Solicitor, Catherine Haworth gives guidance on the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
On 20 December 2018, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (HFHHA 2018) received Royal Assent. It will come into force on 20 March 2019 and extends to England and Wales. It will amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
The Act will create an obligation on Landlords to ensure that any properties let on a tenancy of less than 7 years are fit for habitable purposes. If Landlords fail to do so, Tenants will be able to take legal action against them. This will inevitably create added cost to Landlords.
The requirements will apply to new tenancies or new periodic tenancies granted after the 20th March 2019, including tenancies which are currently fixed but become periodic after 20th March 2019.
Catherine’s advice to Landlords is to take steps now to avoid any claims being made. Also, if you are considering purchasing a property as an investment with the intention of granting a tenancy, you may wish to factor in these new requirements to your price negotiations and house hunting.
There are some circumstances in which the requirement does not apply. If you feel this will affect you and you would like some advice on this issue, please contact Catherine Haworth who would be happy to help.
You can contact Catherine at chaworth@gabbs.biz
