Regulation & Law
News articles looking at national legislation and local regulation and the application of law to the residential property industry.
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PLANNING: Labour to speed up councils’ approval for newbuilds
Government to radically overhaul planning to boost house building and make approval times under two-and-a-half years not average SEVEN.
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Big council’s radical second-homes taxes prompt 12% fall in house prices
The targeting of second homes and holiday lets by Welsh council has led to big falls in the value of all homes in just three months.
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Section 21 ban delay among new amendments to Renters’ Rights Bill
The House of Lords is to debate amendments to the Bill, including putting back the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions.
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Letting agents told to brace for more AML checks and fines
Changes to anti-money laundering rules mean there will be an increase in the number of checks letting agents will have to carry out, says leading consultancy.
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Big mortgage lenders call for all homes to have EPCs
In a move that may or may not be welcomed by agents, lenders say all homes, not just those being sold or rented, should have an EPC.
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‘We’ve become unpaid civil servants’ says frustrated estate agent
Des Simmons of south coast firm Bournecoast says the level of work being done by property industry for the Government is 'unsustainable'.
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Newspaper accuses Labour peer of ‘cash-for-access’ to housing ministers
A Labour peer has been recorded by undercover reporters from The Guardian offering access to housing ministers in exchange for a sponsorship deal.
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Councils that fine landlords over mould slammed by ombudsman
The Housing Ombudsman reveals that several local authorities which are quick to issue fines to landlords and agents over poor practice including damp and mould, are at it themselves.
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Major city extends reach of property licensing scheme
Manchester has added nearly 1,900 flats and houses to its list of homes requiring a licence, after Mayor Andy Burham launched a voluntary charter for landlords.
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Controversial expansion to city’s licensing scheme begins
Gateshead Council ignores significant opposition to the extension of its licensing scheme and has given itself the go-ahead.
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