Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 was given Royal Assent on the 20th December 2018. It will come into force on 19 March 2019.
You can find the Act here.
The Act requires that residential rented accommodation is provided and maintained in a state of fitness for human habitation. The Act implies a covenant into leases that the property is fit for human habitation when the lease is granted or created, and that the property will remain fit for human habitation during the term of the lease. It applies to leases under which a property is let mainly for habitation if the lease is for a term of less than seven years or is of a kind mentioned in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 section 13 subsection 1A or 1B.
The Act aims to ensure that all rented accommodation is sufficiently maintained so that it can be safely used for accommodation.
It is recommended that property guardian companies review their portfolio to ensure that properties are maintained and that property contracts fulfil these requirements, as the new legislation is likely to apply to all residential occupancy agreements.
Should you have any queries then do get in touch.
This update is for general purposes and guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should seek legal advice before relying on its content. This update relates to the prevailing circumstances at the date of its original publication and may not have been updated to reflect subsequent developments. If you have general queries about our updates, please email: mailinglists@greenwoodsgrm.co.uk