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We’ve put together a few frequently asked questions about the new Tenants Fees ban coming into force 1st June 2019 (England Only at the moment). ********* When does the tenant fees ban start? Does the ban apply to all tenancies? Will tenancies I already have be affected? What can tenants be charged for? What can’t…
Proposals to Abolish Section 21 Notices
As part of a complete overhaul of the sector, the government has outlined plans to consult on new legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions – so called ‘no-fault’ evictions. The Welsh Assembly has subsequently announced the same proposals. Section 21’s Scottish equivalent has already been removed north of the border. The section 21 notice is a minimum…
Your Guide to the Tenant Fees Ban
As you will know, from 1st June 2019 neither agents nor landlords will be able to charge tenants any fees in connection with a tenancy in England (joining Scotland where the ban is already in place, Wales will join on 1st Sep 2019). The new rules apply to all new tenancies (other than company lets and…
Removal of “No DSS” from adverts
In line with new recommendations, The Online Letting Agents will be removing references to “no housing benefit claimants” from all of our adverts from 15th April 2019, and will no longer screen tenants on this basis. All enquiries will be sent directly to the landlord, to give them the opportunity to assess each individual on…
New Energy Efficiency Rules from Monday 1st April
New energy efficiency rules for rental properties in England and Wales come into force on Monday, April 1, 2019. They spell out the costs that landlords legally face in improving properties that have an EPC rating below E. The Statutory Instrument to bring them in was made super-quietly earlier this month on March 15. It…
Comprehensive guide the the Tenant Fees Act 2019
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 commences from 1 June 2019 and applies to England only (for the time being as it has the ability to extend to Wales). The Act controls what payments a landlord or letting agent may require “in connection with a tenancy of housing in England.” and restricting what third-party contracts a…
New Fitness for Human Habitation Act in rental homes comes into force today
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 comes into force today, Wednesday 20th March. It will apply to all new tenancies lasting up to seven years granted on or after today. It will also apply to existing tenancies that go periodic tomorrow or afterwards. It will also apply to all periodic tenancies in existing…
Electrical safety checks to become mandatory
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced that mandatory five-year electrical installation checks (Electrical Installation Condition Report, EICR) on private rented housing in England will be introduced. The implementation date has not yet been clarified, but the MHCLG intends to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows. A transitional period will…
Housing Complaints Resolution Service announced
The government have announced plans to launch a complaints service for homeowners and tenants. The new Housing Complaints Resolution Service will provide a straight-forward way for buy to let tenants and homeowners to get help when faced with unresolved disputes about problems with their home, such as repairs and maintenance. Under the new scheme, private…
Rent a Room Scheme – Earn up to £7,500 pa tax free!
Resident landlords can also earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free under the Rent a Room Scheme (figures correct as of Jan ’19). If you rent part of a property which is your only or main home you are considered a resident landlord, and are eligible for Rent a Room relief. There are certain rules,…