First Newsround for April, let’s see what has been in the news.
Council fail to collect civil penalty fines
Shocking figures out this week confirm that in the North West of the country only 16% of fines issued by councils were collected and in the North East it was only 13%.
This equates to between 2023/24 and 2024/25 £2.8m worth of civil penalties were issued but less than £290,000 was actually collected. The bottom line is that this lack of action and funds is what is needed by these councils to help fund their legal duties to ensure enforcement happens for rogue landlords. And, additional it stains the reputation of good landlords who work within the legal guidelines and provide good quality housing.
The NRLA is calling for a Chief Environmental Health Officer role to be created along with more transparency for each council to publish their enforcement rates and activity.
One of my Blog articles this week covers how enforcement is about to change, which all landlords should read, you can see it here.
Decrease in rentals allowing pets
As the Renters’ Rights Act imminently approaches, we are surprised to read that rental properties allowing pets has dropped significantly by -39% since January this year. Inventory Base have revealed this week that out of 98,964 properties up for rent on the open market only 5.9% say they are ‘pet friendly’.
Sian Hemming-Metcalfe of Inventory Base said
What the data suggests is that some landlords are responding by quietly reducing pet-friendly listings In reality, that is more likely to delay the issue than avoid it.
She adds that a good inventory report, thorough check-ins and regular documented inspections are critical when they agree to a pet.
Court possession delays increase to shocking level
Delays in court possession hearings have been in the news now for a few years, but this week we read that landlords are now having to wait for over a year to gain back their rental properties, and the system is failing in almost every stage of the legal process. Average claims are now over 68 weeks (in 2019 it was 20 weeks).
This is impacting landlords who are losing out on rent and their properties are being impacted with high damage. Tenants are left facing uncertainty. Delays are now seen at every stage of the process, from administrative delays, adjournments, and lack of bailiff enforcement. This is underpinned by a severe lack of investment in the courts.
Propertymark said ‘a functioning, efficient court system underpins the entire private rented sector’ it is asking for ‘increased court resourcing’ and for claims to become digital. It is calling on the House of Lords to prioritise reform of the court system.
Snippets
Northern Ireland politician calls for rent controls to stop spiralling rents
Wales to introduce single council tax band for HMOs
London Boroughs’ EPC rankings revealed
Scam locksmiths exploit panicking landlords – claim
Want to boost the UK’s birthrate? Fix the housing crisis, research suggests
Energy-efficient homes face rising flood and subsidence risk
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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