Merry Xmas? First raft of Renters’ Rights Act to go live on 27th December
Substantial new investigative powers for local councils to help them regulated rogue landlords are to go live between Christmas and New Year.
The first raft of changes to be swept in by the Renters’ Rights Act are to go live between the Xmas and the New Year celebrations, agents will be thrilled to know.
These changes, which will go live on December 27th, see local authorities given draconian new powers to enforce good behaviour by landlords and letting agencies including being able to enter premises where tenancy records are kept, take evidence including paperwork, computers and phones and also being able to force a landlord’s tradespeople, agent and even past tenants to hand over paperwork.
Commenting on the changes, David Adams, MD of Chester-based estate and lettings agent Cavendish and author of The Landlord’s Playbook, says they come at the “worst possible time” and has warned landlords to get ready or face fines or prosecutions should they be investigated.
“When the Renters Rights Act became law a few weeks ago, there was a lot of focus on landlords having to be ready for an implementation from 1st May next year.
“While this remains an important milestone, landlords also need to be ready for councils to start using their new investigatory powers which come into effect before the end of this year.
“December is already traditionally a busy time of the year for landlords with a rush to ensure last minute completions and tenancy renewals. Now they face the very real possibility of local authorities flexing their new muscles during festive period.
“We have always advised landlords not to wait for the 1st May deadline and, instead, ensure all their processes and systems are fully compliant as soon as possible. The best approach is to see 27th December as the true deadline rather than delaying until May.”
Major changes
Northumberland Council has also waded in saying, “The new reforms will bring major changes to the private sector and are aimed at giving tenants stronger protections and clearer rights, while setting new standards for landlords.
“One of the core aims of the reforms is to tackle landlords who provide poor living conditions and insecure contracts, meaning tenants live in fear of eviction and are too afraid to challenge their landlords or ask for essential repairs.”
