Industry news
News relating to the private rented sector from both England and Wales, affecting landlords.
Tenants Fees Act extended to cover existing tenancies
The Tenant Fees Act came into force in England last year, and from today (Monday 1st June) it has a wider application for tenancies in England. The law means that landlords and letting agents cannot charge fees other than rent, deposits, holding deposits and charges for defaulting on the contract – with additional restrictions on how much tenants must pay. The full list of permitted payments can be read further down in this article.
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.
Electrical safety guidance for landlords published
New guidance on the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 has been published by the government. The new rules mean that landlords must ensure every electrical installation at the property is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified and competent person.
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.
Reforming possession in England
The Government has now opened its consultation on removing assured shorthold tenancies and ending repossessions via Section 21. To mitigate the impact of removing Section 21, the consultation is proposing to amend or introduce a number of Section 8 grounds as well as tweaking the court system so it works slightly faster.
Coronavirus: Template letters for landlords
The NRLA has six template letters exclusive for members to download and send to tenants during the coronavirus pandemic. The template letters for landlords can be accessed online here and within the Property Management and Financial Support guidance section of our website. Members can access them by logging in to the site first.
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.
