Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018

Back to news

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 received Royal Assent on 20 December 2018 and came into force on 20 March 2019.

Basically the act will make sure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’, which means that they are safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm.

Most landlords make sure that the houses and flats they rent out are safe and secure, warm and dry. But some landlords do not, and this means that some tenants live in dangerous or unhealthy conditions. This new law, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, will help these tenants and make sure irresponsible landlords improve their properties or leave the business.

If rented houses and flats are not ‘fit for human habitation’, tenants can take their landlords to court. The court can make the landlord carry out repairs or put right health and safety problems. The court can also make the landlord pay compensation to the tenant.

This means that tenants will have an alternative route for seeking redress rather than relying on their council to prosecute on their behalf. The obligations for the landlord to provide decent housing remain the same, as do the obligations on the tenant to act in a responsible and appropriate manner.

Our experienced and enthusiastic lettings team is committed to working with new and experienced landlords the get the most out of their rental properties and to comply with the ever-changing regulations within the industry to ensure that tenants are living in the best possible homes for them and that landlords are complying with all the regulations. 

To discuss anything with our letting office, please give their office a call : 0116 285 1600

https://www.jamessellicks.com/pages/renting

Contact Us