The Housing and Planning Act 2016

The following is in relation to residential letting properties in England. And this Act was approved by Parliament on 12 May 2016.

Listed below are some important excepts from the Act. They have not been put into force but will be at some point fairly soon

Rogue landlords and rogue letting agents

Local Authorities will be able to apply to court for banning orders against Landlords or Letting Agent who abuse their position.

The banning orders will be for at least 12 months and will prevent the relevant party from letting or managing properties in England.

If banned the relevant party will not be able to transfer properties to any associated parties to be let or managed on their behalf.

Failure to comply with a banning order may have far reaching effects including fines and even imprisonment.

Tenants challenge to Costs

Landlord’s ability to recover costs may become an issue even if the tenancy agreement provides for the Tenant to pay all the costs.

If a Tenant feels the costs are unreasonable they may be able to challenge the reasonableness of the costs. This can include any costs incurred on legal proceedings.

Electrical safety standards

There will be a drive to force better standards for electrical safety for properties let out.

There is more to come on this but I suspect it will include electrical testing of all plugs and sockets.