Further Regulations confirmed under the Private Tenancies Act
Following the enactment of Sections 1-6 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 1 April 2023, the Department for Communities has outlined that two further phases, Sections 8 and 10, will come into force by the end of 2024.
Renters Reform moves to Lords as sector calls for certainty
The long-delayed Bill included over 200 amendments as it returned to the House of Commons for its Report Stage and Third Reading on 24 April 2024. Having been voted through by MPs it will now move to the Upper House, with Housing Secretary Michael Gove MP controversially stating that it’s up to the House of Lords to decide how quickly the Bill can become law.
Renters Reform returning to Parliament in a storm of criticism
The Leader of the House of Commons has confirmed the remaining stages of the Renters (Reform) Bill will take place on Wednesday 24 April 2024 with some key changes to the Bill brought forward. Whilst the UK Government has listened and reacted to some industry concerns, another chance has been wasted to effectively regulate property agents.
Propertymark campaign results evident in Renters (Reform) Bill amendments
We have had direct correspondence from senior officials at the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) regarding amends to be tabled on the Renters (Reform) Bill, including communication between Housing Minister Jacob Young, MP, and Conservative MPs outlining further improvements that address some of the key concerns of letting agents and strike a fairer balance of security for both landlords and tenants.
Propertymark outlines the importance of protecting fixed-term tenancies
During a meeting with Housing Minister, Jacob Young MP, who has responsibility for the Renters (Reform) Bill, our CEO and Head of Policy and Campaigns outlined why the retaining of fixed-term tenancies will provide security for tenants and increase flexibility in the private rented sector.
Renters Reform must balance interests of tenants and landlords
Propertymark has submitted written evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Renters (Reform) Bill, citing data demonstrating the level of concern amongst our members about measures likely to make the PRS increasingly hostile to property owners and the unintended consequences for people in need of homes.
Service Occupancy Agreement
The main characteristics of a service occupancy are that the occupation of the property is closely linked to the occupier’s employment, they have a personal licence to occupy for so long as they are employed by the employer and that the service occupancy terminates automatically when the employment contract ends.
How to serve a Section 13 notice of rent increase
Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 allows a landlord to raise the rent on a periodic assured or assured shorthold tenancy by giving the tenant a notice of increase in the prescribed form.
When can a tenant change the locks?
Generally, tenants do not have the right to change locks without the landlord's consent but it's crucial that tenants have their statutory right to ‘quiet enjoyment’.
Garden alterations
Find out what steps you can take if the tenant has substantially altered the garden without permission.
Death of a tenant
Dealing with these situations can be difficult and sensitive, especially if you are aware the tenant’s passing before relatives are informed. We've outlined steps you can take to bring the tenancy to an end.
Death of a landlord
When a landlord passes away, it can have various implications for the tenancy. The specific effects will depend on factors such as the type of tenancy, regional laws, and the actions taken by the landlord's estate or legal representatives.
Can a landlord charge an insurance claim excess back to the tenant?
The ability of a landlord to charge an insurance claim excess back to the tenant can depend on various factors, including the terms of the tenancy agreement, regional laws, and the circumstances surrounding the insurance claim.
Tenant imprisonment
The ability of one tenant to remain in occupation when another tenant is imprisoned can depend on several factors, including the specific terms of the tenancy agreement and the relationship between the tenants.
Company tenancies vs assured shorthold tenancies
Company tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) differ in several key aspects. Find out what the primary differences are using our comparison guide.
How to end an assured shorthold tenancy early
Ending an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) early other than at the expiry of the tenancy period or the service of notice, typically involves a mutual agreement between the tenant and the landlord. However, there are a few options to consider if both parties cannot reach an agreement.