From what has been published by the UK Government it looks like the reform which covers the Section 12 notice abolishment that can be used to end a fixed term tenancy will not affect HMO's. To clarify, the Section 12 notice can be issued on 'the grounds on which a landlord may apply to the court for possession of the property comprised in a tenancy to which section one of this Act applies' (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/) and a reason for wanting your property back is to sell the property or for the landlord to move into themselves. It means that with this notice sections removal landlords will have to find other ways to evict a tenants for anti-social behaviour, which is further issues and reasons for a landlord exiting the renting market.
Central Property Portal
I have often though about creating a rogue tenant portal so all tenants who do not pay their rent and seem to run off into the sunset to another rented room can be listed in one central location. It would also allow the next landlord to check on this portal and confirm the tenants credibility - this has never been created and nor do I think it will. But the Government have set up a test under the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities where landlords can come forward with their details and those of their properties and self register. But there is no policing of this so you are trusting in the landlords to come forward and to enter the details correctly and honestly. The issue with this, as with the HMO licenses where again you have to tell the authorises you have a HMO, is the rogue landlords will not register so my question is what is the point? It will not help identify the decent landlords as those are listed on the landlord database.
Fire Safety
The main changes are asking a landlord to periodically send information to a tenant regarding Fire Safety Regulations and also information on the properties fire doors. This information is usually in the AST but now it needs to be sent annually. You would need to send information such as evacuation strategy, how to report a fire and information on fire doors.
Decent Home Standard
It looks like the Decent Home Standard could be set to apply to the Private Rented Sector. Although the standard currently applies to social housing only after the recent news headlines I would not be surprised if local authorises started to enforce the standards with more force. As a landlord who takes the responsibility of safety and health very seriously I would hope that the local authorities found a method to ensure that all rented homes are regularly checked to ensure they are fit for those who call them home.
The legislations that apply to property is always changing so it can react to changes in the renting market and also the safety standard changes. It is the responsibility of a landlord to ensure their current property standards applies to the changes, so please do read industry press or follow them online so you are up to date. You should not rely on others like your letting agent as the landlord is the one the judge will come after if things turn bad.
