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Review compliance procedures or risk prosecution, landlords warned

A warning has been issued to landlords about a crackdown on compliance issues surrounding property management.

No Letting Go, the country’s largest provider of inventory services, says a crackdown is now underway with local authorities and their Trading Standards divisions now taking an even stricter approach to enforcement of compliance obligations.

The supplier cites three recent cases where landlords or agents were hit with fines ranging from £48,000 to no less than £330,000 because of compliance failures; to add to the threat to landlords, earlier this year 100 local councils were awarded an additional £4m to increase rental sector enforcement. 

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“Enforcement of legislation and regulations is rising and there is a lot at stake for property professionals” explains Nick Lyons, Founder and CEO of No Letting Go.

“Compliance has become an integral part of the property management process and property professionals need to ensure all rental properties are safe, in a habitable condition and meeting the rising number of sector regulations.”

Specifically he advises that every three to six months there should be a rental property inspection conducted by either the landlord or their agent. 

Lyons continues: "Tenants generally report serious issues, but often fail to report minor issues until it's too late, That's why it's crucial that agents and landlords carry out regular inspections. What's more, evidence of inspections through mid-term reports can be invaluable if tenants are not looking after the property and further action is needed, or if the local authority is considering taking enforcement action.”

In practical terms, he advises landlords to include photographs and notes on the overall condition of the property and its contents, as well as checks on who is living there, any maintenance work that needs doing, and whether there’s smoking and pets within the property.

 

 

"During the national lockdown, we have carried out virtual property visits, where a physical visit has not been possible, to ensure properties are in good condition. However, as lockdown measures continue to ease, visiting the property in person - in a Covid-compliant manner - is hugely valuable for letting agents and landlords" he says.

"It's also important to consider how mid-term reports are recorded. Having no audit trail could lead to problems further down the line, while storing reports online provides a quick and easy way to monitor activity and recall details of past inspections if required."

According to Lyons, mid-term inspections should be complemented by a comprehensive inventory compiled at the start of the tenancy to ensure the condition and contents of the landlord's property is documented, while checking for potential compliance issues and hazards such as smoke alarms, damp or poor living conditions.

Want to comment on this story? If so...if any post is considered to victimise, harass, degrade or intimidate an individual or group of individuals on any basis, then the post may be deleted and the individual immediately banned from posting in future.

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    There is no Management we are my allowed to Manage all LL’s Rights removed now they Regulators wants more soft Cash.

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    Is there one massive national finger going around pointing at all landlords? Everyday there seems to be more and more ”you musts, they need to, they will, we need more compliance and warnings”. What other sector is seeing this “bashing” despite the fact the majority of landlords are offering good quality accommodation?

    I just wonder if the councils endure the same amount of scrutiny or prosecution ... I don’t think so!

  • George Dawes

    Incompetent public sector biting the hand that feeds it

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    Inspection every three months? What about tenants right to quiet enjoyment

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    i'd agree with a first 3 month inspection. But as you get to know your tenant you can increase or decrease the amount of visits, dependent on the tenant.
    With this aggressive stance from Councils, as long as it is within the law, not a problem.

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