Landlord Law: Act Gives Tenants New Powers

A new piece of government legislation – the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act – becomes law on the 20th March 2019. The purpose of the Act is to give tenants the right to take a landlord to court if the house they are renting fails to live up to a reasonable standard of human habitation. Previously, only the Local Authority had the power to pursue landlords who were renting homes unfit for human habitation.

No New Obligations

There are no new obligations for landlords under the Act. The stipulations laid out in previous legislation (notably, in the Housing Acts 1985 and 2004) still apply. The difference is that the new Act gives tenants a direct course of legal redress. Rather than complaining to the Local Authority and waiting for an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the property, a tenant living in dangerously sub-par accommodation will be able take the landlord to court.

Supporting Honest Landlords

The majority of landlords provide good quality housing and keep their properties maintained to a high standard. This new legislation will only affect that small minority of landlords who knowingly rent out hazardous homes. Those who openly flout the law need to be held to account. By empowering tenants to take action, this new Act should also prevent honest landlords from being undercut by that tiny irresponsible faction who do not maintain their properties.

Principled Letting Agents

At Pearl Lettings, the health and safety of our tenants is paramount. We only partner with landlords who want to provide housing that is safe and secure. The properties that we let well exceed the minimum expectations set out in legislation. We are happy to assist landlords with bringing their properties into line with our high standards.

By using Pearl Lettings as your property management firm, you can ensure that you are fully compliant with all aspects of letting legislation. To find out more about how our services can take the stress out of letting a property, call our office on 01603 980770 or email hello@pearllettings.co.uk.

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