Issue: Improving energy efficiency in the Private Rented Sector  – regulations will ensure the take up of cost effective  energy efficiency improvements in the Private Rented Sector. Policy commitment: Chris Huhne announced that the  Government will regulate to  drive-up the energy efficiency performance of the Private Rented Sector. Legislative proposal:  From April 2016 landlords of residential properties will not be able to...

In March 2011, additions were put forward to the commons committee for insertions into the Localism Bill which would amend the tenancy deposit legislation in particular because of the recent Court of Appeal decisions (Tiensia v Vision Enterprises Ltd (t/a Universal Estates) and between Honeysuckle Properties v Fletcher [2010] EWCA Civ 1224 and Gladehurst Properties Ltd v Hashemi & Anor [2011] EWCA Civ 604) The proposed amendments...

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has announced a public consultation in relation to amendments to the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006. The changes all relate to the recent budget announcements namely the 30% reduction in LHA rates, the removal of five bedroomed properties and the capping of benefits. There is no mention of the promise by Grant Shapps before the election to re-instate direct payments to landlords, so the...

There has been a flurry of recent announcements by Grant Shapps the Housing Minister. I thought it worth while to compile everything together and have a quick summary of the latest announcements. No further red tape Of the three million private tenants in this country, the vast majority report they are satisfied with the service they receive from their landlords. Speaking in Parliament, Mr Shapps confirmed that with the private rented sector...

Cardiff Council have approved plans to introduce additional licensing for rented properties. Under new plans, passed by the Council’s executive, landlords in an area of Cathays ward will need to register for an additional licence if they have three or more tenants in a property. View Cathays ward additional licencing in a larger map Councillor Simon Pickard, Cathays, who has led the campaign for additional licensing in the ward was...

The Welsh Assembly is considering measures to help develop and improve the private rented sector in Wales. The changes build on measures that have already been introduced and support their aim of having a vibrant, sustainable private rented sector in Wales (their words not mine!) The proposals set out include: introducing a national register of private landlords; regulation of private sector letting agents and managing agents; written...