The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has warned landlords and agents alike to be aware of new regulations that come into effect on January 1st.
Water Industry Act
New amendments to the Water Industry Act 1991 will see landlords with property in Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Dee Valley Water areas facing accountability for unpaid water bills. Landlords will be jointly responsible for debts if they fail to provide information on their tenants to the relevant water company.
ARLA are warning landlords in the affected areas, namely Wales, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Gloucestershire, to ensure that they are aware of the impending changes.
Information
The information that landlords must provide to their water company is:
- Their tenant’s full name
- Date of birth
- Commencement of tenancy agreement
- Full address of the property
This information must be provided by January 21st for existing tenants. For new occupants, information must be supplied within 21 days of the start of their tenancy.
Failure to supply these details will result in landlords accruing joint liability for water supply and sewerage charges.