We strive to provide the most up to date information for our clients. Please see below information provided by Propertymark, the professional body for the property sector, with regards to the Renters Reform Bill.
Propertymark presented evidence at the first sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Renters (Reform) Bill citing member data that demand for rental property was up 32% in August 2023 and underlining the importance of the private rental sector to the UK housing market, which is struggling due to the lack of affordable housing.
Propertymark raised several key areas where amendments should be made to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose as follows:
FIXED TERM TENANCIES
Propertymark stressed the the importance for landlords, tenants, guarantors – and students in particular – to have the option of fixed-term tenancies to give both security and flexibility in the system.
Citing a fixed term gives landlords and tenants a guarantee as to the length of time the tenancy will last. The tenant has security of tenure for the full tenancy period and the landlord knows that rent payments will be made for the whole fixed-term period.
STUDENT TENANCIES
Propertymark stated that more detail is required on the new student ground to be able to assess how it will work in reality. It’s difficult to define a student let due to the many different types of students, varying term times, mixed tenancies, and the needs of overseas students.
Propertymark confirmed they remained sceptical about how the ground will work and suggested that the simplest option would be to retain a fixed-term tenancy option for students and mixed households.
OMBUDSMAN FOR THE PRS
Providing the Property Ombudsman with more teeth should be a priority, Propertymark stated and suggested the UK Government is running before it can walk over creating a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
They urged MPs to sort out gaps in the existing redress schemes for lettings agents and provide a statutory code of practice before creating a new layer of regulation. For example, there is no current requirement or clear guidance for a complaints procedure, which results in inconsistency across the sector.
The variety of management arrangements (fully managed, let only, rent collection etc) means that any major change to systems for redress needs careful consideration.
HOUSING COURTS
Whilst Propertymark confirmed their support for the concept of housing courts, realism suggests that change will be made more quickly within the existing system. Propertymark made suggestions to have tribunals, which can take place in public buildings, and will speed up the process. To help improve the current system, the UK Government need to ‘focus on bailiff capacity’ and ‘to speed up the possession process provide landlords with an automatic right for a High Court Enforcement Officer to enforce the Court Possession.’
More detail and clarity are needed on how the UK Government plan to digitise the court system and improve access to justice for everyone.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (ASB)
Renewed calls were made for a clear definition of ASB which would reduce instances of domestic violence or mental health crisis being treated inappropriately. This would also allow courts to more easily prioritise and deal with genuine cases where suitable evidence could be provided.
COMMONS COMITTEE PROCESS
The first committee session took place without the outgoing and incoming Housing Ministers with the removal of Rachel Maclean, MP, on 13 November as part of a UK Government reshuffle. Maclean has been replaced by Lee Rowley, MP, who has briefly held the position before under Liz Truss’s short premiership.
Propertymark have confirmed that they look forward to engaging with Lee Rowley to help him understand the issues and how they can play a part in forming the Bill to make it fully functioning for agents, landlords and tenants.
The Committee is scheduled to meet each Tuesday and Thursday up to and including 5 December to carry out line-by-line consideration of the Bill and any amendments that are tabled.
Following the Committee stage the Bill will have its Third Reading and it will then pass on to the House of Lords, where it will receive First, Second and Third readings, and go through further Committee and Report stages. The Bill is planned to receive Royal Assent before the next general election.
If you have any questions, please call us on 01730 771222
An elegant, attached 3-bedroom barn conversion with garage and parking which is positioned in the South Downs National Park within easy access of commuter links. This stylish home is beautifully presented, with impressive features to include vaulted ceilings and exposed timbers throughout. The property also benefits from a versatile layout which is ideal for modern living.
Accessed via an entrance vestibule, is an elegant sitting room with a superb, vaulted ceiling and a double-sided log burning stove set within a central brick fireplace. This room has oak flooring which extends into the open plan kitchen/dining room which is an excellent entertaining area with well fitted contemporary kitchen with integrated appliances and granite worktops. There is a main bedroom suite again with feature vaulted ceiling an en suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe cupboard. There are two further bedrooms and a bathroom. In addition, there is an integrated garage with utility area and two loft areas which are boarded and lit.
Outside
The property is approached via a shared access driveway which leads to a garage and two parking spaces. The gardens have been beautifully landscaped and lie to the front of the house. Patio is flanked by lawn which is interspersed with mature shrub specimens and feature planting.
Whilst Landlords have a responsibility when it comes to regular and seasonal maintenance. Tenants also play their part, and it is important to read and understand those responsibilities stated in your tenancy agreement. Tenants should make every effort to protect the home from damage, including reporting any maintenance concerns immediately to the landlord or the managing agent. Keep in mind; landlords could hold tenants liable for any damage caused due to failing to report issues.
1. Check the central heating system
The most common time for boiler issues occurs in autumn. Be proactive and check if your boiler and thermostat are working in readiness for winter.
2. Mould
Prevent mould by keeping the property well ventilated throughout the winter months especially the kitchen and bathrooms.
3.Test Safety Alarms
Even without a fireplace in your rental property, periodically testing the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is critical for safety. These devices are required by law and can be lifesaving in an emergency. If any of the detectors are not functioning properly, alert the landlord or management agency immediately.
4. Prevent Frozen Pipes
Drain exterior pipes and hose pipes for the season. The landlord or managing agent can assist with instructions on locating these valves as needed
5. Open Fires/Log or Multi Fuel Stoves
For safety and efficiency make sure you have the chimneys swept before using fires or wood burning stoves.
£2,750 pcm, excl
Situated on a private rural estate within the South Downs National Park, this pretty detached 3 bedroom flint cottage has been newly renovated throughout and offers bright, versatile family accommodation in the heart of the Meon Valley.
The property has been finished to a high standard and benefits from a large garden and countryside views.
East Meon is easily commutable to Petersfield where there are train services to London and access to the A3.
Price Guide £800,000
This stylish home is well presented, with all the features expected of its Grade II Listing to include inglenook fireplace with bread oven, exposed beams, and detailed sash windows.
The accommodation includes an entrance hall, a cosy sitting room with open fireplace, wood panelling, oak flooring and a family room, currently used as a fourth double bedroom.
There is a superb open plan, well fitted kitchen with Aga, dining area and patio doors to outside. In addition, on the ground floor, there is a utility and cloakroom.
On the first floor are three good sized bedrooms each with fitted wardrobes, and an elegant family bathroom with claw foot bath and shower cubicle.
The garden is another lovely feature with paved sun terrace and lawn bordered by mature beds beyond, all enclosed by a brick and flint wall.
From aspects of the garden are fine views towards the Church and Park Hill.
Contact: Kate Porter on 01730 771222 or katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk for details
£3,350 pcm excl, but including gardening.
A superb family home which is beautifully presented throughout and situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
This attractive property is located in an idyllic rural setting and has approximately 2 acres of grounds to include a landscaped garden, vegetable plot and paddock.
The accommodation is stylish with light and spacious rooms. On the ground floor is the substantial kitchen/dining/family room which has an Aga and doors to the garden, an elegant drawing room with impressive brick-built fireplace with log burning stove and a utility and cloakroom.
On the first floor is the principal bedroom with dressing room and ensuite shower room, four further bedrooms and a family bathroom.
There is private parking and a two-bay garage.
The property is located close to the popular town of Fordingbridge in the New Forest National Park and is perfectly situated for access to a selection of good private schools such as Forest Sandle Manor, Salisbury Cathedral School, Chafyn Grove, Leehurst Swan School, Godolphin School, Dumpton, Embley Park, Canford, Sandroyd and Ballard (all within 15 miles). Good local state schools include Western Downland Primary, Bishops Wordsworth and South Wilts grammar schools.
The nearby towns of Salisbury and Brockenhurst have direct train links into London Waterloo. Both the M3 and the M27 are within easy reach and the A35 provides direct access to Bournemouth and Ringwood.
For full details www.countryhousecompany.co.uk/properties/fordingbridge-new-forest-nr-salisbury-winchester/ or to arrange a viewing please call Jess on 01264 312832
This stylish detached property has high specification fixtures and fittings throughout, is finished to an extremely high standard and is within walking distance of Petersfield town centre and its train station with commuter services to London.
The accommodation is arranged over three floors with bespoke features including a contemporary fully fitted kitchen and utility room, electrically operated blinds, oak storage spaces and two fully fitted walk in wardrobes.
There is under floor heating on all three floors maximising space for furniture, sound proofing between floors, low energy lighting, Freesat / Freeview wiring in most rooms and CAT 6 wiring throughout whilst externally the automated gates incorporate a video entry system for additional security.
Approached by a private road, the property is set within its own gated plot with ample parking and turning for numerous cars, integral garage, fully landscaped garden and large terrace to the rear overlooking the part walled and enclosed garden beyond.
GUIDE PRICE £1.85 Million
A superb five bedroom country residence with approximately four acres of grounds, a stable block, a floodlit menage, a detached garage complex, an outdoor swimming pool and Hot Tub. This versatile home is situated within a glorious setting with spectacular views across the South Downs National Park. Petersfield is 7.5 miles away and has direct train services to London.
This impressive home offers excellent versatility of living space and is ideal for those with an equestrian interest or buyers looking for a home which has all the benefits of country living yet good access to commuter links to London.
The accommodation totals 4,624 sq ft overall including the outbuildings and is light, spacious, and well-presented throughout with magnificent views from almost every room.
There are good equestrian facilities which include a floodlit menage and detached stable block with 2 loose boxes, a tack room and hay barn. There is also separate vehicular access to the stable yard and a holding paddock.
For further information contact Kate Porter on 01730 771222
The Country House Company works closely with Country Estates throughout the South to Let their exclusive portfolio of properties. These houses range in size from farmhouses to cottages and can be ideal for those looking for a degree of tenure security as the landlords are often looking for longer term tenants. Most of the houses within these Estates are period homes with lots of character and are situated in idyllic locations often with access to the surrounding countryside. The Estates also usually have dedicated maintenance teams who are on hand to deal with any issues.
For more information contact Jess on 01730 771222
www.countryhousecompany.co.uk/lettings/properties-available
www.countryhousecompany.co.uk/country-estates