Industry news
Courts: New repossession rules
The strict procedures landlords must now follow when bringing forward possession cases have been laid out by government. Ministers announced there would be changes to the process on Friday – and have now released more details as to what landlords will need to do under new Civil Procedure Rules. Courts will reopen on August 24 following a five month ban on evictions, introduced by the government in a bid to protect renters during the Covid-19 crisis.
Whirlpool recall: Landlords urged to check white goods
More than half a million washing machines have been recalled by Whirlpool, with landlords urged to check whether white goods in their rentals are affected. Many landlords provide white goods as standard – even in unfurnished properties. And with 36% of accidental house fires caused by appliances, electrical safety is something that needs to be taken seriously.
New electrical safety rules
Five-year safety checks will be mandatory for landlords for all new tenancies from July 1 this year. This will be rolled out to all existing tenancies from April 2021. The new regulations were tabled today (MON), requiring pre-tenancy and five yearly checks of all fixed appliances and wiring. Landlords failing to comply with the new rules will face fines of up to £30,000.
Reforming possession in England
The Government has now opened its consultation on removing assured shorthold tenancies and ending repossessions via Section 21. To mitigate the impact of removing Section 21, the consultation is proposing to amend or introduce a number of Section 8 grounds as well as tweaking the court system so it works slightly faster.
Coronavirus: Template letters for landlords
The NRLA has six template letters exclusive for members to download and send to tenants during the coronavirus pandemic. The template letters for landlords can be accessed online here and within the Property Management and Financial Support guidance section of our website. Members can access them by logging in to the site first.
Labour Right-to-Buy plan would kill off PRS
Labour's proposal to force landlords to sell homes to tenant at below market values would kill off the private sector.
Labour plans would devastate rented housing market
Plans for rent controls, open-ended tenancies and property MOTs could close down the PRS, the RLA has warned.
Coronavirus: Buy-to-let payment holiday and eviction ban announced
Appeal court win for NRLA
Court ruling on the case of Trecarrell v Rouncefield finally provides clarity for landlords over the use of Section 21 and gas safety certificates.
Year long contracts to be made mandatory by the Welsh Government
Landlords in Wales will soon be unable to regain possession of their property for at least 12 months under a new law announced today. The new law applies unless a tenant breaches the terms of their contract. For example if they are committing antisocial behaviour or are in rent arrears, or if a tenant decides to leave.
