Welcome to the landlord forum eNewsletter - keeping you up to date with information from the recent forum along with any important updates through our designated webpages for landlords and agents.
Please share this newsletter with anyone you feel will benefit from its content, and if you know of anyone who wishes to be add to our mailing list, please get them to email us – prevention@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk
Recent forum recap
The last landlord forum was held on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. Below is a recap on the event and links to the presentations.
Our NBBC Private Sector Housing Team went through the areas they cover relating to the rented sector, and how they work with landlords and agents on things like disrepair in rented properties, HMO legislation, empty properties, energy efficiency, illegal eviction, and harassment. This was beneficial for attendees to meet the team and to learn more about what they do, and there was also a short presentation on energy efficiency grants.
Following this there was an update on our Homelessness Prevention Team covering the revision of our service to prevent homelessness across all tenures working with both landlords and agents considering serving a notice or having tenancy issues, or with tenants who are at risk of losing their tenancy.
And finally, there was a National Residential Landlords (NRLA) update on news and legislation items relating to the rented sector, focusing on the general election and reforms relating to the rented sector.
Following the election, the new Government are now progressing the Renters' Rights Bill 2024 which will bring in significant changes when it comes into law in 2025 that will impact how landlords and letting agents operate in the private rented sector (PRS).
This will significantly reshape the legal framework of the PRS in England. For landlords and letting agents, these changes mean a more regulated environment, requiring close attention to tenancy management, compliance with new procedures, and things like registration with the new database and ombudsman.
Further information on this will be communicated in due course as the Bill passes through Parliament.
Landlord and Agent updates
National Trading Standards
National Trading Standards published updated guidance for letting agents and landlords to improve material information in property listings. In addition to the guidance on its dedicated webpage, NTSELAT has published short guides for agents, sellers and landlords, and buyers and tenants.
They have also launched The Accessible Letting Scheme.
Modern day Slavery awareness
Nigel Oseman is the recently appointed Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) for Warwickshire. The role is funded by the OPCC with the overarching mission of working across agencies to improve identification of and outcomes for adult victims/survivors of Modern Slavery and/or Human Trafficking.
Nigel has really ‘hit the ground running’ with infectious enthusiasm and we are confident that the new service will add real value and assist partners in identifying and supporting those in a position of exploitation. He is keen to link in with Landlords, Agents, Hoteliers and associated professionals to increase awareness and understanding around the issues surrounding this crime type.
Properties to rent
If you are a private landlord or letting agent and have a property you are looking to advertise for rent, particularly that is suitable for customers on low incomes or claiming Universal Credit, please let us know.
Homelessness Prevention Service
We provide assistance to residents facing the threat of homelessness well before our statutory duty begins, which is 56 days before the potential homelessness in our Borough.
Our dedicated team of Homelessness Prevention Officers strives to avert homelessness for all housing situations by collaborating with landlords who may be contemplating issuing a notice, and tenants who are at risk of losing their homes.
Tenancy ready guide
Our financial inclusion team have produced a handy guide that will be useful for any new or current tenants.
The information will help guide you through setting up bills and planning budgets so that tenants can be as ready as possible when they move in, enjoy their home, and not worry about getting into arrears or debt.
Energy matters
See the latest on energy assistance available in the Borough.
Latest news for the private rented sector
Click on the button for further information and links on the latest news relating to the rented sector to include:
• How to rent guide
• Renters Rights Bill – this will bring in significant changes when it comes into law in 2025 that will impact how landlords and letting agents operate in the private rented sector (PRS).
• Understanding the possession action process: A guide for private landlords in England
• Our Tenancy ready guide
• Update to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations
• Right to Rent checks
For further information please see our Landlord Information Zone which covers a variety of areas and topical information:
Regulation Reminders
Our Private Sector Housing Team are coming across cases of the below regulations not being followed in the rented sector, please see below reminders:
Deposit Protection Schemes - You must place your tenants’ deposit in a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme if you rent out your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007.
Electrical safety standards regulations - The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require that landlords have property electrics checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person. The electrics must meet standards and landlords must give their tenants proof of this.
Tenant fees act - The Tenant Fees Act bans most letting fees and caps tenancy deposits paid by tenants in the private rented sector in England. The ban on tenant fees applies to new or renewed tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 June 2019.
Client Money Protection - You must join a ‘client money protection scheme’ if you’re a letting or property management agent in the private rented sector in England and you hold clients’ money.
Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.
GDPR registration reminder - Landlords are being reminded by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to check whether they need to register and pay a fee if they have not already done so.
Service updates
The House Project properties required!
The House Project are looking for one-bedroom properties (not a shared house unless it has its own Kitchen & Bathroom). Properties ideally need to be no more than £600 per month, this is to make the property affordable for young people moving forward.
The rent, bond and any damages are covered for the first year by a guarantee agreement signed by Warwickshire County Council. Equitable shorthold tenancy agreement will be in place, created by WCC Legal Team as some young people are just under 18 years old.
Tenants will receive ongoing support from the House Project support workers, and landlords have direct contact with a House Project Manager.
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith - Mobile: 07500 606669 email: mattsmith@warwickshire.gov.uk
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
For further information please see our website
or contact the Communities Team on 02476 376 492
Warwickshire Switch and Save
This is a scheme to help get cheaper gas and electricity bills. In partnership with Act on Energy, who help households looking to switch suppliers
Safe in Warwickshire
This is brought to you by the multi-agency Safer Warwickshire Partnership Board. See the various campaigns taking place to make Warwickshire safer.
Useful information
The Government has produced a series of useful 'how to' guides for the private rented sector in England. Please take time to read these informative guides:
How to rent: The checklist for renting in England
This guide is for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the letting process.
How to let: A guide for current and prospective private residential landlords in England
This guide is for current and prospective landlords. It explains the responsibilities, legal requirements, and best practice for letting a property in the private rented sector.
What is Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) the way of working out housing benefit/housing element of Universal Credit. The current Local Housing Allowance rates are -
Universal Credit
Property standards
The housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) is a risk-based evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. It was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and applies to residential properties in England and Wales.
There is also the new Fitness for Human Habitation Act – See guidance for landlords:
NBBC services for landlords
NBBC website
Updated and revised private landlords’ section on the NBBC website including the informative landlord information zone, and previous newsletter and forum content.
Homelessness Prevention Service
The service provides assistance to residents facing the threat of homelessness well before our statutory duty begins, which is 56 days before the potential homelessness in our Borough.
Our dedicated team of Homelessness Prevention Officers strives to avert homelessness for all housing situations by collaborating with landlords who may be contemplating issuing a notice, and tenants who are at risk of losing their homes.
Housing Solutions Support Scheme
We have a variety of options to help prospective tenants access the private rented sector -
Properties to rent
If you are a private landlord or letting agent and have a property you are looking to advertise for rent, particularly that is suitable for customers on low incomes or claiming Universal Credit, please let us know.
You can find out further information here -
Private Sector Housing Service
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing Team cover a wide range of services relating to the private rented sector.
The team covers areas such as HMO (House in multiple occupation) licensing and advice, housing disrepair complaints, mobile homes and caravan licensing, minimum energy efficiency standards, energy efficiency grants, empty properties and illegal evictions and harassment.
Please contact the team on 02476 376376 or by email privatesectorhousing@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk
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