Fact sheet: Lead in drinking water
In Scotland, the Tolerable Standard states that properties should have an adequate piped supply of wholesome drinking water. Statutory guidance on the Repairing Standard, which came into effect on 1 March 2024, now specifies that the property should be free of lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap.
Fact sheet: Spray foam installation
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.
Fact sheet: Building Safety Act 2022
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.
Fact sheet: Tenancy deposit requirements in Northern Ireland
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.
Fact sheet: Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Act 2022
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.
Fact sheet: Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014
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.
Fact sheet: Notice to quit periods
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.
Fact sheet: Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007
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.
Fact sheet: Cannabis farms in tenancies
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.
Fact sheet: Damp, condensation and mould in residential property
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.
Fact sheet: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
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.
Fact sheet: Fitness of Homes for Human Habitation in Wales (Inventory clerks)
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.
Fact sheet: Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023
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.
Fact sheet: Installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
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.
Fact sheet: Ivory Act 2018
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.
Fact sheet: Companies Act 2006, Section 44 – Court of Appeal decision
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.