Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors - Pimlico - London

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Pothecary Witham Weld is based in Central London providing specialist advice locally and nationally to charities and not for profits; individuals and families; companies and partnerships.

The firm is best known for its church, charity and schools work and is widely regarded as one of the leading firms in these fields in the UK. The firm is also highly valued locally for its friendly and accessible range of legal services.

Latest News & Events 

Changes to the private rented sector in 2019

The Tenant Fees Act 2019, which takes effect from 1 June, introduces sweeping changes to the private rented sector, largely aimed at curbing the financial powers of landlords and agents in relation to their tenants.

The key changes include:

• A ban on landlords and agents charging additional fees to tenants on top of rent and deposits. This means charges for services such as inventories, credit checks and referencing will be banned;
• A deposit cap of five weeks’ rent for properties where the annual rent is less than £50,000, increasing to six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more;
•  An obligation on landlords and agents to register with a client money protection scheme, protecting money (including deposits and lawfully imposed administration fees) if the agent goes into administration. Parties who fail to sign up will face fines of up to £30,000;
•  A ban on landlords being able to evict tenants until all unlawfully charged fees or unlawfully retained deposits have been returned to the tenant; and
•  A “rogue landlord database”, which is expected to be introduced later in 2019.

Although the Act comes into force on 1 June 2019, for those tenants who entered into tenancies before that date, landlords and agents will still be able to charge fees until 31 May 2020. The Act will also only apply to assured shorthold tenancies, licences and student lettings; long leasehold interests will not be covered.

With more legal and regulatory changes to come in 2019 and 2020, there will be substantial change in the private rented sector over the next year for landlords and tenants alike.

If you are a landlord or a tenant, and would like more information on how the proposed changes will affect you and your property, please contact us on 0207 821 8211 or here for more details.         

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