been successful.
Green Homes Grant: Lockdown guidance
Green Homes Grant installers can continue to work in people’s homes during the national lockdown, the Government has confirmed. The news comes as official guidance was updated to reflect the introduction of the new restrictions which will see pubs, restaurants, gyms closed as of November 5, with people advised to stay home wherever possible.
Lockdown: Government clarifies position on possession cases
The Government has provided important clarification about the enforcement of possession cases during the second national lockdown. In a letter to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, has confirmed that during the lockdown there will be no enforcement of Possession Orders except for the most serious cases.
NRLA gives evidence to Government committee
The Government's Environmental Audit Committee has heard evidence from the NRLA as part of its investigation into the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. As of this year all rental properties (other than those with valid exemptions) must have an EPC rating of E or higher to be legally rented out.
New agents course goes live
A new nationally recognised agent qualification is being launched by the NRLA. The Managing Property and Residential Lettings Level 3 award is the equivalent of an A level for new and existing letting agents and property managers who want to develop their skills.
Landlord confidence falls amidst Covid pandemic
Almost two thirds of private landlords in England and Wales expect their rental business to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic according to new research.
Local furlough cash not enough for struggling renters
The NRLA has renewed calls for a financial support package for landlords and tenants in the wake of the Chancellor’s announcement on furlough schemes in local lockdown areas.
Financial package vital for the survival of the PRS
Calls for a comprehensive financial package for landlords and tenants form the cornerstone of the NRLAs submission to Government ahead of the publication of its Comprehensive Spending Review. The association says the Government must develop a package that provides much greater support for landlords and tenants to ensure that rents can be paid in full and on time.
Warning as landlords hit with £420k bill for flouting planning rules
Landlords have faced a legal bill totalling £421,837 for adapting properties without the proper planning permission – then refusing to revert them.
