Landlord Law Newsround brings you all the latest housing news.
The government publishes a roadmap for the Renters Rights Act
Finally, we learn the implementation date for the Renters Rights Act 2025 – most things will come into force on 1 May.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Next week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Propertymark is reminding all letting agents, landlords and tenants to check their carbon monoxide alarms. Known as the ‘silent killer’ as it has no smell, taste or colour but just a small amount inhaled can be fatal.
Nathan Emerson CEO of Propertymark says
Carbon monoxide can strike without warning, and it doesn’t matter whether you own your home or rent it; everyone needs to take this seriously.
Propertymark’s safety tips tell you how to test your alarm and where to fit it along with important legal guidelines for landlords, you can read more here.
Landlords claim for flooring damage
We are reminded this week in this news item how important it is for landlords to keep all professional receipts, photographic evidence showing quality and detailed check-in reports.
A landlord claimed for repair to wood flooring on check-out inspection of their tenant, who had lived there for five years. The tenant disputed the claim on the basis that it was wear and tear, the flooring was end of life and that the scratches were there prior to the tenancy starting.
The dispute was taken to TDS, who adjudicated the claim in favour of the landlord, on the basis that the scratches were beyond general wear and tear, as all the documented evidence provided by the landlord showed it was premium flooring and recently installed at the time of check-in.
The check-in report did not support what the tenant had said, and he did not dispute anything on the check-in report at the time. Furthermore, the landlord had professional receipts to show the cost of repairing the scratches.
Using a reputable deposit scheme is also critical when disputes arise.
Lloyds Banking Group build £2bn rental portfolio
As pointed out by the FT, Lloyds has now become one of Britain’s largest private landlords, having purchased some 7,500 homes for rent since 2021.
This investment is mostly in new housing estates in suburban areas rather than blocks of flats in cities. The initiative began in 2021 when they sought to develop new income streams during the low interest rates at that time, which were squeezing their profit margins.
A report by real estate company Savills this year said the bank was among the biggest investors in single-family homes in the UK in 2024.
Lloyds say that, as well as diversifying their income, they are also keen to offer better quality and services to renters than those offered by many landlords.
Councils new licensing scheme hailed a triumph
Wandsworth Council are already stating the benefits of their borough wide licensing scheme that was introduced in July this year. The uptake on new licenses was over 3400 and they have carried out over 110 inspections which have resulted in 40 formal notices where landlords have failed to meet their safety standards.
One property did not have any fire safety measures; they issued a notice to install fire doors, alarms and to remove obstructions over fire routes. Another was given notice to install a new staircase as the existing one was a metal spiral one.
A council spokesman said that where landlords are not living up to their duties, the license schemes give renters more support and protect their rights, he added
These inspections show why licensing matters. The message is clear: unsafe rentals will not be tolerated.
Snippets
Government ‘Guide’ to Renters Right Act runs to amazing 11,200 words
The rent to rent risk that caught out a landlord
Councils cash in on selective licensing schemes – special report
Crisis charity to become a landlord in attempt to rectify ‘catastrophic’ housing un UK
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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