News

• Oct 15

  Renters' Rights Bill

  I was interested to read in the media today a coupe of pieces about lobby groups. I passionately belief that there is a right to free speech, but it did make me question...!
  
  The first article was in Negotiator (see https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rental-market/people-power-persuades-tsb-to-drop-btl-tenancy-rules/) Acorn are lobbying TSB bank to get them to stop limiting landlords to one year fixed term AST tenancies. Actually I think most landlord would like the freedom to have a fixed term of the most appropriate length for both parties so TSB changing the rules to allow up to three years is probably good news for all.
  
  However, am I the only one that sees the irony in this pyric victory when the government are about to ban all fixed term tenancies and make everyone go onto periodic? I have always said this was never being demanded by landlords or tenants and is simply driven by government policy and lack of understanding.
  
  How many times have I heard Shelter say "any day a tenant can get a section 21 notice" and be evicted, ignoring the fact that you may get the notice "any day" but it gives 2 months notice and then if the tenant has not left you can look forward to 6 plus months to go through the courts, so the comment is a bit misleading. However, with a fixed term you were assured that the notice could not expire during the fixed term.
  
  With periodic only tenancies, after the first year, "any day" you might get a section 8 notice saying the landlord wants to sell out of the market or move back into the property.
  
  I think I know why they are going periodic, they believe that if the landlord does not repair the tenant can serve notice and leave. You only have to see the number of tenants living on periodic tenancies currently who are not serving notice and leaving to realise this won't work. There are simply not enough properties for them to go to.
  
  If you want to really understand the Renters Rights Bill, including things you should be doing right NOW, book on our Renters' Right Bill courses around England from the 22 October. We guarantee you will be satisfied and lean valuable information, or you get you money back. Click on the link to "Training" at the top of the screen.
  
  
  

• Sep 25

  Right to Rent Guidance updated

  Right to Rent Guidance Update 
   
  Updated guidance for landlords (and letting agents) has been published. 

   
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landlords-guide-to-right-to-rent-checks

  Updates include: 

  • Clarification within List A Group 1: Definition in footnote 1 includes that ILR endorsements in a current passport from a Crown Dependency are acceptable proof of right to rent. 
  • Updates to Annex C: Ukrainian nationals and right to rent, including advising of schemes which are now closed, and changes made to the Homes for Ukraine scheme which means some visa holders, who applied to the scheme after 19 February 2024, will have 18 months permission to  remain  in the UK

  
  

• Sep 25

  Phones down

  With apologies it seems our external phone provider is having problems and are phone are down or working intermittently. If you have a helpline query please email the helpline email address. For any other enquires please email the office on the info@ email address. Thanks

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