One of the remaining unanswered questions regarding the 3 month moratorium was in relation to actions that had already started but had not been concluded. We now have the answer. The Master of the Rolls has confirmed that all possession matters that are currently ongoing are suspended for a minimum of 3 months regardless of …
The notices seeking possession of any property occupied under and Assured Shorthold Tenancy have been updated to account for Coronavirus Act. The notices may not look too different as the changes to the format of the notice have been minor however as of 26th March 2020, these notices will need to be used for all …
The Bill has been laid before Parliament to enact a whole host of amendments to legislation proposed by the government in response to the world-wide pandemic. The bill is currently before the House of Lords and in that version schedule 29 makes some changes to Section 21 and 8 notices. The Housing Act 1988 has …
The current situation is not only difficult for those that have been personally affected by Coronavirus but also by those who are trying to work, run a business or look after their children at home. Whatever your situation we wish you all well and hope you are keeping safe. At the moment the government is …
Yesterday evening the government announced a package of measures to protect tenants and landlords. Emergency legislation will be passed to prevent private sector landlords from issuing possession proceedings for at least a 3-month period. The government has also announced that the mortgage ‘holiday’ offered to homeowners will also apply to landlords with a buy to …
Home-owners facing financial difficulties due to the consequences of the spread of the coronavirus will be offered a three month mortgage ‘holiday’. The Chancellor’s announcement during the coronavirus briefing yesterday came as part of a large financial package to keep the economy running. This mortgage ‘holiday’ is designed to help those who cannot work because …
Bournemouth council has launched a consultation on introducing selective and additional licensing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The council proposes introducing Selective licensing schemes across areas including: Bournemouth Town Centre Poole Town Southbourne The consultation closes on 6 April 2020 after which the council are required by the Department for Communities and Local Government to …
The spread of novel coronavirus around the world has been taking over the media. While your views on the seriousness of the issue may vary it is an issue which is coming to the attention of an increasing number of landlords and agents. We look here at some of the key issues. Discrimination First, it …
The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) has updated its guide for landlords on Universal Credit. Our previous post on the guide can be read here. Fundamentally nothing appears to have changed with the guide. It does however, appear to be more detailed in certain respects and certainly in respect of alternative payment arrangements (APA). …
In recent years the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has successfully prosecuted a number of agents for operating cartels in their local areas. Following on from this it appears that the CMA considers that there may be a problem with the estate agency market more generally and it has now launched a campaign about the …
We have previously written about the new electrical safety regulations which will apply to new tenancies from July 2020 and existing tenancies from April 2021. Now the RLA is suggesting that there may be a flaw in the legislation which will leave HMO properties not needing electrical testing for approximately 12 months. HMOs, licensable and …
A section 8 notice is not necessarily invalid due to an obvious error held the Court of Appeal in Pease v Carter. Mr Pease served a section 8 notice with cover letter on 7 November 2018 on his tenants for rent arrears. The cover letter stated correctly that proceedings would not be issued before 26 …
On 10 February the Welsh government introduced the Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill. With this Bill the government hopes that tenants in Wales will enjoy greater security. If passed the Bill will amend the yet to come into force Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (2016 Act) especially for those who occupy rental properties under a …
Part 55 of the Civil Procedure Rules has been amended. The changes will come into force on 6 April 2020. The Civil Procedure Rules govern all actions in the Civil Courts. Part 55 of these Rules deal with possession cases including those for residential tenancies. The Rules are regularly reviewed and updated with the most …
On 7 February the Domestic Premises (Energy Performance) Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill requires the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate. However, despite the Lord’s initial support for the Bill at this stage …
On 3 February the government laid new legislation before Parliament to amend the Client Money Protection Regulations which came into force on 1 April 2019. If the Client Money Protection (CMP) Schemes for Property Agents (Approval and Designation of Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 come into force they will amend the requirement for agents to open …
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