Landlords: What you should know from the last few months

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. 
 
 
Want to know more? You may find our other blogs helpful:


Get in touch with us

How Much Deposit Do You Really Need in 2026? 🏡💰

For many buyers, especially first-time buyers, the deposit is one of the biggest questions when starting the property journey.

CLICK HERE >

Gravesham Cracks Down on HMOs - Article 4 Direction is coming

A growing campaign called "Say No to HMOs" has gained significant support from local residents, and as a result Gravesham Borough Council is moving forward with plans to introduce an Article 4 Direction. If you own a rental property in Gravesham this could impact you.

CLICK HERE >

Freehold vs Leasehold: What’s the Difference? 🏡

If you are buying a property, one of the first legal terms you are likely to come across is whether the home is freehold or leasehold. For many buyers, especially first-time buyers, the difference is not always immediately clear.

CLICK HERE >

The New PRS Database - a long-term Landlord monitoring and enforcement tool!

The Government has confirmed that a new mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database will be introduced in late 2026, creating a national register of landlords and rental properties across England. Landlords should be aware that it is being designed as far more than just a registration system. Here's what we know so far 👇

CLICK HERE >