Landlords are being warned to prepare for the complexities of the new data protection rules, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), coming into force Friday (25th May). Landlords provide a service so they must comply like anyone in business.
According to analysis by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) landlords will have to identify the correct legal gateway to allow them to hold and use data, including about their tenants. This may then need to be shared with 24 different categories of organisations and people. This can include sharing the immigration status of tenants with the Home Office, tenancy related data with local authorities for the purposes of council tax, with utility companies and with the Department for Work and Pensions where Universal Credit is paid to the tenant.
With less than a week to go before the GDPR come into force the RLA is warning that landlords who have not already done so need to seek urgent advice and support to ensure they are fully compliant with the law.
The RLA has made a range of resources available for its members to ensure they are compliant with the legislation including a template privacy notice and forms to hold and use data, as well as a check list that landlords can use to ensure they are data compliant. It also has an online course for landlords to better understand the requirements of the regulations.
Richard Jones, RLA Company Secretary, commented: “Given their complexity, the new GDPR rules pose many challenges for landlords who need to handle and share important data to ensure the smooth running of rental properties and businesses.
The RLA is concerned about how detailed and far reaching the new requirements are. They pose great risks to landlords if they are not compliant. It is vital that all landlords get the advice and support that they will need to ensure they are compliant with the rules.”
To speak to one of our knowledgeable team at Belvoir Liverpool Central on 0151 231 1613 or email liverpoolcentral@belvoir.co.uk
