Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation)

Guild for landlords: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

The legislation has been with us for just over a year now and some landlords are starting to feel its affect with local council imposing improvement notices.

For most professional landlords it’s hard to believe that some local properties with Tipton, Great Barr and The Delves are still in a poor state and its little wonder find cause for complaint

The team at Belvoir letting Agents Wednesbury would like to share with all landlords that new and additional legislation with Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) came into effect on 20^th March 2019. For the professional landlords that maintain their portfolio to a good standard, you will perhaps not notice any difference. 

However – In the last year the new legislation has started to prove problematic to landlords with property within Tipton, Walsall or West Bromwich that is clearly of poor quality.

Belvoir Letting Agents Wednesbury have already been working with landlords to ensure that properties are meeting the requirements of the legislation. They include areas related to:

·       Repair

·       Stability

·       Damp

·       Internal arrangement

·       Natural lighting

·       Ventilation

·       Water supply

·       Drainage and sanitary conveniences

·       Facilities for preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water

·       Hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System

The Act came into force on 20 March 2019. It is designed to ensure that all rented accommodation is fit for human habitation and to strengthen tenants’ means of redress against the minority of landlords who do not fulfil their legal obligations to keep their properties safe.

In the last 12 months the lettings team at Belvoir Letting Agents Wednesbury have assisted a number of landlords whose property fell below the required standards with the legislation.

The lettings team at Belvoir Letting Agents Wednesbury know full well that this may raise concerns for a number of landlords with property within Bilston, Gospel End and Walsall. However, Belvoir Letting Agents Wednesbury are available for free advice for landlords are reminded that the team are available at Belvoir lettings Agents Wednesbury to provide advice with the new Legislative Act.

For the full details of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018/guide-for-landlords-homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018