More changes for landlords
Each new year brings with it a set of changes that landlords need to be aware of. The disruption caused by Covid-19 led to policy changes impacting many aspects of society and the private rented sector (PRS) was no different.
When combined with legislation that has altered as a result of Brexit, 2021 will usher in many changes in the way landlords operate.
Here, we highlight some of the key fiscal and regulatory developments that are on the horizon for the year ahead.
As a result of an extension of the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, from 29 August 2020, landlords have been required to provide six months’ notice to their tenants in most circumstances, including Section 21 notices.
Landlords are able to start progressing within a shorter timeframe in some serious cases, such as notices in relation to anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, rioting, and false statement, where the required notice periods have returned to their pre-Coronavirus Act 2020 lengths.
Rent arrears is also deemed an acceptable reason to seek a possession order but the notice period is dependent upon how many months’ rent is unpaid. Whereat least six months of rent is unpaid, a minimum four-week notice period will be required. If less than 6 months of rent is unpaid, then the notice period is six months.
Changes to Right to Rent
It is the responsibility of landlords to check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent their residential property in England.
The introduction of a new points-based immigration system, introduced from the beginning of this year following the end of the Brexit transition period, may lead to changes to Right to Rent checks but no official decision has been shared at present.
Until 30 June 2021 landlords should continue to accept passports and EU national identity cards as evidence of right to rent.