Why buy-to-let landlords don’t want one-in-a-million properties

A million buy-to-let homes across the UK could be unfit to live in

A property that is one in a million should make a buy-to-let landlord a hefty profit; but not if it is the one in a million identified by Shelter as being unfit for human habitation. If it is one of these, then you could be in for a rough ride under the new Home (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 that comes into effect on 20^th March 2019.

What is changing on 20^th March?

From 20^th March, properties in the private rented sector begin to be affected by the new law. If your home is deemed to be unfit for human habitation, your tenant could force you to make repairs or improvements. Worse, you could be forced to pay compensation.

Who does the new law affect?

The new law will eventually be rolled out and affect all properties owned by buy-to-let landlords. However, from 20^th March your property must be deemed as fit for human habitation if:

• It is a new tenancy
• You are renewing a tenancy
• The tenancy is a statutory periodic tenancy coming into force on or after 20^th March

Is the new law straightforward?

You would like to think the new law would be straightforward, but it isn’t. Sure, there’s a list of defects that could make your property unfit for habitation. Unfortunately, how they are applied also depends on who your tenant is. For example, what might be considered unfit for an elderly and infirm tenant wouldn’t apply to a younger, fitter tenant.

What action should you take?

If you are a good landlord, it’s likely that you won’t fall foul of the law. Your properties will be in good order. You’ll be on top of maintenance and repairs. However, can you be certain that your property doesn’t have a defect that could make them unfit for habitation? When was the last time you inspected your property? Here’s what we recommend buy-to-let landlords do to comply with the new law going forward:

• Make sure that the tenant understands their responsibility to report any defects to you promptly
• Repair any reported defect in a timely manner
• Make regular property inspections if you don’t already

Right now, though, there is one essential action you must take: consider your property and its current condition. Then ask yourself if it really is fit to be lived in by your current tenant. Don’t get caught out by the new law. Contact Ezytrac today on

A million buy-to-let homes across the UK could be unfit to live in

A property that is one in a million should make a buy-to-let landlord a hefty profit; but not if it is the one in a million identified by Shelter as being unfit for human habitation. If it is one of these, then you could be in for a rough ride under the new Home (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 that comes into effect on 20^th March 2019.

What is changing on 20^th March?

From 20^th March, properties in the private rented sector begin to be affected by the new law. If your home is deemed to be unfit for human habitation, your tenant could force you to make repairs or improvements. Worse, you could be forced to pay compensation.

Who does the new law affect?

The new law will eventually be rolled out and affect all properties owned by buy-to-let landlords. However, from 20^th March your property must be deemed as fit for human habitation if:

• It is a new tenancy
• You are renewing a tenancy
• The tenancy is a statutory periodic tenancy coming into force on or after 20^th March

Is the new law straightforward?

You would like to think the new law would be straightforward, but it isn’t. Sure, there’s a list of defects that could make your property unfit for habitation. Unfortunately, how they are applied also depends on who your tenant is. For example, what might be considered unfit for an elderly and infirm tenant wouldn’t apply to a younger, fitter tenant.

What action should you take?

If you are a good landlord, it’s likely that you won’t fall foul of the law. Your properties will be in good order. You’ll be on top of maintenance and repairs. However, can you be certain that your property doesn’t have a defect that could make them unfit for habitation? When was the last time you inspected your property? Here’s what we recommend buy-to-let landlords do to comply with the new law going forward:

• Make sure that the tenant understands their responsibility to report any defects to you promptly
• Repair any reported defect in a timely manner
• Make regular property inspections if you don’t already

Right now, though, there is one essential action you must take: consider your property and its current condition. Then ask yourself if it really is fit to be lived in by your current tenant. Don’t get caught out by the new law. Contact Ezytrac today on +44 0 1522 503 717 and make sure your properties are fit for human habitation. Live with Passion, Brett Alegre-Wood