Another week passes and so to another Newsround. Let us see what’s been happening in the news this week.
Government rejects additional HMO legislation
Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook has stated that councils have ‘sufficient tools to manage HMOs on a local level’ following a petition from one MP asking for additional legislation to prevent the loss of family homes to HMO dwellings.
The petitioners claim that a rise in HMO properties is having a detrimental affect on their communities with parking issues, anti-social behaviour and extra demand on local services.
Matthew Pennycook said that councils can limit HMO numbers through Article 4 Directions which would entail planning permission and that residents should raise their concerns directly with their local planning authority.
Guidance on lets with pets
Dogs Trust has issued some helpful guidance for landlords when considering tenants that have pets now that they cannot unreasonably be refused a pet following the Renters’ Right Act.
They say that the primary concern is that the pets needs are met, such as sufficient exercise space, place for its bed and food. Use of baby gates and barriers for it to have its own space. They also add
The number of dogs in a property may be relevant to welfare, but cases where a person owns multiple animals should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the property layout, the owner’s experience, and the individual needs of the dog being rehomed.
You can read more here.
Interestingly, there is a report of Advocats helping a tenant challenge her landlords who was only minded to allow a pet if she took out pet insurance and have the property professionally cleaned with the landlord’s chosen contractor when she vacated.
Jen Berezai of Advocat helped the tenant draft a response pointing out that these conditions did not comply with the new rules on pets under the Renters Rights Act. After which permission was granted.
Warning to landlords renting to friends or family
A survey by Hiscox found that almost 2/3 of landlords have rented to someone that they knew but 18% of those did so informally. Thankfully that is a minority but it is still a large number of landlords.
Renting to family and friends is still renting, and renting is now even more bound by rules and regulations. Failing to comply can result in big problem and fines. When I did eviction work, several of my cases involved situations where an informal let to a friend or relative had gone wrong.
Hiscox has made the following very sensible recommendations when renting to someone you know:
- Always use a written tenancy agreement. Not only is it important to have a document setting out your agreement, but you can now be fined if you don’t.
- Always conduct safety checks. For example, gas and electricity.
- Do right-to-rent checks. The fines are so horrendous if the Home Office find that your tenant does not have a right to rent, that you really do not want to risk this.
- Protect the deposit. If relations break down, not only will you be unable to evict them if you don’t, but they will be able to claim the penalty.
- Carry out an inventory. The fact that they are a friend or relative does not mean that there will be no arguments about damage when they leave!
- Check your insurance and comply with any conditions they impose. Otherwise, your insurer may be able to refuse claims.
My advice would be to think very carefully before you rent to family or friends.
Snippets
Planning rules changes for HMOs set to be approved
Agents warned that Renters Rights Act will create more tenant complaints
Landlord rental income surges by £16,000 to a record high
London council bans three rogue landlords
Why do so many landlords distrust agents?
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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