Section: Private Sector
New Regulations
Source: Office of Public Sector Information
The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Specified Educational Establishments) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 SI 2280
Schedule 14 to the Housing Act 2004 describes buildings that are not houses in multiple occupation (HMO) for the purposes of the Act (excluding Part 1). HMOs are defined by section 254 of the Act.
Paragraph 4 of Schedule 14 to the Act provides that a building is not an HMO for the purposes of the Act (excluding Part 1) if it is a building which is occupied solely or principally by persons who occupy it for the purpose of undertaking a full-time course of further education at a specified establishment, or at an establishment of a specified description, and where the person managing or controlling it is the establishment in question, or a specified person, or a person of a specified description.
Regulation 2 of these Regulations specify such establishments. The establishments are specified if they are listed in the Schedule to these Regulations and are also listed as the manager of any building listed in a schedule included with either of the codes referred to in regulation 2(b).
These Regulations replace the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Specified Educational Establishments (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 2006/647), adding to the Schedule establishments that were not previously listed in the Schedule to those Regulations.
Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme Delayed
The Government announced that the Tenancy Deposit Protection would not come into force until 6 April 2007. It was originally intended that the scheme be introduced in October 2006.
The revised launch date will enable the Government time to deal with concerns raised during the consultation process by key stakeholders - including tenants, landlords and letting agents - over the release of deposits where there are rent arrears and abandonment of tenancies. It will also give more time to inform stakeholders about tenancy deposit protection.
Citizens Advice and the National Union of Students welcomed the opportunity to have more time to prepare for the change and to inform students in England and Wales about the benefits of the scheme.
The Government will be introducing the Tenancy Deposit Protection alongside other Housing Act 2004 provisions, such as HMO and Selective Licensing, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and Empty Dwelling Management Orders.
Information Notes
Statutory tenancy deposit schemes will apply to all assured shorthold tenancies, where a deposit is taken, in England and Wales.
There will be two types of scheme:
- a single custodial scheme (where deposits will be paid into and held in a separate account); and
- one or more insurance-based schemes (where the landlord or agent will hold the deposit and any failure on his/her part to repay it to the tenant will be covered by the scheme's insurance arrangements).
Each scheme will offer an alternative dispute resolution service.
The Government is currently negotiating with potential suppliers to run a single custodial scheme and one or more insurance-based schemes. It is expected contracts will be awarded in the autumn.
Home Information Packs Update
The Government announced plans for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates as part of the phased rollout of Home Information Packs (HIPs), to help consumers cut costs and waste when buying a home and help the environment too.
In light of the plans for testing and concerns about the readiness of industry, the Government announced new proposals to phase the introduction of HIPs, prioritising the delivery of energy efficiency information with further testing later this year on the other aspects of HIPs.
This means HIPs will be introduced in June next year with searches and energy performance information, enabling buyers and sellers to get A-G ratings on their homes - similar to fridge ratings - as well as a list of practical measures to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions at the same time.
The Energy Savings Trust estimates that by following the proposals in the Energy Performance Certificate, the average homeowner will save £300 a year on fuel bills. Government also believes that the information could be used to support the growth of green mortgages and other incentives.
On the basis of detailed consultations with industry and the latest market and testing information, the government has decided to phase the roll out of other aspects of Home Information Packs, introducing the rest of Home Condition Reports on a market-led basis in the first instance, in order to ensure a smooth implementation with clear benefits for consumers.
Minister for Housing and Planning, Yvette Cooper said: "HIPs can deliver great benefits for consumers and the environment. But it is important that they are implemented in a sensible way, based on proper testing. That is why we will begin with the most important element - energy efficiency ratings for homes. This will mean practical information for homeowners on how to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions. People should be backing HIPs to help everyone respond to the global challenge of climate change."
© Copyright 1996 - 2008 UK Housing Ltd. Housing Monthly Diary
Issue: September 2006 Reporting on July-August 2006
- Allocations & Transfers
- Antisocial Behaviour & Nuisance
- Home Loss Payments
- Homelessness & Asylum Seekers
- Housing & Estate Management
- Housing Benefit & Council Tax
- Housing Grants
- Private Sector
- Repairs & Improvements
- Right to Buy
- Security of Tenure
- Travellers and Gypsies
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