Tenants gain powers to sue landlords of poor properties 

Tenants will be able to sue landlords over substandard housing thanks to a new housing Bill that gained Royal Assent late in 2018. The new rules, which can be enforced as early as 20^th March 2019, will give tenants greater reassurances that any property they choose to rent will be fit for habitation, safe and live-able. It is hoped the threat of being sued will encourage landlords to keep their properties in a better condition, as well as prompt letting agents to only take on houses and flats that meet strict standards.

The Robinson Jackson Group’s lettings team is already monitoring the order of properties we manage, taking care to work with landlords who provide safe and welcoming places to live. Tenants are free to call us anytime if they are worried about the condition of their property, as we can provide advice, open a dialogue with the landlord and, in many cases, order repairs. 

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation and Liability for Housing Standards) Bill provides an amendment to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which requires residential accommodation in the rental sector to be provided and maintained to satisfactory standards for human habitation. For more information about standards and compliance in lettings, contact our rental specialists today. 

If you'd like more information about the new ruling, please contact your local office.