Hello Readers,
After the changes to the How To Rent Guide in March this year, the Government released an updated version of the guide on Monday 2nd October to include details on the new Housing Loss Prevention Service.
In March, the guide was updated to incorporate modifications around the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in each room containing a fixed fuel-burning appliance and the provision of an electrical installation condition report to tenants.
The guide is a crucial document for landlords to provide tenants at the start of their tenancy and without evidence of having done so, eviction proceedings can be overturned in court.
I often find that when taking on new HMOs for landlords onboarding to Home Share that the correct paperwork such as this is not on file, causing something of a legal headache to transition.
You can preview the new How To Rent guide here (with a pink cover!)and my feeling is that it’s a helpful documents for tenants to have.
The gov.uk website comments that: this guide is for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities.
It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the process, including:
- what to look out for before renting
- living in a rented home
- what happens at the end of a tenancy
- what to do if things go wrong
So, what is the Housing Loss Prevention Service I hear you ask! I have done some research and in essence, it means that tenants who are facing eviction or repossession can get free early legal advice on things such as housing, debt and welfare benefit issues before appearing in court. It also continues to mean they can get advice and representation on the day of a hearing.
This new service replaces the Housing Possession Court Duty Service, which only offers ‘on the day’ emergency advice and advocacy. It’s available to anyone regardless of their financial position and you can read more about the service here.
It was launched in August amidst a backdrop of criticism from landlords who were concerned that it could lead to more people losing long and expensive court battles, however I do think it serves to highlight the importance of compliance when letting a property.
What do you think to this new scheme? I’d be interested to hear! You can reach me through LinkedIn here.
Hasan
