Time needed to get Ducks in a Row for the Renters’ Rights Act
Kristjan Byfield recently wrote a Linkedin post on the importance of the government allowing time for the lettings industry to prepare for the changes that the #rentersrightsact will bring. Kristjan is right and it’s not just lettings and property management this will affect.
The impact assessment I put together last year (visual learner) illustrates just how far reaching the Act will be. It's seismic.
Let’s start with landlords and letting agents / PMs - they will have to amend and update processes and systems related to pre, during and post tenancy.
Tenants will need to educate themselves or be signposted to these changes.
Legal firms, solicitors, barristers and the Law Commission of England and Wales will become the lynch pins for legal paperwork, advice, court claims (at some point) navigating complex areas of the Act and a comfort blanket of sorts.
ROPA - SURVEY
Since the publication of the White Paper in 2019, for the Regulation of Property Agents, ROPA has been discussed and then discussed again.
Over the last 7 months both the Housing Minister and Lord Best have made headlines by making reference to ROPA.
Two Significant Government Consultations for the Property Sector
Body responsible for the consultation: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Duration: This consultation will last for 10 weeks from Wednesday 2 July 2025 to 11.45pm on Wednesday 10 September 2025.Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes.
The Importance of Water
As the UK continues to experience severe heatwaves, access to a safe, consistent water supply has become very important.
Access to clean, running water is a given not only for drinking but also for regulating body temperature, food preparation and sanitation. It is something we take for granted.
Tenants, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or medically vulnerable, are particularly reliant on water supply.
Landlord Obligations
Several pieces of legislation impose statutory responsibilities on landlords to ensure proper water supply in residential premises:
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep in good repair installations for the supply of water, sanitation, and heating. This duty applies throughout the duration of the tenancy.
Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), under the Housing Act 2004, failures in water supply systems or sanitary facilities is considered a Category 1 Hazard. Local authorities may serve improvement notices or take enforcement action if a property poses a health risk to the tenant.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, makes it unlawful for a Landlord to let a property that is unfit for habitation, which includes failure to maintain an adequate water supply during occupancy.