Whilst attention was largely focused on tackling the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, new laws were still implemented that affected the lettings industry. Indeed, the pandemic seems to have provided the excuse to fast-forward into law a few matters that were previously only ‘on the horizon’ and, as such, 2021 looks set to be another busy year for landlords.
Letting agents must have Client Money Protection – confirmed
The deadline for this mandatory requirement has been pushed back twice in the past few years, but a firm date of 1st April 2021 now exists. From that date, all letting agents must have Client Money Protection, which covers the misappropriation of their landlords’ and tenants’ money. So, check your letting agent has it in place!
Electrical safety checks – confirmed
Since 1st July 2020, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must have been carried out (and a copy provided to the tenants) when starting a new tenancy. From 1st April 2021, EICR’s will become mandatory for all tenancies.
Changes to stamp duty – confirmed
In July 2020 the stamp duty exemption rate was increased from £125,000 to £500,000. Although landlords are still subject to the 3% additional property surcharge, it has meant big savings have been on offer on property purchases (of upto £15,000). This is set to end on 31st March, although it’s quite possible that this period will be extended. What is confirmed though is that, from 1st April, all non-UK residents will be liable for an additional 2% stamp duty surcharge.
Changes to Section 21 – highly likely
Emergency legislation in light of Covid-19 currently means landlords must provide tenants with six months’ notice (compared to the normal two months). This is set to end on the 31st March, but it’s likely that political pressure will see this period extended. Worryingly for landlords, this ‘temporary’ measure could set the way for the full abandonment of the current ‘no fault’ Section 21 notice system. This has been lobbied for by pro-tenant groups and discussed for years, and would result in all evictions needing to go through the courts (which are already stretched beyond capacity…).
Increase in tax – highly likely
Nothing has been confirmed in this regard, but Rishi Sunak did say that tax increases in 2021 were “inescapable” after the vast sums of money spent dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. One likely candidate is Capital Gains Tax, whereby the rates are increased to match those of the income tax bands (for which many landlords are now in higher brackets, due to the full ramifications of the ‘Section 24’ mortgage interest relief changes being felt).
Changes to Right to Rent – likely
Since February 2016, landlords in England have had to check their prospective tenants’ immigration status to ensure they had the right to live in the UK. Brexit has brought in a new points-based system, but landlords have been told to continue with the existing checks until 30th June. Guidance for what to do after then is due to be released in the Spring.
No more ‘no pets allowed’ – likely
A bill has been put forward that would allow tenants to have a pet without requiring their landlord’s approval. Whilst I am typically pet-friendly as a letting agent / landlord, some people and types of property simply aren’t suited to having a certain type, or number, of pets. Many landlords also simply do not like being dictated to, as further control about their property gets taken away from them.
Further impact from coronavirus & Brexit – who knows!!
Whilst no one knows what the future holds, we can at least prepare ourselves for what might happen. Those who are able to adapt to the frequently changing world of lettings should be well-placed to cater for the growing number of tenants, at a time when the number of landlords and available properties is decreasing.
