New Legislation’s 2018

Some new Legislations 2018 to be aware of

EPC – Energy Performance Ceriticate

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 your Annual Global Turnover.

HMO – House of Multiply Occupancy

• This is a minefield to say the least. I will post a separate blog on this to try 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 central 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.