New Human Habitation Law Guidelines

11 March 2019

The government has issued new guidelines for the new Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act coming into effect on 20 March 2019, and this will amend certain sections of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Specifically, it updates the test for what is considered ‘fit for human habitation’.

Most landlords maintain their properties in a good condition to ensure that tenants have a good standard of property to call their home, but this new law means that landlords and their agents have a legal obligation to ensure that properties are fit and suitable at the start of and throughout the course of a tenancy.

Properties will be assessed by their state of repair, stability, natural lighting, ventilation, water supply, drainage and other criteria, and there is the possibility of facing legal for non-compliance.

For advice on the suitability of your property portfolio or for any advice in respect of letting your property, call the professional team at Boococks today on 01422 386376.