Landlords Lettings 2020 by Heather Hilder on February 19, 2020 “Landlords Lettings 2020” Changes in Lettings Legislation 2000 James Duffy, Callaways’ Lettings expert and Compliance Coach, discusses his top 5 of the most important highlights of Landlords Lettings 2020 legislation updates. Lettings Legislation 2000 1. Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 extends to more Tenancies The Homes Act came into force in March 2019, only covering tenancies which commenced after 20 March 2019. From 20 March The Homes Act will extend to almost all tenancies. Periodic Tenancies that commenced before 20 March 2019 will come under the scope of the legislation 12 months after commencement on 20 March 2020. Landlords should be aware that through an implied covenant, the Act places responsibility on them, to ensure: that before commencement of the tenancy, the property is ‘fit for human habitation’ and for the duration of the tenancy that they are familiar with the 29 HHSRS hazards 2. Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations (Grace Period Ends) The regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for private rented properties in England and Wales. An ‘E’ rating or above is required. The regulations came into effect in April 2018. There was a 2-year grace period for tenancies which had started before 1 April 2018. Firstly, from 1 April 2020, all rented properties must meet the MEES regulations. Secondly, this is currently a rating of E on a valid Energy Performance Certificate. Listed Building and EPC Compliance: Where Listed buildings and buildings within a conservation area do not require an EPC, they will not be required to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. As a result, Landlords are advised to take additional advice in these circumstances. 3. Compulsory electrical checks for all rented properties Subject to approval by both Houses of Parliament Landlords will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies. The rules will apply to every kind of privately rented property. Failure to comply will attract fines of up to £30,000 4. Tenant Fees Act 2018 Transition Period End The Tenant Fees Act 2018 came into effect on 1 June 2019. As a result, the Act allowed a grace period of one year for tenancies that had started before 1 June 2019. This ‘grace period’ is coming to an end. On 1 June 2020 the Tenant Fee Ban will become binding on all tenancies 5. The Government`s Renters` Reform Bill The Government’s “people’s priorities” announcement of a Renters’ Reform Bill. This will abolish the use of ‘no fault’ evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 and reforming the grounds for possession. It will also introduce a new lifetime deposit so Tenants don’t need to save for a new deposit every time they move to a new house. The Government will continue to develop and implement measures to widen access to, and expand, the scope of the database of Rogue Landlords. Landlords Lettings Legislation Landlords must adhere to over 170 different pieces of legislation when providing rental accommodation. James Duffy, MNAEA, MARLA, AIRPM, HHSRS Practitioner To find out whether your property conforms to recent legislation, book in a complimentary 30 minute telephone consultation with us. Call 01273-735237 to book. Or email enquiries@callaways.co.uk You can also download your free copy of ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR LANDLORDS.
