Landlords: What you should know from the last few months
BRAND NEW legislation, the Kings speech, the Autumn Statement, and more. All in one place to keep you up to date...
RENTERS (REFORM) BILL
The Renters (reform) Bill went through its second reading in parliament in October 2023. This presented the opportunity for MPs to debate measures within the bill. The biggest change was that the government will not proceed with abolishing section 21 until the courts system has been reformed!
KING'S SPEECH - 7th November 2023
The King mentioned the following:
- The ongoing commitment to Renters (reform) Bill
- A commitment to introduce a Leasehold Bill
- An ongoing commitment to Net Zero and energy efficiency
NEW RIGHT TO RENT CODE OF PRACTICE
Coming into force on 22 January 2024 to coincide with higher maximum fines for non-compliance under the Immigration Act 2014 (Residential Accommodation) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2023, the revised code of practice is the sixth update and will replace the previous version from March 2022.
ENGLAND: NEW "HOW TO RENT GUIDE" PUBLISHED
On October 2nd, for the second time this year, a new How to Rent Guide was published.
This edition of the guide included information around the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service for tenants.
AUTUMN STATEMENT
1. Local Housing Allowance increases to support lower income tenants.
2. Higher wages for lower earners
3. Building new homes
4. Self-employed landlords receive tax cuts
5. Opportunities for property developers, including converting houses to flats
6. One pension pot for life to affect entire rented sector
REFORMS TO JUSTICE SYSTEM
The government announced that it will not proceed with abolishing section 21 “until reforms to the justice system are in place”.
ENGLAND: GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS AROUND DAMP AND MOULD PUBLISHED
New guidance is now available for landlords around the legal requirements around damp and mould, and how to identify and address any issues.
At the same time, proposals on how to update the Housing Health and Safety Rating System to simplify it for landlords and councils alike have been published.
With the results of a consultation into the Decent Homes Standard expected, these updates reflect plans to legislate to apply these standards to the private rented sector for the first time.
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