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Email from the Department for Communities and Local Government:
The Government has published its Housing White Paper ‘Fixing our broken housing market’. The link to the Housing White Paper is here:
You will see that the white paper refers to improving safeguards in the Private Rented Sector and making renting fairer for tenants. I would like to bring your attention to paragraphs 4.31 to 4.35 which focus on driving up safety and standards in the sector, banning letting agent fees to tenants, and promoting longer tenancies.
The Private Rented Sector related paragraphs are below;
A fairer deal for renters
4.31 Over 4 million households now rent their home from a private landlord – nearly twice as many as ten years ago – and there are around 4 million leasehold homes in England. Standards in the private rented sector remain below those in the social and owner occupied sectors, but are improving: just 28% of homes are now non-decent compared to 37% in 2010. An increasing number of private tenants (65%) are happy with their tenure, compared to 48% in 2004-05.
4.32 Where there are concerns, these tend to focus on affordability and security. In the long term, building more homes will help with affordability, but renters often face upfront costs including fees charged by letting agents to tenants. Tenants have no control over these fees because the agent is appointed by and works for the landlord. This is wrong. The Government has already introduced transparency on fees. We will consult early this year, ahead of bringing forward legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows, to ban letting agent fees to tenants. This will improve competition in the market and give renters greater clarity and control over what they pay.
4.33 The Government will continue to drive up safety and standards in the private rented sector, and drive out the rogue landlords. The Government will implement measures introduced in the Housing and Planning Act 2016, which will introduce banning orders to remove the worst landlords or agents from operating, and enable local councils to issue fines as well as prosecute.
4.34 We are working with industry experts to consider whether we should take action to mandate electrical safety checks for rented properties and client money protection for letting agents as part of our efforts to raise standards and will set out next steps on this shortly. We have also set out our plans to extend mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which will ensure greater protection for thousands of vulnerable tenants.
4.35 The predominant use of 6 and 12 month contracts can mean that families who are renting need to move home before they had planned to, which can mean children moving school, alongside the uncertainty and costs associated with taking on a new rental property. According to a Shelter report last year an estimated 65,000 families say that they were forced to move their child’s school the last time they moved within the private rented sector. We are proposing to make the private rented sector more family-friendly by taking steps to promote longer tenancies on new build rental homes, as set out in chapter 3. We are working with the National Housing Federation and the British Property Federation to encourage longer-term tenancies in private rental homes delivered by housing associations and institutional investors. We will be speaking to the Local Government Association about local authorities’ appetite to do the same, where they are delivering market private rented housing through local housing companies. Further to this we will consider what more we can do to support families already renting privately, while encouraging continued investment in the sector.
East Devon District Council require two bed plus properties.
Possible 5 year tenancies at Local Housing Allowance levels.
If interested, for further details see, http://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/2016/04/council-calls-out-to-landlords-for-accommodation-for-syrian-refugees/
Monday 30th January 2017 – 9:30 – 4:30pm
Venue – Astor Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA.
Price – £65 for members of SWLA, £75 for non-members for one day course.
For more details see landlord training section of website.
From the 1st December 2016 there are two new measures in the Immigration Act that will affect the private rented sector.
This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackle illegal immigration.
For further information on the measures and the Immigration Act 2016 see the GOV.UK website, Residential Tenancies fact-sheet, Guidance on evictions, The Immigration Act 2016.
Do you own property in Wales?
Rent Smart Wales
Landlords registration and agent licensing to comply with the Housing Act (Wales) 2014 becomes law on 23rd November 2016.
To find out if it applies to you and what is required to comply with the law visit https://www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en/
Immigration Act 2016
The Home Secretary announced on 4 October that provisions in the 2016 Immigration Act relevant to the private rented sector will be brought into force across England. Today, we can announce that, as of 1 December 2016, these two further measures will come into force. They will:
The measures demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tackle illegal immigration, and its determination to take the necessary steps to protect public services and access to the private rented sector for our lawful residents. Today, we are sharing the news of this implementation date with you and the key points below.
Key Points
Further information about both provisions will be made available on Gov.uk between now and December. If you have any further questions you may refer to your Local Partnership Manager, if you are unsure who this is please email the LPM Support Team (I&SDLPMSupportTeam@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk).
If so please read the following http://which.co.uk/carbonmonoxide. Which? reveals dodgy carbon monoxide detectors.
Landlords are reminded if they have a rental property in Eastville or St George areas of Bristol, you need to submit your application by 30th September if you want to take advantage of the reduced fee. If you have failed to make an application for each property by this date, you will be deemed as unlicensed and will pay a higher fee.
Applications need to be made on-line at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/licenses-permits/property-licences-for-landlords
Landlords will need to make the relevant fee payment to complete the application, the compliance reward for new applications will be refunded if valid certificates and the relevant fee are provided when an application is made OR provided by the deadline given in the licence.
Copies of valid certificates are : Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Installation condition report (with no defects under category 1 or 2 and no more than 5 years old), a valid EPC and fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates will also be required where applicable.
If you need assistance with your application we can guide you through the process if you contact Bristol Private Rental Sector Unit by telephone on 0117 35 21066.
The next meeting of South West Landlords Association will be held on Tuesday 11th October 2016 at the Future Inn Hotel, Plymouth International Business Park, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD at 7.30pm.
Experts in numerous fields will be available to answer your questions:
Accountants, Immigration Officers (Right to Rent Checks), Plymouth City Council, Property Insurers, Letting Agents, EPCs, Gas Safety, Valuation Office, Plymouth Inventories, Tenant Referencing, PCH Manufacturing, Ventilation Experts and many more.
Wine or orange juice will be served during the evening.
We hope to see you there, guests are very welcome. The event is open to members and non-members.
You will be able to renew your SWLA membership for 2016-2017 during the evening by cash or cheque.
Please remember to register your car at the hotel reception upon arrival.
United Kingdom Climate Trust works with Government funding to improve the energy efficiency of properties throughout the UK. Since 2014 they have been part of a team which helps over 1500 properties per month. Every six months the Government selects measures to be incorporated into funding, whilst also selecting postcode areas throughout the UK to be given access to funding. If any of the measures available are suitable for a property in a selected post code area, they can be installed at no cost to the occupier or owner of the property.
Once the installations have been completed the property will also receive a funded EPC, that will show the improvement of the energy efficiency of the property.
2000 post codes in the South West have been selected for funding. Please contact United Kingdom Climate Trust on ukct.landlord@gmail.com web – www.ukclimatetrust.uk to check firstly if your property is in a selected post code area and secondly if suitable energy efficiency measures are available.
See www.lasw.co.uk for all the new landlord training courses to take place in October and November 2016.
Book your places now to avoid disappointment. Call 01752 510913 or email info@landlordssouthwest.co.uk.01
We have been contacted by Mr Steve Dyer regarding a business he operates in Cornwall.
He sells clearance/overstocks from High Street and On-line retailers
This includes – furniture from sideboards and bedside cabinets to dining sets and sofas. He also has over 250 mattresses in stock and prices start from £20.
For further information please contact Steve –
BND Furniture, Unit 3 Century House, 28 Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn., Cornwall TR10 9EP Tel. No. 01326 617470/07966 476535
Landlord Training Course – Thursday 6th October 2016 – 9.30am – 4.30pm
How to get you property back – Repossession
Course will cover :-
Completing Section 21s, completing Form 6A, completing Form 3 (Section 8), abandonment rules and procedures, move out disputes, possession claims online and when to use and court procedues including demonstration of online form completion.
Venue – Astor Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parage, Plymouth PL1 1HA.
Cost for SWLA Members – £65 for full day. Cost for non SWLA Members – £75 for full day.
If you are accredited this course will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.
Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office on 01752 510913.
Course will be instructed by Stephen Fowler from Training for Professionals.
Trago Mills are holding an Independence Day Dividend with 20% off everyday lowest prices in most departments. Valid from Thursday 30th June 2016 – Wednesday 6th July 2016.
SWLA Legionella Risk Assessment and the Tenant’s Advice Sheet – Legionnaires Disease, are available for members to download from our stationery page in the member’s area.
Members can complete the risk assessment themselves and keep it alongside their copy of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. The Tenants Guide should be given to the tenant(s). There is currently no requirement for members to pay a contractor to complete the assessment.
The HMRC have invited any interested landlords to log into their joint webinar with Companies House to find out more about starting a limited company and directors responsibilities.
To Join – No special equipment is needed, use the link to receive an invitation and connect via the internet or any smart device.
To Ask Questions – use the on-screen textbox and an advisor will send a response.
27th June 10am-11am – HMRC and Compnaies House – Working together for you
For more information go to Companies House on Gov.UK
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1086966574805460738
Proposed area – Falmouth Town Council Urban area- excluding area of the Port and Pendennis Castle.
Members of the public can view the draft schedue on the Cornwall Council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/falmoutharticle4. or any of the One Stop Shops during office hours.
The selective licensing consultation has now closed. A summary of all the responses can be found on www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rented
The next stage in the process is for the council’s executive to make a decision on the proposals. The meeting will take place on 21st June 2016 and the report and background papers for this meeting will be shortly available on North Somerset Council web-site.
Monday 4th July 2016 – 9:15 – 4:30pm
Venue – meeting Room G18, Plumer House, Tailyour Road, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5DH.
Price – £65 for members, £75 for non-members for one day course.
Course covers ASTs, Deposits, Section 21s, Section 8s, HMOs, Gas and Electrical Safety, Inventories and much more.
The course will provide you with all the skills to start, manage and finish a tenancy.
Places still available. Contact the office on 01752 510913 or via the website to book your place.
Over 500 landlords have already completed this course since September 2011.
Course can lead to accreditation.
We are proud to announce Landlord Accreditation South West (LASW) are founder members of the West of England Rental Standar
We have been approached by Alanbrookes Limited, Chartered Accountants advising that this Spring they are running a series of free workshops at the Weston-Super-Mare Offices.
The topics being covered are – Strategy, Structure, Tax, Adapt and Thrive.
For further information please view –
www.alanbrookes.org/propertyworkshops2016
www.alanbrookes.org/landlords
www.alanbrookes.org/new-events-2/
The next meeting of the Association will be held on Tuesday 26th April 2016 at the Future Inn Hotel, Plymouth International Business park, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD at 7.30pm.
Speakers will include :-
Paul Williams – City of Plymouth Credit Union – Credit union facilities for tenants claiming benefits including Universal Credit
Steve Paine – Immigration Officer – Right to Rent legislation and landlord checks
Bromhead Accountants – tax changes affecting landlords
Wine or orange juice will be served during the evening.
We hope to see you there, guests are very welcome.
Please remember to register your car at the hotel reception upon arrival
The consultation period regarding proposals to implement a licensing scheme in part of Weston Super Mare has been re-started from Friday 18th March 2016 giving further opportunity to respond.
The consultation will last for a further 10 weeks until 11pm on 30th May 2016.
If you have not had your say please follow the link at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rented or alternatively you can search on the site using the words “selective licensing”.
Paper copies of the proposals are available in the Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-Super-Mare.
Rogue landlords who harass or illegally evict tenants are the subject of a new crackdown in Plymouth. Plymouth City Council is working in partnership with PATH (Plymouth Access to Housing) who have appointed a dedicated Tenancy Relations Officer to tackle these issues. The project involves the investigation of allegations of illegal eviction and harassment by landlords, and will see thorough enforcement action being taken against any landlord found to be flouting the law.
South West Landlords Association (SWLA) and Devon and Cornwall Police are partners in this initiative.
Illegal eviction, including a landlord or their agent physically denying a tenant access to their accommodation or taking a tenant’s key from them, is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Harassment of a tenant, including withdrawal of utilities, entering accommodation without informing the tenant and constantly contacting a tenant is a criminal offence under the same Act. Both offences carry the posibility of a custodial sentence. Councillor, Chris Penberthy Cabinet Minister for Coperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council said “We are pleased to work with PATH on this important project and the officer is making great inroads into this sensitive area so far. The initiative forms part of our Plan for Private Rented Housing and our aim to drive up standards in the private rented sector. There are many excellent landlords in the private rented sector but we want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the harassment or illegal eviction of tenants here in Plymouth. Tenants deserve to live happily and safely in their chosen home just as much as anyone else and we are working with our partners to ensure this happens”.
Section 8 (Notice seeing Possession of a Property Let on an Assured Tenancy) and Section 13(2) (Notice for proposing a new rent under an Assured Tenancy) have been amended by regulation on 6th April 2016.
SWLA are in the process of checking that our Section 8 and Section 13(2) are correct and if necessary we will amend the forms for members to download from our stationery page.
In the meantime, please see the web page below for the Government Section 8 (Form 3) and Section 13(2) (Form 4)
www.gov.uk/guidance/assured-tenancy-forms
Remember to attach the grounds to Form 3
