Articles by James Wood
The Enforcement Lottery: Civil penalty usage by local authorities
Over the last decade, the private rented sector has been making substantial improvements to the quality of its housing stock. Despite this, there are still a small proportion of properties in the PRS where conditions are potentially hazardous and need to be improved. These options include civil penalties which allow local authorities to fine landlords for specific breaches.
The wait of justice 2021: how covid legislation affected possession
In this special report, senior policy officer James Wood examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on landlords, tenants and the already stretched legal system and explores potential solutions to the ongoing challenges as emergency restriction are lifted.
What you need to know: Right to Rent for EU nationals after 30 June 2021
Eighteen months after leaving the European Union (EU), the Government has now published legislation covering how to check the right to rent status of people coming from the EU. Senior policy officer James Wood explains what landlords need to know about carrying out Right to Rent checks for EU nationals after 30 June 2021.
Electrical Safety Checks: does changing tenants affect an EICR?
In June 2020, the Government made it mandatory for landlords in England to have the electrical installations in their property tested by a qualified and competent person at regular intervals. Senior policy officer James Wood looks at whether changing tenants affects an EICR.
What you need to know: Possessions update for England
The Government has made a series of welcome announcements around possession in the private rented sector. The updates are wide ranging and generally very positive, reflecting the roadmap that the NRLA had suggested as a measured and reasonable way to return to the norm without over-stretching the courts.
Important update on Section 8 notices
The Government has introduced a new prescribed Section 8 Notice (Form 3) which will come into force on Tuesday 4 May. This document will be available on the government's website in the near future.
Emergency right to rent changes to end
Changes to right to rent checks, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic will end next month. With infections rates now falling and the country opening up once again the emergency measures will end on May 16th and the original (pre-Covid) checks will need to be made.
What you need to know about the eviction ban extension
The Government announced yesterday that both the ban on using bailiffs, and the longer notice periods for Section 21 and 8 will continue in the same form until the end of May. Senior policy officer James Wood explains what landlords need to know.
Reactivation notices for possessions extended
Due to a last-minute extension on Friday 29 January, landlords can still use a reactivation notice for possession proceedings put on hold due to the closure of the courts in 2020 if they have not already done so.
The wait of justice 2020: possession enforcement times before and after covid
This piece looks at the rate and pace of possession action in the various regions England immediately prior to the coronavirus pandemic. The results are drawn from a series of freedom of information requests.