Navigating The Renters' Rights Bill: Practical Steps For Landlords

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to bring the most significant changes to the private rented sector (PRS) in decades. For landlords, this is a defining moment: adapt early and future-proof your portfolio, or risk falling behind as enforcement tightens and tenant expectations rise.

But there’s no need to panic. While the reforms are wide-reaching, they’re designed to raise standards — not punish professional landlords. In fact, those who prepare now are likely to see longer tenancies, fewer disputes, and more stable returns.

This guide breaks down the key elements of the Bill and provides practical, no-nonsense steps to help you navigate what’s ahead.

What Is the Renters' Rights Bill?

The Bill aims to rebalance the landlord-tenant relationship by prioritising fairness, security, and accountability across the PRS. Here are the main proposed changes:

These measures aim to professionalise the sector and ensure safer, more secure homes for tenants — and stronger, more resilient businesses for landlords.

What the End of Section 21 Really Means

Section 21 currently allows landlords to serve notice without providing a reason. Once abolished, landlords will need to use Section 8, which requires valid grounds such as rent arrears, breach of contract, sale of property, or moving in a family member.

Implications:

Tip: Familiarise yourself with all Section 8 grounds and seek legal advice to ensure tenancy clauses align.

How to Prepare for Rolling Tenancies

All tenancies will become periodic by default, removing the certainty of fixed terms. While this offers flexibility, it also means landlords must be more responsive.

Risks and Considerations:

Best Practice:

Rent Increases: Know the Limits

Landlords will be restricted to one rent increase per year, with two months' notice. Increases must be in line with market conditions and demonstrably fair.

What You Can Do:

Understanding the Landlord Registration Requirement

All private landlords will be required to register on a national database, providing proof of compliance (e.g. gas safety, EPCs, deposit protection, EICRs).

Why This Matters:

Action Steps:

New Ombudsman Scheme: What It Means for You

The Renters' Rights Bill introduces a mandatory ombudsman service to resolve tenant complaints without going to court.

Benefits for Landlords:

What to Do Now:

Additional Reforms You Need to Know

Pets: Landlords must not impose blanket bans and must fairly assess requests. Insurance to cover pet damage may be required.

Discrimination: Landlords can no longer refuse tenants based on them having children or receiving benefits.

Lifetime Deposits: Deposits will follow the tenant from property to property — reducing admin and improving tenant mobility.

No Bidding Wars: The advertised rent must be honoured, with no ‘best offers’ accepted above it.

New Safety & Standards: Awaab’s Law and Decent Homes

The Bill extends Awaab’s Law to the PRS — requiring landlords to address health hazards like mould or damp within strict legal timeframes.

The Decent Homes Standard, long used in social housing, will also apply to PRS properties. Landlords will need to ensure:

Tip: Conduct a property audit now to assess where your property may fall short — and plan improvements proactively.

Energy Efficiency Reforms on the Horizon

Although not part of the Bill, EPC reforms are in consultation. The government has signalled that PRS homes may be required to meet a higher EPC+ standard (targeting EPC C) between 2026–2028.

Prepare by:

Proactive Steps to Take Now

To stay ahead of the changes and protect your portfolio, here’s your checklist:

  1. Review Tenancy Agreements
    Ensure they are flexible and compliant with Section 8 and periodic tenancy rules.
  2. Digitise Record-Keeping
    Use property management software to track payments, repairs, and communication.
  3. Train Your Team or Letting Agent
    Make sure everyone understands how the reforms affect their day-to-day role.
  4. Join Professional Associations
    Stay informed through updates from landlord groups, ARLA, or your local authority.
  5. Create a Compliance Pack
    Collate all required certificates and be ready to register when the national portal goes live.
  6. Start Property Improvements Now
    Fix known hazards, update old systems, and prepare for the Decent Homes Standard.

Common Misunderstandings

“I won’t be able to evict tenants anymore.”
False. You’ll still be able to evict using Section 8 — but only with valid grounds and proper documentation.

“These changes will destroy landlord profits.”
Not necessarily. Good landlords who offer quality, compliant homes often attract longer-staying tenants and fewer costly disputes.

“I’ll wait until it’s all law before making changes.”
That’s risky. Many reforms will be phased in from late 2025 through 2027 — leaving little time to adapt once deadlines hit.

Final Thoughts: Landlords Who Prepare Will Thrive

The Renters’ Rights Bill is not the end of the PRS — it’s a modernisation. A more transparent, fair, and professional system benefits tenants and landlords alike.

Landlords who adapt early, maintain high standards, and document everything will be in the strongest position to navigate this change — and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Think of your property as a professional business. Keep it compliant, tenant-ready, and future-proofed — and it will continue delivering strong returns for years to come.

Do you need to brush up on your compliance? Or maybe you are unsure about the new laws and legislations that could be coming into place? If so, Click here to explore our consultation options and connect with one of our property experts today to ensure that you get the right support!

Decent Homes Standard For The PRS: What Every Landlord Needs To Know

The property rental landscape is shifting.

With plans underway to extend the Decent Homes Standard (previously only applied to social housing) to the private rented sector (PRS), landlords across the UK are facing a new set of expectations. But rather than a threat, this change offers an opportunity to modernise your property, improve tenant retention, and future-proof your investment.

In this guide, we unpack what the Decent Homes Standard is, what it means for private landlords, and how you can proactively meet (and exceed) these upcoming standards.

What Is the Decent Homes Standard?

Originally introduced to ensure acceptable living conditions in social housing, the Decent Homes Standard sets a minimum bar for safety, repair, and comfort. It requires that a property:

  1. Is free from serious health and safety hazards (as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System).
  2. Is in a reasonable state of repair.
  3. Has reasonably modern facilities, including kitchens and bathrooms.
  4. Offers effective insulation and heating to keep the home warm and prevent damp and mould.

The government’s proposal to apply this standard to the PRS means that all rental homes would need to meet these criteria — not just those in the social sector.

Why This Matters Now

Although not yet law, the government is committed to improving standards in the PRS. Local councils are expected to receive increased powers to enforce these rules, with penalties for non-compliance.

That means landlords who delay updates could face:

Conversely, proactive landlords benefit from:

Common Compliance Pitfalls (and How to Fix Them)

1. Outdated Kitchens or Bathrooms: If your property has a kitchen or bathroom over 20 years old and it shows, it may fall short. Focus on functionality: clean, modern finishes, good lighting, and efficient layouts. You don’t need luxury, just decent standards.

2. Inefficient Heating Systems: Old boilers and poor heating control can leave tenants cold and your EPC rating low. Upgrading to a modern combi boiler or installing smart controls can resolve this efficiently.

3. Structural Disrepair: Small cracks, leaky roofs, or damp patches may not seem urgent, but they raise red flags. Deal with minor issues before they become major — it saves money in the long run.

4. Poor Ventilation: Condensation and mould are common complaints. Ensure bathrooms and kitchens have effective extractor fans, and inspect for signs of damp regularly.

5. Fire and Electrical Safety: Conduct a full audit: EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and gas safety checks. These aren’t optional — they’re required by law and underpin safety.

How to Get Ahead of the Curve

1. Conduct a Property Audit: Walk through your property with the Decent Homes criteria in mind. Use a checklist to rate each area against the standard. Be honest and note where improvements are needed.

2. Prioritise Urgent Upgrades: Focus on health and safety hazards first — these carry the greatest legal risk. From there, move on to heating, insulation, and modernisation.

3. Budget Strategically: Rather than facing one large bill, spread costs over several months or quarters. Focus on quick wins like replacing outdated fixtures, improving ventilation, or repainting high-wear areas.

4. Keep Documentation: Take photos of upgrades, save invoices, and retain certificates. These can demonstrate compliance and protect you in case of dispute or enforcement.

5. Communicate with Tenants: Let your tenants know you’re making improvements. This builds trust, increases cooperation, and can even reduce complaints.

Tenant Expectations Are Rising

It’s not just legislation pushing landlords to modernise — it’s the market too. Today’s tenants want safe, warm, functional homes. They have more choice than ever, and many are willing to pay more for comfort and peace of mind.

Features like the following are increasingly considered essential:

If your property doesn’t meet these expectations, it’s likely to underperform in a competitive market.

The Long-Term View

While the prospect of compliance can feel daunting, think of it as an investment rather than an expense. Properties that meet the Decent Homes Standard:

What’s more, staying ahead of the curve protects you from the stress of last-minute overhauls and unexpected penalties.

Final Thought: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Landlords who treat their properties like long-term assets understand that proactive maintenance and modernisation pay off. With changes like the Decent Homes Standard on the horizon, now is the time to get your house in order — quite literally.

Start with an audit. Prioritise key fixes. Improve living standards. And document everything.

The reward? A property that complies with new regulations, stands out in the market, and keeps delivering strong returns for years to come.

Are you ready to get your homes to the best standard? Click here to explore our consultation options and connect with one of our property experts today to ensure that you are doing the best thing possible for yourself and your tenants...

It starts now!

UK Rental Market Update: Insights into the Current Landscape

Welcome to our Property Market blog, where we provide you with comprehensive insights into the current trends shaping the UK housing market. In this edition, we'll dive into key headlines of the current Rental Market - including supply and demand dynamics, challenges faced by investors, rental growth versus earnings, and regional snapshots. Let's explore the latest findings!

 

- Annual rental inflation for new lets in the UK remains high at an average of 11%, slightly down from 12.3% in mid-2022.

- Rental growth continues to outpace earnings growth, raising concerns about affordability for renters.

- The demand for rental properties remains significantly higher than the five-year average, while the supply of privately rented homes in Great Britain has seen a minimal 1% increase over five years.

 

Supply and Demand Imbalance:

- The stock of homes available for rent is 33% below the five-year average, highlighting the significant supply and demand imbalance.

- According to the recent ARLA Propertymark Report, the demand for rental properties recorded by member agents in April 2023 was 24% higher than the previous year, further exacerbating the supply shortage.

- Factors such as rapid growth in overseas students and high net immigration contribute to sustained demand for rental properties. This follows the Government shake-up of Visa rules in 2021 to help attract more skilled workers to the UK.

 

Challenges for Investors:

- The number of privately rented homes has only increased by 1% since 2016, as new investment is offset by properties leaving the rental sector.

- Tax changes, growing regulations, higher borrowing costs, and tighter lending criteria have prompted landlords to reassess their portfolios and investment strategies.

- Mortgage rates have increased, impacting the equity or deposit levels required for new buy-to-let purchases, along with stricter lending criteria and stress tests.

 

Rental Growth and Existing Tenancies:

- Existing tenancies have seen rental increases at an average of 4.4%, significantly lower than the market average for new tenancies.

- Landlords are encouraged to review their rents periodically, especially considering challenges such as tax changes and higher mortgage rates, as rent increases can positively impact investments.

 

Breakdown of the Private Rental Market:

- The core private rented sector, comprising long-term lets, accounts for 66% of the market, offering lower hassle and workload.

- Sub-sectors such as holiday and short lets or HMOs may provide higher yields but come with additional costs, workload, and regulations.

 

Regional Snapshot:

- In the West Midlands region, average rents have seen a year-on-year increase of just under 10%, with Birmingham ranking among the top five cities for rental growth.

- Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Nottingham also demonstrate strong growth in rental prices.

 

Conclusion:

The UK rental market continues to experience robust demand, outpacing earnings growth and raising concerns about affordability. The supply shortage persists, presenting challenges for both tenants and landlords. Investors face changing dynamics, including higher mortgage rates and stricter lending criteria. Regular rent reviews are encouraged to ensure investments remain financially viable.

Thank you for reading our Rental Market Update blog. If you are a landlord or property investor and would like some advice or to share your views, please contact me anytime...

 

Ali Durrant MARLA

Director of Concentric Sales & Lettings 

ali@concentricproperty.co.uk

UK Sales Market Update

Welcome to our Property Market blog, where we provide you with insightful information on the latest trends in the housing market. In this edition, we'll focus on the sales market, highlighting key statistics and offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers.

 

1. Transaction Stats:

In January 2023, there was a 10% reduction in property sales recorded year on year, while new home purchases saw a 9% rise in completions. Mortgage approvals experienced a significant 46% reduction, with gross lending down approximately 7%. The decrease in mortgage approvals from the second half of the previous year largely explains the significant difference in lending statistics.

 

2. Buyer Demand:

According to the latest ARLA Housing Insight Report, there was a 30% fall in the number of prospective buyers registered across member branches in April 2023 compared to April 2022. Additionally, member branches reported a 70% increase in properties available for sale year-on-year. These figures indicate a drop in buyer demand, likely influenced by higher mortgage rates and economic challenges affecting affordability.

 

3. Market Activity and Pricing:

Rightmove reported that agreed sales numbers are currently just 3% behind the pre-pandemic market of 2019. The average price of properties coming to the market experienced a 1.8% month-on-month increase in May, reflecting robust activity levels and confidence. Sales agreed in May showed positive growth, and the level of negotiation from the asking price to the sale agreed price remained steady at around 3%.

 

4. Mortgage Rates and Affordability:

Despite an increase in the Bank of England base rate, mortgage rates have remained steady. The average 5-year fixed rate with a 15% deposit is now 4.56%, significantly lower than the 5.89% recorded last October. This decrease in mortgage rates contributes to maintaining home mover confidence in the market outlook.

 

5. House Price Growth and Market Activity:

The Zoopla house price index reveals a year-on-year price growth of 1.9%, the lowest in recent times compared to the 9.6% recorded a year ago. Prices have fallen by an average of 1.3% in the last 6 months due to higher mortgage rates and rising living costs. However, buyer confidence has improved, resulting in an increase in sales agreed, primarily driven by falling mortgage rates during the Spring.

 

Regional Property Price Movements:

The West Midlands region has seen year-on-year price growth of 3.5%, surpassing the national average of 1.9%. Birmingham ranks second among major cities, with a growth rate of 3.8%, just behind Nottingham at 3.9%. These figures indicate a significant difference compared to last April when the year-on-year price increase approached 10%.

 

The Outlook for the Sales Market:

Market activity in the UK sales market remains comparable to pre-pandemic levels. However, predictions suggest that mortgage rates may increase in the second half of the year, impacting affordability and pricing. It is anticipated that the year-end may see approximately 20% fewer transactions than the previous year. Sensible and realistic pricing is crucial for sellers, while buyers should not be discouraged as long as the numbers align. As the year progresses, increased stock levels may provide negotiation opportunities.

 

Conclusion:

The UK sales market demonstrates resilience, with activity levels approaching pre-pandemic norms. Understanding market dynamics, considering pricing strategies, and staying updated on mortgage rate changes are vital for both buyers and sellers. Seek professional advice and remain adaptable to navigate the ever-evolving property market successfully.

Thank you for reading

The Must-Known Legislation To Let A Property Compliantly

Landlords, are you aware of the two main pieces of legislation that you need to comply with to remain safe and compliant? 

In the ever-changing private rented sector, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest laws and regulations that govern this space. However, failing to meet the government’s requirements can result in serious consequences in the form of; notices, fines and prosecution.

That’s why we at Concentric Sales and Lettings are focused on helping you get the compliance information you need on all aspects of Landlord law. In this blog, we’re going to dive deeper into the two pieces of landlord legislation designed to ensure the safety of your tenants within your private rented properties. These two laws are The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the more recent Homes for Fitness & Habitation Act 2020.

 

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 details a landlord’s obligation for repairs. Simply put, as a Landlord, you must ensure the safety of your rented properties.

Specifically, you must ensure that the air, space, water, and heating of the property are properly maintained and kept safe. The law also clearly states that you must carry out repairs on your properties as and when they are due. 

This brings up the question – when are repairs due? 

The legislation states that repairs should be carried out on a “reasonable timescale” based on when you are first notified of the repair requirement. “Reasonable” is somewhat subjective and difficult to define but generally depends on factors such as (a) whether or not the tenant is living in the property and (b) whether or not the severity of the repair warrants an urgent response.

Major repairs (as in water gushing through a ceiling) are required to be acted upon immediately. You, as a Landlord, should take all reasonable steps to carry out any maintenance work or repairs to the best of your ability. Some repairs may take time to be rectified, but as long as you have taken the steps that you can take, the law will consider it reasonable. 

 

Protect Yourself Against Claims

We recommend that you always act as quickly as possible when carrying out repairs for your tenants. This is not just for the comfort of your tenants within your rented property. It is also one of the best ways to protect yourself from potential claims that the tenant may choose to pursue against you. 

Under the law, tenants have the right to report any outstanding maintenance issues to the local authority. The council may then decide to carry out a full inspection which can often lead to a much longer list of repairs. 

It’s important to remember that you are not the only person given responsibilities under Section 11. Tenants are also obligated to “behave in a tenant-like manner”, meaning that they are required to take care of the normal maintenance activities that keep the property clean and functional. This includes things like changing lightbulbs, keeping the drains clear, cleaning the gutters, and other similar activities. Now that we’ve covered the first piece of legislation for landlords let’s cover the second, more recent law. 

 

Homes for Fitness & Habitation Act 2020

This law does not replace the one we’ve discussed but creates additional rights and responsibilities. Generally, it focuses on areas that are not necessarily covered under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. There are two key factors you should be aware of when it comes to this law. 

First, this act gives tenants the right, for the first time, to take a Landlord to court for not maintaining their repairing obligations. The government has removed the requirement to first go to the local authorities and has enabled the tenant to go directly to the courts. Landlords must be aware of this change.

Secondly, Landlords are now responsible for hazards and repairs within communal areas throughout the tenancy. You are obligated from the moment the tenancy begins through to the conclusion of the tenancy to ensure that the property is fit for human habitation at all times. The only way to achieve this is through regularly inspecting the property. You must not rely on tenants to report repairs because they do not always do so. 

 

Final Thoughts

Your main focus as a Landlord should be to ensure that your tenants are safe at all times. Failure to comply with these laws can result in; prosecution by the tenant in court, penalties issued by the local authority, fines, and improvement notices that can restrict your right to gain possession of your property. 

With over 170 different pieces of legislation regulating the private rented sector, you may be wondering how to be compliant as a Landlord. 

Fortunately, we have created several resources to help you stay safe, compliant, and up-to-date. That’s why we run a quarterly webinar hosted by Dawn Benett, where we spend 2 hours diving deep into various pieces of legislation that you need to know about. Click here to register for FREE today!

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards You Must Comply With As A Landlord

As landlords, there are so many different laws, regulations, and standards that you need to comply with to avoid penalties. Plus, new legislation is constantly being added, further increasing the complexity of this space. Here at Concentric Sales and Lettings, we’re here to help guide you through the maze of rules and get you the information you need to stay safe, compliant, and up-to-date. 

Speaking of compliance, does your property/tenancy have an EPC rating of “E” or above? As a landlord, are you confident that your properties are compliant with the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)? In this article, we dive into what these energy efficiency requirements mean for you. 

What Are MEES?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) first came into force in 2018. The standards focus on the energy efficiency of your property. Energy efficiency refers to the ability to use less energy to get the same amount of work done. With a higher energy efficiency rating, your property means that less energy is wasted and also can reduce energy costs for your property. 

What Does This Mean For You As A Landlord? 

The main MEES requirement for landlords is that any property that you own and rent out needs to have an energy rating of “E” or above. If your property falls below an “E” rating and you are not in receipt of an exemption, you are illegally renting out your property and could be subject to fines and penalties. The government expects landlords to spend a maximum of £3,500 to ensure that their properties are compliant. 

What If My Property Cannot Be Made Compliant? 

In the case that you are renting out a property that is not and cannot be made compliant, then we would recommend you head over to the government website and see if your property falls into one of the categories that are exempted from the energy efficiency requirements. 

You must be prepared to meet these standards. There is talk within the industry that the MEES will be higher in 2025 than it is now. It is currently being proposed that landlords’ properties will have to be a “C” rating or above. This could have a huge effect on many landlords. Fortunately, various funding opportunities are available to you as landlords and tenants right now and maybe more in the future too. We recommend seeking out that funding so that you can offset the costs that may accrue as a result of bringing your property into compliance. 

The EPC Requirement

Part of the MEES is the EPC requirement. The term “EPC” is short for energy performance certificate. It is part of the government’s rating scheme to describe the energy efficiency of buildings and properties. The ratings range from “A” (very efficient) down to “G” (inefficient). The EPC rating is how you as a landlord prove that your property complies with MEES. Providing a tenant with a valid EPC before the start of the tenancy is required under the Deregulation Act of 2015. Failure to provide them with a valid EPC would restrict your ability to serve a valid notice on them for possession of the property should the need arise. So although this piece of legislation may not seem that important, you need to ensure that you comply. 

The Penalties For Failure To Comply With This Piece Of Legislation Are Hefty, With A Maximum Fine Of £5000 Per Property

The size of this fine depends on the time that you let the property non-compliantly. EPCs are valid for ten years and, on average, cost less than £100. This means that for less than £10 per year, you could avoid that penalty and ensure that your property complies with the MEES regulations. Fortunately, it is also easy to get an EPC as there are EPC assessors in your area that can be found online and can carry out the job for you to ensure that your property is compliant and safe. It’s important to remember that funding is available at the moment for both landlords and tenants, so please be sure that you are researching any local funding within your area to improve the energy efficiency of your property. This will also help you to prepare yourself for the even higher requirements that may be coming in 2025. 

Always Remain Compliant

We hope you’ve found this post informative and enlightening. If you want to learn more, check out our YouTube channel, where we help keep you up-to-date on the latest and most important legislation for the private rented sector. There are over 170 pieces of legislation that you as a landlord need to comply with. That’s why we offer a free, quarterly webinar hosted by our very own Dawn Bennett, where you can get more details on all these different kinds of legislation. We’d love to see you there! 

What a Landlord Should Do When Their Tenant Has Fallen Into Rent Arrears

Do you know how to handle a tenant that’s fallen into arrears? This can be a difficult issue for landlords as you have to be careful to remain compliant with all of the relevant legislation throughout your process. Also, many landlords do not have a systemised formula for dealing with these situations, leaving them with the sense that they are unprepared. Today, we’re going to cover some of the do’s and don’ts of chasing rent arrears. We’re also going to discuss which legal notices to use, as well as the process we recommend for handling these complicated situations. 

 

A Tale of Two Tenants

At Concentric we have found that there are two different types of tenants who fall into arrears. There are those who do so against their will who have simply fallen on hard times and cannot pay at the moment. On the other hand, there are those who are capable of paying their rent but refuse to do so of their own volition. The tenants in the latter category are always more challenging to deal with. You need to have a process in place so that whether the tenant falls into one category or the other, you will know what to do. 

 

Dos and Don’ts of Chasing Rent Arrears

As you form your process, we’re going to share with you our recommendations for what you should and should not do in these kinds of situations. First of all, communication is key. You should try to make contact with the tenant as soon as you become aware of the missing payments and see if there is a problem and what it might be. 

You can use these communications to ascertain which group the tenant falls into, and hopefully, work your way to a solution that satisfies all parties. The first step to take when a tenant misses rent for 7 days is to send a formal letter demanding the payment. Then a follow-up letter should be sent again every 7 days throughout the process. During this time, you should also be attempting to contact them through phone or email to see if you can get an explanation and negotiate a plan for payment. 

It is of the utmost importance that you do not harass them. Contacting your tenant every hour of the day is legally defined as harassment and should be avoided. Rather, only contact them at previously scheduled times. 

If a tenant is simply unable to pay, it may be worth making an application to Universal Credit for a direct payment. The great thing about this step is that there is no harm done whether or not the tenant is actually in receipt of payments from Universal Credit. All you need to do is make an application. This can be a way to alleviate the tenant of the responsibility of making the rent payments themselves. 

 

What To Do When They Just Won’t Pay

Speed is of the essence when it comes to responding to tenants who are refusing to pay their rents despite their economic ability to do so. In these cases, we recommend quickly acting to take possession of your property. Ensure that the letters demanding rent are sent promptly every 7 days and then on the 28th day, you should send a notice of possession as soon as you can. You need to take court action as soon as you are legally able to do so. Now, you may be wondering, what is the appropriate notice to send tenants in arrears?

Serving a Section 8 notice is what we recommend, citing the grounds you wish to rely on (usually 8,10 and 11). It is the notice to send when the tenant is in two months of arrears or more. We recommend it because it comes with a 14-day notice period in England and is the quickest way to secure possession of your property in these cases. 

You may have also heard of serving a Section 21 notice to tenants in arrears. This is a valid option. However, the notice period on Section 21 is 2 months long, delaying your ability to deal with the situation effectively. 

 

Final Thoughts

In the end, communication is the most important aspect of responding to tenants who have fallen into arrears. For most tenants who may be struggling with financial difficulties and cannot pay the rent, communication will be a way to understand their problems and negotiate a payment plan that will work for you and them. Unfortunately, most tenants who refuse to pay of their own free will are not very communicative, and legal action is usually required. Comprehending the current legislation pertaining to these issues is important. A helpful resource that we recommend is Gov.UK, a site that will give you the latest guidance as well as information on the legal notices we’ve discussed today. 

Hopefully, this has given you more insight into what to do when a tenant falls into arrears. We at Concentric are dedicated to helping landlords manage their rental properties and have released tons of content that will help and advise you with practical step-by-step guidance on the specific legislation that matters for landlords. 

Visit and Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more legislative updates on how to handle your properties and tenancies in these challenging times.

Landlords- Selective Licensing Is Returning to Liverpool April 2022 - Are You Prepared?

Are you a landlord in Liverpool? 

If so, are you aware that in April 2022, selective licensing is returning to the borough? 

Today, we’re going to talk about what this change in legislation means, and the steps you can take to ensure that you remain compliant. Here at Concentric, our goal is to help landlords succeed by providing practical guidance surrounding each legislation update as well as helpful advice regarding overall best practices for landlords.  

What is Selective Licensing?

Selective licensing simply means that the city council has decided that they are going to selectively license a specific area. Thus, selective licensing in Liverpool means that the Liverpool City Council has agreed to selectively license a group of postal codes within the borough. In order to determine if this impacts you, you’ll need to see if you own any properties that fall within the range of postal codes that are covered by this new legislation. If you are a landlord in this area and you have a property from a one-bedroom flat all the way to an HMO, you may need a special license in order to continue letting that property.

What Does This Mean to You as a Landlord?

Now, we’re going to talk about what you need to do when selective licensing comes into place in Liverpool. Practically, this means that any property you rent that falls within the impacted area will need a special license as of April 2022 in order to be compliantly let. So, you’ll have to head to the Liverpool City Council and file applications, when the process is opened, for these licenses. There will be a cost element to this. You’re going to need to pay a fee to the Liverpool City Council in order to make the application for the license. Selective licensing is going to continue within Liverpool for the next 5 years until 2027.

Official guidance around the new law is still evolving, so we don’t yet know what the cost of licensing will actually be when selective licensing is rolled out. However, through experience with past licensing programs, we do know that there are many ways to secure discounts and reduce the licensing fee. This can be done by maintaining a good EPC rating, using accredited agents, and through other strategies. We recommend keeping an eye out for further updates on the Liverpool Government website. This is also the place to be when the application process opens for selective licensing. If you need help, contact us and we can help you with licensing applications.

How Do You Stay Compliant?

As of the time of this writing, the details of what will be specifically required to be compliant with this new legislation are not known, but we do know the general standards that have to be met in order to be compliant. There are a number of ways you can take care of your properties and ensure that you are always remaining compliant with the law. We’ve listed a few of them here:

  1. Have a valid gas certificate

  2. Have a valid electricity certificate
  3. Ensure that your EPC ratings are at ‘E’ or above
  4. Have your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors tested
  5. Ensure that your property is fit for habitation

By following these main steps, you can be confident that your property is already a long way towards full compliance. Previously, when the Liverpool City Council enacted selective licensing, they added some additional requirements. This was in 2015. They required things like changes to the tenancy agreements to incorporate anti-social behavior clauses as well as adequate refuse management at properties. Thus, additional requirements may also be a part of the new selective licensing law.

It’s important to remember that the purpose of selective licensing is to regenerate areas and make the private rented sector the best that it can be. If landlords take good care of their properties and ensure that their tenants use the property responsibly, you’re ahead of the curve.

Licensing in the Private Renting Sector is Serious

Most landlords are probably already aware of the importance of remaining in compliance with all of the relevant laws. The penalties for not doing so can be immense. Failure to comply with selective, additional, or mandatory licensing as a private landlord can result in penalties up to £30,000. If your property falls under the category of selective licensing after April 1st of 2022, and you are not in possession of the correct license, your rights to gain possession of your property could be negatively impacted.

We hope we’ve answered some of your questions about this important new legislation. If you’re a landlord in the Liverpool area and would like some additional information, please contact us and we will be happy to help you in any way we can, also we are running a live webinar on this topic, which you can register for HERE.

Are Your Tenants Behaving In a Tenant Like Manner?

Where does the term ‘tenant like manner’ come from?

Back in 1953, there was a case brought to court to settle a dispute between a landlord and a tenant. The landlord brought forward a case that on vacating the property, it was left in such a state of demise that he believed that the tenant should be held responsible for cost of repairs. The argument was that there are some jobs which should not fall under the care of the landlord, but in fact should be taken care of as a matter of course while the tenant occupies the property.

When the judgment was made, the term ‘tenant like manner’ was phrased, and it was made clear that a tenant has a responsibility to treat a property with care and respect, and that they must ‘take proper care of the place’.

 

What are the tenants’ responsibilities in behaving in a ‘tenant-like manner’?

Let’s firstly put it out there that the majority of tenants are happy to take responsibility for basic jobs around the property. But it is worth noting that there are a very many complaints which could be avoided, if the tenants were fully aware of what their responsibilities are while they occupy a property.

A good example of this is damp. I’d gauge that there a very few landlords who haven’t at some point had a tenant complain about damp in a property, but did you know that the majority of these issues are, in fact, caused by the tenant?

That might surprise you – but there are numerous cases where the tenant causes damp issues inadvertently by drying washing indoors, failing to properly ventilate bathrooms and kitchens, not making use of ventilation fans etc.

There are many ‘little jobs’ which are simple for the tenant to take care of, and which go a long way in maintaining the comfort and structure of the property. Those expected of the tenant under the law are:

 

There are some jobs which are beyond my tenants’ expertise – what if they refuse or cannot do them?

OK, so you’ll recognise that jobs such as re-pressurising the boiler, dealing with pests, or unblocking drains might not be such simple tasks for the average tenant. But it’s important that they recognise that these tasks are not the responsibility of the landlord, and so should make efforts to find a tradesman or handyman who might assist with these kinds of jobs. Generally, as a tenant, they should be expected to deal with tasks which they would comfortably be able to handle if the property were their own – if it’s something that as a property owner, they wouldn’t pay someone else to do, then it’s feasible that they can take on those kinds of things themselves.

As a landlord, you should also make efforts to ensure that the tenant is well equipped to deal with things such as re-pressurising the boiler and bleeding radiators, and should provide full instructions for those kinds of tasks. Then it is up to the tenant to decide if he is comfortable in doing those, or whether to ask for assistance.

There are some items on that list that I’d happily do for my tenants – am I wrong?

It’s true that there are some landlords out there, particularly those who have reasonably small portfolios, who are quite happy to be on call for sorting out small jobs for their tenants. And of course, that’s fine. But don’t let it become an additional expense to you – remember that even those little jobs add up. Your tenants should always know that you’re doing these things out of kindness and concern for the upkeep of your property.

If you are looking to keep all your properties safe by staying compliant with current legislation, click HERE to download our FREE compliance checklist.

Electrical Certificates – why every landlord should have them

The risks

Imagine if you picked up the phone in the middle of the night to be told that there was a fire at your rented property. As horrific as that news would be, one of the first things that the fire department, the police, and the insurance company would check is whether or not the electrics and electrical appliances within the premises were safe, or whether they could have been the cause of the fire.

And if that were the case, who do you think liability would automatically be with?

If you fail to produce a valid electrical certificate, it could very well be you, the landlord. That would mean that not only do you risk prosecution, but it’s highly unlikely that your insurance would payout.

But, if you have a valid, up to date certificate from a qualified electrician, then you have proof that you have done everything you can to ensure that the electrics in that property are safe. In that case, liability would no longer lie with you as the landlord, but with the electrician, as the question would be whether he had completed the work properly, or with the tenant, who has a responsibility to take care of the property while he or she lives there.

Is it law to have an electrical certificate for my property?

It will be, as right now Government are in processing a law which will mean that all rented properties will have to have electrical checks every 5 years. However, until that time, most agencies are recommending that their landlords get ahead of the game and make sure that all new tenancies start with a valid and up to date electrical certificate, before the tenant moves in.

That’s because, under the Consumer Protection Act Section 37 and Section 19, you have a responsibility to guarantee that your property is safe and fit for tenants to live in. And having an electrical certificate is part of that responsibility.

What will the new law mean for landlords?

Landlords will be required to have electrics checked in their properties every 5 years. This is mandatory, and must be carried out by a qualified electrician. This will be phased in over 24 months; in the first year, all new private tenancies will be affected, and in the second year, all existing private tenancies will also have to adhere.

If a property has recently had an electrical installation condition report (EICR) and has a valid certificate, then the property will not be required to have an inspection until 5 years has lapsed since the date of issue.

What will the required checks include?

The new legislation will require 5 mandatory recommended electrical safety features, which are:

What’s the difference between an EICR and a PAT test?

When we talk about getting an electrical certificate for your property, we’re really talking about the EICR – this is a test carried out by a qualified electrician, and tests the infrastructure of the properties electrics. As detailed above, this includes the wiring, units, plug sockets and switches etc.

A PAT test is really there for the appliances within that property. That would be anything that you include as portable appliances in the property, which might be things like a fridge or freezer, electric oven, dishwasher etc. It’s not mandatory for you to have a PAT test, but some landlords like to get one if they do include these appliances, as again, it provides an extra layer of cover if anything should happen.

In conclusion

While it’s not law to provide an electrical certificate at the time of writing, it’s highly recommended that you obtain one. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind that your property is safe, and that you won’t be held accountable if something should go wrong.

The Government will be changing the law on this soon, so get ahead and make sure that you’re properties are protected, if not on existing properties, but on all of your new tenancies going forward.

If you are looking to keep all your properties safe by staying compliant with current legislation, click HERE to download our FREE compliance checklist.