10 New Landlord Rules And Regulations To Be Aware Of In 2022
Posted : 10/01/2022 | By Alice Davies
As always with a new year, brings new changes and challenges to UK landlords. We’ve outlined some of the most important rules and regulations to be aware of in 2022 as a landlord - but don’t forget to do your own research and keep an eye out for more changes in the near future.
End of Section 21 and lifetime deposits
The Renters’ Reform Bill is set to progress in 2022, with the hopes of abolishing Section 21 and instead, improving the overall legal process of Section 8. Another proposal in the bill is lifetime deposits. This will mean that tenants can move their deposit with them whenever they rent, which means tenants won’t have to save up for a new deposit every time they move.
Capital Gains Tax update
Instead of 30 days to file your Capital Gains bill, you now have 60 days to do so. Although this came into effect last October, it’s been carried over into 2022 and just gives landlords and property owners a little bit more breathing room.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in England
It’s expected that new rules and regulations will come into force this year, in England, regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Although landlords are currently required to make sure all alarms are working sufficiently, as well as having a smoke alarm on every floor and a carbon monoxide detector in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
In 2022, we can see these rules change to ensure that not just private landlords have to follow these rules, but so do social landlords. Carbon monoxide detectors will also need to be in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler.
Responsibility for testing the alarms and detectors still comes down to the tenant - but replacement of these alarms comes down to the landlord.
Making Tax Digital for VAT
In April 2022, any VAT-registered businesses with a turnover of less than £85,000 will have to keep a record of their tax, as well as submitting VAT returns digitally. If you already have a turnover of over £85,000, you’ll already be in the habit of submitting a return.
Right to Rent checks in England
April sees another change for landlords. It’s the end of the temporary Right to Rent checks, which were implemented back in March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. This meant that tenants could show their Right to Rent documents over video call or send an unoriginal copy to the landlord or letting agent.
Although it’s been stated that this will change back in April, some landlords are expecting to see this extended, as the government is hoping to move this service online at some point.
Six month evictions in Scotland
In March, we can expect to see the end of six month evictions in Scotland. This became a new act in 2020, ensuring that all landlords in Scotland gave six months’ notice to their tenants. Extensions of this deadline have been speculated, with the temporary measures potentially being pushed to September 2022.
Renting Homes Act 2016 (Wales)
Wales isn’t immune to changes in 2022 either. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is planned to come into force in July, increasing protection for tenants, as well as making it easier to rent somewhere in Wales.
Regulation of holiday lets
There’s been much speculation over the changes to the regulation of holiday lets in England and Wales last year. A consultation will happen in 2022, looking at the impact of holiday rentals on smaller towns in England - and how this affects the local residents.
Energy efficiency changes
Although landlords were made aware of energy efficiency changes back in October (unexpectedly), the minimum energy standard is expected to rise from an ‘E’ to a ‘C’. These changes should happen by 2030, although any new tenancies in England may have to do so by 2028.
Dogs and Domestic Animals Accommodation bill
This bill has not been passed yet, but will protect domestic animals, giving their owners the opportunity to get certificates for their pets. This can help tenants rent with pets, providing evidence of responsible ownership to any prospective landlords. Landlords currently have to object, in writing, within 28 days, if they don’t want tenants with pets in their properties.