Here we are at another Newsround where we bring you housing news that has been in the headlines this week.
But first the Renters’ Rights Bill was voted through parliament on Wednesday.
It now only needs Royal Assent which is expected to happen within the next few weeks.
We don’t know when it will come into force yet. January or April have been mentioned, but we will just have to wait and see.
Call for court review declined
The government have rejected calls for a full review of the court system, claiming that it is ‘not needed’. They say they do not want a delay but are aware of the problems and are taking ‘practical steps’ to improve the system.
With the average wait for landlords to gain possession now taking almost eight months, the Commons Justice Committee say that this is ‘unacceptable’. The government say that the new digital possession service will reduce these long wait times, giving ‘swifter justice’.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says
As a matter of urgency, the UK government must put in place procedures to improve and speed up the court procedure for possession claims, and this should be achieved with consultation with service users such as private landlords, letting agents, and tenants.
New damp & mould guidance for social landlords
The government has published new guidance to all social landlords for dealing with damp and mould issues in anticipation of Awaab’s Law that comes into force next Wednesday 27th October.
Social housing landlords will no longer be able to ‘blame’ their tenants’ lifestyle habits for damp and mould issues. Everyday tasks such as washing, cooking, bathing and drying laundry, whilst they will contribute to additional moisture in the property, will no longer be able to be used as a breach of contract by the tenant.
Social Landlords will have 10 working days to investigate any hazard once they have been made aware of it.
Furthermore, if they are unable to complete any works within set timescales of five working days for a significant hazard and 24 hours for an emergency hazard, they must provide at their own expense, suitable alternative accommodation until the work is completed.
The government has also detailed guidance on what a social landlord needs to do if they cannot gain entry due to the tenant being at work, a vulnerable tenant or if they are just uncontactable.
You can read the government’s guidance here.
Surge in Right to Rent fines
Due to a significant rise in enforcement, the Home Office has issued new figures detailing that Right to Rent fines have risen to more than £4.2 million since last year (£596,400 last year). Civil penalties have risen to 375 from 235 the previous year.
Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas Technologies, an identity service provider, says
These figures show the financial consequences of getting it wrong are now far greater.
Landlords and agents should be warned of the high penalties they risk for not carrying out correct tenant verifications.
Another council announces more licensing schemes
Every week now we read of more councils introducing more licensing schemes, and this week we hear that Croydon Council is proposing not one but two new schemes.
The first scheme is a selective licensing scheme required for all private landlords in 14 of its wards. The other is an additional licensing scheme for HMOs. There is a formal consultation going on now until January 12th 2026.
Jason Perry from the council said
Licensing can also be beneficial for landlords who will get support from the Council to deal with difficult situations and take action against bad tenants.
You can read more here.
Snippets
Contested licensing scheme is up and running
Universal Credit arrears: the reality for landlords behind the LHA crisis
Dilapidated home compulsorily purchased by council
Labour government clashes over upgrade costs for EPC C targets
Could Zurich’s housing cooperatives be the solution to the rest of Europe’s housing crisis?
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week.
Leave a Reply