Saturday 9 February 2019

Housing Laws are changing

A new law will come into effect on 20th March that will allow tenants the right to sue private landlords if they are failing to keep their homes up together.

The Homes (Fitness for human habitation) Act will allow residents to go to the courts if their accommodation is not maintained well enough. This will apply to residencies of less than seven years.

Issues that are considered as part of this new act include.
  • Repair
  • Stability
  • Damp
  • Internal Arrangement
  • Natural Lighting
  • Ventilation
  • Water Supply
  • Drainage and sanitary conveniences
  • Facilities for preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water
  • Hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating Scheme
It includes properties that are too hot or too cold and those that have issues with noise alongside those issues listed above.

Tim Ball and Sarah Moore will be working with local residents to help them understand where to go for help if their properties are not being adequately maintained and what these new laws will mean for them.