Welcome to our first Newsround of August, where we find no shortage of housing news this week.
Renters at a disadvantage for EV charging
A survey out this week claims that renters are at a clear disadvantage when charging their EV vehicles and have to negotiate many more hurdles in order to be in a position to have a charger at their home.
Tempcover, who ran the survey claim that 89% of home owners found charging at home easy, but it was only 72% for those who rent. 90% of home owners have home charging access, but only 69% of renters do.
Renters have to negotiate more barriers in order to have one at their home which includes high installation costs, higher electricity bills, and seeking permission from the landlord or other bodies. Renters (18%) tend to use public chargers more than home owners (9%).
A spokesperson for the survey company said that ‘closing this gap will be the key to making the EV transition work for everyone’.
Revised HHSRS framework could leave landlords at risk
Penalties of up to £7000 can now be issued by councils for category 1 hazards found in the private rented sector housing. This is following HHSRS updates on June 23rd. Inventory Base estimates that there are 504,808 rental properties harbouring at least one category 1 hazard.
Sian Hemming-Metcalfe of Inventory base warned that landlords need to keep complete and up to date records, adding
Where those records are disconnected, outdated or inconsistent, landlords and agents may struggle to show what was identified, when it was escalated and what was done about it. That is where regulatory exposure grows.
Authorities can now issue a £7000 civil penalty but this can increase to £40,000 if they take a landlord or agent to court for repeated breaches.
Some hazard statistics are as follows:-
- Falls on stairs 244,032 hazards
- Excess cold hazard 130,748
- Damp hazards 64,422 homes
Landlords and agents should continually review their assessment records and maintenance procedures so they are in line with the new statutory guidance.
Impending Finance Bill 2027 – Landlords be prepared
The new Finance Bill 2027 coming in April next year will give the HMRC powers to issue penalties to landlords for unintentional tax reporting errors. These will be known as a ‘Customer Correction Notice’ that will require the landlord to check their submissions and make any changes if needed.
If a landlord fails to make a correction or does not comply, then HMRC will treat it as a deliberate mistake and issue a penalty. Penalties can be financially severe and can also impact a landlord’s reputation.
You can read more here.
Snippets
Mydeposits moves tenancy deposit schemes to Total Property
Gas safety compliance falls for England’s social housing landlords
Landlord ignores improvement Notice and ends up in court
Rubbish-strewn rentals leave landlord £4,500 out of pocket
The end of an era
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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