In 2015 the Government brought in the Deregulation Act which took effect from 1st October 2015. In brief, the Deregulation Act of 2015 brought in the following changes to the lettings industry;
- New rules to protect Tenants from retaliatory evictions
- The removal of the requirement to expire a section 21 under a periodic assured shorthold tenancy ‘after the end of a period of tenancy’
- The restriction that a section 21 cannot be served during the first 4 months of the original tenancy
- A ‘use it or lose it’ provision after service of a section 21, as a Landlord you have 6 months from the date of service to enforce a section 21 or it will expire and you cannot pursue possession from the court should you need to
- The current government how to rent guide must have been served on your Tenants along with an Energy Performance Certificate, Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and Deposit Prescribed information. Until all these documents are served on the Tenant then as a Landlord you cannot serve a section 21 notice
These changes affected all Tenancies that started on or after 1st October 2015, for any tenancies that commenced prior to 1st October 2015 they remained unaffected by the Deregulation Act until 1st October 2018, unless the tenancy was renewed. The past 3 years have gone by fast and 1st October 2018 is Monday so it is time to ensure you are compliant with this legislation.
All properties managed by Oakfield will have the relevant documents served on the Tenants to ensure our Landlords are compliant. If you have any questions regarding these changes or want reassurance that you are compliant do not hesitate to contact your local branch for guidance on these changes.
If you would like more information on these changes and to ensure you are compliant with the changes contact our head office for a copy of the arla propertymark fact sheet and further information.
Neil Newstead, FARLA MNAEA MIRPM
Chief Executive Officer