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Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
The current selective licensing scheme ends on 31 July 2023, having begun 5 years ago on 1 August 2018.
While the Council awaits an outcome about a second scheme of selective licensing, the compliance activity including internal and external inspections that the team has undertaken will continue for properties where the licence is still in force after 1 August 2023.
If your licence expires at the end of July 2023, it would be good practice to continue to comply with your licence conditions. You will not need to renew your licence until any second scheme of licensing is confirmed.
As the Government gears up to enforce new regulations aimed at improving energy efficiency in the private rental sector, landlords must prepare for significant changes to meet the forthcoming Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards.
Under the impending laws, all private rented homes will be required to attain a minimum 'C' energy rating by 2028 at the latest. The government's latest analysis has shed light on the financial implications for landlords seeking to improve energy efficiency in their rental properties.
According to the analysis (Landlord Zone), approximately 46% of private rental homes would require energy efficiency improvements costing between £5,000 and £9,999. Encouragingly, almost a third (30%) of homes could be upgraded for under £5,000, offering a more manageable investment for landlords.
On the other end of the spectrum, 19% of homes would incur costs ranging from £10,000 to £14,999 to achieve an EPC rating of band C. A further 5% of properties would demand a more substantial investment of £15,000 or more to reach the required energy efficiency standard.
In response to the concerns raised by the rental sector, Housing Secretary Michael Gove has pledged to release revised timetables for the implementation of energy efficiency targets
Gove acknowledged that the initial timetable for EPC targets for landlords was ambitious and required reconsideration.
As the government's commitment to energy efficiency intensifies, landlords are advised to invest in sustainable improvements for their rental properties, not only to avoid potential fines but also to create homes that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective for tenants.
Let’s stay proactive in our approach, and together, we can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future while ensuring compliance with the evolving energy efficiency standards.
The eagerly awaited Renters Reform Bill, scheduled for its second reading in early September after Parliament's summer recess, is poised to revolutionize the tenant-pet dynamic in rented accommodations. With the legislation expected to be enacted next year, tenants may find it considerably easier to keep pets in their rented homes
Under the proposed Renters Reform Bill, landlords will be legally bound to give due consideration to all tenant requests for pet accommodation. Prompt action will be required, as landlords must either grant or decline permission within 42 days of receiving the written request. To ensure transparency and accountability, all landlord responses must also be provided in writing.
If a landlord denies a pet accommodation request, tenants will have recourse to challenge the decision. This may involve taking the matter to court or seeking the assistance of a newly established Ombudsman, whose role will be to impartially address disputes between landlords and tenants.
Speaking on the matter, Daniel Evans, chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks, emphasized the significance of a comprehensive property inventory. Mr. Evans asserted that an in-depth inventory, accurately documenting the property's condition at the commencement of the tenancy agreement, is the primary means by which landlords can protect themselves from potential pet-related damages.
Landlords are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the provisions outlined in the Renters Reform Bill to ensure compliance and make informed decisions when considering pet accommodation requests. By adhering to the forthcoming regulations, landlords can maintain amicable and productive relationships with their tenants while safeguarding the integrity of their rental properties.
As the bill progresses through Parliament and takes shape as law, the Landlord Newsletter will keep its esteemed readership abreast of the latest developments, offering expert insights and practical guidance to navigate the evolving rental landscape.
As responsible landlords, ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants is of utmost importance. In light of recent survey findings (Landlord Today), it appears that there is room for improvement in maintaining the functionality of fire alarms in our rental properties.
According to a survey conducted among respondents, only six percent of tenants reported testing their fire alarms once every week or more frequently, as recommended by various smoke safety organizations. Shockingly, 29 percent admitted to never testing their alarms at all, while 18 percent checked them only once a year, and 17 percent did so once every six months.
The main reason cited for this lack of regular testing was forgetfulness, with nearly half of those surveyed acknowledging they often overlook testing due to this reason. Moreover, ten percent of respondents claimed not to know how to test their smoke alarms, and seven percent admitted they couldn't be bothered to do so more frequently.
These alarming statistics should prompt us to educate our tenants about the critical importance of regularly testing their fire alarms. Regular testing not only ensures the safety of occupants but also has implications for insurance claims. Surprisingly, the survey revealed that almost three-quarters of respondents were unaware that their insurance claim could be adversely affected if their fire alarms were found to be non-functional during a fire incident.
As responsible landlords, let us take proactive measures to promote fire safety in our rental properties. Regularly remind tenants to test their fire alarms weekly and provide them with clear instructions on how to perform these tests. Emphasize the significance of maintaining functional fire alarms and the potential consequences of neglecting this crucial safety.
By fostering a culture of fire safety and ensuring functional fire alarms in our properties, we not only protect our tenants but also uphold the integrity of our rental business. Let us work together to prioritize fire safety and strive to achieve safer living environments for all.
Remember a small step towards regular fire alarm testing can make a significant difference in averting potential disasters and safeguarding lives.
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