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Homes (Fitness for human habitation) Bill receives Royal Assent 21/12/2018 Labelled as Regulation

Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords of both social and privately rented properties must make sure that their properties meet certain standards at the beginning and throughout a tenancy. If they fail to do this, tenants have the right to take legal action.

 

First introduced as a Private Members' Bill by Karen Buck MP, the Bill received support from the Government in its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent on 20 December 2018.

 

The Act ensures:

 

  • That all landlords (both social and private sector) must ensure that their property is fit for human habitation at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout; and
  • Where a landlord fails to do so, the tenant has the right to take legal action in the courts for breach of contract on the grounds that the property is unfit for human habitation.

 

The Government also consulted on proposals for "Strengthening consumer redress in the housing market" in February 2018 looking at how to make seeking redress clearer and simpler for consumers.

 

That consultation has now closed but the Government have still not yet published their response to that consultation but are expected to publish their response and further proposals early in the New Year. Watch out for further details in future ARCH Bulletins.

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