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As a landlord do you know how the 2015 Deregulation Act has affected your tenancy?
At James Laurence Lettings we pride ourselves on updating our clients which could affect current tenancies and potential investment purchases.
In March 2015 the Deregulation Bill 2015 was given Royal Assent, changes that you need to know and may not have even been aware of.
At James Laurence Lettings we pride ourselves on updating our clients which could affect current tenancies and potential investment purchases.
In March 2015 the Deregulation Bill 2015 was given Royal Assent, changes that you need to know and may not have even been aware of.
The major change we believe is to SECTION 21 notices. A Section 21 Notice can now only be served after a tenant has lived in a property for at least four months. Some agents tend to serve at the tenancy initiation.
As this is now prohibited it might be time to dig out the property investment folder and see what are in your terms. If this is your first investment/wanted to let short term/travelling the world and arranged a short term tenancy in your home, can you get it back???
We, at James Laurence have always conformed to the new implementation that a section 21 notice can only be served from the fourth month of the tenancy. Is your agent on the case? Are they up top speed in line with new legislation?
Before marketing your property a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is required to be provided to every prospective tenant at point of enquiry about a property. As typing this it’s almost embarrassing to see so many properties advertised without EPCs.
Every deposit held now must be protected within 90 days of the tenancy start date and a deposit protection certificate and all prescribed information for tenants must be given to the tenants. Not doing so can impact on any deposit dispute!
James Laurence Lettings use the DPS (Deposit Protection Service) to register all deposits.
As this is now prohibited it might be time to dig out the property investment folder and see what are in your terms. If this is your first investment/wanted to let short term/travelling the world and arranged a short term tenancy in your home, can you get it back???
We, at James Laurence have always conformed to the new implementation that a section 21 notice can only be served from the fourth month of the tenancy. Is your agent on the case? Are they up top speed in line with new legislation?
Before marketing your property a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is required to be provided to every prospective tenant at point of enquiry about a property. As typing this it’s almost embarrassing to see so many properties advertised without EPCs.
Every deposit held now must be protected within 90 days of the tenancy start date and a deposit protection certificate and all prescribed information for tenants must be given to the tenants. Not doing so can impact on any deposit dispute!
James Laurence Lettings use the DPS (Deposit Protection Service) to register all deposits.
Upcoming changes
From October 2015 landlords are required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties.
James Laurence can arrange for these alarms to be fitted inside the property before a tenant moves into a property. Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said when announcing the changes: “In 1988 just 8% of homes had a smoke alarm installed – now it’s over 90%. The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed smoke alarms in their homes, but I’m changing the law to ensure every tenant can be given this important protection. But with working smoke alarms providing the vital seconds needed to escape a fire, I urge all tenants to make sure they regularly test their alarms to ensure they work when it counts. Testing regularly remains the tenant’s responsibility.” England’s 46 fire and rescue authorities are expected to support private landlords in their own areas to meet their new responsibilities with the provision of free alarms, with grant funding from government planned.
From October 2015 landlords are required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties.
James Laurence can arrange for these alarms to be fitted inside the property before a tenant moves into a property. Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said when announcing the changes: “In 1988 just 8% of homes had a smoke alarm installed – now it’s over 90%. The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed smoke alarms in their homes, but I’m changing the law to ensure every tenant can be given this important protection. But with working smoke alarms providing the vital seconds needed to escape a fire, I urge all tenants to make sure they regularly test their alarms to ensure they work when it counts. Testing regularly remains the tenant’s responsibility.” England’s 46 fire and rescue authorities are expected to support private landlords in their own areas to meet their new responsibilities with the provision of free alarms, with grant funding from government planned.
Does your property comply? If looking for an experienced letting agent who ensures best practices contact James Laurence Lettings on 0121 456 5454 or email [email protected] to appraise your property or portfolio.
