Call us
    t: 0800 058 4488e: info@isla-alexander.com
    Get a Valuation
    Register/Careers
    Logo
    First Floor, 36 Station Road
    Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5LT
    t: 0800 058 4488
    e: info@isla-alexander.com
    LogoLogo
    Home/News/Update: latest legislation for landlords

    Update: latest legislation for landlords

    over 4 years ago
    Lettings

    The lettings sector is highly regulated and it can be hard to keep up with all the new introductions and amendments. Although we have summarised three forthcoming items of note, we pride ourselves on pre-empting what new legislation is coming, informing landlords of their new responsibilities and implementing change, where applicable, to ensure all our lets are legally compliant and tenants are protected. 

    Here’s what’s on the current rental radar:

    Prepare for pets in buy-to-lets

    You may be aware of The Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill, which is sponsored by animal-loving MP Andrew Rosindell. In his initial parliamentary address, the MP acknowledged the comfort and companionship pets bring, leading to his desire for legislation that would stop landlords automatically refusing renters just because they were pet owners.

    The Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill is moving through the process of becoming law. The Bill had its first reading (and was passed) in October 2020, with the second reading scheduled in the House of Commons on 26th February 2021. If given Royal Assent in the Queen’s Speech, the Bill may force landlords – and letting agents working on their behalf – to remove ‘no pet’ clauses from their tenancy agreements.

    It’s worth noting that the Government is already showing support for this Bill. On the 28th January 2021, its Model Tenancy Agreement – a suggested and not mandatory document – was changed in favour of tenants with pets. It now states that ‘consent for pets will be the default position and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.’ 

    Section 21s win a temporary reprieve 

    One Bill that has progressed past the Queen’s Speech stage is the Renters Reform Bill. This has been in motion since 2019 and seeks to ban so-called ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions and also paves the way for ‘lifetime’ deposits that follow a tenant around and replace a cash deposit for each different property rented. 

    Delays have plagued the introduction of the Bill and despite a comment from the Junior Housing Minister in January 2021 that there would be change ‘very soon’, a comment from current Housing Minister Chris Pincher in February 2021 suggested the current climate will delay the Bill’s passing into law even further. We are here to advise landlords on all matters of repossession, including the temporary bans and timescales that have been introduced as a result of the pandemic. 

    Approaching electrical safety deadline

    What the Government did manage to introduce were mandatory electrical safety inspections for private landlords, passed in January 2020. This coming spring is when the private rental sector will feel the full effects of the legislation. 

    As of 1st April 2021, all tenanted properties – including those that are new to the market, those with renewing tenancies, those with tenants in situ and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – will be governed by The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Of imminent importance for landlords is the ruling that stipulates that the first electrical inspection for existing tenancies is carried out by 1st April 2021 and every five years for all tenancies, unless a report from an inspection or test specifies sooner.

    There is also a prescribed protocol for landlords to follow once an inspection has been made, which we are happy to explain to landlords. We can also talk over what will happen during an inspection and the electrical tests so landlords can prepare in advance for the best chance of passing.

    Share this article

    More Articles

    5-year EICR anniversary: important milestone for landlords

    5-year EICR anniversary: important milestone for landlords

    Published about 20 hours ago

    Landlords in England and Scotland are being urged to check the expiration date on their Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), with many due to run out this year.

    Read More
    1 in 3 adults still tempted by buy-to-let

    1 in 3 adults still tempted by buy-to-let

    Published 29 days ago

    Would it surprise you to know, the younger you are, the more likely it is you want to become a landlord? The desire was confirmed by a new survey, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

    Read More
    Renters’ Rights Bill: lack of tenant awareness exposed

    Renters’ Rights Bill: lack of tenant awareness exposed

    Published about 2 months ago

    Despite it being the biggest shake up of the private rental sector since the Housing Act 1988, it’s a case of blissful ignorance for many tenants. The lack of awareness was uncovered by research consultancy, Pegasus Insight, who found just 32% of tenants were ‘fully aware’ or ‘mostly aware’ of the contents of the Renter's Rights Bill.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Disclaimer 

    Your home may be
    repossessed if you
    do not keep up
    repayments on your
    mortgage

    Propertymark 

    Isla-Alexander Lettings
    client money protection insurance
    is with Propertymark.
    The Propertymark Conduct
    and Membership Rules can
    be found here
    Our CMP certificates can
    be found here

    Contact Us 

    First Floor,
    36 Station Road,
    Llanishen,
    Cardiff,
    CF14 5LT.

    Sales: 0800 058 4488
    Lettings: 0742 127 1450
    Mortgages: 0771 098 3844
    Email us

    ARLA
    Logo
    Logo
    © 2025 Isla Alexander.
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy|Complaints Procedure|CMP certificate
    Powered by