May 2015

Important new requirements for letting come into force today (27th May 2015) and the RLA has issued guidance to ensure letting agents are aware of what needs to be done. It is now a legal duty for letting agents to have any fees explained under Consumer Rights Act 2015. PLEASE NOTE: the requirements refer to what you do, not how you define yourself. If you are a landlord but help manage properties, you should consider how these new rules apply to you..

The Residential Landlords Association understand that the new Conservative Government plans to extend the scope of the mandatory licensing regime to tackle illegal immigration. In a speech last week, Prime Minister David Cameron called for a new licensing scheme to tackle landlords who “cram” their houses full of illegal immigrants and powers to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants in private rented housing. There was widespread concern that this meant that a new licensing scheme would be introduced for all landlords in England…

With a Housing Bill set to be announced in tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech, the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) is calling for more effective action to find the minority of landlords who are criminals.

Call comes following report showing 16 per cent of private rented homes are unsafe. Better enforcement is needed of laws and regulations to protect tenants in private rented housing…

Members of Parliament (MPs) return to Westminster this week to resume their elected duties. Remind them of the importance of private rented housing and the concerns of landlords by getting in touch with your local MP using the RLA’s election webpage…

The Welsh Government is planning to introduce Wales-wide landlord registration in October 2015. If you rent any properties in Wales you will be required to register…

How is your basic electrical awareness? Are you aware of EICRs? Do you know about PATs? If any of these items concern you the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) has joined forces with the RLA training team to create an electrical safety course to keep properties safe and provide peace of mind to landlords and tenants alike…

Landlords who operate within the following areas will need to make sure that they have the appropriate licences in order to remain legally complaint. Licensing schemes remain a popular tactic for Local Authorities to improve standards in privately rented properties and several schemes have come live recently or will come into force shortly. Rotherham; Waltham Forest; Oldham; Tower Hamlets all feature.

This week has seen the Prime Minister undertake his first Ministerial reshuffle as the leader of a majority Government, the first for in 18 years…

With the dust settling on the elections and everyone returning to normal, it is important that landlords know their obligations towards tenants and properties. The RLA Landlord Advice Team (LAT) and Policy & Communications are keen to draw your attention to updated guides and services. CO Alarms, building regulations, Capital Gains Tax for non-UK residents, and Selective Licensing factor…