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Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
New Electrical safety regulations come into force on 1 April 2021.
The regulations apply to all private rented sector properties (including HMOs) in England and are designed to improve tenant safety.
In brief, landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
There is work to be done on properties before the 1 April 2021. You find the full new rules and regulations and what you need do here.
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The Government has announced its road map for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions, which start from Monday 8 March.
You can see a breakdown of the four steps & when they're aiming for them to come into effect here.
The Government has recently updated their guidance for landlords and tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can find the latest advice for the private rented sector here.
The most recent changes to evictions or repossession cases can be found here.
Please keep these links to hand, as the Government guidance is updated regularly
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We are aware that the Enforcement Action webpage link didn’t work for a number of you in the last newsletter. You can find the new link here.
The web page includes the enforcement action we have carried out, but this page is currently only for CPNs issued and prosecution results for the last few years. This does not include all the other enforcement and compliance work we do.
We like to keep you updated on any high level enforcement action we have taken, including prosecutions and Rent Repayment Orders.
Our latest case is below:
Following the successful prosecution of a Nottingham landlord, who failed to licence his properties - we applied for a Rent Repayment Order to get back the Housing Benefit he was paid.
The First-tier Property Chamber (Residential Property) has ordered the landlord to pay back over £8,000 in rent.
Full details of the Rent Repayment Order here
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If you’re thinking about serving notice on your tenant - call NPRAS before you take the next step. They can help you to look at ways of avoiding this costly and disruptive process.
In the past 12 months NPRAS has helped 43 Landlords to avoid evicting families struggling to keep a roof over their heads. They have achieved this by reaching out, negotiating with landlords and working with families to address their difficulties – whether that be setting up support, payment plans or arranging loans to clear rent arrears.
Contact them as early as possible – even if you haven’t served notice yet but you’re thinking of doing so. Call the NPRAS dedicated landlord line on 0115 8761644 or email NPRAS@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
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Census Day is Sunday 21 March.
The Census is a survey that happens every ten years, giving a crucial picture of people, households and our society.
Census data is used to provide the services, including transport, education and healthcare.
Taking part is so important as it helps to make sure communities get the services they need now and in the future. Please encourage your tenants to fill in the census on or just after Census Day too.
More details can be found here.
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