Buy-To-Let Tips
Practical Advice To Help You Profit From Rental Property
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| Much of the implementation of the Housing Act 2004 began in April 2006. This is a major piece of legislation affecting landlords. It includes a new health and safety inspection regime and the mandatory licensing of certain houses in multiple occupation in England and Wales |
Summary of Important Provisions of the Act
Part 1: Housing Health and Safety:
A new Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has been introduced to help councils target those properties in the worst condition.
Part 2: Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's):
A mandatory national licensing scheme commenced in April 2006 aimed at raising the standards of some of the highest risk properties, in particular those housing vulnerable people.
Part 3: Selective Licensing:
This is a category of licensing that councils may choose to adopt to ensure landlords take greater responsibility for the management of their property and tenants and thereby improve the local community.
Part 4: Empty Homes:
Councils will be able to bring back into use private sector homes that have been empty for a long time with the use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders. No firm decisions on the implementation of this part have yet been announced.
Part 5: Tenancy Deposit Protection:
Where landlords, or their agents, take a deposit from their tenants, those deposits must be safeguarded by a Government sponsored scheme. This scheme will come into force from October 2006.