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Regulation\Legislation
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Esther McVey - who is the new housing minister?
26 July, 2019
ormer TV presenter Esther McVey MP has been named the new housing minister, taking over the reins from Kit Malthouse
Licensing scheme to improve Bristol's rental housing standards
26 July, 2019
An initiative that aims to improve housing and management standards for multiple occupancy, privately rented properties in 12 of Bristol's central wards started this week
Changes to possession rules
26 July, 2019
Changes to possession rules and their impact on landlords and tenants
Seven people in a one bed property
26 July, 2019
Seven people in a one bed property - hefty fine for buy to let investor
Property remains a good 'long-term investment'
25 July, 2019
Although new capital gains tax rules could cost some landlords thousands of pounds when they sell up, property is still a relatively safe long term investment
Landlord ordered to pay more than £5k for overcrowded property in Nottingham
25 July, 2019
A private landlord in Nottingham has appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to breaching a prohibition order
'Vilified' McVey moves into housing
25 July, 2019
Her "boss" will be a 37-year-old former corporate lawyer and Christie's director fresh from the Treasury
Man spent housing benefit on 'other things' - then demanded compensation from council
25 July, 2019
Watchdog said council failed over payments notification but ruled resident was responsible for his own finances
Calls for councils to help people move home in later life
25 July, 2019
Report also outlines the need for national government to prioritise accessible housebuilding and reinstall funding for a "national advice service"
Redress scheme warning for estate and letting agents
25 July, 2019
Following a recent tribunal where an agency was not signed up to a redress scheme for its property management work, only its letting agency work, all estate and letting agents are being urged to check they are signed up with an approved redress scheme that covers the full remit of their work
Johnson doesn't see housing in 'vision' for future UK
25 July, 2019
No direct reference to housing as a policy priority in first Commons statement from new PM
ALMO under review following Home Standard breach
24 July, 2019
A council in the North East has placed its ALMO under review after the regulator identified serious fire, asbestos and electrical safety failings among its housing stock
Call of the Week-responsibility for maintaining gardens
24 July, 2019
Summer is here and with that there are bound to be a plethora of barbeques, swimming pools and sun-loungers filling the gardens up and down the country
Universal Credit pilot to launch
24 July, 2019
Today, regulations will come into force to enable the delivery of a Universal Credit migration pilot based in Harrogate
Company landlords now own almost 650,000 rental properties
24 July, 2019
Some 12% of properties in the private rented sector are now owned by a company as tax changes make private landlords feel the pinch
Revealed: the safest BTL investment areas based on crime levels and rental yields
23 July, 2019
Rental yields tend to increase in areas with higher crime rates, according to new research
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments
23 July, 2019
Analysis of end of year returns from Local Authorities
Report urges Stamp Duty abolishment to help thousands up property ladder
23 July, 2019
The move is said to save a normal family buying an average priced home of £228,000 around £2,080 on their purchase
Edinburgh calls for short-term lets licensing regime
23 July, 2019
The City of Edinburgh Council has set out its case for a licensing regime to be introduced for properties being rented out for more than 28 days in a calendar year
The Section 21 Consultation
22 July, 2019
Over the weekend the Government published a consultation on plans to axe Section 21-so called 'no fault' repossessions in the private rented sector
High demand for rental homes following introduction of the tenant fee ban
22 July, 2019
There has been a significant rise in tenant demand in recent weeks after the change to tenant fees came in on 1st June, new figures show
Industry rages against Labour's
22 July, 2019
Calls by Labour's London Mayor Sadiq Khan to secure powers to implement private sector rent controls are facing increasing opposition
31% of ALMO Right to Buy stock not replaced in 2018
05 April, 2019
The latest National Federation of ALMOs annual report has shown the sector is still struggling with replacing stock sold through the Right to Buy
Two landlord in West Sussex lose appeal against CPNs
05 April, 2019
Two landlords who let substandard properties in Lancing and Southwick have had their appeals against Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) rejected
Fightback Begins: council's £1,200 licensing fee provokes backlash
05 April, 2019
One of the most pro-licensing local authorities in the country has extended its own scheme to include the entire centre of Bristol - but it's now seeing a backlash
Major affordable housing projects announced for London
05 April, 2019
The £63m transformation in the heart of the borough's Alperton Housing Zone is expected to get underway this month
Study reveals threat of unregulated short-term lets to PRS
04 April, 2019
Analysis suggests that Airbnb alone has over 77,000 lets in Greater London
'Fleecehold' : Calls to regulate homeowner charges
04 April, 2019
The amount of money homeowners can be charged for maintenance work by housing developers should be regulated by the Welsh Government, an AM has said
Landlord ordered to pay £29,000 for harassing two tenants out of their homes
04 April, 2019
A private landlord in Telford has been ordered to pay £29,000 in costs and fines for harassing two tenants out of their properties
TDS is latest to produce tools to help agents through Fees Ban
04 April, 2019
Tenancy Deposit Scheme is the latest player in the private rental sector to launch online tools to help letting agents cope with the Fees Ban
Peers call for tax relief for rental home improvements
04 April, 2019
Landlords are welcoming calls today by a parliamentary committee for tax incentives for private landlords to improve the quality of their property
Councils say homelessness act not adequately funded
04 April, 2019
Up to 67% of councils feel they lack the funding to meet new duties to tackle homelessness, analysis has found
UC creates 'systematic indebtedness' for new claimants
04 April, 2019
A SFHA survey reveals levels of arrears for tenants is much higher when they claim Universal Credit
Housing First gathers pace in Scottish cities
03 April, 2019
Scotland could be free from most visible, acute forms of homelessness "within three years"
Private landlords face £1,200 fee to rent homes in Bristol
03 April, 2019
Private landlords will need to pay £1,200 for a licence to rent their properties as part of council efforts to improve living standards for tenants
Northampton family will withhold rent until housing association helps with black mould in their house
03 April, 2019
After trying to treat the problem themselves the couple now really want the help of their housing association to get rid of the black mould in their house
Three million homes needed to end homelessness
03 April, 2019
A year ago, the government hailed the Homelessness Reduction Act as "the most ambitious legal reform in decades" - as it rolled out new duties on councils to prevent and relieve homelessness
Rogue landlords to stop exploiting students minister warns
03 April, 2019
In a speech to students, Universities Minister Chris Skidmore warns that landlords who fail to meet basic standards of living for student accommodation must face justice under new regulations
'Flippant' DWP minister apologises to Parliament
02 April, 2019
Justin Tomlinson admits "inadvertent" factual blunders made during a debate on the benefits freeze
Private sector hits out at 'arbitrary rent caps'
02 April, 2019
The government's "tsunami of legislation" also came under fire at the ARLA Propertymark conference
Platform removes housing benefit lending restrictions
02 April, 2019
Platform has removed all letting conditions that restrict landlords letting to tenants who receive housing benefit
A good time to be a landlord in London as renters seek long-term tenancies
02 April, 2019
A growing number of renters in the capital are looking for longer-term tenancies as home ownership becomes increasingly out of reach for many Londoners
Call of the Week: Letting agents and court applications
02 April, 2019
This week we received a call from one of our members who is new to being a letting agent
Gas Safe Register responds to NLA concerns
02 April, 2019
Gas Safe Register's CEO, Jonathan Samuel, has responded to the National Landlords Association's concerns about gas safe engineers' lack of knowledge about new legislation
Almost half of tenants claim poor health due to condition of their home
01 April, 2019
Nearly half of tenants in the UK claim to have suffered health problems and injury as a direct result of conditions in their home
Client Money Protection now mandatory for letting agents in England
01 April, 2019
All letting agents in England must now be signed up to a Government-backed Client Money Protection scheme, or they could face a £30,000 penalty.
Changes to MEES Regulations
01 April, 2019
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 have passed through Parliament and come into force on 1 April
New HMO Licensing Scheme in Northern Ireland from 1 April
01 April, 2019
On 1 April 2019, the Housing in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 comes into force and landlords must have a valid licence for each HMO they own
DWP does not record why claimant 'commitments' aren't accepted
01 April, 2019
Parliamentary questions also reveal contracted "health assessors" are subject to independent - not departmental - audit
LIN member report October 2018 - Regulating social landlords
15 October, 2018
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
LIN member report July 2018 - The "Housing Court" - What Does This Mean For Landlords?
23 July, 2018
LIN member report by Kevin McCready
Safety products for the elderly need to be updated
06 July, 2018
People are put off making home adaptations due to the stigma of unattractive products available
Disabled people could slip through net in universal credit move, says charity
06 July, 2018
Mind raises concerns that safeguards for vulnerable claimants will not be in place
London Assembly agrees motion to scrap Section 21 notices
06 July, 2018
The London Assembly Members yesterday agreed a unanimous motion calling on the Mayor of London to back a campaign to abolish section 21 and to lobby the government for a change in the law
Rent collection service aims to offer landlords 'financial security'
06 July, 2018
Unpaid rent and rent arrears are the main reason for tenant evictions, according to Belvoir's Q1 rental index
Scrap the surcharge! Strong support for petition to repeal buy to let taxes
06 July, 2018
There has been strong support for an e-petition calling for the scrapping of the stamp duty surcharge on buy to let properties and the reintroduction of full mortgage interest relief for landlords
Awaiting Right to Buy replacements
06 July, 2018
Homes sold under the Right to Buy are simply not being replaced. Could the government's plans to partially lift the council debt cap bring relief?
June 2018:Universal Credit landlord engagement newsletter
06 July, 2018
We regularly update our information for landlords, read the up-to-date version of the Universal Credit & Rented Sector Housing Guide and use the latest UC47 form to request payment of rent from tenant's Universal credit
Two Letting Agents Banned by Property Ombudsman
06 July, 2018
The Property Ombudsman has booted two letting agents out of the redress scheme
Calls to end no-fault evictions
05 July, 2018
London Assembly looks to Sadiq Khan to back the campaign.
CIH Northern Ireland: Right to Buy a 'double edged sword'
05 July, 2018
Early findings from a project looking to shape the future of housing in Northern Ireland have been released
Wales fee ban will lead to increased costs
05 July, 2018
Banning fees in Wales will drive up costs and change the way landlords interact with letting agents, RLA Director for Wales Douglas Haig told the Senedd today
Universal Credit: Labour says Esther McVey should resign
05 July, 2018
Esther McVey has faced calls to quit over "inadvertently misleading" the Commons about the official NAO spending watchdog's view of Universal Credit
Government slammed for failing to act on report that suggests improvements to PRS
05 July, 2018
The government has been criticised for continuing to drag its heels over taking on key recommendations made in a recent report designed to improve standards in the private rented sector
Strong support for petition calling for BTL tax relief changes to be reversed
05 July, 2018
An online petition calling for buy-to-let tax relief changes to be reversed has received almost 16,500 signatures
Less than four weeks until introduction of selective licensing in Nottingham
05 July, 2018
BTL landlords in Nottingham will soon face tougher rules with new rental licensing conditions set to be introduced in the city
British government imposes collective punishment by evicting families from public housing
05 July, 2018
The British government intends to roll out nationally a scheme piloted in north London, whereby the families of gang members and violent criminals are evicted from their public housing residences
Special administration regime for English housing associations comes into force
05 July, 2018
A new special administration regime which allows the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to deal with insolvent housing associations will come into force today
HB Direct newsletters: 2018
04 July, 2018
These HB Direct newsletters for local authority staff provide information that affects Housing Benefit.
Government urged to update HHSRS system
04 July, 2018
Government 'refusing' to take on key recommendations for safety in the private rented sector
Right to Rent: Windrush guidance for landlords
04 July, 2018
Landlords renting to Windrush immigrants, who have a right to live in the UK, but may not have the documents to prove it, can apply for a Positive Right to Rent Notice (PRRN).
RLA gives evidence to HCLG committee on Hackitt report
04 July, 2018
The Hackitt report into building regulations should include more information about the lifetime management of buildings once occupied, RLA Policy Manager John Stewart told a committee of MPs this week
Landlord couple want to see letting agent banned over unpaid rent
04 July, 2018
A couple who claim they are owed thousands of pounds in unpaid rent have called for a ban on the letting agency accused of withholding the money
Smoke alarm 'would have saved Huddersfield fire-death boys
04 July, 2018
A house fire which killed two boys was "eminently avoidable", had the letting agent provided smoke alarms, a court has heard
Northern Ireland student wins landmark case against Belfast letting agent
04 July, 2018
A landmark court ruling has closed a loophole for letting agents to levy extra charges on tenants, it was claimed today
Long tenancies won't stop landlords wanting a CV, 12 months' rent - or a date
04 July, 2018
Proposed three-year agreements do little to change oppressive demands from landlords charging extortionate rents
Regulator highlights importance of providing good quality, accessible information on homelessness services
03 July, 2018
A report highlighting the importance of easy access to homelessness services information for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness has been published by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
Japanese Knotweed: a warning
03 July, 2018
Landlords are being warned to keep a close eye on the gardens of their rental homes after it was revealed homeowners will be able to sue their neighbours for damages if Japanese Knotweed grows onto their land.
Shock results as 30 lettings agencies probed by undercover teams
03 July, 2018
A consumer group which conducted 30 undercover viewings in five different UK cities claims letting agents are showing potential tenants around mouldy properties and not informing them about important safety details.
Longer-term tenancy plans proposed
02 July, 2018
Compulsory three-year contracts would give more protection to renters.
Labour says government plans to provide renters with greater stability are 'meaningless'
02 July, 2018
'Any fresh help for renters is welcome but this latest promise is meaningless if landlords can still force tenants out by hiking up the rent'
More than 600 'affordable homes' built in Merseyside were NOT affordable
02 July, 2018
New data shows many houses do not meet the guidelines to be classed as affordable
Report criticises new PIP benefits payment system
02 July, 2018
A Stormont department has been urged to start recording assessments of those applying for the Personal Independence Payment after a report criticised the current process.
Top tips for landlords for clearing out at end of tenancy
02 July, 2018
It's time for many students up and down the country to clear-out their properties, so now is a good time to make sure they know how to correctly clear out their properties.
Landlords welcome tax incentives for longer tenancies
02 July, 2018
Landlords are today welcoming proposals being considered by the Government to provide financial incentives for those offering longer tenancies.
Research finds tax changes leading to private renting sell-off
29 June, 2018
Ministers need to scrap the tax on new homes which is punishing those in need of a home to rent, the UK's leading landlord body argues.
'Two-child policy' cuts benefits of more than 70,000 families
29 June, 2018
Campaigners warn poverty will rise as low-income families lose financial support
Landmark legislation gives communities right to buy abandoned land
29 June, 2018
New legislation has been introduced which in some instances will give communities the right to buy land that is abandoned, neglected or detrimental
Scrap the new homes tax argue landlords
29 June, 2018
Ministers need to scrap the tax on new homes which is punishing those in need of a home to rent, the UK's leading landlord body argues
Random rental property spot checks could improve standards in the PRS
28 June, 2018
Most private landlords would oppose the idea of arbitrary checks of their rental properties by local authorities, but that has not stopped PayProp supporting the contentious proposal.
Call of the week: Section 21 documents
28 June, 2018
This week, a landlord called us with a question about serving a Section 21 notice and when he needed to serve the documents on his renewal tenancy.
Housing 2018: Green paper 'to give regulator teeth'
28 June, 2018
Housing minister Dominic Raab says regulator will gain powers in the Social Housing Green Paper and stresses government commitment to Right to Buy
New government lettings documents include updated 'How To Rent'
28 June, 2018
Tenant, landlords and buy to let investors are the targets for new online rental guides
Tougher electrical safety standards needed to protect private tenants
28 June, 2018
Tougher electrical safety standards for rented properties north of the border are needed to protect private tenants
Social care in Wales 'could be funded by age-related tax'
28 June, 2018
An income tax increase of between 1% and 3% could be used to fund elderly social care in Wales, according to an independent report.
Tories forced to rewrite obscure benefits law after court finds it breaches human rights
28 June, 2018
The DWP admitted a "small group" of jobseekers had been denied a fair hearing when they tried to appeal against a benefit sanction
Regulator warns social landlords that bail-outs are not guaranteed
27 June, 2018
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) would allow a housing association to fail if there was 'limited or no value' in its business, its executive director has said
Government publishes new and updated 'how to' guides
27 June, 2018
The Government has today (Tuesday 26th June) published new and updated information to help landlords and tenants who live and work in private rented housing.
High Court overturns housing legal aid changes
26 June, 2018
The High Court has overturned controversial planned changes to legal aid for housing support
Flying the standard
26 June, 2018
HACT is excited to announce that Housemark, L&Q; and Metropolitan, as well as a number of other housing associations, have signed up to support the development of the full version of the UK housing data standard
PRA changes will affect landlords' ability to provide 'quality affordable housing'
25 June, 2018
Mortgage brokers and lenders have been slammed by the National Landlords Association (NLA) for failing to do enough to communicate changes by the Prudential Regulation Authority to landlords.
Here's ARLA's guide through the red tape for accidental landlords
25 June, 2018
The Association of Residential Letting Agents has provided a check-list for so-called accidental landlords.
Tenant jailed for illegally subletting house
22 June, 2018
A private tenant occupying a three-bedroom house in north-west London has been jailed after he was caught illegally subletting the property to 35 men.
Sheffield's 'danger flats' risk to tenants' lives
22 June, 2018
Tenants in a part of Sheffield are living in such bad conditions their lives are being put at risk, a council report has warned
Why tenants think their feedback is being ignored
21 June, 2018
The Social Housing Green Paper is set to redress the balance of power between residents and social landlords. Martin Hilditch investigates what tenants would like to happen next
JRF responds to IFS report on living standards
21 June, 2018
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) today responded to a new report on living standards conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and funded by the JRF.
Landlord fined for renting out bed in shed
21 June, 2018
A landlord has been fined ordered to pay £5,000 for allowing tenants to sleep in an outbuilding in Enfield, north London.
Government publishes new licensing changes in bid to protect tenants and announces review of selective licensing
21 June, 2018
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published new guidelines which aim to protect tenants from poor living conditions.
'Laudable' licensing changes stifling councils, landlords and tenants alike
20 June, 2018
ARLA Propertymark chief executive ramps up policy criticism as government announces latest PRS regulation.
Buck Bill passes Commons committee stage
20 June, 2018
Bill empowering tenants over unsafe homes inches closer towards statute.The Fitness for Human Bill has come through the committee stage of the Commons this morning
Government announces selective licensing review
20 June, 2018
The Government has announced a review into the use and effectiveness of selective licensing.
Universal Credit - landlords agree reform is needed
20 June, 2018
The RLA continues to call for the roll out of Universal Credit to be paused in the wake of a report by the National Audit Office.
Momentum improves as there is a rise in both 'to let' and 'let' properties
20 June, 2018
Following a slowdown in rental market activity in April, new letting data from the Agency Express Property Activity Index has revealed nationwide increases in both 'to let' and 'let' properties.
HB Direct newsletters: 2018
20 June, 2018
These HB Direct newsletters for local authority staff provide information that affects Housing Benefit.
Tories make disability benefits climbdown as they change reassessment rules - but campaigners warn it's not enough
20 June, 2018
More PIP claimants will be able to wait 10 years for reassessment - but Parkinson's UK branded it "a piecemeal solution for a broken system"
Consultation on 'exciting' housing merger plan launched
19 June, 2018
TORUS' tenants and leaseholders are being asked for their views over proposals to 'amalgamate' the group with Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH).
Glasgow block blaze shows 'no scope for complacency' over fire safety
18 June, 2018
The SFHA says the fire that ripped through a top floor of a Glasgow tower block on the anniversary of Grenfell was a 'sharp reminder' against any scope for complacency over fire safety in social housing.
'Grenfell' cladding: couple could sue after £600,000 flat now worth £90,000
18 June, 2018
Nerisa Ahmed and husband threaten to sue government agency that helped them buy home
Council 'inaction' leaves renters at risk of revenge evictions
18 June, 2018
Just one in six private tenants living in an unsafe home is getting council protection from a revenge eviction, new figures show.
Raft of safety flaws listed at Grenfell Tower Inquiry
18 June, 2018
A list of failed safety regulations has been presented to a public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower blaze.
Legislation alone will not eliminate homelessness
18 June, 2018
Local authorities need government funding to help them make a success of the act recently brought in to prevent and reduce homelessness
The great leasehold rip off
18 June, 2018
How firms are cashing in on housebuyers with charges that DOUBLE every decade
Regulator talks tenant voice and landlord self-assurance at national tenant conference
11 June, 2018
Tenant voice and landlord self-assurance were the focus of the Regulator's opening session at the Tenant Information Service national conference
Landlords struggling with regulation changes
20 April, 2018
Survey sheds light on the scale of the challenge that landlords say they face in coping with compliance
More than 40 housing associations back planned £1bn bond issue
27 March, 2018
There are 45 housing associations backing aggregator Morhomes' plan to launch a £1bn bond issue.
The Homelessness Reduction Act is a key step towards homelessness prevention
27 March, 2018
The legislation comes into force on April 3, but only if local authorities can afford it
Welfare policies having 'huge impact' on domestic abuse victims
26 March, 2018
Conference on Housing and Domestic Abuse hears that government policy is making it harder for domestic abuse victims to get support.
Poll pushes impact of PRS energy performance
26 March, 2018
Survey released ahead of new standards for EPC ratings coming into effect on April 1.
Landlord's lack of action over pigeons comes home to roost
23 March, 2018
Court rules on complaints about cooing pigeons after improvement notices ignored
Local Authority Insight Survey Wave 33
22 March, 2018
This research presents findings on preparations for Universal Credit managed migration and the effects of reducing the Housing Benefit backdating period.
Universal Credit transition to full service
22 March, 2018
When local authorities and jobcentre areas will transition to the Universal Credit full service.
Conservative MP introduces fire risk transparency bill to parliament
22 March, 2018
A Conservative MP has introduced a bill to parliament which would require building owners to tell residents about fire safety risks.
New HMO room size regulations to come in this autumn
19 March, 2018
From October councils will be able to set minimum bedroom size standards for HMOs - and also introduce limits on how many people can live in each bedroom
HMO minimum room sizes to come into force 1 October 2018
16 March, 2018
Regulations confirming that from 1 October 2018 HMOs licensed in England under part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 will be required to have a floor area no-smaller than 6.51 square metres have been published
Landlords who say 'no DSS' breaking equality laws
26 February, 2018
The thousands of lettings agents and landlords around the country who reject housing benefit claimants could be flouting equality laws, due a recent legal case.
Thatcher's crusade to wipe out council housing faces serious challenge
26 February, 2018
The right-to-buy scheme slowed construction of new homes but local authorities are exploring new funding options
Housing officer jailed for illegal subletting
26 February, 2018
Court hears how sublet scam went on for 10 years while the defendant lived in a house she had inherited.
Rogue landlords taken to court should face minimum £30,000 fines
23 February, 2018
Rogue landlords who commit housing offences should be fined a minimum of £30,000 by magistrates as part of common sentencing guidelines to improve standards in the private rental sector
Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities
23 February, 2018
Guidance on how local authorities should exercise their homelessness functions in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 from 3 April 2018.
Greenwich Council apologises for false illegal letting accusations
23 February, 2018
Greenwich Council has had to apologise after sending out thousands of letters accusing people of illegally renting out their homes.
Residents count cost of Grenfell-style cladding
23 February, 2018
Residents of a private apartment complex could face a bill of up to £10m to remove Grenfell-style cladding from their building.
Brit star hits home over Grenfell
23 February, 2018
"You should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, we should burn your house down and see if you can manage this."
National Landlords Association launches new brand
23 February, 2018
The National Landlords Association (NLA) today launches its new brand following extensive consultation with members and stakeholders.
LIN member report February 2018 - "Fitness for Habitation" Bill
22 February, 2018
LIN member report by Kevin McCready
New controls on rented homes through licensing schemes are 'illegal'
22 February, 2018
Councils urged to urgently update guidance on the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) following Court of Appeal ruling
Time to rethink rent-setting
22 February, 2018
We need to think about how we can ensure rents are really affordable in local markets, while giving us the capacity to build much-needed new homes, says Ann Santry
Private landlords in Sandwell to face star rating scheme under council plans
22 February, 2018
Under the Assured Landlords Scheme, all privately rented accommodation, landlords and agents operating in the borough would be inspected and rated
Buck Bill needs to get into 'the real world'
22 February, 2018
CLG told many PRS tenants still ran the risk of retaliatory eviction if they raised complaints under the proposed bill
Peabody pays out over gas disconnection
22 February, 2018
Housing association Peabody has paid out more than £30,000 to 57 residents who were left without gas for months.
LIN member report December 2017 - General Data Protection Regulation An Overview
15 December, 2017
LIN member report by Kevin McCready
Councils warn of cuts to housing budgets due to fire safety works
15 September, 2017
Social landlords could be forced to cut back spend on repairs and new build as they scramble to fund fire safety works on tower blocks.
Government debate on rent repayments and mortgages
15 September, 2017
Parliament will debate a call for rent payments to be taken into account when applying for a mortgage.
Landlords urged to get ahead of new laws
13 September, 2017
Research by top sector insurer shows the impact of new legislation on the UK's 1.75 million landlords.
Joint effort to weed out tenant cannabis use
12 September, 2017
Housing providers warn of eviction risk if tenants smoke the drug in their homes.
Supported housing: bottom of the pile?
08 September, 2017
An overstuffed political agenda has meant supported housing funding has been pushed aside.
Loophole that offers couples a chance to dodge second-home stamp duty
08 September, 2017
A clash between official Government 'guidance' and the law could provide a loophole for couples looking to purchase a second home without paying stamp duty.
Landlords fined over Right to Rent triples in a year
08 September, 2017
Hundreds of landlords have been fined in a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Glimmer of hope as MPs say they must 'look at' deposit cap plan
08 September, 2017
MPs have debated the proposed lettings fee ban - with a glimmer of hope for landlords as even those backing the move raised questions about capping deposits.
Landlords admit turning away EU citizens to avoid Government regulations
07 September, 2017
Almost one in five landlords say they would be reluctant to let property to an EU national, due to checks they must now complete
Property entrepreneur turned MP backs ban on letting agent fees
07 September, 2017
Tory Kevin Hollinrake tells Commons the compromise of a cap would start 'a race to the top'.
Government tells landlords to fix fire safety breaches in large panel system blocks
07 September, 2017
The government has told social landlords to take action to seal up any cracks found in large panel system tower blocks.
Tenants let down by lack of letting fee enforcement
06 September, 2017
RLA calls for better enforcement of existing regulation of letting agent fees rather than outright ban being debated today
Housebuilding boom front and centre for resumed parliament
04 September, 2017
The need for new homes and where they can be built now seen as crucial to government strategy beyond Brexit.
The Universal Credit (Claims and Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
30 June, 2017
The Scottish Ministers make the following Regulations
Abolition of the Right to Buy and Associated Rights (Wales) Bill
02 May, 2017
An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision for the abolition of the right to buy, the right to acquire and associated rights; and for connected purposes
LIN member report May 2017 - The Homelessness Reduction Act
01 May, 2017
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
The Universal Credit (Benefit Cap Earnings Exception) Amendment
24 February, 2017
DWP Regulations 2017
Legal aid shakeup hands lifeline to domestic violence victims
23 February, 2017
Exclusive: Removal of five-year limit for applications follows vow by prime minister to increase domestic abuse prosecutions
LIN member report February 2017 - The Housing White Paper
13 February, 2017
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
Consultation on amendments to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR)
11 November, 2016
HSE is consulting on changes to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR)
Landlords not up to speed with regulations
11 October, 2016
Concerns are being raised about a high number of landlords and letting agents failing to get to grips with several legislative changes
Housing associations and 'right to rent' document checks
28 September, 2016
This aims to give guidance to housing associations on how 'right to rent' document checks affect their procedures, such as their allocations and lettings policies, their policies on lodgers and their procedures for verifying tenancies.
Legal Eagle: There is no right to housing
03 August, 2016
One of the most common misconceptions in housing law is that the council owes everyone a duty of accommodation and you would never end up sleeping on the streets. Sadly, this isn't quite right
Social Landlord Leaders: No more right to buy and 'not a moment too soon'
28 July, 2016
End of right to buy policy in Scotland
Government urged to delay Pay to Stay
27 July, 2016
Councils and arm's length management organisations are calling on ministers to delay the introduction of Pay to Stay to avoid a 'tight' timetable
Bromsgrove District Council warns housing benefit claimants cash will stop if they are away for four weeks
27 July, 2016
RESIDENTS going abroad for more than four weeks are being warned they will no longer be able to claim housing benefit because of new national rules coming into force later this month
Welfare Reform and Work Bill House of Lords second reading submission
26 July, 2016
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report
Delay likely on key Housing Act regulations
25 July, 2016
Publication of the Higher Value and Pay to Stay Regulations is likely to be delayed
Fire, Gas and Carbon Monoxide Safety Regulations:
15 July, 2016
What English social landlords need to know
Housing and Planning Act 2016: business as usual - wide-ranging measures to boost supply of new homes now one step closer
15 July, 2016
New Regulations set out additional Housing and Planning Act 2016 provisions to commence on 13 July, and others coming into force on 1 or 31 October 2016
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 Overview of the Act and implications for the sector
14 July, 2016
Report by Community Housing Cymru
Tenancy Deposit Schemes: could a landmark case lead to more prosecutions?
12 July, 2016
Last week, a landmark case in Scotland highlighted the need for deposit protection, after a letting agent in North Ayrshire became the first in the country to be prosecuted for its breach of the rules
Home free: when 'adverse possession' can mean good news for squatters
10 June, 2016
A Sydney man has used the old common law right of 'adverse possession' to take over an empty terrace house. In 12 years it could be his
Council to pay a £26.8m water bill refund to tenants
09 June, 2016
Many landlords with similar arrangements could also face large bills.
Applications for transfers for enforcement of possession orders to the High Court
29 April, 2016
Senior Master Practice Note
LIN member report April 2016 - The Welfare Reform and Work Act
25 April, 2016
LIN member report written by Neil Merrick
MSPs approve new regulations for tenants and landlords
18 March, 2016
MSPs have approved new rules for landlords and tenants to regulate the private rental sector
Practical implications of Immigration Checks on new Lettings
01 February, 2016
CIH Report on the implications for social sector
Invitation to tender: action research learning lessons from the Voluntary Right to Buy pilots
07 January, 2016
The NHF in partnership with the pilot housing associations, is commissioning research to learn lessons from the Voluntary Right to Buy pilots to inform the wider programme
Government response to Work and Pensions Committee Welfare to Work Inquiry
07 January, 2016
The Government has responded the Work and Pensions Committee inquiry into DWP's contracted welfare-to-work provision
Government proposes minimum bedroom size for rental properties
09 November, 2015
Size would be set at 6.5 sq metres in attempt to stop landlords creating 'rabbit hutch properties' to increase rental income
New Housing Bill will set up register of rogue letting agents
14 October, 2015
The new Housing and Planning Bill, published yesterday, makes new provisions about agents
ARLA clears up confusion over smoke alarm regulations
18 September, 2015
ARLA has clarified some slight confusion arising from a comment posted on our story yesterday regarding the passing of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations in Parliament
"Major error" in rented housing regulations
16 September, 2015
A major drafting error in government regulations affecting the private rented sector risks undermining confidence in new legislation being applied to the sector
Parliament approve Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
15 September, 2015
Parliament approve Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 in time for 1 Oct deadline
Explanatory Memorandum
11 September, 2015
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy Notices and Prescribed Requirements (England) Regulations 2015
'No Passport Equals No Home': An independent evaluation of the 'Right to Rent' scheme
04 September, 2015
The Right to Rent checks form part of a package of measures intended to create a "hostile environment" for irregular migrants in the UK
Ealing court fines rogue landlord £75,215
21 August, 2015
A landlord has been handed substantial fines totalling nearly £70,000 for failing to licence four properties; protect tenants; comply with improvement notices; and comply with prohibition orders
Benefit Sanctions and Homelessness
20 August, 2015
A report by the North East Homelessness Think Tank
Almost half of ESA & JSA sanctions overturned when reviewed
20 August, 2015
Almost half of all sanctions imposed on the UK government's Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) have been overturned when reviewed, according to official figures
New Discretionary Housing Payments guidance
13 August, 2015
The DWP has issued a new Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) guidance manual
High success rate in ESA sanction challenges
13 August, 2015
New DWP statistics show that almost 67,000 sanctions applied to employment and support allowance claimants under new regime
Quakers welcome House of Lords amendment to Charities Bill as right to buy threat looms
06 August, 2015
The Quaker movement is backing a House of Lords amendment to the Charities Bill that will protect homes under threat from government plans to extend the right to buy to housing associations
Second Consultation on a New Tenancy for the Private Sector
06 August, 2015
Analysis of Consultation Responses
One in six jobseekers have allowance stopped by DWP each year
06 August, 2015
Guardian research contradicts government claims that only a small minority of jobseekers have been affected by increasingly severe welfare policies
Too poor to pay
30 July, 2015
Report by CPAG showing the impact of the second year of localised council tax support in London
JRF Welfare Reform and Work Bill: Second Reading
20 July, 2015
This briefing addresses the welfare Reform and work Bill in the form in which it will be read to the House of Commons
Key PIP mobility judgment issued
13 July, 2015
An important legal judgment has been issued that may lead to the award of the PIP mobility component to disabled people, with conditions such as depression, panic attacks or anxiety
Welfare Reform and Work Bill published
09 July, 2015
Following the announcement made in the Chancellor's speech on the Summer Budget, the Government has published the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
A year to change the law
16 March, 2015
Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister gave a speech about housing
Fewer council tenants will get help with rent after new cuts
11 March, 2015
Fewer housing benefit claimants in Oxford will be eligible for money to help them pay their rent after funding was cut.
The cost of the cuts: the impact on local government and poorer communities
11 March, 2015
Cuts to local authority budgets are having a profound effect on the services people receive.
Powers for councils to licence landlords diluted by government
06 March, 2015
Department of Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) intention to introduce additional legislation for the licensing of private rented properties
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015
18 February, 2015
The government has just published draft regulations designed to promote energy efficiency in rented homes
Deregulation Bill Update (TDP and Retaliatory Eviction)
12 February, 2015
All the Government amendments regarding Tenancy Deposit Protection
Private landlords attack 'revenge evictions' bill
10 February, 2015
Landlords in Wales have savaged plans to tackle so-called 'revenge evictions', claiming that a new bill is a "lawyer's charter"
RLA statement on Government Amendment to Deregulation Bill
05 February, 2015
RLA statement on Government Amendment to Deregulation Bill
Fraudsters thwarted by councils in London to the tune of £73 million
30 January, 2015
Fraud in London has increased by 46% since last year, a new study has found
The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2015
27 January, 2015
These Regulations amend the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012 ("the principal Regulations")
Regulator raps landlord over gas safety failures
20 January, 2015
A 20,500-home housing association has become the latest social landlord rapped by the English social housing regulator for failing to carry out sufficient gas safety checks
Enhanced Court Fees
16 January, 2015
The Government Response to Part 2 of the Consultation on Reform of Court Fees and Further Proposals for Consultation
Hope for homeless families in need of Legal Aid
17 July, 2014
New ruling by the High Court has ruled that Government changes, which would have left homeless families without help, have been ruled 'unauthorised, discriminatory and impossible to justify'
Spotlight on PRS licensing scheme
24 April, 2014
Councils across the UK are considering licensing schemes to tackle rogue private landlords
Government approves property ombudsman to provide independent redress service
22 April, 2014
The Government has approved The Property Ombudsman (TPO) to provide a free and independent redress service to landlords and tenants, as part of new legislative changes coming into effect for lettings agents
Stronger protections for tenants and leaseholders
15 April, 2014
All letting and property management agents will be required to join an approved 'redress scheme' later this year
Sheffield Page Hall landlord licensing scheme approved
16 January, 2014
Landlords in an area of Sheffield where MPs have warned of "tensions" between communities will soon have to register for a £725 five-year licence
Housing benefit removal regulations upheld by judges
08 January, 2014
It is lawful to discriminate against tenants with disabilities by removing their housing benefit if their home is left unoccupied for more than a year
Rogue landlord crackdown to widen
15 November, 2013
A council is proposing to extend a licensing scheme in its effort to crackdown on rogue landlords and poor housing
LIN Member Report October 2013 - Watching the landlords: why the PRS faces greater scrutiny
24 October, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Superstrike Ltd vs. Marino Rodrigues
24 October, 2013
Guidance on the implications of the Court of Appeal judgment
CIH warning over Immigration Bill
10 October, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing has sounded a warning about the government's Immigration Bill, saying it could warn to "destitution" for many people
Glasgow judge finds bedroom tax breaches human rights
01 October, 2013
Applying the bedroom tax to a couple who cannot share a room because of one partner's disability is a breach of their human rights
The Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 (Commencement) Order 2013
20 September, 2013
Benefit uprating for 2014/15 and 2015/16 to be set at 1%.
How to beat the 'bedroom tax'
19 September, 2013
Social housing tenants in Fife are using housing law from the 1980s to successfully challenge demands for extra rent under the so-called bedroom tax
Government urged to rethink illegal immigrant proposals
22 August, 2013
The BPF has warned the government that its proposals to tackle illegal immigration through rented homes could lead to landlords being prosecuted for failing to recognise complex immigration documents
Tenancy deposit protection schemes
19 August, 2013
Letter from Housing Minister Mark Prisk to the Chairman of the Residential Landlords Association
Carbon monoxide alarm law toughened
07 August, 2013
Carbon monoxide alarms will have to be fitted when new boilers or gas appliances are installed in Scottish properties, under a change to the law
Sanctions and conditionality briefing
02 August, 2013
New conditions and associated sanctions are being attached to welfare benefits. This is intended to reflect the principle behind Universal Credit that people who can, must look for work - NHF report
Superstrike Ltd vs Marino Rodrigues - Briefing Two - Likely Implications
02 August, 2013
The 14 June appeal judgment in the Superstrike v Rodrigues case has created a significant amount of uncertainty in the private-rented sector
High Court rejects disabled tenants bedroom tax challenge
30 July, 2013
The High Court has just rejected ten families' challenge against the bedroom tax. The families plan to appeal
Lenders call to keep ground 8
21 June, 2013
Organisations representing lenders and housing associations in Wales are opposing government proposals to abolish a mandatory eviction power
Legal aid cuts: What has changed?
18 June, 2013
Significant changes to civil legal aid in England and Wales came into effect on 1 April 2013, as part of a plan to reform the system and save £350m a year
Bad landlords face licensing crackdown
14 June, 2013
With multiple tenants crammed into decrepit properties, one London borough is taking direct action
Letting agency fees force renters into debt
12 June, 2013
Shelter is calling for an end to letting agency fees
Housing benefit cheat must pay back fraudulent gains
05 June, 2013
A woman who claimed she lived alone in order to illegally pocket more than £22,000 in housing and council tax benefit has been ordered to repay the money she fraudulently claimed
Newham Council's private landlord licensing scheme hits 30,000 applications
04 June, 2013
Newham Council has received license applications from 30,000 private landlords as part of its pioneering scheme to improve housing conditions in the borough
Housing association continues PRS drive
04 June, 2013
Thames Valley Housing Association's private rented sector subsidiary has completed its third acquisition, buying 45 units in Poplar, east London
Custodial sentence for benefits cheat
31 May, 2013
A woman has been handed a suspended six-week jail sentence for benefit fraud
Unlicensed landlord ordered to repay rent to tenants
30 May, 2013
An unlicensed landlord whose property was found to be dangerous has been ordered to repay more than £6,800 in rent back to its tenants
EU To Take UK To Court Over Migrant Benefits
30 May, 2013
The European Union is set to take Britain to court over benefits for migrants - setting the Government on course for a battle with Brussels
A third of councils are considering compulsory landlord licensing
30 May, 2013
Health and safety concerns, and the sheer growth of the sector, lead local authorities to pay more attention to private rentals
Direct payment offered in exchange for regulation
29 May, 2013
Housing benefit could be paid direct to private landlords in return for greater regulation of the sector, under proposals published by the Labour Party
Labour pledging steps to clean up rented sector and deal with dodgy landlords
29 May, 2013
The Labour Party has published a policy review that explores ways of driving up standards in the private rented sector - and keeping bad landlords out
Worcester benefit fraudster prosecuted for £20,000 swindle
29 May, 2013
A Worcester woman who falsely claimed over £20,000 in welfare support has been prosecuted
Rape victim legally challenges bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
A victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking has launched a legal challenge against the bedroom tax on the grounds it is 'discriminatory'
Mass benefit fraud of mother who entered 'disabled' children into Britain's Got Talent
28 May, 2013
A mother of eight who claimed five of her children had disabilities and medical conditions in order to obtain welfare payments is facing jail after being found guilty of benefit fraud
Plans to force millions of private landlords to carry out immigration checks on tenants to be watered down
28 May, 2013
Plans to force millions of private landlords to vouch safe for the immigration status of their tenants are to be watered down, with the new rules only applying to certain problem areas in the country
National register of private landlords considered by Labour
28 May, 2013
Party says proposal would help drive criminals out of the industry as well as ensuring that landlords paid appropriate taxes
Coventry council apologises to families told they could not appeal against 'bedroom tax' cuts to benefits
24 May, 2013
Council accepts letters to tenants were wrong after challenge by campaign group Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax
Charities claim victory over Employment and Support Allowance ruling; DWP to appeal
23 May, 2013
Charities have claimed a major legal victory over who is eligible for the Employment and Support Allowance
Council 'sorry' for empty room letter to disabled woman
23 May, 2013
A disabled woman who was wrongly told she had to pay an under-occupancy charge has received an apology from the council for "causing her distress"
DWP faces legal challenge over benefit cap
23 May, 2013
Four families have launched a legal challenge against the government's benefit cap on the grounds it is 'discriminatory and unreasonable'
Private landlord group aims to accredit all members by end of decade
22 May, 2013
The National Landlords Association (NLA) has announced plans to accredit all of its members by 2020
'Nottingham Council's landlord licencing consultation breached data rules and will push up rents'
21 May, 2013
Nottingham City Council's consultation for a proposed landlord licencing scheme has breached data protection rules and will result in rents going up, according to RLA
Local authority shakes up its housing allocations policy
21 May, 2013
Richmond Council has rewritten its housing allocation policy to give priority to locals, ex-service personnel, foster carers, people in work and those making a "significant contribution to society".
Regulator warns of 'substantial' threat to finances
20 May, 2013
Housing providers face being hit by a 'double whammy' of increased rent collection costs and reduced income due to welfare reform
Renting in Wales: Concern over cost of tenancy changes
20 May, 2013
Plans to change how social and private homes are rented in Wales have been outlined by the Welsh government
The Welsh Government has unveiled plans to simplify the law on renting homes
20 May, 2013
Housing Minister Carl Sargeant has been spelling out his plans to simplify complicated law governing how homes are rented
Conditionality and sanctions - a report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
17 May, 2013
An investigation into allegations that targets have been set for sanctions in Jobcentre Plus
Benefit sanctions - terms of reference for independent review
17 May, 2013
An independent review will examine benefit sanctions imposed under the Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) Act 2013
Packing it in
17 May, 2013
Private landlords must now provide tenant information packs, bringing Scotland closer to a minimum standard
Bedroom tax victims begin High Court challenge
16 May, 2013
Ten claims being brought against the government's bedroom tax have begun to be heard at the High Court
Private landlords should not be surrogate police or border officers
16 May, 2013
Plans to make landlords responsible for immigration checks on prospective tenants are seriously flawed
Council pleased with government plans to block social housing access to migrants
10 May, 2013
Government plans to block migrants' access to social housing announced in the Queen's Speech have been welcomed by a council that has already adopted such a policy
Landlords and agents are 'failing tenants over gas safety'
09 May, 2013
Despite the law requiring a gas safety certificate to be issued annually, Shelter says one in 10 landlords and agents have not carried out a check for more than a year
Landlord prosecuted after leaving pensioner to live in damp, pigeon-filled home
08 May, 2013
Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord that left an 80-year-old woman to live in a substandard home
The Queen's Speech: Power and Majesty
08 May, 2013
The State Opening of Parliament is a fabulous piece of theatre
Fraud squad
03 May, 2013
An investigation in Westminster has uncovered housing benefit fraud on a grand scale - Kate Youde examines what went wrong and finds out what lessons other councils can learn
The price is right
03 May, 2013
The Lord Justice Jackson reforms came into force on 1.4.13. The reforms affect anyone involved in court proceedings, including social landlords. Courts will now be expected to deal with cases justly and 'at proportionate cost'
Liverpool landlord could be forced to pay back thousands in housing benefit
02 May, 2013
An unlicensed Liverpool landlord whose 22-bedroom property breached fire regulations may have to repay £12,000 in housing benefit
Universal Credit and Legal Aid Means Testing
29 April, 2013
Universal Credit becomes 'passporting' benefit from April 2013
Landlord fined for failing to improve empty property
26 April, 2013
A Barnet landlord has been fined £24,000 after failing to make improvements to an empty property
Law group warns against mass appeals
26 April, 2013
A wave of mass appeals against bedroom tax decisions risks leaving people in limbo due to tribunal delays, law centres have warned
£20,000 benefit crook sentenced
26 April, 2013
A woman who fraudulently claimed over £20,000 in housing and council tax benefit has been sentenced
Appeals process changes for all DWP benefits and child maintenance cases
25 April, 2013
The appeals process is changing so that more disputes against DWP decisions can be resolved without the need for referral to the Tribunals Service
Councils need more powers to tackle tenancy fraud
24 April, 2013
Tenancy fraud will soon be criminalised, but only greater powers to investigate fraudsters will stop people getting away with it
Record fine for slum landlord as council forces him to demolish 'bed with shed'
23 April, 2013
A slum landlord who has been forced to raze a 'bed with shed' to the ground has been hit with a record fine
£65,000 Tottenham benefit cheat jailed
23 April, 2013
A crook has been jailed after illegally claiming over £65,000 in welfare payouts
High Court upholds bar on migrant benefits
23 April, 2013
A legal advice agency has vowed to appeal a High Court decision which upholds regulations barring migrant parents from mainstream benefits
A licence to let
22 April, 2013
Are blanket licensing schemes practical - and legal? With other local authorities set to follow Newham's lead, lawyer Eamonn Hogan gives his view
A letting agent ombudsman is a start
17 April, 2013
It's not perfect, but at last renters might be able to seek redress for grasping, discriminatory and devious treatment by agents
Tenants to be given right to challenge rogue letting agents
17 April, 2013
Amendment requires agents to sign up to ombudsman scheme while giving OFT the power to ban those who act improperly
Housing bodies slate bedroom tax mass appeals
12 April, 2013
Chartered Institute of Housing warns campaign may risk strong cases
Threat to hostels prompts review of welfare rules
09 April, 2013
The DWP has promised to review controversial legislation which homelessness organisations said would threaten hostels
Implementation of welfare reform by local authorities (I)
03 April, 2013
Communities and Local Government Committee - Ninth Report
LIN Member Report April 2013 - Bedroom Tax Appeals
02 April, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner
Landlords who don't disclose properties' negative qualities facing prison
02 April, 2013
Landlords and letting agents are now legally obliged to disclose to prospective tenants any negative information about their properties
Changes to Fraud Loss of Benefit Penalties from 1 April 2013
02 April, 2013
The DWP and HMRC have made changes to current legislation to impose tougher penalties on people who commit benefit fraud
Government lose Bedroom Tax challenge decision
28 March, 2013
The Government fails in its attempt to prevent legal action against its controversial Bedroom Tax
Fast-track possessions to rise
28 March, 2013
Housing associations will increasingly use 'fast-track' possession notices to evict tenants who fall behind with rent payments
A licence to rent?
28 March, 2013
How regulating the private rented sector can mean a better deal for tenants, landlords and taxpayers
The Universal Credit Regulations 2013
22 March, 2013
Final Universal Credit regulations now published
Plan to scrap eviction power
22 March, 2013
The Welsh Gov is planning a forthcoming white paper to scrap ground 8 possession law which social landlords may use to combat arrears caused by welfare reforms
Countrywide prosecutions for criminal landlords
18 March, 2013
Criminal landlords have been prosecuted in two different parts of the country
'Welfare reform will change social housing forever'
15 March, 2013
The government's welfare reforms will change the social housing landscape forever, delegates at the CIH Scotland conference have been told
Courts will fill up with tenants, lawyers warn
15 March, 2013
Lawyers expect courts to be inundated with 'thousands' of legal cases following the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' next month
MPs planning regulation of private rented sector
15 March, 2013
The All Party Parliamentary Group for the private rented sector is launching an inquiry into how best to regulate the industry
Keele University law students help 'legal aid gap'
14 March, 2013
One idea being trialled to help people get assistance is a community legal outreach companion scheme (CLOCK) run by Keele University's law school
Council rules out landlord licensing
14 March, 2013
Westminster council has ruled out setting up compulsory licensing for private landlords
Sub-let at your peril, warns social landlord in fraud crackdown
13 March, 2013
Whitefriars Housing issues a stark warning to tenants who are cheating the system
LIN Press Release - Partial U-turn over bedroom tax
12 March, 2013
Partial U-turn over bedroom tax announced by Iain Duncan Smith
HB/CTB U2/2013
12 March, 2013
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - Court of Appeal judgement: Burnip, Trengove and Gorry
Squatting law 'sending homeless to prison'
08 March, 2013
Homeless and vulnerable people are being 'disproportionately affected' by the law that criminalised squatting in residential buildings, according to a report from a campaign group
New ruling on letting agents fees
07 March, 2013
The Advertising Standards Agency has ruled that letting agents must make their full fees clear in the quoted price of all rental properties
OFT acts against leading payday lenders and proposes to refer the sector to Competition Commission
07 March, 2013
The OFT is giving the leading 50 payday lenders, accounting for 90 per cent of the payday market, 12 weeks to change their business practices or risk losing their licences
Council ends lifetime tenancies for social homes
06 March, 2013
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has ended lifetime tenancies for new social housing applicants
Legal bid fails to stop housing benefit reforms
06 March, 2013
The High Court has dismissed a claim for a judicial review of the government's decision to limit housing benefit payments for tenants in the private rented sector
Bedroom tax to be introduced before legal challenge
06 March, 2013
A legal challenge to the government's penalty for the under-occupation of social housing will not go ahead until after the policy is introduced on 1 April
Enforcement squads going after unlicensed properties
04 March, 2013
Enforcement squads are prowling a London borough's streets for unlicensed rental properties - with criminal landlords facing fines of up to £20,000 per dwelling
Local authority goes after 'beds in sheds'
01 March, 2013
A London local authority is going after rogue landlords who are letting out 'beds in sheds'
Coast & Country launches mass protest against the bedroom tax
25 February, 2013
Coast & Country is harnessing the voice of tens of thousands of social housing tenants from across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax - speaker from LIN Director Claire Turner opens this event
Nottingham rented house licence fees prompts row
25 February, 2013
A group which represents Nottingham landlords has said a rise of more than 50% in licence fees is unjustified
Green Deal warning for buy-to-let landlords
25 February, 2013
Buy-to-let investors will be forced to make their properties more energy-efficient or stop renting them out
24k welfare cheats prosecuted
19 February, 2013
Two welfare cheats have been prosecuted after swindling £24,056 in housing and council tax benefits out of Islington Council
Watchdog calls for changes to lettings market
18 February, 2013
A consumer watchdog has called for changes to the home lettings market following a survey that uncovered a high volume of complaints
Statement on Court of Appeal judgment
12 February, 2013
Mark Hoban, Minister for Employment, has responded to the Court of Appeal judgment on Government employment schemes
Room without review: Thoughts on tackling the bedroom tax
12 February, 2013
Report from nearlylegal - housing law, news and comment
£20k benefit cheat prosecuted
12 February, 2013
A woman has been prosecuted for fraudulently claiming nearly £20,000 in housing and council tax benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance
No good advice
12 February, 2013
Thousands of vulnerable people face losing access to valuable support as legal aid cuts leave advice services struggling to stay afloat. Richard Shrubb for Inside Housing reports
First landlord banned from council's renting register
11 February, 2013
An Edinburgh landlord will be breaking the law if he rents out property again - after being refused entry on to the council's landlords' register
Liverpool City Council to launch City-wide Selective Licensing Consultation
02 February, 2013
NLA report
Fresh blood brings new perspective to private rent debate
25 January, 2013
Commons exchange risked creating an unhelpful war of words, but Damian Collins' lively intervention offers hope
Prisk rejects call for register of private landlords
25 January, 2013
Housing minister Mark Prisk has dismissed Labour's proposals for a national register of landlords to improve standards in the private rented sector
The private rented sector is blocking aspiration and isolating families
23 January, 2013
As MPs debate standards in the sector, we'll have to recognise it isnt just Neil and the Young Ones, but families who typify this part of the market, & it needs to change to recognise that
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012
10 January, 2013
Government confirms that it will not provide legal aid for welfare benefit cases in First-tier Tribunals
Support for social tenants to have their say on local services
08 January, 2013
CLG have launched a new training programme designed to put power firmly in the hands of social tenants
Private sector letting and managing agents (England): should they be regulated?
04 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Liverpool's landlords facing new licensing scheme
04 January, 2013
Liverpool's landlords may have to sign up to a new licensing scheme, as the council considers ways of improving the quality of rented accommodation in the city
Registration scheme to target rogue landlords begins
02 January, 2013
Newham Council in east London is becoming the first local authority in England to introduce a compulsory system of landlord registration
Landlords urged to meet tenancy deposit scheme deadline
01 January, 2013
Landlords have been urged to register for a compulsory scheme designed to protect tenants' deposits before new rules take effect
Charity launches legal challenge to benefit cuts
18 December, 2012
Changes to the way housing benefit payments are calculated will be challenged in the High Court
Apollo group fined over £300,000 for poisoning 7 with carbon monoxide
18 December, 2012
One of the UK's largest property service companies has been fined £301,582 after its actions led to seven people being hospitalised by carbon monoxide (CO) fumes that escaped into their homes
Discretionary Housing Payments
17 December, 2012
DWP response to the consultation on the Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual
Personal Independence Payment Regulations 2013
14 December, 2012
Sets out the main rules for PIP, including the assessment criteria, and the rates at which the benefit will be paid
Latest on Universal Credit
10 December, 2012
10 December 2012 - Universal Credit and related regulations laid before Parliament
Are rents rising or falling? It depends on how you measure it
21 November, 2012
The Chartered Institute of Housing awarded the government a 'red light' for its policies on the private rented sector
Slum landlord forced pensioners to live under collapsed ceilings
20 November, 2012
A slum landlord who forced two pensioners to live in dangerous conditions, which included collapsed ceilings in the bedroom and kitchen, has been prosecuted
Ex-Miss Great Britain contestant in 'false benefit claims'
16 November, 2012
A former Miss Great Britain contestant falsely claimed thousands of pounds in benefits while living with her boyfriend, a court has heard
Bingo caller Terrence Hutchings was benefits cheat
15 November, 2012
A man has been convicted for claiming almost £56,000 in benefits over five years while working as a bingo caller
Employment and Support Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
13 November, 2012
Equality Impact Assessment
London PRS landlord fined thousands of pounds
13 November, 2012
A residential landlord, believed to be the first served with an anti-social behaviour order, has been fined thousands of pounds for putting tenants at risk
Inside justice: London Rent Assessment Panel
30 October, 2012
Samir Jeraj observes an independent panel settle private rental disputes, including a rare case of a flat with 'fair rent' controls
Over 50% of Welsh social housing incompliant with government standards
17 October, 2012
Well over half of Wales' 72,329 social homes are failing to comply with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) according to official figures
Homes recovered in subletting crackdown
11 October, 2012
Dozens of homes have been recovered in Lambeth as part of a crackdown on fraudsters
Tackling rogue landlords: is better education the answer?
11 October, 2012
Buy-to-let and 'reluctant' landlords are ignorant of the rules and responsibilities of letting
No approaches on two-year fixed-term tenancies, says HCA
10 October, 2012
The HCA says it has not yet been approached about breaches to the regulatory framework around councils offering and planning to roll-out two-year fixed-term tenancies for young people
Thousands of tenants lives threatened by rogue landlords
05 October, 2012
The lives of thousands of tenants are being put at risk by England's rogue landlords, a report by Shelter has revealed
Benefit data held back by councils
05 October, 2012
Councils are delaying sharing vital benefit information with housing associations because of IT limitations and fears of breaching data protection rules
Landlord who threw tenant onto street jailed
03 October, 2012
A Sheffield landlord has been given nine months jail for throwing one of his tenants onto the street without his shoes
Hammersmith and Fulham to fix social housing tenancy term
03 October, 2012
A London council plans to bring in fixed term tenancies for people who apply for social housing from 2013
Council tenant to pay back £10k in benefits
28 September, 2012
A Lewisham Council tenant has been ordered to pay back £10,200 in benefits to which she was not entitled
Council withdraws benefits from man with autistic son
27 September, 2012
A London borough which was forced to pay out damages to a father after his autistic son was illegally removed from his care have threatened to withdraw the family's housing benefit
First squatter jailed under new law
27 September, 2012
Alex Haigh, who had come to London seeking work, sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for occupying flat without permission
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
26 September, 2012
This consultation concerned issues relevant to the implementation and operation of the appeals reform provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill
Universal Credit regulations date
26 September, 2012
Ministers have confirmed that Universal Credit regulations will be laid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement on 5 December
Hefty fine for unlicenced flat landlord
25 September, 2012
A landlord has been fined £10,000 after failing to licence 20 flats
Are we serious about tenant scrutiny?
24 September, 2012
Diluting scrutiny will affect its potential to create the dynamic tension from which innovation and solutions are formed
Private renting in London: a little less conversation please
21 September, 2012
It's expensive and often substandard with unreasonable landlords - it's time the sector was improved
To have or have not? Taking responsibility for tomorrow's affordable homes today
12 September, 2012
Report by Housing Voice - The Affordable Housing Alliance
Housing Benefit cheat prosecuted
07 September, 2012
A Housing Benefit cheat has been given 150 hours of unpaid work and £450 fine after illegally claiming more than £7,000 in benefits
Editor's blog: private rent is the new political battleground
07 September, 2012
New minister Mark Prisk will need to show strength on the private rented sector but he deserves a spot in the cabinet
NLA gas safety advice and guidance
06 September, 2012
In support of Gas Safety Week, the NLA's gas safety advice and guidance will be free to access during September
Advice on dealing with squatters in your home
04 September, 2012
This publication is aimed at informing property owners about the new offence and the procedures for regaining possession of their properties from squatters
Law criminalising squatting to be challenged in court by cottage dweller
03 September, 2012
Irene Gardiner bringing case against Crown Prosecution Service and police over law change that could make her homeless
Dealing with Rogue Landlords - A Guide for Local Authorities
03 September, 2012
This guidance urges local authorities to crack down on rogue landlords and provides them with practical advice for doing so.
Beds in sheds shouldn't distract us from the real housing crisis
03 September, 2012
The coalition's cuts to capital spending are decimating the house building sector
Squatting set to become a criminal offence
31 August, 2012
Squatting in a residential building in England and Wales becomes a criminal offence on Saturday, meaning squatters would face jail or a fine
Landlords pay tenants to open 'jam jar' accounts
24 August, 2012
Housing associations are paying tenants to open credit union accounts to protect their rental income from forthcoming welfare reforms.By encouraging tenants to open 'jam jar' accounts the organisations hope to ease the impact of the universal credit, which will be phased in from October 2013.
Ministers consider new wave of publicly funded housebuilding
23 August, 2012
Report into housing shortage proposes relaxing planning regulations in effort to kick-start ailing construction industry
Britain's 'most expensive council house' can't be sold
23 August, 2012
A council property labelled Britain's "most expensive" by a right-wing think tank can't be sold, it has emerged.
Economic pressures drive young adults home to roost
23 August, 2012
Families rediscover the financial benefits of intergenerational living as high house prices, increased unemployment and care issues take their toll, Aviva report says
Sheffield landlords prosecuted for gas safety failings
15 August, 2012
Two Sheffield landlords were handed suspended jail sentences for failing to maintain gas appliances at a flat they rented to a young woman
Private tenants see eviction orders soar
14 August, 2012
New figures show there has been a 70% rise in court orders to evict private tenants over the past three years.
Scottish council likely to back end of right to buy
14 August, 2012
A local authority is expected to back Scottish Government proposals to end the right to buy.
No right to remain
08 August, 2012
In the case of Birmingham Council v Lloyd, the Court of Appeal has reassured housing providers that only in exceptional circumstances can a trespasser win the ability to stay
Understanding unit costs of housing providers: regression analysis
08 August, 2012
The social housing regulator has called on housing providers to do more to achieve value for money, after finding it cannot account for significant variations in costs between providers
London borough launches 'radical' 'Housing into Work' pilot
01 August, 2012
An LA is piloting a scheme that will see young unemployed people on its waiting list offered council homes on 2 year fixed-term tenancies
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
01 August, 2012
Crisis response to the SSAC consultation on Universal Credit
Housing Scotland Act to protect tenants from eviction
01 August, 2012
A law which makes it harder for councils and housing associations to evict tenants for failing to pay their rent has come into force
PRS properties 'should meet decent homes test'
31 July, 2012
Private landlords should be forced to refurbish their homes to the equivalent of the decent homes standard, a leading Labour thinker has suggested
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
31 July, 2012
CIH response response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Shelter bids to recoup 'illegal' letting agent fees
27 July, 2012
Housing charity Shelter Scotland said more than £100,000 could be repaid to private tenants who have been charged unlawful fees by letting agents
Lottery winning rapist jailed for housing benefit fraud
26 July, 2012
A rapist who won almost £5 million on the lottery has been jailed for housing benefit fraud
Charity calls for Scottish PRS to be 'fit for purpose'
25 July, 2012
A homeless charity in Scotland has called on the government to reform the private rented sector to make it fit for increasing demand
Universal Credit Regulations: SSAC call for evidence
24 July, 2012
Read this new briefing before sending your response to the Social Security Advisory Committee
A rogue policy: Newham's licencing scheme will damage private rent
24 July, 2012
Newham council and the Welsh Government should be commended for tackling rogue landlords but ill-conceived policies will hinder, not help
Cap private rent and build more council homes
20 July, 2012
The government's response to the housing crisis has been to attack exploited tenants, rather than deal with abusive landlords
London borough secures court win after man rented garden shed
20 July, 2012
A London borough has scored a court win against a man who flouted planning rules and rented out a garden shed
Labour bids to end letting agent fees 'scandal' in private rented sector
18 July, 2012
Labour has vowed to tackle the unregulated lettings market in the private rented sector and is considering setting up a regulatory body
Tenant scrutineers already have the capacity to regulate housing
18 July, 2012
Replicating the Audit Commission's inspection process using tenants won't help housing associations to improve
Draft Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) Regulations
17 July, 2012
These draft regulations relate to the prescribed requirements of Council Tax Reduction Schemes
Draft Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Default Scheme) Regulations
17 July, 2012
These draft regulations relate to the Default Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Jobseeker's Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
11 July, 2012
Draft Statutory Instrument
Housing benefit cheat sent child to private school
10 July, 2012
A housing benefit cheat who lied about being a single mother sent her child to a private school in Ireland
Landlord struck with huge fine after cramming 28 flats into four houses
10 July, 2012
A rogue landlord has been struck with an enormous £320k fine, Vispasp Sarkari has 6 months to find the money or he'll face jail
Proposals for a Better Private Rented Sector in Wales
10 July, 2012
The Welsh Government has published proposals for a national mandatory registration and licensing scheme for private sector landlords
Universal Credit - frequently asked questions
09 July, 2012
Frequently asked questions on the Universal Credit benefits system.
Localising support for council tax
09 July, 2012
A statement of intent on information sharing and powers to tackle fraud
Why councils should take civil action against rogue private landlords
09 July, 2012
Criminal prosecutions have proved a poor deterrant and resources can be better used supporting tenants elsewhere
Crackdown in Brent on 'beds in sheds' menace
06 July, 2012
Brent Council is to begin a crackdown on the problem of 'beds in sheds' in the borough
Woman sentenced over £24,000 housing fraud
06 July, 2012
A woman who made more than £24,000 illegally sub-letting her council home has been given a suspended jail sentence
Lifetime tenancy set to go for council housing in Northampton
05 July, 2012
Tenancy agreements in Northamptonshire could soon be limited to five years under new council proposals
Edinburgh issues first private landlord ban
05 July, 2012
Edinburgh Council has struck a landlord off its register for the first time banning him from renting out property in the city
£9,000 fine for landlords who "put students' lives at risk"
03 July, 2012
Husband and wife Abdul Kalam and Jahanara Begum were successfully prosecuted by Camden Council for failing to licence overcrowded student digs
Government 'clobbering the working poor' with benefit reform
03 July, 2012
There are fears the IT system won't be ready, that the policy is being rushed through - another of the Government's benefit reforms - Council Tax Benefit
Tenants' deposit protection schemes launched
02 July, 2012
New schemes have been launched which require all Scottish landlords to protect tenants' deposits
Hull fraudster claimed £100k housing benefit
02 July, 2012
A HULL businessman who claimed more than £100,000 in false housing benefit has been forced to pay most of the money back
Southwark in private rent cap negotiations
29 June, 2012
Southwark Council could be the first UK local authority to introduce a rent cap for private landlords to make their homes more affordable to benefit claimants
MSPs pass Scottish welfare changes
28 June, 2012
Proposed new laws to "limit the impact" of UK-wide welfare reforms in Scotland have been passed by MSPs
Non-compliant landlords could be forced to hand over homes as Newham licence approved
27 June, 2012
Newham Council could take over the management of properties in the PRS where regulations have been breached under its new landlord licensing regime
Borough wide licensing in Newham for private landlords
27 June, 2012
NLA comment on decision to introduce borough wide licensing in Newham
BBC Rogue Traders' Dan Penteado admits benefit fraud
26 June, 2012
A presenter on the BBC consumer affairs programme Rogue Traders has admitted illegally claiming housing and council tax benefits totalling £24,000
The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012
25 June, 2012
Data sharing regulations for social sector landlords which covers information referring to housing benefit, under-occupation, the benefits cap etc
Top tips: regulating the private rented sector
25 June, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on regulation for private landlords
Universal Credit regulations
18 June, 2012
Welfare reform draft regulations and policy briefing notes
DWP submits draft universal credit and benefit cap regulations to Social Security Advisory Committee
15 June, 2012
It was announced in parliament yesterday that draft universal credit regulations would be published shortly
Greater risk of death warning as private tenancies rise
14 June, 2012
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has warned that the risk of fatalities will grow as private tenancies continue to rise
Tenants favour accredited landlords
13 June, 2012
According to the NLA 51% of tenants are more likely to accept a rental property if they know the L/L is committed to professional development and accreditation
HCA seeks help on regulation
08 June, 2012
Regulator to consult other watchdogs on dealing with profit-making providers
Rent Controls - Should they be brought back?
06 June, 2012
With some tenants spending 60% of their take-home pay on rent, critics are calling for regulation - but landlords say it would reduce supply
Landlord fined £5,500 for filthy, overcrowded house
30 May, 2012
A Newham landlord has been fined after admitting a total of 23 counts of breaching houses in multiple occupation (HMO) management regulations
Struck-off solicitor slammed as 'slum landlord' by Camden Council
29 May, 2012
A struck-off solicitor was one of two defendants successfully prosecuted for failing to license a property let to 12 people
A guide to Income Support
28 May, 2012
A guide for professional and voluntary advisers and others who want to know more about Income Support
Cost of regulating private landlords will be passed on to tenants
25 May, 2012
Plans for tougher regulation of the private rented sector in Wales could force rents up, according to landlords
Ruling could force 'bedroom tax' change
24 May, 2012
Charity warns - The Gov will have to amend the under-occupation housing benefit rules pending its decision to appeal against a recent court judgement
Swifter justice for 'neighbours from hell'
23 May, 2012
Nightmare tenants whose persistent antisocial behaviour causes misery and fear for their local communities will face swifter justice
Welsh white paper: minister to introduce new rules on homelessness
22 May, 2012
The Welsh housing minister explains new measures to tackle family homelessness, poor housing and a poor private rent sector
Welsh Government Bill on Tenancy Reform - A White Paper for Better Lives and Communities
22 May, 2012
This White Paper sets out proposals for new legislation and other, non-legislative, action. Consultation end date 17 August 2012
Scots seek to limit impact of UK welfare reforms
22 May, 2012
Scotland's very own welfare reform bill starts its progress through the Scottish Parliament
Suffolk pair dishonestly claimed housing benefit
21 May, 2012
A man and a woman who dishonestly claimed £42,000 in housing benefit, have been given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years
Accreditation for landlords coming soon
18 May, 2012
The Welsh government will outline plans for compulsory registering of private landlords in a white paper
Complex benefit system leading to fraud and error
17 May, 2012
New fraud and error figures show why fundamental reform of the benefits system is so vital, Ministers have said
Cuts threaten ability to tackle rogue landlords
15 May, 2012
Public sector cuts are hampering the ability of some councils to crack down on rogue landlords, according to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Income support for lone parents with a child under the age of five
15 May, 2012
New commencement order in relation to the Welfare Reform Act 2009
'Victory for rights of disabled' as Government loses spare room benefit case
15 May, 2012
A charity is hailing a victory for rights of disabled people after Court of Appeal rules the HB regs size criteria discriminate against disabled
1000s on long term sickness benefits found 'fit for work'
15 May, 2012
New Government analysis reveals that thousands of people who have been claiming Incapacity Benefit for the past 15 years are in fact fit for work
Report questions legality of household benefit cap
15 May, 2012
The government may have broken equality laws when introducing the total household benefits cap, according to watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Judgement to force changes to benefit rules
15 May, 2012
Housing benefit rules for private rented tenants discriminate against disabled people and will have to be changed, the Court of Appeal has ruled
Landlords told to stop housing tenants in back garden shed
14 May, 2012
A couple have been told to stop using the garage in their back garden as tenants' living accommodation
£1.8m to tackle scandal of 'beds in sheds'
14 May, 2012
Criminal landlords trapping vulnerable people in 'suburban shanty-towns' will get the justice they deserve, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has pledged
Landlords sceptical about green deal
11 May, 2012
Social landlords believe the government's flagship retrofit scheme will be unpopular with their tenants
Editor's blog: why we need a licence for private landlords
11 May, 2012
A study into the housing crisis has revealed shocking examples of exploitation in the private rented sector
The woman who lives in a shed: how London landlords are cashing in
10 May, 2012
Council finds people living in everything from massively overcrowded houses to a walk-in freezer - and the problem is getting worse
Benefit fraudsters warned they face tougher penalties
09 May, 2012
Ministers are now able to fine benefit cheats up to £2,000, with a minimum penalty of £350 without having to take them to court
Top tips: social housing regulation
09 May, 2012
Comments from the Guardians discussion on changes to the regulation of social housing
Homeless face losing council housing guarantee
03 May, 2012
A flagship Conservative council in London would no longer automatically guarantee social housing to homeless applicants under new plans
Royal Assent for Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
02 May, 2012
Legal Aid Bill receives Royal Assent
Private landlord hit with fine
01 May, 2012
A private landlord has been prosecuted by Lewisham Council for failing to licence a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
01 May, 2012
On 1 May 2012 the Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduced two changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Fears welfare reforms will increase fast-track evictions
30 April, 2012
Landlords will fast-track possession claims using ‘draconian’ legal measures to defend their businesses against the impact of welfare reform
Shapps: Newham Council's actions were 'borderline illegal'
30 April, 2012
Mr Shapps told The Guardian newspaper that the way Newham Council had treated the families was "unacceptable"
New Housing Benefit Regulations (Under-occupation)
30 April, 2012
Read how the draft regulations which govern how the size criteria, also known as the bedroom tax, will be applied. Explanatory cover note by DWP
New economic regulation of social housing will have more bite than bark
23 April, 2012
Providers have been told to expect a year of continuity even as HCA ushers in tough new value for money regulation
Commons overturn legal aid welfare benefits amendment but...
18 April, 2012
The amendment, allowing welfare benefits cases within the scope of legal aid was overturned in a House of Commons debate
Government to invoke controversial rule in bid to squash LASPO changes
17 April, 2012
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it will invite the House of Commons to invoke 'financial privilege' to overrule eight of the amendments
'Abroad fraud' warning for benefit thieves
16 April, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, sends a warning to people who commit benefit fraud abroad
LIN Member Report April 2012 - Validation of housing benefit by landlords in the private and social rented sectors
15 April, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Why government guidance on allocations is 'wholly inadequate'
12 April, 2012
New code on the allocation of social housing is a wasted opportunity to support local authorities to make crucial choices
The changing face of social housing regulation
02 April, 2012
The Homes and Communities Agency will regulate housing providers from 1 April. Here's what to expect
Letting agent fined over housing benefit data
02 April, 2012
A letting agent and one of its directors have been found guilty of unlawfully obtaining details about their tenants' HB from a rogue employee at Slough Council
The regulatory framework for social housing in England from April 2012
26 March, 2012
The Tenant Services Authority has announced the new regulatory standards that will apply from 1 April 2012
First Welfare Reform Act 2012 commencement order
20 March, 2012
New statutory instrument brings into force provisions including time limiting of contributory employment and support allowance and change to lone parent income support entitlement
Peer tables amendment to remove squatting ban
19 March, 2012
A peer has tabled an amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which calls for the banning of squatting to be removed from it completely
Subletting tenant sentenced to 16 weeks in prison
19 March, 2012
A council tenant has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for subletting a local authority-owned property
Squatting law reforms 'could cost taxpayers £790m over five years'
19 March, 2012
Extension of squatting law could cost 20 times official estimates and wipe out legal aid budget savings, campaigners warn
Councils 'lack willpower' to tackle sheds with beds
15 March, 2012
Secretary of State for communities and local government Eric Pickles has accused councils of "lacking the willpower" to tackle the so-called "sheds with beds" epidemic
Hands up and hands on - Understanding the new opportunities for localism
15 March, 2012
Consumer Focus report
Landlords braced for impact of benefit reform
12 March, 2012
Social landlords are preparing to commit significant amounts of extra cash and resources to ready themselves for the impact of the Welfare Reforms
Peers defeat Government over its proposed changes to legal aid reforms
09 March, 2012
Richard Hawkes, CEX of Scope, commented on the Gov's defeat in the House of Lords over plans to remove welfare benefit cases from the scope of legal aid
Welfare Bill turns law 'marking biggest reform for 60 years'
08 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill became law today containing some of the biggest changes to the system for 60 years
Iain Duncan Smith: Welfare reforms realised
08 March, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's Welfare Reform Bill has now become law marking an historic moment for the Coalition Government
LIN Member Report March 2012 - Welfare Reform - What Next?
08 March, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS.
Hove man in £100K Brighton council benefit fraud jailed
02 March, 2012
A man has been jailed for cheating Brighton and Hove City Council out of more than £100,000 in council tax and housing benefits
Tenancy Deposit Protection Changes Confirmed for 6 April 2012
02 March, 2012
DCLG has published the required regulations bringing in amendments to Tenancy Deposit Protection arrangements in England and Wales
Welfare Reform Bill passes final House of Lords hurdle
01 March, 2012
The government's controversial Welfare Reform Bill has passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords
Cameron on Welfare Reform: 'An historic moment'
01 March, 2012
The Government's Welfare Reform Bill finally passed on Wednesday night after peers dropped their final resistance to the measures
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
01 March, 2012
DWP information on ESA and the impact of Welfare Reform
Localising council tax support
01 March, 2012
The Local Government Finance Bill introduced on 19 Dec 2011 paves the way for the implementation of localised council tax support schemes in England in Apr 2013
Welfare Reform Bill reaches conclusion
01 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill came to the end of the consideration of amendments stage (ping pong) in the House of Lords on Wednesday 29 February 2012
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
09 February, 2012
DWP consultation - issues relevant to the implementation and operation of the appeals reform provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill - consultation closes 4.5.12
Rents, rent differentials and service charges for private registered providers 2012-13
03 February, 2012
The regulatory framework for social housing in England covers standards that the regulator expects registered providers of social housing to follow
Big Issue case could help homeless access benefits
23 January, 2012
Big Issue sellers who have been denied access to housing benefit could reapply following a court ruling, a legal centre has advised
Harry Phibbs exclusive: 'I'm not going after the social housing sector'
23 January, 2012
Conservative councillor Harry Phibbs says he is "not going after the social housing sector", despite publishing a series of opinion pieces attacking housing associations and the sector's representative bodies.
MPs call for single body to 'oversee' benefits
12 January, 2012
There should be a single body responsible for overseeing the 'interaction' between different benefits, according to Commons public accounts committee report
Woman sentenced over £24,000 housing fraud
06 January, 2012
A woman who made more than £24,000 illegally sub-letting her council home has been given a suspended jail sentence
Spending cuts blamed for rising benefit bill
02 December, 2011
Housing bodies have blamed government spending cuts for adding nearly £2 billion to the cost of housing benefit over the next five years
New rules will help end prejudices about social housing
23 November, 2011
New flexible tenancies will help end long-held prejudices about social housing, according to Housing Minister Grant Shapps
Riot-hit council to review tenancy rules
23 November, 2011
A council at the centre of the riots is considering changing its tenancy agreements to make it easier to evict badly behaved residents
LIN press release - What's new for the Private Sector in the Government's housing strategy?
22 November, 2011
LIN press release - What's new for the Private Sector in the Government's housing strategy?
A revised regulatory framework for social housing in England from April 2012
22 November, 2011
This consultation document sets out proposals for a revised regulatory framework to take effect from 1 April 2012. Responses required by 10.2.12
Laying the Foundations: A Housing Strategy for England
21 November, 2011
According to CLG this is a radical new strategy which will reignite the housing market and get the nation building again
From self-financing to self-determination
18 November, 2011
Local Authority Housing Self-Financing in London - a report by London Councils
Power shift from Whitehall to communities gets underway
16 November, 2011
An era of Whitehall control has ended with a historic shift in power back to local people, as the Localism Bill becomes law
Localism Bill passes through Parliament
08 November, 2011
The government's flagship Localism Bill has completed its passage through Parliament, 18 months after it was unveiled by the coalition
Rogue landlord housed 21 people in 'unsafe accommodation'
03 November, 2011
Twenty one people have been re-housed by Hackney Council after they were found to be living in unsafe and unauthorised rented accommodation
Asserting authority:calling time on rogue landlords
13 September, 2011
Shelter policy briefing which exposes the scale and the nature of problems in the private rented sector
Fact sheet: Gaining possession of a privately rented property let on an assured shorthold tenancy
03 September, 2011
This fact sheet has been prepared for landlords who wish to gain possession of a privately rented property let on an assured shorthold tenancy
HB Backdating letter
02 August, 2011
Housing Benefit template letter, to request that a housing benefit claim be backdated.
Amendment to planned welfare reforms
19 July, 2011
An exemption in HB regs will protect some previously homeless people from the extension of the Shared Accommodation Rate for 25-34 year olds
The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011
19 July, 2011
Link to the Regulation change made to the Shared Accommodation Rate that will protect some previously homeless people
Unfair Shares
19 July, 2011
A report on the impact of extending the Shared Accommodation Rate of Housing Benefit by the Centre for Housing Policy and Crisis
UK Housing review June 2011
21 June, 2011
Chartered Institute of Housing report by Hal Pawson and Steve Wilcox
DWP delivery plan 2011-12
08 April, 2011
How DWP will implement the government’s programme of welfare and pensions reform
Housing Benefit - Local Housing Allowance private rented sector
01 April, 2011
LHA Information Leaflet
Opening the door
26 February, 2011
Exploratory research by Consumer Focus which shows that there is support for the introduction of reputational regulation in the private rented sector.
Welfare Reform Bill 2011
16 February, 2011
On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years.
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit Overpayments Guide
01 September, 2025
DWP guidelines (updated September 2025)
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit Guidance Manual
23 June, 2025
DWP guidance (updated 23 June 2025)
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
07 April, 2008
The Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance and Information Sharing) Amendment Regulations 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Rent Officer (Housing Benefit Functions) Amendment Order 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (State Pension Credit) (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
02 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Miscellaneous and Consequential) Amendment Regulations 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007
30 September, 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007 (Commencement no 4 and Savings and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007