Keep up to date with the latest Stags news
Over the past 18 months the pandemic has forced us to change the way we go about our everyday lives. We have all had to adapt and make significant changes and with home becoming more of a focus for us all, the property market is having to adapt too. Whether it is how we conduct viewings and arrange property visits, to the required notice periods, changes have happened and can be hard to keep track of.
Claire Pile MARLA, stresses the importance for landlords to ensure they keep up to date with the changes “We have all experienced an unprecedented amount of change in all aspects of our lives as a result of the pandemic. For landlords it is important that they understand these changes and the implications they could have if the necessary action isn’t taken at the right time.”
Some of the keys changes in 2021;
Electrical Safety Checks
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations came into force on the 1st June 2020 and applied in England to all new tenancies from 1st July 2020 but more critically to all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021.
Since 1st April this year all properties let must have had an electrical installation check carried out by a competent person with a copy of the satisfactory report provided to the tenant. Any remedial work should be carried out within 28 days with a copy of the completed report provided to the tenant.
The regulations will be enforced by the local authority who can impose a fine and/or issue a remedial notice.
Right to Rent Checks
Landlords have an obligation to check that their tenant/s, including British Citizens, can legally rent in the England.
From 1 July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need to prove their rights in the UK, including their right to rent, either using the online checking service or with a physical immigration document.
The checks can be carried out manually or via the Governments online checking service with further information available at; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/999433/Right_to_rent_checks_from_1_July_2021_Important_Information_for_landlords.pdf
Landlords can face high penalties for not ensuring that the have met the requirements by carrying out the required checks.
Notice Periods
Some welcomed news for landlords follows the Government’s announcement confirming that the Section 21 notice period (currently four months) will return to the pre-covid period of two months as of 1st October 2021.
This brings relief for those landlords who, in many cases, have a genuine reason for requiring possession of their property.
Ensuring the issuing of any notice is carried out correctly using the prescribed format and ensuring all necessary documentation has been supplied to the tenant does however, remain essential.
For more information about these changes and what you need to do to ensure you and your property are compliant, contact your local Stags Lettings office who can provide the support and guidance to give you peace of mind
