Posts with tag: Housing and Planning Act 2016

Possession Claims by Private Landlords Drop by 21%

Published On: November 11, 2016 at 9:33 am

Tags: evictions,Housing and Planning Act 2016,landlord law,repossession,tenants

The number of possession claims made by private landlords has dropped by 21% over the last two years, according to recent data.

Possession Claims by Private Landlords Drop by 21%

Official statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that the number of possession claims made to county courts in England and Wales by private landlords has decreased from a peak of 6,486 in the first quarter of 2014 to 5,129 between July and September this year.

The news arrives as the independent English Housing Survey, published earlier this year, found that in 2014-15, private tenants had lived in their current home for an average of four years.

Both sets of data suggest that most tenants are not at risk of being evicted from their homes.

The Policy Director of the Residential Landlords Association, David Smith, agrees: “Today’s figures are a timely reminder that landlords do not seek to repossess properties lightly.

“With tenants also living an average of four years in private rented homes, the sector is stepping up to the demand for long-term housing, without the need for heavy handed legislation.”

Smith’s statement arrives as landlords face significant changes to their buy-to-let businesses.

Earlier this week, the Housing Minister confirmed that the Government’s blacklist of rogue landlords will be in operation from autumn 2017.

In addition, all landlords must be aware that from 1^st December 2016, it will be a criminal offence to ignore your responsibilities under the Right to Rent scheme.

Our guide to the controversial scheme will ensure that you stick to the law and avoid facing penalties: /home-office-reinforces-landlord-responsibilities-right-rent/

Are you aware of other changes to the law that may affect your role as a landlord? Our legal expert details further changes that are due to be introduced under the Housing and Planning Act 2016: /landlords-ready-housing-planning-act-2016/

Remember, the best way to keep on top of your responsibilities is with our monthly newsletter. Sign up for free and receive a round-up of the most important stories of the month here.

Blacklist of Rogue Landlords to be in Operation from Autumn 2017

Published On: November 9, 2016 at 9:30 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: blacklist of rogue landlords,Housing and Planning Act 2016,landlord law,rogue landlords

The Government’s blacklist of rogue landlords and letting agents will be in operation from autumn 2017, according to the Housing Minister.

Blacklist of Rogue Landlords to be in Operation from Autumn 2017

Gavin Barwell was asked by Justin Tomlinson, Conservative MP for North Swindon, what progress has been made on compiling the blacklist of rogue landlords that was pledged under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Barwell responded: “The Housing and Planning Act 2016 introduced a package of measures to help local authorities crack down on rogue landlords, including a database of rogue landlords and property agents. The database is currently being developed and we expect it to become operational in autumn 2017.”

Tomlinson then questioned Barwell over what he is doing to “strengthen the protections afforded to private rent tenants under section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972”.

Barwell explained: “All homes should be of a reasonable standard and all tenants should have a safe place to live regardless of tenure. Under the Housing Act 2004 and following an inspection under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the local authority can serve a notice on the landlord to require improvements to a property.

“We have strengthened these measures through the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to take action against rogue landlords. These include a database of rogue landlords and property managers, banning orders, civil penalties of up to £30,000, and extended rent repayment orders.”

Alongside the blacklist of rogue landlords, all those renting out property in the UK should be aware of further measures introduced through the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

We have called on a legal expert to explain how each of the forthcoming measures will affect those in the lettings sector. Read more: /landlords-ready-housing-planning-act-2016/

We will keep you updated with any further announcements regarding the introduction of the blacklist of rogue landlords.

You must also be aware that from 1^st December 2016, failure to comply with the Right to Rent scheme will be a criminal offence.

Housing Minister Reinforces Support for Tackling Rogue Landlords in London

Published On: October 24, 2016 at 8:34 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: Housing and Planning Act 2016,landlords in London,London,rogue landlords

Housing Minister Reinforces Support for Tackling Rogue Landlords in London

The Housing Minister, Gavin Barwell, has yet again been required to reinforce the Government’s support for tackling rogue landlords in London.

Just last week, an MP questioned Barwell’s efforts to drive rogue landlords out of the private rental sector. The Housing Minister responded with details of the forthcoming Housing and Planning Act 2016, which includes measures to tackle rogue landlords.

Now, Barwell has been asked what steps the Department for Communities and Local Government is taking to support the boroughs where the number of rogue landlords in London is increasing.

Barwell replied to the enquiry: “The Government has made £12m available to a range of local authorities to help them crack down on rogue landlords. £6.6m of that funding was provided to London boroughs. Through the Housing and Planning Act 2016, the Government is introducing a package of measures to help local authorities go further in tackling rogue landlords. They include a database of rogue landlords and property agents, banning orders for prolific and serious offenders, civil penalties of up to £30,000, and extended Rent Repayment Orders. These provisions are expected to come into force in 2017.

“On 18^th October, the Government also announced plans to extend mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), to strengthen councils to tackle problem homes head-on and bring an end to ruthless landlords who exploit tenants and charge them extortionate rents to live in poor conditions. These measures will ensure mandatory licensing rules apply to HMOs with five or more people, and to flats above and below shops. Minimum room sizes will also apply to HMOs, to help to clamp down on rogue landlords cramming tenants into unsafe and overcrowded homes.”

He added: “This Government is committed to ensuring this country works for everyone, and a key part of that is ensuring everyone has a safe and secure home.”

Since his first major speech, the Housing Minister has spoken out in support of the private rental sector.