Welcome to another Landlord Law Newsround where we bring you all the latest housing news.
Quite a momentous day today as Andy Burnham is set to become Labour Leader and will enter No 10 as Prime Minister on Monday.
We will keep you updated on housing-related issues which follow. But in the meantime –
Court fees are to rise
Landlords are facing increased court fees as the government announced this week that fees will rise.
Now that annual price rises are linked to inflation, possession claims will increase from £404 to £415 and bailiff fees from £148 to £152. This is at a time when industry leaders claim that the court system cannot cope as landlords face months of delays in possession claims.
Tenants’ fees for challenging a rent increase are not increasing from the current £47.
Decline in rental properties
There has been a decline in rental properties that are currently available compared to last year, and is now lower than 1% from a year ago, but does appear to be stabilising between supply and demand. An average rental home up for rent gets 10 enquiries compared to 11 a year ago and 22 back in 2022.
Interestingly, analysis from TwentyEA reports that rental supply is at its highest level in seven years, rising by 17% in 2026. The average rent outside London is 2.3% higher than a year ago, and London rents have increased by 2%.
Affordability remains the main consideration for renters.
Number of pensioner renters set to triple
Stats out this week by the Association of British Insurers claim that one in three renter households will be pensioners by 2044. They estimate that two million more people could retire without owning their own home, raising concerns about affordability as renting brings much higher costs than those who own their own home.
Renting in retirement could significantly eat into their savings and pensions. Landlords will also face different challenges when assessing older tenants as the demographics change.
Aaron Strutt of Trinity Financial said
most people want more security, especially as far as their housing is concerned and they do not want to be moving home every few years.
He also added, ‘it is much harder when you are older and not working. It is even tougher when older people do not have a huge pension or investments providing them with a regular income.
Then there is also the question of the correct course of action for landlords to take when tenants sadly die. As death does not end a tenancy. Full guidance on this tricky topic are available for Landlord Law members in our Dealing with Death Kit (which also covers what needs to be done when the landlord dies).
Housing costs start to bite
Shelter has partnered with HSBC UK to conduct a new survey, which finds that 40% of our working population have sleepless nights over housing costs, and 53% have experienced anxiety over housing costs in the last six months.
In addition to this, 16% of people have sold things that they own in order to meet housing costs, and others are cutting down on food.
HSBC spokesperson said
We are determined to support Shelter’s vital work, ensuring that those most at risk can access practical advice and vital support in moments of crisis.
Snippets
Landlords given guidance over extreme weather risks
Rail boss to head landlord-tenant mediation service
Wales confirms plans to curb no-fault evictions
216,000 landlords and traders haven’t signed up for Making Tax Digital
Wealthy tenants lose protection under £100,000 rent rule
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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