Month: February 2024

After years in the making, it looks like the Renters Reform Bill – the biggest shake-up of the private rental sector in decades – will become a reality in 2024.

 

So, how much do you know about this wide-reaching set of proposals, and are you ready for them?

 

Be prepared

 

Perhaps you’ve read a few articles about the bill but have put off getting to grips with the details (after all, politicians put forward all sorts of proposals, many of which never happen).

 

Or maybe you’ve taken the ostrich approach, hoping it will go away.

 

Whatever your response thus far and whatever you think of the bill’s contents, now’s the time to start preparing for its introduction.

 

Timeline

 

The bill had its first and second reading in the House of Commons last year. It will be scrutinised further by MPs and the House of Lords this year and is then expected to receive royal assent.

 

Insiders suggest the bill could come into effect in October; however, with a general election also on the cards (at some point in 2024), nothing is set in stone. Initially, the new legislation will only affect new tenancies.

 

Main components of the Renters Reform Bill

 

The bill is still subject to amendment, but here’s a general overview. The bill will:

• Abolish fixed-term tenancies.
• Scrap Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
• Bolster Section 8, beefing up the existing grounds under which landlords can regain possession and adding new grounds for possession. Landlords will have grounds to regain possession if they wish to sell up, move into the property or move in close family. They can also evict on the grounds of anti-social behaviour or ‘when tenants wilfully do not pay rent’.
• Allow landlords to increase rents once a year in line with market rates.
• Introduce a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
• Ban landlords from discriminating against people on benefits or who have children.
• Give tenants the right to request to have a pet in the property. Landlords cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ the request, but they can insist a tenant has pet insurance to cover potential damage.

 

Implications

 

The bill undoubtedly represents change. But while some systems and processes will need updating to ensure compliance, proactive and responsible landlords shouldn’t panic.

Conducting thorough reference checks and regular inspections and having a proactive maintenance schedule and good rapport with tenants, remains the best protection.

 

Here at Chamberlains, we’re available to discuss the bill in more detail with Teignbridge landlords interested to know more.

 

We’ve already had several landlords get in touch, keen to find out more about how the expanded Section 8 rules will work in practice given the abolition of Section 21.

 

Contact us to discuss the changes in relation to your specific circumstances.

 

And we’ll be closely following the bill’s progress through Parliament, so stay tuned for further updates.

 

Contact us here at Chamberlains to find out more about the Renters Reform Bill.

Pretty much all of us use some degree of smart technology every day.

And it’s not just our omnipresent mobile phones – intelligent technology can be found everywhere.
From smart speakers to thermostats, doorbells, watches, sleeping aids and many other clever devices.
These can all make our lives a little easier (apparently), but what are the best smart gadgets for helping to improve our health and wellbeing at home?
We’ve trawled the internet and found these five smart ways to create a healthier, happier home.

1) Why weight?
One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is to monitor our weight. Smart scales don’t just tell you how much you weigh; they can also keep you informed about your bone mass, muscle mass, body fat and much more. Mobile phone apps accompany the best ones so you can get updates, alerts and coaching to keep you healthy. A must for any health-conscious home.

2) Something in the air
Smart air purifiers and HVAC systems monitor and improve the air quality in your home, reducing the risk of airborne diseases and allergies. These machines can be particularly beneficial in urban areas, where pollution levels may be higher.

3) Let there be light
Smart lighting systems play a pivotal role in health and wellbeing. These systems can mimic natural light patterns, helping regulate our circadian rhythms, improve sleep quality and boost mood, which is especially useful in winter.

4) Water wonders
Staying well-hydrated is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. And by using intelligent filters that can alert you to the quality of your home’s H2O, you can ensure you’re getting the purest water. The best filters remove any contaminants and provide you with refreshingly clean water.

5) Sleepy time
A good night’s sleep can feel priceless – thankfully, a device called the Dodow, said to help people get to sleep more quickly, won’t set you back too much money. The device is a small disk, and tapping on the top activates a slowly pulsing blue light. This dim light projects onto your ceiling, helping you pace your breath. As the light expands, you inhale and exhale as it contracts.

 

These ideas scratch the surface of how people can use tech to feel healthier, happier and more at home.

Get in touch to learn how we help people in Teignbridge find their happy place.