From new Covid-19 measures to rising demand, here’s what you need to be aware of if you’re renting this year.
Contents
- New government guidance to stop the spread of Covid-19 when renting
- New laws introduced making it easier for people to rent with pets
- New laws around energy efficiency standards and tighter carbon monoxide safety rules to come into force in 2022
- A new generation of renters
- Rent prices hit a 13 year high
Renting or looking to rent this year? This blog will supply you with all the knowledge you’ll need, so you can comfortably make the right decisions.
1. New Covid-19 measures
The government has released new guidance to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in rented homes. Renters are advised to make sure their homes are well ventilated when guests visit. This includes landlords, letting agents and workmen.
The government guidance suggests keeping windows or doors on opposite sides of the room open during the visit. Ensure that all small vents and grilles at the top of windows are open and unblocked.
IF someone in your household is displaying Covid-19 symptoms you cannot have repairs or safety inspections. Unless the repairs are to fix something that is healthy and safety hazard to yourself or the public.
2. New energy efficiency rules are coming
Good news, renters in England and Wales can look forward to having more energy efficient homes and potentially lower gas and electricity bills (sadly not straight away).
The new rules dictate that all rental properties must have an energy performance rating of a C or above.
Many rental properties around the country might require the following to meet the new government standards:
- Double glazed windows
- More efficient boiler
- Additional insulation
The government is expected to give landlords an extra year until 2026 for new rental agreements, and until 2028 for existing ones.
3. It’s easier to have a pet in your home
The government has changed its model tenancy agreement so that landlords can no longer issue blanket bans on pets. This is good news for all pet-lovers in rental homes.
The change means landlords can only refuse to let you have well-behaved pets if there is a
valid reason, such as a lack of space.
It’s important to note that you still need to ask your landlord if you can have a pet.
4. Carbon monoxide safety rules are getting stricter
Landlords are now required to install carbon monoxide detectors in any homes with gas boilers or gas fires. The detectors must also be fixed or replaced if they are faulty.
This will hopefully bring an end to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and allow renters to feel safer in their homes.
5. Renters are getting older
The proportion of people aged between 55 and 64 years old who are renting in the private sector has doubled during the past decade.
This is probably due to the high property prices making it harder to buy a property and people divorcing later in life.
6. Increased competition for rental homes in cities
The number of people looking for rental homes in cities is increasing but there has been a fall in new properties coming on to the market.
Zoopla’s latest research found demand is currently 43% higher than the five-year average, but the number of homes available is 43% lower.
The mismatch has led to rent increases hitting a 13-year high.
The typical cost of renting a home across the UK, excluding London, now stands at £809 per month.
Rents outside of London are expected to continue to rise during 2022, to end the year 4.5% higher than they started it.
Click here If you have any questions about the content in this blog or need some advice when renting.
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