Another year is over, and Tina (my assistant) and I are closing down the blog for a few weeks.
As usual, we have links below to some of our best posts of the year for you to read (if you have not read them already) or read again (if you have). With a few more suggestions in our ‘and finally’ section.
January
At the start of the year, we had a great interview with Kate Faulkner, OBW, which was split into sections. Part 1 is here.
We also had posts on unenforceable rent increase clauses, secret clauses in tenancy agreements that you don’t know about and tenant’s rights after their fixed term ends.
See all the January posts here.
February
In February, we considered what the point of an AST is if a tenant can refuse to move at the end of the term, what landlords need to know to evict under section 21 as regards gas safety, and how a landlord can recover possession from a violent daughter.
We also considered the urban myth that section 21 notices can’t be served during the fixed term, and gave you six signs of incompetent or criminal letting agents, which can cost you money.
See all the February posts here.
March
In March, we had an interview with solicitor Robin Stewart, against split into parts, part 1 being here.
We also discussed whether landlords can enter their rented property if their tenants don’t want them to, how tenants can check if their landlord has protected their deposit and whether people living in HMOs have tenancies or licenses.
April
In April, we revisited the urban myth that when a landlord lets a property its still his (a tenant favourite), how the abolition of section 21 will help Local Authorities, and whether student landlords should permit locks on the door.
We also considered what landlords should do if their agent has no written terms and they want to cancel their agency agreement.
May
This month, we started our Election 2024 series with a post suggesting Labour abolish ‘right to rent’ checks, following on with a post on my suggestions for changing the law about lodgers. We also published in sections our interview with Jan Hytch, the first part is here.
We answered a tenant’s question about whether they have to move out if their landlord sells the property and a landlord’s question on whether they have to pay their agents referencing costs if they don’t accept the tenant.
See all the May posts here.
June
Our Election 24 continued with posts looking at how we need the PRS, why we need proper enforcement of housing standards and why we can’t solve the housing crisis unless we stop the right to buy. Happily it looks as if the current government does recognise these issues.
We also looked at whether a landlord could claim for outstanding rent from a tenant who moves out early and when a tenant can be deemed to be in arrears.
July
July brought in a new Labour government, although not before I had written a final election post asking for more legal education in schools.
I wrote about three ways landlords could prepare for the Renters Rights bill (which was published in September), whether a new landlord can increase the rent and gave 17 reasons for Welsh landlords NOT to use the government’s model contract unamended. We also considered the urban myth that landlords can take tenants’ possessions if they are in rent arrears.
I also made a plea to government for clear and understandable legislation.
August
August is the month I compiled our legislation list which I discussed here.
I also considered the ways currently available to tenants to challenge rent increases, whether its best to take a guarantee or a deposit, and seven reasons why landlords should be entitled to evict tenants who refuse access for repairs. I also gave seven ways that landlords can get their moneys worth from my Landlord Law service.
See all the August posts here.
September
September saw the Grenfell Fire Inquiry Report. I wrote a three part series on this – part 1 is here which looks at the organisations responsible for the tragedy. See also part 2, which looks at societal attitudes, which I suggest were responsible and part 3, which looks at what we can do about it.
I gave three preliminary tips for landlords on the recently published Renters Rights Bill and discussed whether a landlord can claim from the deposit if not all keys are returned.
See all the September posts here.
October
I continue my Renters Rights Bill series considering the second reading and the Committee stage . I also consider issues arising from the bill on tenants’ notices to quit, and new rules for increasing rent.
We also look at whether a guarantor will still be liable after the fixed term has ended and the urban myth which says a tenant will end if the landlord or tenant die.
See all the October posts here.
November
We consider the position of letting agents on the death of the landlord, a big problem for Welsh landlords around electrical condition reports (read this one if you manage rented property in Wales) and discuss tenants’ obligation to act in a ‘tenant like manner’ during their tenancy.
Renters Rights Bill posts were on four possible options for landlords seeking to retain section 21 type eviction rights and unanswered questions about the bill.
See all the November posts here.
December
December posts are few but include this long post on the new proposed rules for pets under the Renters Rights Bill.
And finally
You will see all our previous Xmas roundups on your right or (if you are reading on mobile) below. In addition (if you want more) you will:
- Find all the ‘blog clinic’ posts where I answer readers questions
- Find all the posts on the Renters Rights Bill, and
- Find all t he Urban Myths posts.
Then, if audios are your ‘thing’ you will find all our audio posts here.
You may also find some of our older series interesting for example the series on the end of section 21 , the foundations of Landlord and Tenant Law, and on whether law and justice should be free.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and New Year, and we will be back with new posts in early January.