New Legislation Changes Affecting Private Residential Landlords

For many years agents have provided a “Self Managed” or “Tenant Find Only” service to landlords who were able to manage their properties themselves.  The level of service is variable and we as a company offer three levels of service.  At the Bronze level, our tenant find only package, we will market the property, find and reference the tenant and then pass the details to the landlord so that he can take over the management from the point of executing the tenancy agreement to include all other aspects of letting of the property.

Over the years stricter laws have been enforced to ensure the safety of the tenant such as the Gas Safety Regulations, an annual gas check, Electrical Safety Regulations, annual check for portable appliances.  Carbon Monoxide testing, fire safety regulations.

During 2018 and 2019 more regulations and laws are being introduced and the above laws will be changing which will include the following:

General Data Protection Regulations change, landlords will need to follow a strict code of conduct with regards to the data protection of their tenants, any breaches that are reported will be liable to steep fines.

Right to Rent regulations have just been reviewed.

Energy Performance Certificate are changing, the minimum rating will be E and by April 2020 this will affect all tenancies.

The maximum amount of tenant deposit will be reduced to the equivalent of 6 weeks rent. This will also mean that landlords and agents must be registered with a client money protection scheme as well as registering deposits.

Banning Orders will be in place following on from the Housing & Planning Act 2016 from April 2018. All private Landlords and agents will need to be regulated otherwise they could face a criminal conviction. 

Written fire risk assessments will be required for all let property.

Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation & Liability for Housing Stands) Bill

Is it time for private landlords to place their properties in the hands of a professional, regulated Agent? At Chelton Brown we constantly review our systems and procedures, keep our staff fully trained and updated with the latest legislation changes. We can take care of every aspect of property management and letting for you, call us today on 01327 879431 (Daventry) or Northampton 01604 603433.