The Renters’ Rights Bill
WATCH OUR EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
LANDLORD OMBUDSMAN
ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATORY POWERS, FINES and PENALTIES Local authorities will have extended powers to investigate complaints conduct inspections, and issue penalties for breaches of the legislation There will be a shift in empowering local authorities with greater enforcement powers, reducing reliance on the courts Initial or minor non-compliance will incur a civil penalty of up to £7,000 and serious, persistent or repeat non- compliance a civil penalty of up to £40,000 , with the alternative of a criminal prosecution. Civil penalties do not need court involvement (e.g. parking fine) Local authority can impose if they feel an offence has taken place ‘beyond all reasonable doubt’ Rent Repayment Orders maximum payout increases from 12 months to 2 years - 24 x monthly rent RENTS IN ADVANCE Only ONE MONTHS RENT can be taken prior to the start of a tenancy A rent period CANNOT be longer than ONE CALENDAR MONTH. Any clauses stating that rent is payable quarterly, or 4 weekly, or 6 monthly will be null and void – including those in existing agreements upon the ‘commencement date’. Taking 6 or 12 months rent in advance for a tenant with a poor credit history, for example, is not allowed.
Mandatory to join for landlords - even if they use a letting agent Cannot advertise properties for rent unless registered Severe penalties for not joining
PRIVATE RENTAL SECTOR DATABASE Mandatory to join for landlords Centralised database containing landlord and property information Accessible by local authorities, enforcement officers, tenants Cannot advertise properties for rent unless registered Severe penalties for not joining DECENT HOMES STANDARD (DHS) and AWAAB’S LAW DHS sets our clear standards and requirements for rental properties DHS is currently used in social housing - being extended to the private sector Local authorities will have the power to levy fines and penalties Awaab’s Law relates to the tragic death of 2-year old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to mould in his social rented home. Awaab’s Law sets out new requirements for landlords to address hazards, such as damp and mould, within a specified time period Tenants can bring enforcement action for non-compliance
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online