Keeping Up with Legislation in the Lettings Industry I The Property Fox

The lettings industry in the UK is constantly changing and adapting to new legislation, meaning that it can be hard for landlords to stay up to date.  

This legislation is important to follow as failure to do so can result in serious consequences.  

Here, we will discuss how a landlord can make sure they are keeping up with all relevant legislation and why it is important to use a letting agent when renting out your property. 

 

Legislation in the lettings industry is largely focused on protecting the tenant and setting limits of what a landlord can do.  

Recent changes include the Tenant Fees Act which limits what fees landlords can charge tenants and requires that they provide an itemized receipt for any fees paid.  

Any fees that break this act have been declared illegal, meaning that landlords must be aware of their obligations under this law or face significant fines. 

 

Additionally, there are also rules about minimum standards for rental properties including fire safety requirements, energy efficiency regulations, and more specific rules about heating systems, gas appliances, furniture and electrical equipment.  

Landlords who fail to meet these standards could face hefty fines or even criminal prosecution. 

 

The Renters' Reform Bill is set to become law later this year, which will bring further changes such as capping rent increases, limiting evictions due to rent arrears or increased rent prices, and introducing open-ended tenancies in England (which already exist in Scotland).  

This means that landlords need to prepare themselves for more changes over the coming years as the government continues its efforts towards increasing tenant rights while also protecting landlords' interests. 

 

With so much legislation changing on an ongoing basis, it can be difficult for landlords to keep up with everything that needs doing - especially if they are not familiar with all of the laws involved.  

That's why it's so important that property owners use a letting agent when renting out their property - they will know exactly what needs doing and when and take care of most of the paperwork involved with leasing a property so you don't have to worry about being on top of all of the ever-changing laws yourself.  

By using a letting agent you are ensuring that your rental property remains compliant with all current legislation - saving you time and money! 

 

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