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 RLA: “Major error” in new section 21 notice

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) claims there is a major drafting error in Government regulations affecting the end of private sector tenancies.

The Deregulation Act, passed prior to the General Election, provides ministers with the power to introduce a new standard form for landlords to complete and provide to a tenant when seeking to regain possession of a property on a no fault basis, known as a section 21 notice.

With the form due to become legally binding from the 1 October, the RLA has written to the housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP, to seek a delay following the revelation of a serious drafting error.

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The standard form, as currently drafted, notes that where a fixed term tenancy ends and then turns into a rolling or periodic tenancy the section 21 notice would only be valid for four months from the date that it is served on the tenant.

This contradicts the Deregulation Act, which makes clear that the required period to regain possession of a property where a tenancy is a rolling or periodic tenancy, should instead be four months from the date the section 21 notice expires.

Despite having engaged thoroughly with the Government on its proposals, the final version of the standard form, published last week, had not been shown to the RLA.

The RLA is warning that the drafting exposes landlords to a legal minefield, and is calling for the implementation of the plans to be delayed to give more time to get them right.

RLA policy director David Smith said: “The RLA continues to share the Government’s ambitions to ensure that all landlords understand and properly implement their legal responsibilities and obligations.

“In light of the major changes being introduced for the sector it is vital that all documents published by the Government are clearly understood. This drafting error will serve only to dent the confidence of landlords in the legislation.

“Whilst ministers are understandably eager not to let these new measures drift, it would make more sense not to rush their implementation than face the potential legal difficulties that will now arise for landlords.”

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