Landlords need to prepare for groundbreaking new legislation, says The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). Landlords of homes with occupants in multiple occupation need to be aware that, as of 6th April this year, they will need to apply for a licence in order to let their properties.
Landlords of homes in multiple occupancy (HMOs), for example properties where five or more students or other sharers live in multi-storey accommodation, may be required to fulfil certain set criteria and pay a licence fee in order to continue letting their properties.
The Government is implementing the licences as part of the Housing Act 2004. Landlords who do not comply with the new legislation will forfeit their right to serve section 21 notices, meaning that they will be unable to regain vacant possession of their property.
Chief executive of the NAEA, Peter Bolton King, says; "The NAEA has been holding seminars around the country to educate and train its members on the intricacies of this new legislation. Agents who do not belong to a professional body like the NAEA are unlikely to be able to help landlords with the process. We applaud the Government for taking this important step to reform the private rented sector".
