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Wednesday 27th February 2019, SWLA’s Vice Chair attended the liaison group meeting at Torquay Town Hall. Items discussed included the Extension of Mandatory HMO Licencing and it’s progress to date. Also a performance review and updates from police, fire and probation services. Further legislative changes were also discussed.
Steve Lees (SWLA Chair) and Iain Maitland (SWLA Vice Chair) attended a Refugee Awareness Conference at Plumer House, Plymouth on Tuesday 26th February hosted by the Refugee Integration Service. Representatives from Path, Start, ODILS and PDREC were in attendance. The meeting was opened by Councillor Penberthy and the initial address by Matt Garrett (PCC Community Connections Service Director).
Many discussions and workshops took place. There were over 100 delegates in attendance.
Wednesday 24th April 2019 7.30pm
Future Inn Hotel – Plymouth- 1 William Prance Rd, Plymouth PL6 5ZD
Speakers;
Today we have published our new Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement document.
There are a few minor amendments to allow for the changes that are imminent such as the Tenant Fee Bill (01 June 2019) and mandatory 5 year Electrical Installation Safety Checks (date to be confirmed).
The new AST can be found on the members area of our website for free download.
The old SWLA Assured Shorthold Tenancy document (last updated October 2015) is still valid so can still be used for new tenancies. Moving forward, any new tenancies, please use the new revised document where possible.
On 29th January 2019 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that 5 year electrical installation checks will be mandatory on private rented accommodation in England.
The implementation date has not been confirmed. Landlords and Agents will be given at least a 6 month time frame to familiarise themselves before it comes into force. It will be introduced in a phased approach, in year one, all new tenancies will be affected and in year 2 all existing tenancies will come within scope.
Properties that already have a valid electrical installation condition report (EICR) will not need to replace it until 5 years have passed since it’s issue.
Inspectors must hold the correct qualifications and be competent to carry out the inspection. Financial penalties will apply if this is not complied with.
We will update our members with further information as soon as a date of implementation is confirmed by the government.