Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), commonly referred to as spray foam, is a liquid material used to insulate homes. An alternative to traditional building insulation, it's especially advantageous for improving energy efficiency through insulating difficult and tight spaces. However, consumers should carefully consider the impact it can have on valuations, lenders decisions and surveys.

The Building Safety Act 2022 aims to provide more rights, powers and protections for residents of high-risk buildings and reduce the chance of death in the event a fire breaks out. The Act establishes specific duties for individuals within high-risk buildings to manage building safety risks.

In 2011, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and later the Tenancy Deposit Schemes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 which introduced regulations for protecting tenancy deposits in Northern Ireland.

The Housing Strategy Action Plan 2012–2017 committed the Department for Communities to review the private rented sector in Northern Ireland. This led to the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 which received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022.

The need to register applies to all landlords of properties let under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland. Landlords must be registered and have a Landlord Registration certificate, which is valid for three years.

Under the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, the changes made to notice to quit periods by the emergency legislation was established as a long-term measure. This permanent extension to the notice to quit period was one of many changes introduced by the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

The regulations set out the rules for advertising boards, including property sales and lettings boards. They came into force on 6 April 2007 and apply in relation to the display of advertisements on sites in England only.

Production and possession with the intent to supply is a criminal offense which can carry up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Landlords and agents who are aware or have suspicions of a Cannabis farm in one of their properties can be liable under law and face the same penalties.

Tenants, letting agents and landlords all need to contribute to preventative measures to reduce the impact on living conditions and properties. Taking reasonable steps to tackle damp and mould is not only about looking after your health, it is your responsibility as a tenant.

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act replaces existing legislation from the Housing Act 2004 with a new tenancy structure for Wales. The primary purpose is to make the legal framework easier to understand and will also mark a key separation in legislation between Wales and England.

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 received Royal Assent on 18 January 2016 which provides additional obligations for landlords and letting agents around the condition of their properties. The Act comes into force from 1 December 2022.

On 1 June 2023, Ministers announced the intention to extend for the final time, taking the period the regulations are in place to 31 March 2024.

Landlords are required to install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. This is part of the Government’s plans to create a bigger, better and safer private rented sector.

The purpose of the Ivory Act is to prohibit commercial activities concerning ivory in the UK and the import and re-export of ivory for commercial purposes to and from the UK. This includes intra-EU trade to and from the UK.

The Court of Appeal decided that where a corporate landlord or agent is completing certain statutory forms including a Section 8 Notice, such documents do not have to be ‘executed’ in accordance with the formalities set out in Section 44 of the Companies Act 2006.

The General Data Protection Regulations (EU GDPR) were rolled out across the EU on 25 May 2018. The Regulations brought consistency in data handling to EU member states and granted individuals additional rights on when and how their personal data is used.