Letting Agents and Landlords – Are you aware of the latest changes to the law?

Posted by the Property team on 10th December 2015

The changes to the Law when it comes to renting residential properties have been thick and fast in the last couple of years and together with the changes to the legal requirements for businesses to consumers, all Letting and Managing Agents need to be fully aware of their liabilities and responsibilities.

The Deregulation Act 2015 has rectified the confusion brought about by the Superstrike vs Rodrigues Judgment; the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 has confirmed the liability for Landlords to provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within rented properties, together with their ongoing duties and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 has ensured businesses act fairly with consumers and provides requirements relating to cooling-off periods.

All of the above are highly relevant to Letting Agents and Landlords and any default of this new legislation, together with other legislative responsibilities when renting a property can cause difficulties for Letting Agents and their businesses.

At Bennett Griffin we fully understand these liabilities and responsibilities, especially in relation to the ever-changing Law, and we are able to assist Letting Agents in ensuring that any contracts (terms of business) entered into with Landlords not just covers all the relevant legal aspects, but ensures the Landlord is fully aware of their responsibilities and protects the Letting Agent should things go wrong.

The terms of business with your clients are the most important contract you will have and as such you must ensure that all matters are covered and all possibilities discussed so that both parties are aware of their own part to play in the relationship between business and consumer.

We are able to offer a bespoke service with regards to reviewing these terms of business and advising on any amendments required, or drafting a new document. We are also able to provide a detailed document confirming the relevant legislation for Landlords to ensure they are fully aware of what is involved when renting a property.

If you would like to discuss this further, or have any queries then please contact Kate Hallin on 01903 229927 or KLH@bennett-griffin.co.uk

You can also read more about commercial property leasing.