Articles by James Wood
Fire Safety updates in HMOs: what you need to know
As part of the response to the Grenfell disaster, the government has introduced the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, setting out new requirements for some landlords.
Wales: NRLA releases standard occupation contract ahead of law change next week
The NRLA has today released an enhanced and improved Standard Occupation Contract for use by landlords in Wales (V1.2FSOC). The new document works as an all-in-one contract, setting out the terms for both the initial fixed term and any periodic contract that follows on from this.
Council Tax change to be debated on Wednesday
This Wednesday a suggested change to council tax legislation is being debated in Parliament. In this article, the NRLA sets out what the amendment wishes to achieve and how you can call on your MP to support its introduction.
Amendment seeks to change council tax rules for HMOs
A proposed amendment may stop the Valuation Office from charging council tax by the room in HMOs. Find out how you can get involved with the campaign to end this practice here.
The energy price cap - what you need to know
The Government has announced that the planned 80% rise in energy prices for consumers will not go ahead as planned on 1 October. While the full details have yet to be announced, there is some important information available that will help landlords and tenants prepare.
Statutory Debt Repayment Plan: what you need to know
The Government recently closed a consultation seeking opinions on a proposed Statutory Debt Repayment Plan (SDRP). The proposals set out a new method for debtors to repay creditors over time, while being protected from enforcement action. NRLA policy manager James Wood explains what landlords need to know.
Rental Reform - A deep dive on anti-social behaviour
The NRLA is continuing to analyse potential problems within the Government's new plans on rental reform. One of the key areas of concerns is around anti-social behaviour. Being able to tackle anti-social behaviour quickly and effectively is absolutely crucial to maintaining landlord confidence in the sector. Here, NRLA policy manager James Wood takes a look at some of the issues.
Rental Reform: Periodic tenancies - a deep dive
The abolition of the fixed term tenancy was one of the most surprising announcements in the recent white paper on rental reform. We look at the likely impact of proposals and what adjustments need to be made for plans to work.
Renting Homes Wales: Secondary legislation announced
New secondary legislation has been released by the Welsh Government in preparation for the introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act in December. Most of these changes are minor adjustments to allow for existing legislation to continue. Our policy manager James Wood takes a look at the changes.
Rental reform: What you need to know: possession grounds and court reform
The long-awaited white paper on rental reform has now been published, with housing law in England is set to change substantially in the next few years. Fixed term assured and assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced and landlords will be required to sign up mandatory redress. NRLA policy manager James Woods looks beyond the headlines.