Forever Changing Legislation for Renting Properties

New Legislation 2018

EPC – Energy Performance Certificate

As from the 1st April 2018 there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private
rented sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of E. The regulations will come into force for
new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st
April 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating,
unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches.

GDPR: Our data protection laws are changing: 25TH May 2018

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to all companies, anywhere in the world, which
process any information about EU citizens. It is global in reach and introduces a new , broader definition of
what ‘personal information’ means.
• Applies to any organisation that handles the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of whether the
organisation is based in EU or not
• Extended regulatory powers to enforce penalties
• HUGE punitive fines for non-compliance of up to €20m or up to 4% of y our Annual Global Turnover.

HMO – House of Multiply Occupancy

• This is a minefield to say the least. I will post a separ ate blog on this to tr y to explain the complexity of
this Regulation and the newest update.
However what you should be aware of in 2017, there was an important change to the way HMO is
now handled. If the council find you in breach of HMO standards, they will fine you. Before 2017 these
monies would be sent to centr al government – But now all monies from fines, stay with our local council.
Which has encouraged all councils to be a lot more proactive in fining landlords if they are in breach.