Posts with tag: landlord legislation changes

RLA Announces New Policy Director

Published On: July 22, 2015 at 3:58 pm

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RLA Announces New Policy Director

RLA Announces New Policy Director

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has appointed a new policy director.

David Smith succeeds Richard Jones, the highly regarded, long-term policy director at the organisation.

Smith will continue in his role as a partner and practising solicitor at law firm, Anthony Gold, and is a recognised expert in landlord and tenant law.

He is well known within the private rental sector and was recently the expert adviser to the Welsh Assembly’s Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee regarding its Renting Homes (Wales) Bill.

Alan Ward, Chairman of the RLA, says: “At a time of considerable change for the private rented sector, David’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable in guiding RLA policy and making representation to all levels of government.”

On Smith’s predecessor, Ward comments: “Richard’s contribution to policy making in the private rented sector has been immense and I am pleased that the RLA is not losing his experience altogether, as he will continue as a policy consultant and RLA company secretary.”

On his new position, Smith says: “I am delighted to join the RLA. With a new housing bill proposed and major changes to the tax regime, it is a challenging time for landlords.

“Private renting is crucial to meeting Britain’s housing need and supporting the flexible workforce the economy demands. However, as it continues to grow, it comes under greater levels of scrutiny.

“I look forward to leading the RLA’s policy work, to secure the best possible outcomes for our members and the private rented sector in general.”1

1 http://www.propertyindustryeye.com/coup-for-rla-as-it-announces-new-policy-director-david-smith/

 

 

Changes to Repair Responsibilities for Landlords

Published On: June 8, 2015 at 10:54 am

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Changes to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 could have negative consequences for landlords.

Section 11 of the Act explains whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for repairing a property while it is rented.

Changes to Repair Responsibilities for Landlords

Changes to Repair Responsibilities for Landlords

It states that a landlord must, “keep in repair, the structure and exterior of the dwelling house” as well as any part of the building where a landlord has an “estate or interest.”

Often, it is assumed that landlords are only responsible for the interior of the rental property. However, they should remember that outside areas could also be their concern.

Entrance areas, pathways, parking areas and stairwells could all be the duty of the landlord, depending on whether these areas provide access to the property. If they do, the landlords have an estate or interest and must therefore repair any damage.

Director of Rentguard Insurance, Steve Jones, says: “With this increased level of responsibility, landlords with be under added pressure to ensure that they are providing a safe and secure environment for their tenants.”

The legislation changes add extra responsibility onto the landlord, but may also carry risks. Landlords could now be sued for not completing repairs, despite not owning the damaged area.

Furthermore, landlords of flats should note that management companies might not be liable for damage outside a block of flats.

Jones continues: “The main aspects that landlords need to consider are hazardous defects that can case injuries to tenants, such as damaged areas that can lead to people tripping or slipping. The revision of section 11 implies that landlords will need to liaise with superior landlords and those responsible for common areas, in order to ensure that defects are repaired quickly and a high level of safety is maintained.

“Landlords must protect themselves, as tenants are not obliged to report disrepair and one of the best ways to do this is to have the right insurance.”1 

1 http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/landlords/landlords-will-be-affected-by-legislation-change.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter