Welcome to Landlord Law's weekly news round, where we bring you the latest housing news and more.
As you know, there is the King's Speech on Wednesday and we will likely know more about the new Labour government's intentions after that.
In the meantime, here are some other news items that caught our eye this week:
New EPC targets to be announced next week
A Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesman said the department is due to announce as early as next week that PRS homes will need to reach at least an EPC C rating by 2030.
This is written in the Labour Party manifesto:
We will ensure private rented homes meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030, saving renters hundreds of pounds a year.
It will also offer grants and low-interest loans to help people invest in insulation, solar panels and low-carbon heating to reduce their energy bills.
Police publish guide for landlords on tenants and drugs
Police in Northamptonshire have issued 16-point guidelines to all homeowners to prevent their property being used as a cannabis farm, following the conviction of a man who set up a cannabis factory in a rented private home. Police found 60 cannabis plants worth up to £75,000 being grown inside the house.
The man was sentenced to 45 months in prison and on other charges. A police spokesman said:
Landlords need to be aware that there will be significant financial implications as cannabis factories can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to properties, leaving them with the costs of clean-up and repairs.
They also urged both the public and homeowners to be proactive and be on the lookout for signs that a property may be a cannabis factory, such as lights coming from the attic, the sound of a fan running constantly, curtains or windows always closed and suspicious comings and goings.
You can read the complete guide list here.
Airbnb planning permission imminent
Gwynedd Council is expected to vote next week to require all property owners to get planning permission before converting their main home into a second home or short-term holiday rental, which would come into effect on 1 September 2024 – potentially encouraging other councils to follow suit.
A council spokesman said:
The introduction of section 4 directions will give councils new tools to control the impact of second homes and holiday accommodation.
If the council decides to go ahead with the plans, Gwynedd will be the first planning authority to use these new planning powers introduced by the council. [Welsh] government.
The Welsh Government has made a number of changes to the planning framework to give local authorities more control over second homes and short-term lettings.
Rents are expected to rise
A new survey by LandBay shows that 85% of landlords plan to increase rents next year – not because of high demand for rental properties, but because of increased operating costs and interest rates that they need to cover as part of their expenses.
The survey also found that 42% of landlords planning to increase rents manage a portfolio of four to 10 properties, and 16% pay more than 13% of their rental income on property management.
The Landbays report also revealed that 8% of landowners are expecting a price increase of between 11% and 19%.
Scraps
Angela Rayner removes 'Level Up' from housing department name
Warning to landlords: beware of local authority 'safe renting' schemes
The council will launch a third licence scheme with a fee of £609
Named and blamed – 27 local authorities and social housing owners accused
Newsround returns next week.