Industry news
Government plan rewards rent dodgers
New regulations published today will mean tenants can build almost 18 months of rent arrears without any sanction.
Today in politics: Rents fluctuate as workers move out of cities, Covid hits incomes and benefits payments
Today we look at new figures showing rents are falling in cities and increasing in more rural areas - while statistics from news reports show more support is needed for tenants.
Young forced to choose between rent debt and health
Young people are being forced to choose between racking up rent debts and risking their health due to rules limiting what they can claim for housing benefit.
Today in politics: Renters' Reform Bill, referencing and Covid testing for students
Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher has told MPs the Renters Reform Bill needs to be taken forward in a 'considered manner' when urgencies of responding to the pandemic have passed in response to a written question. Elsewhere landlords and agents have been advised to be considerate of renters affected by Covid-19 when preparing tenant references and the Government has published full guidance on plans to allow students to go home for Christmas.
NRLA calls for Swansea additional licence postponement
City and County of Swansea will be pushing ahead with an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in the St Thomas electoral ward, and to renew the scheme in the Castle and Uplands wards, it has been announced.
Green Homes: What do you think?
Landlords are being asked for their experience of the Government’s Green Grants Scheme as part of an inquiry into energy efficiency. The Environmental Audit Committee is asking anyone who has tried to access the scheme how they have found the process and whether they have been successful.
Green Homes Grant: Lockdown guidance
Green Homes Grant installers can continue to work in people’s homes during the national lockdown, the Government has confirmed. The news comes as official guidance was updated to reflect the introduction of the new restrictions which will see pubs, restaurants, gyms closed as of November 5, with people advised to stay home wherever possible.
Lockdown: Government clarifies position on possession cases
The Government has provided important clarification about the enforcement of possession cases during the second national lockdown. In a letter to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, has confirmed that during the lockdown there will be no enforcement of Possession Orders except for the most serious cases.
NRLA gives evidence to Government committee
The Government's Environmental Audit Committee has heard evidence from the NRLA as part of its investigation into the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. As of this year all rental properties (other than those with valid exemptions) must have an EPC rating of E or higher to be legally rented out.
Right to Rent: Online system to be available later this month
New guidance on Right to Rent has been published this week. The legislative changes enable landlords and letting agents to use a new Home Office online checking service, available from 25 November, to undertake right to rent checks for non-UK nationals.
