The new regulations, if implemented, mean new tenancies from 1st July 2020 must comply. All tenancies must comply, including those granted before 1st July 2020, by 1st April 2021. The Electrical Safety Regulations will require private landlords to ensure electrical safety standards in the 2018 edition of the IET wiring regulations (BS7671:2018) are met, whenever

Although the responsibility of the tenant and landlord should be outlined in the tenancy agreement, there may be times where this is subject to change and the landlord may wish to inspect the property. A landlord must be sure that their investment is being cared for properly and if they suspect this is not the

Homesafe are providing Selective Licensing support for Great Yarmouth Borough Council. A key element of the Selective Licensing scheme is that properties receive 3 compliance checks during the 5-year scheme and these are currently scheduled to be  conducted in years 1, 2 and 4. It may be useful to share Homesafes’ previous experiences with you. We

The following are some queries we have received from members about holding deposits, tenancy deposits and other fees. Can I ask a tenant to pay for gardening services? No. You cannot require a tenant to pay for gardening unless this has been included as part of the rent. If a tenant paid a tenancy deposit

Under the Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 the minimum level of energy efficiency for private rented dwellings in England and Wales is EPC band E. Since 1st April 2018 landlords may not grant a new tenancy or renew an existing tenancy for a property rated EPC F or G(unless an exemption applies). The landlord must improve

Nearly two million people in the UK suffer from some form of domestic abuse every year, including more than 100,000 who are at high or imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured by their partner or ex-partner. With such high numbers, it stands to reason that many landlords are likely to house a victim

The Japanese have long provided the UK with a wealth of precious commodities, from reliable cars to ingenious electronics. However, one of their least welcome exports, (notwithstanding karaoke!), that has made its way to our shores is Japanese Knotweed. This most troublesome guest began its UK staycation in the 1850s when it wowed Victorian botanists

You have your biggest asset, your rental property and are able to conduct the viewings yourself. One of the most annoying aspects of finding a new tenant is the time-wasting that comes along with it, especially if you’re not vigilant from the start. Prepare the property before a viewing: A clean and tidy property will

The consultation about the Abolition of Section 21 ended in October. Groups representing landlords and letting agents have come together to form an alliance to oppose the government’s plan to scrap Section 21 no-fault evictions. The ‘Fair Possessions Coalition’ believes Section 21 repossessions should be retained until a new system can replace it which provides

One of the ELA Directors, Jake Parker, contributed, (pages 22-25), to this useful guide “East Suffolk – UC – A Guide for Private Landlords – April 2019” produced by East Suffolk Council and therefore some content specific to that council but it contains generic  information useful for all.