April 2017

Plans to ban letting agent fees paid by tenants have previously been attacked by the last four housing ministers. The revelations come as the government launches its consultation on the proposal originally announced in the Autumn Statement. In 2013, the then Housing Minister, Mark Prisk said that it “cannot be the answer to tackle the […]

The post Last four housing ministers said fee ban would raise rents appeared first on RLA Campaigns and News Centre.

The government has published its consultation on banning letting agent fees in which it argues for a ban that is “clear and simple for all involved”. It says that the proposed measures will “stop hidden charges and end tenants being hit by costly upfront payments that can be difficult to afford”. It also says that […]

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New figures show that 1,000 young people will be affected by the cut to housing benefit for under-21s this year, rising to 11,000 by 2020/21. The figures were released in the government’s equality analysis of the decision to cut the housing benefit element of Universal Credit for 18-21 year olds, released to Inside Housing under […]

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Tax rises for landlords being introduced today could see rents rise by 30% and stifle investment in properties to let, making it harder for renters to find suitable homes. The warnings come from the country’s leading landlord body as the Government begins to restrict mortgage interest relief for landlords and tax their turnover rather than […]

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As part of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, the government introduced a range of new measures available for local authorities in relation to their dealings with rogue landlords: civil penalties, rent repayment orders, banning orders and the introduction of a database for rogue landlords and letting agents. From April 6th 2017, some of these […]

The post New powers for councils come into effect appeared first on RLA Campaigns and News Centre.

Following a crackdown on rogue landlords last year, City of Lincoln Council has launched a Trusted Landlord Scheme. The scheme aims to advise and support landlords to provide good quality, well managed private rented accommodation. It will encourage tenants to choose safe, good quality housing and increase tenants’ confidence in the management of their accommodation. […]

The post The RLA and Lincoln Council Work Together to Recognise Trusted Landlords appeared first on RLA Campaigns and News Centre.

Gateshead Council have announced two Selective Licensing consultations, both which will close on the 11th June 2017. The first scheme is the proposed introduction of selective licensing in the The Avenues area of Shipcote, and the second is a re-designation of selective licensing in Central Bensham. The Housing Act 2004 gives councils the power to introduce the […]

The post Gateshead Propose Further Selective Licensing appeared first on RLA Campaigns and News Centre.