Landlords to have to join redress scheme!

The announcement regarding Landlord having to be part of a redress scheme was made by the secretary of state for housing, James Brokenshire. The penalty for not abiding to this will be a fine up to £5000.

Letting agents have had to be mandatory members since 2014, but this is now extending it to private landlords who manage their own portfolio.  I’m sure we all know someone who does this.

The quote from James Brokenshire is below;

‘Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home, and this government is bringing about real change in making renting more secure.

This is particularly important for families and vulnerable tenants who live with the fear of suddenly being forced to move, or fear eviction if they complain about problems with their home. It is also important for landlords who, in a minority of cases, struggle to get their property back when they have reason to do so.

The proposals announced today will help ensure both tenants and landlords can access justice when they need it – creating a fair housing market that works for everyone.’

Meera Chindooroy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Landlords Association (NLA), says:

“It comes as no surprise that private landlords will, as letting agents already must, become members of a redress scheme. The fine of up to £5,000 for failing to do so is in line with what letting agents are charged, which, for once, signals consistency in Government policy.

“It will be interesting to see how the Housing Complaints Resolution Service is developed, how they intend to enforce membership, and whether it will increase the costs of running a lettings business.”

We, at Lawton and Dawe are in full support of ensuring tenants have a sure fire way of reporting landlords who do not take the necessary measures to ensure tenants are protected in the home they rent. There are landlords out there who do not realise the legal obligations needed to abide with the government guidelines, and this is concerning.

While there is no suggestions of cost or policing this system at present, with the current movements in the PRS – we don’t expect this to be long. With the tenant fee ban coming in June, movements are certainly being made through parliament.

Lawton and Dawe prides itself on our thorough management service in order to adhere to all legislation and ensure tenants and landlords alike are protected. For further information on our advice and services, please don’t hesitate to contact us about your property today!