New rules out to improve affordability, check landlords in UK

It is good news for renters in the UK as new rules are now in force in the country which the government says will improve safety and affordability. On the flip side, it is bad news for landlords as the new rules will help crackdown on those of them that are fraudulent and may flout the rules.

The new rules will give local authorities the power and tools to crack down on rogue landlords who shirk their responsibilities. Housing Minister, Gavin Barwell, says the new measure comes as part of  government’s plan set out in its recent housing white paper to create a bigger and better private rental sector that meets the needs of tenants and landlords alike, giving those who rent a fairer deal.

Property Wire, an online property publication, reports that councils are now able to impose fines of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for a range of housing offences. They will be able to retain all of the income to make sure it is used for private sector housing enforcement purposes.

“Rent repayment orders, which can be issued to penalise landlords managing or letting unlicensed properties, have also been extended to cover a wider range of situations. These include the illegal evictions or harassment of the occupiers of a property, using violence to secure entry and the breach of a banning order”, Nancy Clay, Editor, Property Wire notes.

Barwell says these measures will give councils the additional powers they need to tackle poor-quality rental homes in their area. “By driving out of business those rogue landlords that continue to flout the rules, we can raise standards, improve affordability and give tenants the protections they need,” he said.

Further new measures now in place include giving councils access to tenancy deposit protection data that help them identify rental properties in their area, and tackle the small minority of rogue landlords through targeted enforcement and prevention work.

Letting agents’ fees will also be banned to give renters greater clarity and control over what they will pay and other intended measures in the housing white paper to help renters include encouraging further growth through the supply of rental properties by amending planning rules so councils can proactively plan for more long term Build-to-Rent homes.

Government is also looking at allowing developers to offer more affordable rent alongside other forms of affordable housing and working to ensure longer term family friendly tenancies are available in the private rental sector.

Since 2011, the UK government has provided £12 million so local authorities can carry out more raids, issue more statutory notices and demolish beds in sheds and other prohibited buildings.