The COVID evictions ban is ending – and renters face an uncertain future
In less than a week, the COVID evictions ban in England will end, opening the doors to bailiff enforcement and setting the stage for a likely surge in court action by landlords seeking to oust their tenants. Many of these evictions will be under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 – so-called ‘no fault’ […]
Rental Mediation Service
Guidance on the new Rental Mediation Service for landlords and tenants undergoing possession proceedings. The Service is part of the government’s work with the judiciary on new court arrangements to support all parties in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) and is free for all landlords and tenants undergoing possession proceedings to use. Click this link to […]
Sheffield landlord takes legal action over ‘campaign of intimidation’ in dispute with tenant
Lawyers representing Zobia Rafique, who rents out rooms across Sheffield, have informed community campaign group ACORN (The Association of Community Organisations for Reform Now) that the mum-of-four is seeking ‘substantial damages’ from the organisation, which is representing a tenant in a dispute over a deposit. They claim ACORN has posted defamatory social media posts about […]
Almost half of British landlords are under 40
The average age of British landlords has decreased, with 47% now aged under 40, according to new insight from Knight Knox. According to the firm’s data, in 2018 just 29% cent were aged under 44. Landlords are getting younger — and they’re making more money from rental income than their older counterparts. The average income […]
Covid arrears leaving thousands of renters unable to move home
Thousands of private renters who have built arrears during the pandemic are struggling to find a new home because of damage to their credit scores, according to a new survey. The research, from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), found that approximately 210,000 tenants may face severe difficulties in getting landlords to let to them […]
Sex-Pest Landlords face prosecution under proposed new legislation
A Labour MP is proposing legislation which would mean that landlords who offer accommodation in exchange for sexual favours could be easier to prosecute. Peter Kyle is proposing an amendment to the Police Bill now under consideration in Parliament to target rogue landlords and advertising platforms that allow their requests to be publicised. Click this […]
Public policy and the Private Rented Sector
Lettings agents aged over 50 years old will remember fondly the days when the government was on their side. Legislation covering the property industry was thin on the ground and the housing market was rarely a major issue in national newspapers, except when the sales market crashed, which it tended to during the 1980s and […]
Demand for rental accommodation highest on record in April
NAEA Propertymark has reported a record breaking number of new prospective tenants registered per estate agency branch for the month of April. Although the average number of new prospective tenants per branch fell slightly from 84 in March to 82 in April, this is still the highest figure on record for the month of April, […]
Support and assistance for tenants in Wales
Wales is quite different in the support it offers to tenants so here is an article setting out main sources of help. Note that the system in Wales is more centralised than in England. Here are the three main sources of help for you if you are a Welsh tenant (living in Wales!). Note that […]
Eviction changes: How have landlord’s rights shifted as of June 2021?
With a number of changes to residential rental laws introduced on June 1st, Priya Sejpal, Senior Associate at law firm BLM and experienced property litigator, outlines the updates to the law and how landlords can respond. The residential rental market has been tumultuous over the course of the pandemic, with personal finances impacted and high […]