Local Authorities receive more funding to enforce RRA

Renters’ Rights Act enforcement is increasing, with new funding for local authorities and greater powers to act. Manjit Kataora, Foxtons Head of Legal and Compliance, explains what this means for landlords and how to stay compliant.

It’s been announced that Local Authorities across England will receive an extra £41 million in funding to cover costs for new enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Seventeen local authorities received a share of £60 million in total ahead of the Act. The total pot of cash is made up of £41.12 million in new funding following an initial £18.2 million allocated to councils last autumn.

Since 1 May, Local Authorities are under a duty to enforce the new rules being brought in by the Act, with bigger fines and additional penalties in the form of increased Rental Repayment Orders that double the period for which tenants can recover rent from one year to two years.

The title of the government press release deliberately takes aim at rogue landlords. No sensible person would disagree with the need to root out bad actors who put tenants and other vulnerable occupants in danger through failures to comply with safety and compliance standards.

The press release also promises a further £50M to modernise the courts and to digitalise the court process. This topic was the subject of debate – and assurances – throughout the passage of the bill into the Act however few if any changes have actually been made.

The Act introduces intricate and detailed changes to lettings practices and standards. Good landlords will need to ensure they have these issues covered – not only on paper, but in practice - and that they are confident of ensuring compliance so that they do not find themselves exposed to newly-funded Local Authority enforcement action.

You can read the full press release here.

Staying compliant as Renters’ Rights Act enforcement increases

The Renters’ Rights Act is now a clear enforcement priority for local authorities, so getting the detail right matters more than ever.

At Foxtons, we get it done, so you don’t have to. We have spent the last two years preparing for rental reforms, so our teams are fully equipped to meet every requirement of the Renters’ Rights Act on your behalf. We take care of the legislation, the operational detail and the day-to-day communication for your let, so you know everything is covered and correct.

If your property is already tenanted, it does not need to have been originally let through Foxtons for you to benefit. Our team can step in and manage it for you at any stage.

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