One of the most important tasks for a landlord is staying in touch with legislative changes. This isn’t easy, but at Just Lets Peterborough, we aim to manage these issues for you.
1st October 2022 is a big date for the letting sector, with legislative changes occurring in two key areas.
Changes in managing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental property
Paul Offley is the compliance officer at The Guild of Property Professionals and he has spoken about the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, and the changes from 1st October 2022.
All rental properties must have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in a room where there is a combustion appliance, other than a gas cooker, installed.
Paul Offley said; “Lettings agents should be in the process of making sure that all of their managed stock has the required alarms and meets the requirements. All alarms must be tested and working on the day the tenancy commences and either the landlord or agent will need to demonstrate this.”
Changes in managing Right To Rent checks
There are also Right To Rent changes occurring on the same date, making this a big day for landlords.
Paul Offley spoke about the changes in Right To Rent, saying; “The Home Office introduced new measures during Covid to allow for right to rent checks to be completed virtually. This comes to an end from the beginning of next month. From 1 October, the adjusted right to rent checks will end but new measures are being introduced. Letting agents will still be able to check an approved document to confirm a tenant or permitted occupier has an unlimited right to rent in the UK. Agents will need to see the tenant and the document in person as they would have pre-Covid, and this must be completed before the tenancy commences.”
It is important to note it is possible to use the online landlord checking service provided by the Home Office, but this requires approval from the tenant. The tenant provides a share code, granting access to their status.
Paul Offley added; “Letting agents can work with one of the new IDSP’s [Identity Service Providers], which are approved by government and are able to assist with Right to Work and Right to Rent identification. Using one of these providers will mean that the agent does not need to obtain any documents themselves. As of today, there are only a few IDSP’s approved for Right to Rent, however, I suspect more will follow in the near future. Important that if agents are using this method then they should check the Government website to ensure the provider has approval status for ‘right to rent’ checks. With the new changes shortly underway, it is worth it for lettings agents to review their processes and check that all is in order and compliant for new tenancies starting from 1 October.”
Just Lets – Here to Help
If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.
The team at Just Lets Peterborough continue to operate remotely to ensure we can continue to serve you and your tenants throughout this covid period and beyond. Please contact us through our usual channels – email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.
