Landlord News Important Legislation Changes
Tenancy Deposit Legislation Updated.
The Localism Bill was given Royal Assent on 15 November 2011, this means the Tenancy Deposit Legislation is being updated with new definitions, penalties and fines for non compliance
Evicting tenants changes in court process.
The court service have change the forms used for applying for possession using the
Section 21 Notice key changes
- New application Form
- Proof of deposit scheme is required in the form of Deposit Scheme reference number.
- The Landlords no longer has the opportunity to include additional information about their claim
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Rent arrears soar as tenants get to grips with record rents.
The Rents rose by their fastest rate in a year last month, bouncing up 1.2%, whilst tenants arrears grew by 19.5%.
Yobs to swamp private rented sector
Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister is introducing a new Bill to stamp down on anti-social yobs within Social Housing.
If the council evict them or refuse to house them then the only place where they can be re-housed, unless serving a custodial sentence, has to be into the Private Rented Sector
or see section
Vetting LHA Benefits Tenants
Vast compulsary licencing & purchase of private Landlord Properties by local Council
The London Borough of Newham could become the first local authority in the country where every single private landlord and rental property is licensed. They are also considering buying up swathes of private rental property and becoming a landlord itself – has launched a consultation on compulsory borough-wide licensing
Letting to Students can be Golden
Students are always portrayed by the Entertainment Industry as a bit of a “feckless bunch”, who are either being slaughtered off by a mad serial killer or partying all nights, however to Landlords they can offer the “Golden Ticket"
Letting Agents - Changes to EPCs are delayed yet again
They could have been implemented as early as next week, but are now set to kick in on April 6, 2012. There have been few concessions in the much-delayed changes, but further guidance will be issued before next spring.
Deposit Fine £18,720 overturned in favour of the Landlord
A Court of Appeal ruling 19th May 2011 effectively deems tenants cannot make claims against their landlords for three times the deposit at any point once the tenancy is over
This should remain intact until such time as the
localism billcomes into being, this is likely to introduce new penalties for failing to protect deposits.
Tenants agree rents will be increasing
Rightmove’s latest Consumer Confidence Survey finds that nearly half (49%) of current tenants are of the opinion that average rents will be higher 12 months from now.
New Planning Laws for renting to sharers are now being phased in.
Bath, Leeds, Manchester and Oxford are amongst the 22 Councils that have already announced the dates when Landlords will have to a apply for planning permission to rent ANY property to 3 or more sharers. We expect the majority of councils will follow for Landlords will have to pay fees
If the council refuse permission you can be prevented from letting see
case story.
A Tenant leaves owing over £4000 what are the Landlords options to recover this money.
Under the Statute of Limitations Act you have 6 years to sue for money that you are owed. So even if your Tenant has no money or assets or means at this moment, it does not mean to say that they will not have money within the 6 year time limit! For example they may come into inheritance, marry somebody or get a new job etc.
When is the return of a Deposit deemed as full and final? We review a typical dispute
At the
checkout stage, Landlord and Tenant agree deductions for damage to the property. Both parties sign. A week later the Landlord is told they must refund the money to the Deposit scheme.
What are the Landlords options?
LHA New rules and lower rents
Councils can now make payment direct to the landlord where they consider that it will assist the tenant in securing the tenancy
New guide launched dealing with tenants in rent arrears read more.
4th April 2011 Possession Court Fees Increase
Budget 2011 for Landlords and Property Investors
Mileage Allowance Up, Flat conversion relief scrapped after 2012. Corporation Tax will fall by 1% to 20% from April 1
Housing Benefit cut for sharers to take effect early
A controversial change to Housing Benefit will be brought in three months early, welfare reform minister Lord Freud said today.
Landlords warning – changing the locks can be an expensive mistake
A tenant brings a case for
unlawful evictionin addition to paying compensation costs £20,000
Hypocrisy cry over 'level playing field for private landlords'
Councils worry paying tenants direct will cause cash flow problems
Squatters' rights to be criminalised?
Government plans to change law