From 1 April 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will take effect which will make it unlawful for landlords to grant new leases for properties that are not energy efficient.

As of 1 December 2016, landlords or letting agents will face new criminal penalties in situations where they do not follow the rules surrounding the ‘right to rent’ legislation.

Whether you own one rented property or 20, you need to keep an eye on the maintenance aspects. Tenants will not necessarily deal with them, or even notify you, before they become major problems.

If you are a landlord in England, Wales or Scotland, you have to comply with the Equality Act 2010. This means you have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for a tenant who is or becomes disabled.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 give eligible residential tenants the right to request energy efficiency improvements in their homes from 1 April 2016.

New rules on Stamp Duty Land Tax will apply to investment properties and second homes where the purchase is completed from April 1st. For properties sold at £40,000 or more, 3% more stamp duty than before will apply.

On February 1st 2016, the part of the Immigration Act 2014 concerning right to rent came into force across the whole of England. It is a government measure to stop people living and working here illegally.

Blind related accidents have sadly been responsible for 28 child deaths in the UK since 1999. The deaths are avoidable and EU standards aim to control the manufacture, sale and installation of new blinds to reduce child accidents.

Landlords who wish to ensure tenants are safe and want proof they have managed risk should seriously consider taking steps to properly test the functionality of their smoke and CO2 alarms.

There are numerous rules that need to be adhered to as a landlord in connection with fire regulations. Failure to follow the law can result in significant fines that can easily reach tens of thousands of pounds.

From 1 October 2015 landlords who fail to install smoke and CO2 alarms will be faced with legal action and civil penalties of up to £5,000. Why not take advantage of this FREE smoke and CO2 alarm offer?

When the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) were updated to CDM 2015 on 6th April 2015, changes were introduced affecting all commercial building or renovation works.