Building Safety Act becomes law, but further action is needed
The UK Government’s legislative response to the Grenfell tragedy has now received Royal Assent but excludes some leaseholders from the new Building Safety Fund. Ministers had previously promised that leaseholders would be protected from the costs of cladding remediation, but landlords owning multiple properties have been prevented from accessing the fund as they are viewed as being of “significant wealth”.
Economic Crime Bill receives Royal Assent
The new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act received Royal Assent today, 15 March, following an expedited passage through Parliament.
Ground for possession and evictions in Scotland
The Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill 2022 is currently making its way through Holyrood, which is one of the promised changes by the Scottish Government to the private rented sector (PRS).
UK Government brings forward Economic Crime Bill
The UK Government has accelerated a bill designed to prevent the laundering of ‘dirty money’ in the UK’s housing markets by introducing a register of overseas entities that highlights the owners of international companies that own properties and land in the UK.
Propertymark calls for industry insight through new roundtables
Agents, landlords and anybody working in or alongside the Scottish private rented sector (PRS) are being called upon by Propertymark to take part in virtual roundtables to discuss the raft of proposed changes within the Draft Rented Sector Strategy.
Renting Homes (Wales) Act implementation date announced
The Act, which was first passed in 2016, represents the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades. It increases protections for tenants and contract-holders through the introduction of a single, clear framework.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules extended
The UK Government has today, 23 November 2021, responded to its consultation on proposals to extend the rules for domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within all rented accommodation in England.
Shadow Minister calls for establishment of Welsh housing tribunal
Janet Finch-Saunders MS, the Welsh Conservative spokesperson for housing, has urged the Welsh Government to review the possibility of developing a housing tribunal.
Welsh Fire Safety Act to come into force
The Act, due to come into force from 1 October 2021, clarifies parts of a premises that are covered by the Fire Safety Order (FSO).
UK Government outlines plan to tackle commercial rent arrears
The UK Government has outlined how it will legislate to ringfence rent debt and set out a process of binding arbitration to provide a long-term resolution to pandemic related rent arrears for commercial tenants.
Private Tenancies Bill to increase protections for tenants
A Bill introduced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey on 6 July, provides new protections for tenants in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) In Northern Ireland, focusing on safety measures, restrictions in rent increases and extending notice periods.
Leasehold Reform Bill published
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill has been published today, and when implemented aims to help tackle inconsistency and ambiguity of ground rents for future leaseholders.
Survey claims over half of landlords back pets in rented property
A landlord survey by Direct Line suggests that nearly half welcome the UK Government’s new Model Tenancy Agreement, which enables tenants with ‘well-behaved pets’ to secure a tenancy more easily.
New 95 per cent mortgage scheme launched
The UK Government has today, 19 April, opened a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to help first-time buyers and current owners with 5 per cent deposits buy a house up to £600,000.
Safety remains a priority as restrictions ease
Yesterday, 12 April 2021, the UK Government amended advice on house moves following the easing of restrictions in England. Following measures to re-open retail in England, there is now more flexibility for branch managers to allow unscheduled visitors, however, adherence to safety guidance remains paramount.
COVID-19 restrictions relaxed and financial support announced
From today, 1 April, restrictions across Northern Ireland have eased further as part of the Executive's roadmap out of lockdown and the Coronavirus Financial Assistance (Business Support) Scheme 2021 was launched on 31 March by the Department of Finance.