Our Newsround this week comes with plenty of housing news, the main one being that the Renters’ Right Bill has now passed its report stage in the House of Lords.
It will now progress to its third reading in the Lords.
However, it has been confirmed that it will not receive the Royal Assent until after the parliamentary summer break.
Electrical Condition Reports 5 years on
Landlords are being reminded to check their electrical condition reports as this year marks the 5-year deadline for renewing them for when the law first came into effect.
Most reports are given a validation period of five years (some less), but 20% of landlords are unaware that the reports only last five years.
Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, says
In 2020, landlords adapted to the new Electrical Safety Standards, now, five years on, it’s essential they revisit their records and arrange for updated EICRs where needed. This isn’t just about legal compliance – it’s about protecting tenants and property from electrical risks.
It is important and a legal requirement for landlords to maintain a valid EICR report.
Tenancies lasting on average longer
Tenants staying 40% longer than four years ago in their existing homes due to difficulties of securing a new rental property, coupled with paying higher rents when moving to a new property.
The DPS reports that the average tenancy is now more than 1,085 days, or just under three years.
Matt Trevett of the DPS says that the pandemic was the initial cause of longer tenancies, but their data now shows ‘a year on year increase in the average number of days tenants spend in their properties since February 2022, when the restrictions ended.
Average rental deposits have also increased from £948 in 2022 to £1,170 this year, according to the DPS.
Landlords warned on tougher discrimination laws
Discrimination laws are about to change under the Renters’ Rights Bill, where enforcement of a ban on child and benefit discrimination in England will be through a civil penalty rather than a criminal one as it is now.
David Smith, a leading property solicitor, says that the standard of proof will be reduced from ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to a ‘balance of probabilites’ – 95% certainty to a 50% certainty. He says
The lesson here for landlords and agents is to ensure that there is a clear chain of evidence with an explanation for a refusal which is not discriminatory.
I am very concerned about the change in the standard of proof. I can envisage an over-enthusiastic officer spotting unlawful discrimination at the lower standard of proof based on pretty flimsy evidence.
He stated that refusal needs to be proportionate, such as refusing a tenant that would otherwise create statutory overcrowding under the Housing Act or a refusal on the grounds that it would breach a licence condition.
Council launches mediation service
Milton Keynes City Council has launched a free ‘Call before you serve‘ mediation service for landlords who are considering evicting their tenants to try to avert tenants being evicted from their homes.
Tenants can also use the service to help with disputes and to try and prevent them escalating to a full eviction. It offers financial assistance, and alternative approaches before resorting to issuing official notices and can help secure alternative accommodation.
Ed Hume from the council said
By offering early advice and support, we can help people stay in their homes, prevent homelessness and support landlords to find solutions.
It is instigated via an online form that is then assessed by the council who then work with parties to try and being a plan into place.
Snippets
Welsh government unveils Building Safety Bill to tackle fire safety
Solicitors must pay council £9k after taking up tenant complaint
Tougher HMO rules to be introduced in county
MPs warn housing associations not ready for Awaab’s Law amid Decent Homes Standard for PRS
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
