Industry news
News relating to the private rented sector from both England and Wales, affecting landlords.
New rules on repossessions
New Government rules mean that possession orders for arrears will only be enforced in cases where tenants built significant arrears pre-Covid. Orders for cases which include arrears built by tenants after March 23 will now be put on ice until after the ‘Christmas truce’ period, which ends on January 11.
Consultation launches on plans to extend carbon monoxide regulations
Private landlords in England will be required to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner, under proposals unveiled in a new Government consultation.
Green Homes Grants: Government extends scheme by a year
The Green Homes Grant scheme, under which landlords can apply for a grant of up to 5,000 pounds to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, has been extended. Launched in September, the scheme was due to end on 31st March 2021. As part of a new ten -point -plan for a green industrial revolution unveiled by the Government this week, the scheme will now be extended until March 2022.
Government plan rewards rent dodgers
New regulations published today will mean tenants can build almost 18 months of rent arrears without any sanction.
Today in politics: Rents fluctuate as workers move out of cities, Covid hits incomes and benefits payments
Today we look at new figures showing rents are falling in cities and increasing in more rural areas - while statistics from news reports show more support is needed for tenants.
Young forced to choose between rent debt and health
Young people are being forced to choose between racking up rent debts and risking their health due to rules limiting what they can claim for housing benefit.
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.
NRLA calls for Swansea additional licence postponement
City and County of Swansea will be pushing ahead with an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in the St Thomas electoral ward, and to renew the scheme in the Castle and Uplands wards, it has been announced.
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.
