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Details: Published: 27 September 2024; Hits: 193

The first reading of the renamed Renters' Rights Bill has brought a lot to consider. While a few landlords have expressed concern over the proposed legislation, it's still early, and we’ll have to wait for more concrete updates. However, there are already a few notable changes compared to the previous government's proposals. Here is a brief summary.

Abolishing Section 21 Evictions: The bill seeks to eliminate "no-fault" evictions under Section 21 and move to a simpler tenancy model where all assured tenancies are periodic. The new system will be rolled out in one stage, immediately.
Fair Possession Grounds: The bill introduces balanced possession grounds, giving tenants more security while ensuring landlords can reclaim their property for legitimate reasons, such as moving in or selling. New safeguards will also allow tenants more time to find alternative housing.
Stronger Protection Against "Backdoor Evictions": Tenants will be able to appeal excessive rent increases. While landlords will still be able to raise rents to market value, an independent tribunal will handle disputes, ensuring fair outcomes.
Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman will be introduced to provide quick, impartial, and binding resolutions to tenant complaints, similar to redress systems in social housing and property agent services.
Private Rented Sector Database: This database will help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance. Local councils will also use the database to target enforcement efforts where needed. Landlords must register to use certain possession grounds.
Tenants’ Rights to Have Pets: Tenants will gain stronger rights to request pets, and landlords must consider these requests reasonably. Landlords can require pet insurance to cover any potential damage to the property.
Decent Homes Standard: The Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector, ensuring tenants have access to safer, higher-quality homes, and reducing the prevalence of substandard housing.
Awaab’s Law: This will establish clear legal timeframes for landlords to address serious hazards in rented properties, ensuring swift action to make homes safe.
Anti-Discrimination Measures: It will become illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants who receive benefits or have children.
Ending Rental Bidding Wars: The practice of rental bidding will be prohibited. Landlords and agents will be required to advertise an asking rent, and it will be illegal to accept offers above that rate.
Strengthening Local Authority Enforcement: Local authorities will have expanded powers, including civil penalties and new investigatory tools. They will also be required to report on their enforcement activities to increase transparency.
Enhanced Rent Repayment Orders: The bill will extend rent repayment orders to superior landlords, double the maximum penalties, and ensure that repeat offenders repay the full amount.
Periodic Tenancies: Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, fixed-term assured tenancies will be abolished. In their place, all tenancies will become periodic, allowing tenants to remain in their homes until they choose to end the tenancy with 2 months' notice.

Details: Published: 14 February 2024; Hits: 573

We wanted to bring to your attention some recent developments regarding housing licensing in London that may impact you as a landlord.

Local authorities throughout London have begun introducing selective and additional HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licensing requirements. These measures are being implemented on a borough-by-borough basis, meaning that the regulations may vary depending on the specific location of your property.

It's crucial to be aware that failure to obtain the required license for your property could result in significant fines and penalties. We understand that navigating these licensing requirements might seem daunting, but licenses can be easily applied for online. Normally you will need all the current safety certificates, a floorplan, fire risk assessment and to get in touch with the freeholder and mortgage provider to inform them that you are applying.

Each borough sets its own licensing fees, which can vary. We have already applied for licenses on behalf of our management clients, subject to a fee. However, we've noticed that many reputable landlords may not be aware of these new licensing policies.

The trajectory of this year indicates a remarkable surge poised to surpass the record set in 2023, with 32 new schemes anticipated, as reported by Kamma. Within the initial four months alone, a staggering 19 selective and additional licensing schemes and consultations have been initiated.

Notably, six new licensing schemes have already commenced in prominent locations such as Greenwich, Nottingham, Islington, Warwick, and Luton. London emerges as a frontrunner, with active consultations underway in boroughs like Haringey, Lambeth, Waltham Forest, and most recently Bexley. This widespread activity underscores a robust commitment to implementing fresh selective and additional licensing measures across the capital.

Details: Published: 06 April 2023; Hits: 1073

Landlords in England and Wales will have until 2025 to upgrade newly rented properties to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C standard, and until 2028 to bring existing tenancies up to scratch. This is according to new legislation set to be introduced in an effort to improve the energy efficiency of the country's rental housing stock. However, 15% of landlords are currently unaware of the changes, and 40% of privately rented properties are unlikely to meet energy efficiency targets by 2028, according to analysis by Propertymark.