February 1, 2023 | Mariel Roe
Landlords, Are You Prepared For The Year Ahead?
Over the last few years, the property rental sector has seen a lot of changes. For landlords, dealing with changes to requirements hasn’t been easy, and now, 2023 looks set to hold many more significant changes.
To ensure you’re prepared for the year to come, our expert lettings team at Properly has put together the most up-to-date news so that you are well-informed.
Increased Minimum EPC Ratings For Commercial Rental Properties
As of 1st April 2023, there will be a change in the required minimum EPC rating for every commercial rental property. From that date, the minimum rating for energy performance must be at least an E, and preferably higher. Although 2018 saw the increase in rating requirements for private rental properties under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, only renewals and brand-new commercial leases are currently required to have an E rating, however, this will be extended to every commercial let from 1st April.
It’s also a good idea to start planning ahead since there are Government plans afoot to introduce even more changes in December 2025, requiring that new tenancies have a minimum energy rating of C from that date, and from 2028, this requirement is set to be rolled out to all tenancies. Therefore, if you’re a landlord, it’s certainly time to start thinking about making some energy-efficient improvements to your rental property in the near future.
Increased Licensing Schemes
In some areas of the country, there are already licensing schemes in place. These require landlords to make an application for a licence that will permit them to put their property on the rental market. In recent years, we have seen more schemes being introduced, and in 2022, more than fifty new schemes were launched.
2023 looks set to see many more selective licensing schemes appearing, targeting areas where over a fifth of all properties are rentals, or areas that experience high crime and deprivation levels.
The Renters Reform Bill
In June 2022, a white paper from the government announced the “Renters Reform Bill” which outlined the commitment from the government to deliver a more secure, higher-quality, and fairer private rental sector. Predicted to be the most significant shake-up in the rental sector for three decades, the Bill outlined some enormous changes including:
Abolishing Section 21
Introducing a Decent Homes Standard to improve property safety.
Putting in place a mandatory new Ombudsman for renters and landlords.
As yet, no official date has been given for bringing these changes into force. However, it’s expected that 2023 will see more announcements on the subject.
Staying Up To Date With The Latest Changes
Whether you’re a private or commercial landlord, it’s never been more important to stay up to date with the changes in the sector. Fortunately, you can count on our expert team to keep you abreast of the latest news.
Get in touch with us today on 0207 459 4400 or at mariel@properly.space to find out more about how we can make your life as a landlord easier.
London Youth work to improve the lives of young people in London, challenging them to become the best they can, and last year helped over 27,000 young people through their sports development, youth action and involvement, arts and outdoor education programmes and employment prospects. We feel strongly that all young people should have an opportunity to develop themselves, and so are delighted to be able to support London Youth in their work, providing young people with access to opportunities they might not otherwise have had, to learn new skills, to make a positive change in their communities and to shape the city they live in.
Glass Door helps homeless men and women in London through their large network of emergency shelters and support services. These winter shelters provide a warm welcome, food, safety and shelter for up to 170 people every night. Properly feels passionately about the issue of homelessness. That is why we are delighted that together with our clients we can assist Glass Door in their fantastic work to help some of the most marginalised people in society.
Families become homeless for reasons we can all identify with. We are concerned about people who are struggling to keep things together in our fast-paced world – and we care about those who have no support. We chose the Doorstep Homeless Family Project because they are passionate and effective yet they are a small team with limited funding. They provide homeless families, living in temporary accommodation in London, with access to services to secure the emotional and practical support they require to enjoy a better quality of life.
We need nature and nature needs us. We support The London Wildlife Trust because we share its concern for the environment. We want to ensure that we keep nature in mind as we work in the property market – and crucially, with people’s homes. We also want our employees to engage with nature and benefit from the wellbeing this brings. London Wildlife Trust cares for over 37 of London’s spaces, and their vision is: “a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife”.
We had the opportunity to interact with Michael of Properly in our search for a new rental flat. Michael was professional and courteous in our dealings with him. He was a pleasure to interact with and he frankly stood out amongst all the agents we interacted with over a search of several weeks.
I was very impressed with the service I received. Communication throughout was very good. I have dealt with many agents, but the clear, concise and personable approach I received made Properly stand out. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
Both Michael and Mariel were extremely helpful with our questions going forward whether it be regarding referencing or the property itself. Definitely not the usual estate agent experience (in a good way) and I would recommend Properly to anyone.
Mariel and Michael made the process of agreeing a housing let incredibly seamless, stress-free and quick. Their timely communication and fantastic ‘customer service’ was second to none. Would highly recommend
The service is outstanding. Mariel could not be more helpful and professional. Every individual I engaged with, was well informed and had the full history of conversations. First class service.
Mariel and Michael have been absolutely great, by far my best ever experience with an estate agent. Properly is honest, upfront and friendly, responding really quickly to any and all queries and with a lovely personal touch.
The level of customer service I received at Properly with Mariel and her team was frankly outstanding. It’s lovely when people genuinely care and go the extra mile which certainly they did. I couldn’t recommend them more highly, the most pleasurable property experience ever for me.
I cannot recommend this estate agent enough. Michael and Mariel have been very good to us throughout the process and have made sure everything has been as smooth as possible. They have gone above and beyond to ensure everything was dealt with and in a timely manner too. A great experience throughout!