Another week and another Newsround, this week we hear that the Renters’ Rights Bill will now not be back in the House of Lords until October 14th with Royal Assent maybe happening towards the end of November.
So let’s see what else has been in the housing news this week.
Charity backs EPC C as a minimum standard
The Citizen Advice claims that as winter draws close 3.5 million renters find it hard to maintain a warm home. This results in tenants skipping meals, only heating one room or wearing gloves and coats indoors to save putting on the heating.
The charity is pushing the government to ensure that the minimum rating of an EPC C is delivered by them by 2030 along with vigorous enforcement of the Renters Rights Bill when it comes in. They state that tenants are scared to ask for repairs for fear of jeopardising their tenancy, and that 57% of renters live in a property with a rating below an EPC C.
They are also asking the government to provide financial support for landlords so that they can upgrade their properties to an acceptable level.
Smart meters can benefit both Landlords & tenants
Whilst smart meters do not always get good reviews, it seems that they can be to the benefit of both landlords and tenants.
Nine in ten renters say that they have seen the benefits of having a smart meter installed, as it really helps them keep an accurate track of their energy usage and account balances and have the option to access tariffs that give them a discount at certain times of the day. Some providers even offer renters certain schemes and tariffs.
Landlords can also benefit from accurate bills at the end of tenancies. During void periods, it enables them to keep track of energy costs when a property remains empty. Readings are automatically taken regularly, which helps keep their account accurate.
Tenants would need to get permission from the landlord, but it cannot be unreasonably refused if the tenant is responsible for the energy bills. Where utilities are included within the rent, it is down to the landlord themselves if they want a smart meter or not.
Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch.com says
Understanding your rights around smart meters for your rental home is the first step to improving energy efficiency and managing your usage more effectively.
Shelter campaigns for Wales to have safe, secure & affordable housing
With Welsh Parliament elections happening next May, and with the lack of investment into social housing, Shelter is calling on every political party to end the housing emergency. Renting is becoming the only option in Wales, and in their view, there is little legal protection for tenants. Power has shifted more to landlords than tenants.
She says
In 2026, Wales is likely to be the only country in Great Britain where someone can be evicted through no fault of their own without being given a reason.
The charity wants an end to no-fault evictions and limits on how often a landlord can increase rent. They also recommend that a specialist team could carry out assessments of rental homes where a tenant challenges the quality and condition of their home, and offer independent legal advice.
HMO availability decreases
An HMO management platform, COHO, claims that whilst tenant demand remains high, there has been a decrease of -15% in the number of HMO accommodations across 11 of the 12 major English cities. Bradford and Leeds saw the highest reduction, but there has beena reduction in Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield too.
The only one to buck the trend is London, which has seen an increase in HMO properties.
The CEO of COHO, Vann Vogstad believes the decrease could be due to the unfavourable press coverage of England’s migrant housing crisis and councils being reluctant to approve new HMOs, along with the impending Renters’ Rights Bill.
Snippets
Tenant in arson revenge attack against landlord is jailed
Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles
Hefty fine for rogue landlord ignoring Improvement Notices
North West council says strict HMO controls work
East Surrey council handed the lowest C4 grading after regulator finds ‘very serious failings’
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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