Landlord Newsletter February 2021

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Nottingham Landlord Updates header banner

Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council

Top Stories

New Electrical Safety Regulations from 1 April

electric box

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.


Government Roadmap for Easing Lockdown

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.


COVID-19 Landlord Updates

Coronavirus

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

More News

Enforcement Pages

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.


Prosecution Updates

Court gavel

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


Nottingham Private Rented Assistance Scheme

npras

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


Census Day 2021

census

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.


Stay Social

social media

To get all the latest information, tips, advice and updates from the Safer Housing team, follow us on social media. 

NottmRenters Facebook 

NottmRenters Twitter 

Stay connected - we post what's happening as it happens!