Further Details on Current Eviction Ban

Government Guidance Published Regarding Support for Tenants and Landlords

Further to the announcement last week of the suspension of new Section 21 notices being heard by the courts, detailed guidance of the halt to eviction proceedings is now available.

Effective from 26 March 2020, landlords wishing to serve notice to end existing tenancy agreements will have to give 3 months notice. Effectively, this will mean that landlords seeking to commence court proceedings for evictions will not be able to do so until after 30 September.

The guidance goes on to state that effective 27 March 2020, the courts will suspend all ongoing housing possession actions. For example, if you have already served a Section 21 notice to your tenant, this will not progress in the system towards an eviction for at least the next 90 days.

The published guidelines are available to read in detail through the link below.

Government Announces Ban on Evictions

Emergency Legislation Brought in to Support Tenants and Landlords

In light of the current national health crisis, the government announced yesterday that emergency legislation will be brought in to protect tenants in private rented and social housing accommodation in England and Wales from being evicted due to loss of earnings during the crisis. 

This means that no new possession proceedings (Section 21 Notices) will be heard in the courts in this period. This would suggest, however, that if you have already served a possession order through the courts, these proceedings will go ahead. 

The government has also recognised the pressure that the non-payment of rent could place on landlords and as part of the emergency legislation has also confirmed a 3 month mortgage payment holiday. The protection will apply to landlords whose tenants are facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus.

The full announcement is available via the link below.

EPC Update

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - Update

Since 2008 EPCs have been a legal requirement for sales and lettings property transactions and all will need to be renewed on their expiry (after 10 years). In April 2018 these requirements were updated to enforce a minimum energy performance rating of E for all new and renewed tenancies.

Soon these will apply to all existing tenancies and from April 2020 it will be against the law to rent a property without an EPC rated A to E inclusive. A few exemptions apply.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to arrange for a Domestic Energy Assessor to produce a new certificate for your property. Search your EPC rating by clicking the button below.

Gas Safety Week

Gas Safety Week - Awareness

Did you know that 1 in 5 homes in the UK have unsafe gas appliances according to the latest inspection figures? This week the property industry is focused on raising awareness for gas safety in residential properties. The law has been In place and updated since The Gas Safety (Installations & Use) Regulations 1998 for England & Wales. You must have your rental property checked every year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

Homeowners can also make sure that they are living in a gas safe property by having a check done at home and watching out for these five key signs that something might be wrong. Find out what to look for and more information by clicking the button below.

Section 21 Changes

Section 21 Changes - Discussion

The potential change in the Housing Act could mean more security for tenants. This discussion features the possible impacts this will have on tenants and landlords highlighting the type of notices to be used to end a tenancy.

As tenants as well as landlords, we are thinking positively and always look forward to a tenant renewing their tenancy and staying for longer. If this is the outcome then things are looking up. See the full discussion via the link below.