Latest articles by Sally Walmsley
Changes to EICR regulations: What do I need to know?
Amendments to electrical safety rules affecting the private rented sector (PRS) are set to be introduced this November – with increased fines for getting things wrong. The changes are part of a broader package of reforms that will extend the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) regulations to social housing.
Renters' Rights: Landlords and tenants left in the dark on rollout
A minimum six-month lead-in period is vital to allow landlords to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Bill, the NRLA has warned. We are arguing that without a clear timetable for change the sector risks being plunged into a period of confusion and chaos, with tenants set to be the ultimate losers.
NRLA podcast: Selling with tenants in situ and the new Decent Homes Standard
Selling with tenants in situ is becoming increasingly popular according to new NRLA partner Landlord Property Exchange (LPE) and this month NRLA CEO Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco look at the pros and cons of this approach. Environmental health specialist Alan Davies also joins the show to discuss Government proposals for a new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector.
New PRS database – landlord testers needed
Landlords in Birmingham, Gateshead and Nottingham are being asked to volunteer for a pilot scheme testing out the new landlord database, set to be introduced under the new Renters' Rights Bill.
Treasury's National Insurance plan would hit renters in the pocket
Increasing tax on landlords by applying National Insurance to rental income are amongst Treasury plans ahead of the budget, according to reports in The Times today. The change, we argue, would lead to an inevitable increase in rents, hitting the very households the Government wants to protect.
Renters' Rights warning as court backlogs continue to build
Court waiting times for landlord repossessions have increased yet again, despite the number of overall claims falling. We believe this is a major red flag when it comes to the ability of the courts to cope with the influx of cases once the Renters' Rights Bill comes into force and section 21 is abolished.
Be prepared – your essential guide to getting ready for Renters’ Rights
The summer months can offer some much-needed downtime for most of us – but with a wealth of legislation change on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take stock and make sure you are prepared.
Results day warning as thousands of student homes at risk
Thousands of student homes could be lost from the rental market, with potentially disastrous consequences for generations of students – including those celebrating their A-levels today. Unless MPs back a key House of Lords amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill next month, students across the country could see their chances of renting a home in their chosen university town or city dwindle – with those from disadvantaged backgrounds hit hardest.
NRLA runs proptech pilot tackling damp and mould
The NRLA has partnered with Danish firm WiseHome to run a pilot programme trialling a new product offering a high-tech solution to the issue of damp and mould in rented homes. The scheme found 63% apartments had challenges with high humidity and low ventilation, with issues mainly in common areas and bathrooms.
NRLA podcast: Pets amendment and solving the empty homes crisis
In this month's episode of Listen Up Landlords, presenters NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco welcome Lord de Clifford, the peer responsible for tabling the latest pet amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill. The team is also joined by the NRLA's Chris Norris and Chris Bailey National Campaigns Manager from Action On Empty Homes,
