Landlords must prepare for new law | Dispute resolution
Landlords must prepare for a new law by checking properties or face court…
Lauren Bryan of Thursfields Solicitors has warned landlords to check the standards of their properties to avoid being pulled into court by tenants using new legislation.
Today, 20th March 2019 the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 comes into effect.
This law gives renters the right to sue landlords in England and Wales if properties don’t meet certain standards, for example if they are excessively cold or mouldy resulting in them being unfit for habitation.
The new law not only requires standards to be maintained in the property but now also extends to the maintenance of common areas or retained parts.
Lauren Bryan, a Chartered Legal Executive in the Dispute Resolution department in Thursfields’ Birmingham office, said: “This new act should prompt landlords to make sure their properties comply with the required standards to avoid unnecessary legal action.
But if a landlord is served with proceedings or the tenant pleads this as a defence to possession proceedings, they should immediately seek qualified legal advice.
For example, one issue landlords may face is tenants stating there are problems but then failing to allow the landlord access to fix those problems.
They and would need to show the court that this is the case and we can advise landlords how to deal with these types of issues.”
Lauren said the new law will apply to all new tenancies created after 20 March 2019 including replacement tenancies, and will then apply to all periodic tenancies in existence after 20 March 2020.
Under the new act, a property could be deemed unfit for habitation if there are ‘serious’ problems with any of the following: repairs; stability; damp; internal arrangement; natural lighting; ventilation; water supply; drainage and toilets; and cooking facilities that result in the property being unfit for human habitation.
Lauren added: “While the law will have some positive outcomes by persuading landlords to carry out urgent repairs, it is also just another barrier put before decent landlords and another set of rules to comply with.
Landlords should check their properties now to ensure they comply with standards and should seek qualified legal assistance if they feel tenants are trying to take undue advantage of the new laws.”
Lauren can be called on 0121 227 3369 or emailed at lbryan@thursfields.co.uk
