Industry news
Landlords urged to fight for repossession rights
Landlords are being urged to back a legal case to protect their rights to repossess properties. This follows a recent court case in which a landlord’s attempt to regain their property was deemed invalid due to a dispute over a gas safety certificate. After that landlord was initially granted an order to repossess the property using Section 21 powers, the tenant successfully appealed on the grounds that they were not provided with a gas safety certificate prior to moving in.
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.
Success as Government rejects renewal of city-wide Liverpool licensing scheme
Plans to renew a city-wide selective licensing scheme in Liverpool have been rejected by the Government following campaigning by the RLA. Liverpool City Council had proposed to renew its city-wide selective licensing scheme for another five years, with the current scheme due to end on 31st March 2020.
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.
