10:09 AM, 5th August 2024, About 4 months ago 94
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Labour is looking to prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have nowhere else to live, the Telegraph reports.
It says government ministers will propose imitating a French scheme which has ‘hardship tests’ that must be followed before an eviction is allowed.
The rule effectively bans evictions that would leave a tenant worse off.
Supported by housing minister Matthew Pennycook, the rule is aimed at reducing homelessness.
Labour is also, the newspaper highlights, in talks about the proposals to reintroduce a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) of C for the private rented sector.
The Telegraph says the moves will raise fears of a new ‘war on landlords’ which includes losing tax breaks on mortgage interest, more red tape and stamp duty surcharges.
The newspaper says that the housing minister wants to amend the new Renters’ Rights Bill to include the hardship test.
When the Renters (Reform) Bill was making its way through Parliament, Mr Pennycook tried adding an amendment to make it harder for tenants to be evicted.
That would have seen a judge refuse a possession order if it would lead to ‘greater hardship’ to a tenant.
The amendment highlighted three issues when the hardship rule would be met: a tenant losing their job if evicted, a tenant who has terminal cancer and if the eviction leads to homelessness.
Mr Pennycook’s amendment failed to make it in the RRB, but Labour now has a 174-seat majority in Parliament.
The Telegraph also highlights that Labour will reintroduce EPC targets for landlords with a 2030 deadline.
Many landlords will be looking at expensive upgrades, but the government might have a £10,000 cap on costs.
However, those close to the discussions say that Labour might choose a higher cap – or none at all.
The EPC plans for landlords would, the Conservative MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman, be ‘unfair’.
He also told the newspaper that the target for energy efficiency was ‘not practical’.
Mr Blackman also said that many PRS properties cannot be upgraded which would see landlords sell-up.
He also warns that the costs would be put onto tenants with higher rents.
The MP also says that the hardship test would be unfair for landlords who are providing a service.
A government spokesperson told the Telegraph: “The private rented sector is in desperate need of reform, and our Renters’ Rights Bill will make renting fairer for all.
“The energy shocks of recent years have also shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes so we can secure our energy independence and reduce fuel poverty.
“Responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants have nothing to fear from the sensible overhaul of private rented sector regulation we intend to implement.”
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Tomas Zukauskas
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Sign Up8:59 AM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
I come to UK from Lithuania, I been born in SSSR and I came to UK for better live,freedom, democracy. Been working my ass of for last 15 years as HGV driver, Usually 60-80 hours every week, I work at nights to be paid more and I save every single penny. And in those 15 years I manage to buy my own house and 3 BTL properties,... I have some problems with my health because I worked to long hours at nights, and those properties means everything to me. I look to Labour policy,s very seriously is not joke it could destroy my live personally and many others people lives. Because I born in SSSR communist country I know differences between capitalism and Communism very well... In Capitalist Uk country I worked hardest I ever done,but I done with a smile, I done work for my future for my kids future. In communist country they force you to work because otherwise is no incentive. And you know what since Labour come to power I loosing my incentives because I don't know what will happen. I cut my working hours strongly and work 4 days a week instead of 6. I am still relatively young lad and have a lot to give for country,but where is my incentive? I start contemplating leaving this country, at the same time when hundreds of thousands people crossing the channel to rob and claim benefits, Immigrants like me,hard working folks leaving in thousands. A few months ago I visited country where I born Lithuanian. And OMG how it changed over the years Brilliant infrastructure,low crimes, a lot of jobs minimum and average salary for last 5 years rising more then 10% for each year!!! More than 60% in a 5 year!!!! And what's interesting about that country,because of the past,because it was in SSSR everyone there hates Communism and it's extremely free capitalist country with low taxation,and last time I been in Lithuania I checked rental yields is similar to UK, finances(Mortgages) is easily accessible because it's part of EU and interest rates lower than UK,but you don't need to be worried about labour,about nonsensical policies,about high taxes. Economy is booming,no crimes and salary is rising very fast. Like I mentioned before I have 3 BTL and my own house in UK, currently I have savings and try to quess where I will buy my next property? If it get worst in UK I will sell BTL here and buy them in Lithuania,They have shortage of accomodation to and if UK don't need my Capital, Lithuania will be very happy to accept it.
Carchester
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Sign Up9:02 AM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 05/08/2024 - 15:12
In L&T actions a Judge can ruin you for life in 10 minutes .
Legal mafios now aided by the Labour loonies.
Carchester.
Carchester
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Sign Up9:09 AM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Frank Jennings at 05/08/2024 - 22:48
Spot on.
Carchester
Northampton Landlord
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Sign Up10:20 AM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Everyone has missed the proposed introduction C rated rental properties.
2030 a year after the next election.
Will this demand be quietly dropped after the next election regardless of who wins?
Mass homelessness in pursuit of a piece of "Green Dogma."
Time to reform the EPC system.
I have just checked 5 flats in the same building constructed in 1988.
The same assessor placed differing flats in categories E to C at differing dates.
Assessor has retired.
So no consequences for him.
PH
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Sign Up10:29 AM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
So if you own your property(s) outright with no major financial outgoings and making a few hundred on each every month would you sell up even given what may be heading our way from this government ?
I am in this position a few years from retiring with a decent pension + state pension. I'm waiting to see how laws are going to change but very interested in other people's views.
Alison Clark
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Sign Up13:00 PM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 05/08/2024 - 18:17
Hi my letting agent advised not to increase the rent in case the tenant goes into rent arrears (I did ask for a rent review, tenant has 2 children to support and said he couldn’t afford the extra rent £50om) the drama which would follow if this was the case. I have taken that advice as this would probably push me over the edge on top of every other breach. Have I don’t the right thing?
Alison Clark
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Sign Up13:05 PM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 05/08/2024 - 18:31
Hi what is the approx costs from start to finish please if going to court/bailiffs. I need to budget for this! Thank you.
Alison
Judith Wordsworth
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Sign Up17:15 PM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 05/08/2024 - 15:12
They can by refusing to grant the landlord possession
Judith Wordsworth
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Sign Up17:16 PM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 05/08/2024 - 15:44
It will not likely be a clause in the RRB but as an Executive instruction to the Judiciary
Judith Wordsworth
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Sign Up17:20 PM, 10th August 2024, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Phil T at 10/08/2024 - 07:37
It’s not even really viable when the properties are unencumbered