the Renters Reform Bill 2021
Some of the most widespread reforms to the private rented sector since the late 1980s have been put on ice by the pandemic, but could next year finally see the much long-talked about plans come to fruition? Here, analysing the current state of play and the outlook for next year,
Industry news
The current notice period for evictions is 4 months. However, there are still more changes to come before notice periods return to pre-pandemic levels. Keep reading to find out what changes have been made, and what's to come. Notice periods for evictions before 1 June When the pandemic
Right to Rent
The government has announced Right to Rent changes for EEA and Swiss citizens that will come into effect from 1 July 2021. From this date, landlords and letting agents will no longer be able to accept an EEA passport or national identity card as proof of a tenant's
Legislation
The 2021 Queen’s Speech [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/queens-speech-2021] summarised the government’s policies and proposed legislation for the coming year. Renters, landlords and agents alike were happy for the speech to provide some clarity on the Renters Reform Bill 2021. First posed in 2019, the Renters
Legislation
Update from 30 April 2021: Agents and landlords must use the new Section 8 Notice form [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/518/contents/made] from 4 May 2021, which now includes information about the Debt Respite Scheme for tenants. Without the correct form, landlords and agents risk having
News
Staying up to date with legislation is vital for your agency, as Brexit and COVID-19 are having a significant impact on legislation in the letting industry. See our regularly updated list of key legislation dates for letting agents below. To receive email alerts for when legislation changes, subscribe using the
Letting Agents
Following the new additions to EU Anti-Money Laundering laws in effect from January 2020, letting agents will need to make sure they are compliant with the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD). GOV.UK states that [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/registration-guide-for-estate-agency-businesses] "any letting agency businesses that were brought into
Covid-19
The conditions COVID-19 has placed on the industry have particularly impacted the rental sector, with government, individuals and businesses being forced to challenge their conventional structures and adapt to changing conditions in a short space of time. Now with an emphasis on reducing physical interactions whilst maintaining service levels, letting
Legislation
Yesterday the chancellor Philip Hammond announced a ban of Letting Agent fees [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38065249]. A few people reached out to know what our thoughts were, and what impact it may have on the work we’re doing. Letting agents should have been more transparent about
Landlords
When you hear the term rental fraud it’s usually associated with renters [https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/24/crooked-landlords-cheat-desperate-renters-competition-properties-fraudsters-pitfalls] , however landlords are increasingly the victims too. In a survey of 500 landlords across the UK we found that 6% (equivalent of 150,000 in total) had been