Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
A new law that will help to raise standards in rented homes in the UK and give tenants more powers to hold their landlord to account for renting substandard properties.
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, landlords of both social and private rented properties must make sure that their properties meet certain standards through the duration of the tenancy.
Landlords must comply with the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and If they fail to do this, tenants have the right to take legal action under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.
Tenants will be able to claim refunds of up to twelve months rent
Tenants under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act can also apply for a refund of up to twelve months’ rent if their landlord does not deal with health and safety hazards in their home, this is only applicable to private tenants and not council tenants.
Minister for housing and homelessness, Heather Wheeler MP, said: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live, regardless of whether you own your home or rent it.
“That’s why the government has introduced a range of measures to help ensure that people who are renting have good quality and well-maintained properties to call home.
“This new law is a further step to ensure that tenants have the decent homes they deserve.”
David Cox, chief executive of ARLA Propertymark, commented: “We’re pleased the Bill has now received Royal Assent after a swift passage through Parliament. These new rules will give renters greater protection against criminal operators and is a step in the right direction for the market.
“We congratulate Karen Buck MP on her work and we look forward to continuing to work with her to achieve better enforcement against those who bring the sector into disrepute.”
Make it difficult for rogue landlords to operate
It will be a requirement for all landlords to belong to a mandatory redress scheme and new, mandatory five yearly electrical installation safety inspections and this is intended to raise standards in the private rental sector.
Mr Chris Hanson from the British Landlords Association, said “The the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act will raise standards and it will make it difficult for rogue landlords to operate, we welcome this new Act”.
Date; 21st of December 2023
Author; Tracy Hemming
email [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This post is for general use only and is not intended to offer legal, tax, or investment advice; it may be out of date, incorrect, or maybe a guest post. You are required to seek legal advice from a solicitor before acting on anything written hereinabove.
