Rental Reforms
The UK Government have recently proposed that reforms will be introduced for rental agreements which will prevent Landlords from being able to evict Tenants at a short notice and without good reason. This will be achieved by the Government putting a stop to Landlord’s using Section 21 Notice evictions. These proposed plans will help to provide greater protection for Tenants from “unethical” Landlords. Such plans will help to provide Tenants with an improved sense of long-term security as they will remove the threat of “no-fault” evictions. This movement will also help to prevent unfair evictions and family homelessness. Nevertheless, Landlords will still be able to end tenancies, but only when they have a legitimate reason to do so. This will be achieved by serving a Section 8 Notice where the reason for eviction is for example, due to there being rent arrears or if a breach of tenancy has occurred. If you would like to read more about the proposed rental reforms please visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47927706.
The Homes Act 2018
Another focal point within the news this month was ‘The Homes Act 2018’ which came into force as of 20th March 2019. This new act will ensure that rented houses and apartments are fit for human habitation. This generally means that Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure their rented property is safe, secure, warm, dry and free from anything that could cause serious harm.
This new Law will make it easier for Tenants living in dangerous or unhealthy conditions, to Claim against their Landlords for housing disrepair and maintenance. Under the new Law, Tenants living in poor housing will have the ability to subject their Landlord to Court and obtain compensation where necessary. The Homes Act 2018 is applicable to any tenancy agreement which was signed on or after 20th March 2019. At present the Homes Act does not have retrospective effect but if your agreement was signed prior to this date, the Homes Act will become applicable to your agreement on 20th March 2020, unless there is a renewed agreement beforehand. For more information about ‘The Homes Act 2018’ please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018/guide-for-tenants-homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018
Our Specialist Landlord and Tenant Solicitors recommend that any Private Landlord should understand the consequences of failing to comply to this reform and new legislation. If you are a Landlord, we recommend that you consider instructing our expert Solicitors if you are currently looking to evict a tenant or if the tenant is proposing to bring a claim under the Homes Act.
In the unfortunate event that as a Tenant you have recently been served with a s21 or s8 Notice, we advise you seek legal assistance from the outset in which our experts will help you to determine your rights.
Our Solicitors can also assist you with claims against your Landlord under the new ‘Homes Act’ Legislation and Deposit Regulations.
For more information regarding how our Solicitors can assist with Tenant Deposit Claims please visit https://www.hodgkinsons.co.uk/dispute-resolution/landlord-tenant/tenant.
Whether you are located in Skegness, Boston, Lincoln, Grimsby or beyond, call us on 01754 897150 or visit https://www.hodgkinsons.co.uk/dispute-resolution/landlord-tenant.