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Gillian Kerr (SWLA Office Manager) attended the meeting on 13th March 2019 hosted by Bristol City Council.
The meeting included a licencing update from all West of England Local Authorities, legislation updates (Homes Fitness for Human Habitation 20/03/2019, Client Money Protection compulsory insurance for letting/managing agents 01/04/2019, Tenant Fees Bill 01/06/2019). Trading Standards at Bristol City Council being the lead authority for the Tenant Fees Bill.
MEES enforcement was discussed. Also the findings of the MHLGC English Private Landlord Survey.
Making Tax Digital; expected to affect the majority of landlords by April 2020 (date to be confirmed).
With the Government overhauling the housing complaints system, a housing redress scheme membership may be on the cards for all landlords.
Items discussed included energy efficiency ratings in the private rented sector; the next year will see many private rented properties having to be brought up to at least an E rating.
Since 1 April 2018, new tenancies, renewals or extensions require the property to have a minimum “E” energy rating. From 1 April 2020, all existing tenancies with a valid EPC must comply.
From 01 April 2019, landlords will be expected to make energy improvements costing up to £3,500.00 (including VAT) to bring properties up to the required energy efficiency standard. Prior to this date, improvements would have to have been made only if there was no cost to the landlord. If there were costs, the landlord could register an exemption. (The cost cap includes monies spent since 01 October 2017 on energy efficiency improvements).
Exemptions can still be registered in certain circumstances, including if £3,500.00 is spent and the property still falls below the expected standard.
For further information, please see the government guidance;
RSM UK Consulting presented their research findings on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Monday 3rd June 2019 – 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.
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, places secured on receipt of payment.
Over 740 landlords have already completed this course since September 2011.
Course can lead to Accreditation, if required.
We are proud to announce Landlord Accreditation South West (LASW) are founder members of the West of England Rental Standard.
Compliance with the new rules on septic tanks is required by 1st January 2020.
Homeowners will need to upgrade their drainage systems in order to avoid fines from the Environment Agency. The rules prohibit the discharge of waste from septic tanks into watercourses due to the detrimental impact it can have on the environment.
You must use a small sewage treatment plant to treat the sewage if you’re discharging to a surface water such as a river or stream. A small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) uses mechanical parts to treat the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream.
Rules originally came into force 01 January 2015 applying to new septic tank systems but from January 2020 they will be rolled out to include all systems – old and new.
For further information;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-a-surface-water
From 1st April 2019, letting agents must belong to an approved CMP scheme. As part of this scheme, they must;
The agent must also ensure the level of CMP membership provides enough cover to compensate clients for the maximum amount of client money that they hold.
Local Authorities will have powers to impose fines of up to £30,000.00 on agents who do not belong to a scheme beyond this date. They can also impose fines of up to £5,000.00 on agents who fail to display correct scheme membership details on their website and within branch.
Article information from ARLA
Tuesday 30th April 2019 – 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue – Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA
If you are accredited this will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.
Cost for SWLA members – £65. Cost for non-SWLA members – £75.
A must attend one day course covering the subjects below and more….
We will review and consider the effect of what has been a busy year of legislative change, look forward to a pivotal year for our industry and consider the impact of recent court cases.
Having progressed now through the House of Lords we will provide you with all the details of the tenant fee act and consider any regulations needed to implement it.
Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office 01752 510913.
Wednesday 27th February 2019, SWLA’s Vice Chair attended the liaison group meeting at Torquay Town Hall. Items discussed included the Extension of Mandatory HMO Licencing and it’s progress to date. Also a performance review and updates from police, fire and probation services. Further legislative changes were also discussed.
Steve Lees (SWLA Chair) and Iain Maitland (SWLA Vice Chair) attended a Refugee Awareness Conference at Plumer House, Plymouth on Tuesday 26th February hosted by the Refugee Integration Service. Representatives from Path, Start, ODILS and PDREC were in attendance. The meeting was opened by Councillor Penberthy and the initial address by Matt Garrett (PCC Community Connections Service Director).
Many discussions and workshops took place. There were over 100 delegates in attendance.
Wednesday 24th April 2019 7.30pm
Future Inn Hotel – Plymouth- 1 William Prance Rd, Plymouth PL6 5ZD
Speakers;
On 29th January 2019 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that 5 year electrical installation checks will be mandatory on private rented accommodation in England.
The implementation date has not been confirmed. Landlords and Agents will be given at least a 6 month time frame to familiarise themselves before it comes into force. It will be introduced in a phased approach, in year one, all new tenancies will be affected and in year 2 all existing tenancies will come within scope.
Properties that already have a valid electrical installation condition report (EICR) will not need to replace it until 5 years have passed since it’s issue.
Inspectors must hold the correct qualifications and be competent to carry out the inspection. Financial penalties will apply if this is not complied with.
We will update our members with further information as soon as a date of implementation is confirmed by the government.
Monday 8th April 2019 – 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue – Astor Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA
If you are accredited this will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.
Cost for SWLA members – £65. Cost for non-SWLA members – £75.
A must attend one day course covering the subjects below and more….
We will review and consider the effect of what has been a busy year of legislative change, look forward to a pivotal year for our industry and consider the impact of recent court cases.
Having progressed now through the House of Lords we will provide you with all the details of the tenant fee act and consider any regulations needed to implement it.
Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office 01752 510913.
Course will be instructed by Stephen Fowler from Training for Professionals.
14th January 2019 saw the 3rd and final reading of the Tenant Fees Bill in the House of Lords. Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth confirmed on the afternoon of 15th January 2019 that subject to the Bill getting Royal Assent, the Tenant Fees Bill will come into effect on 1st June 2019 for all tenancies signed on or after that date.
Throughout the report stage amendments have been made; the deposit cap lowered from 6 weeks rent max to 5 weeks rent max for properties with an annual rent of less than £50,000.00.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government believe that the amendments ‘strike a fair balance between improving affordability for tenants whilst ensuring that landlords and agents have the financial security they need’.
The final content of the legislation is not yet confirmed, however key points of the Bill are as follows;
What is exempted form the banned list? Holding deposits, rent, deposits and charges for defaulting on the contract are all exempted however are subject to additional restrictions as part as part of the legislation.
A lead local authority will oversee and police the new measures.
For further information on the Tenant Fees Ban in England;
https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/tenant-fees-ban-guidance.shtml
Article Abridged from NLA & RLA
Listen to this episode from BBC Radio 4’s Money Box Live. The panel discusses the effectiveness of the system for getting you your money back.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001ygh
It will be a requirement for all social and private landlords (including letting agents acting on their behalf) in England to ensure that a property is fit for human habitation both at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout. The Bill amends the Landlord and Tenant Act 1984.
If a home does not meet the standards of the HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System), tenants can take legal action in court for breach of contract.
Put forward by Labour MP Karen Buck, the Bill received Royal Accent on 20th December 2018 and comes into force 3 months after that date – 20th March 2019. Initially it will only apply to new and renewal tenancies in England from this date. It will then apply to periodic tenancies 12 months later to give landlords time to ensure properties are up to standard.
The government have a HHSRS guide for landlords and property professionals;
For more information on the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018;
https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/homesfitnessforhumanhabitation.html
The Explanatory notes issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government;
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2017-2019/0139/18139en.pdf
This is from a legal perspective, written by Cornerstone Barristers;
https://cornerstonebarristers.com/news/homes-fitness-human-habitation-act-2018/
The Tenant Fees Bill 2017-2019 is due it’s 3rd and final reading on 15th January 2019 in the House of Lords. Once the final reading takes place, it will then return to the House of Commons for a consideration of amendments, after that it can receive Royal Assent and become law.
The implementation date is not known but is to be expected in Spring 2019 at the earliest. The Bill seeks to ban most letting agent and landlord charges to tenants and will place caps on security and holding deposits.
For updates on the Bill and to read debates on all stages of the bill, please see the following link; https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/tenantfees.html
All organisations, companies and sole traders that process personal data must pay an annual fee to the ICO unless they are exempt. Fines for not paying can be up to a maximum of £4,350.
This follows regulations which came into force alongside the new Data Protection Act on 25 May 2018.
These first organisations have been fined for not renewing their fees following their expiry and more fines are set to follow. More than 900 notices of intent to fine have been issued by the ICO since September and more than 100 penalty notices are being issued in this first round.
Article from The Information Commissioners Office 28.11.2018
As of Monday 10th December 2018, SWLA members with a B&Q Trade Point Card receive 5% off B&Q purchases (to exclude local clearance items, vouchers and services – see T&Cs) without having to have a minimum spend the previous month.
This is on a 6 month trial basis. With the right amount of uptake, this trail period will hopefully be extended.
**please note if over £500.00 is spent in one month, an additional 5% discount will be applied within 7 days to run for the remainder of the current month and the following month**
See the original discount update here;
Landlord Training Course
End of Tenancy including Repossessions
Monday 4th February 2019 – 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue – Charter Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA
If you are accredited this will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.
Cost for SWLA members – £65. Cost for non-SWLA members – £75.
Course will cover:-
Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office 01752 510913.
Course will be instructed by Stephen Fowler from Training for Professionals.
Venue – Astor Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA
Price – £65 for members of SWLA, £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, places secured on receipt of payment.
Over 720 landlords have already completed this course since September 2011.
Course can lead to Accreditation, if required.
If your tenant is struggling with their finances or benefit claim, you can direct them to Shelter for help. Shelter are opening their Information Resource Centre in Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth in December 2018. There will be 2 computers and a phone line, with a full-time member of staff dedicated to helping your tenants with guided self-help. Guidance will be for benefit claims, housing applications, job searches, Shelter ‘get help’ pages and other related assistance. The member of staff who will be running this service is called Rachel Hembury. The Information Resource Centre can be accessed Monday to Friday 9.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30, no appointment is necessary.
SWLA Chair Steve Lees, Vice Chair Iain Maitland and Policy Officer Linda Johns met with Matt Garrett (Head of Community Connections PCC) and Councillor Chris Penberthy at the SWLA Office to discuss the following items;
Do you have a property in Devonport, Ham or St Budeaux electoral wards? (to include Devonport, Keyham, Morice Town, Ham, Weston Mill, Pennycross, North Prospect, Kings Tamerton, St Budeaux, Barne Barton and parts of Stoke and Beacon Park)
To check which ward a property falls into, the postcode can be entered at https://mapit.mysociety.org/ and it will tell you immediately.
Plymouth Energy Community are working with Plymouth City Council to provide free energy saving measures to homeowners and private renting tenants. Everything that they provide is free including;
No means testing. Completely free of charge.
To enquire, call 01752 477117 or email energyteam@plymouthenergycommunity.com
Click the following link for more info; Energy Team – Big Bills Save Money
New HMO licencing – 5 persons or more sharing – New legislation begins on 1st October 2018.
Only 5 days to go to get your applications in to the local authority where an early bird discount may be applicable.
Thursday 8th November 2018 – 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.
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, places secured on receipt of payment.
Over 700 landlords have already completed this course since September 2011.
Course can lead to Accreditation, if required.
We are proud to announce Landlord Accreditation South West (LASW) are founder members of the West of England Rental Standard.
Landlord Training Course – Inventories
Tuesday 9th October 2018 – 9:30am – 4:30pm at Plymouth Guildhall
If you are accredited this will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.
Cost for SWLA members – £65. Cost for non-SWLA members – £75.
Inventory Course will cover:-
– How to create a robust Inventory and Schedule of condition
– Mid-term visits – what to look for and record
– Managing the safety paper trail
– Alternatives to taking a deposit
– IT solutions
– Move in
– Move out
– Move out reports
– When is wear and tear a damages claim
– Managing a move out dispute
– Adjudication workshop
Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office 01752 510913.