A Day at the Races!

It wasn’t quite that, although we did head to Newmarket to attend the Safe Suffolk Renters landlord trade event.  This was the third and final training session in this series open to members of ELA and we were pleased to see different members make use of the closer location.

The day was split into several topics so this week we are providing a brief summary for any members that didn’t manage to attend.

Renters’ Rights Bill

We have previously summarised some of the mandatory and discretionary grounds which are being amended in our recent Blog published on 13th March.  With the RRB amendments still being reviewed at the Committee Stage, it is still unclear on how the final Act will look although as this was a manifesto Bill, we think that many things that have already been shared will see their way through.

The Bill has had three extra dates added to continue to look at the Lords Amendments which evidences the complexity of the Bill. These are 6th May, 12th May and 14th May so all updates are pretty much on hold until after these dates at the earliest.

Damp and Mould

The SSR team provided a highly informative session on this subject and whilst it goes a little quieter over summer, is sitting in the wings as a constant problem that landlords face. We know it can feel like a challenge trying to ensure tenants co-operate in treating the home in a way that will prevent such a potential health risk to both the inhabitants, and cause problems to the construction to the property. The SSR team created a useful you tube video which we have linked below:

Heating Your Home to Prevent Damp and Mould

Some other points for reference for potential causes could be:

·       Are there ill-fitting windows or broken seals around windows?

·       Is the property being properly heated?

·       Is the tenant drying washing indoors without ventilation?

·       Is there adequate ventilation?

·       Are there trickle vents?

·       Does the tenant report repairs and maintenance issues?

So what could landlords proactively do to help with these issues before your tenant even moves in?

·       Wire any bathroom extractor fan in to the shower or lighting circuit so it is on when the shower is used

·       Use a durable and washable pane in the kitchen and bathroom

·       Make sure that humidity fans have a humidity stat

·       Ensure install of a sufficient washing line in garden to encourage drying clothes outside

·       Consider waterproof board rather than tiles on walls

The overarching message was to ensure landlords conduct regular property visits.  If landlords use a letting agency it is important to get copies of the inspection reports so that you are satisfied they are being conducted regularly and to your satisfaction.  Be mindful too that landlords need to protect themselves by checking your insurance as there may even be stipulations in there on how often you need to be conducting inspections. And keep records!  This will be ever important as we cross through to the other side of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Fosters solicitors were involved in the afternoon presentation and made it clear that it is the landlords responsibility to deal with damp and mould if it is caused by disrepair at the property and poses a risk to the tenants health and safety.  Landlords must ensure that the property is fit for human habitation on the day it is let and throughout the tenancy.  Of course the ongoing combat derives from whether the tenant causes the issues that result in damp and mould, but with good landlords diligently actioning the points, we often can see clear reasons why the damp and mould materialises which can often be evidenced through tenant lifestyle.

We also know that tenants can be obstructive when you are trying to assist in both monitoring and rectification. There are of course procedures for landlords to follow before accessing the property and written notice must be provided in either an email, text or a posted notice. This could be 24 hours’ notice or something alternative if it has been stated in the tenancy agreement. 

The EC04 Grant – Energy Efficiency Funding

SSR were joined again by IHI Ltd who focus on delivering echo schemes assisting home owners and private tenants with installing energy in the UK, as well as access to funding, which means most measures can be installed for free.  The work they undertake is primarily through government funding ECO4 which is a program in the UK. The scheme typically targets low income or vulnerable households although some elements are available to a broader range and case studies have shown how homes can be brought up from extremely low EPC ratings, to acceptable levels. Landlords may see fit to look into such companies if they are fearful that their properties are likely to fall below the new guidelines due for all tenancies in 2030.

Landlords have tapped into this type of funding through companies such as IHI Ltd so if you feel your property may benefit, it could be advantageous to communicate with your tenant to express that there may be improvements available through funding if certain criteria is met.

Ratio Teleswitch Meters (RTS)

A reminder that Radio Teleswitch Meters (RTS) will be switched off on 30th June 2025.  This is something for landlords to consider, if their property has one of this old style meter system as it may be likely that the energy company would contact the property address, which can sometimes be lost in translation from your tenant and never in fact reach you.

Unfortunately we are unable to successfully convey the full extent of the material that was covered at these events but if you have any queries from the above Blog, or would like to know more, do get in touch and one of the ELA team will certainly be able to help elaborate.