It’s a New Year, which means…. New Rental Legislation! The latest Bill to receive Royal Assent, so passed into Law is The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act (HFFHH).

So, what does this mean to Landlords? 

Landlords have a duty to ensure that their properties are fit for human habitation not only at the beginning of the tenancy but throughout. Tenants will now have the right to take legal action through the courts for breach of contract if landlords fail to keep their properties in a state which is fit for human habitation.

The Act uses the 29 Hazards listed in the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to help define if a property is fit for human habitation. Each of the 29 Hazards need to be assessed separately and will be classed as either Category 1 (immediate risk) or Category 2 (less urgent).

An example of some of the hazards listed would be; damp and cold, lighting, falls and electrical hazards – to read the governments guidance that includes the full list of hazards click here.

As a Landlord you must be able to prove you are compliant with the law, having a photographic inventory/condition report at the beginning of a new tenancy and then thorough routine inspection reports throughout the tenancy, along with a documented audit trail of any maintenance issues that have arisen.

This is yet another example of issues that Landlords are dealing with every day. If you have opted to have a fully managed service from ourselves, then all of this stress has been taken from you, but if you are managing your own properties and tenants you need to make sure you do your homework and keep up to date with changes to legislation of this kind.

Should you have any queries on the above or any of the other resent legislation changes please do not hesitate to contact the office.

If you own properties that you currently manage yourself and are worried if you are compliant, we can help. We are experienced in taking over the management of properties and would be happy to arrange a meeting at a convenient time to discuss our management service and how we can help unburden you.

We look forward to hearing from you.