There are numerous things for renters to consider in 2022, as the property market changes, as does many of our futures. We took a look at what people looking for accommodation should consider before taking the plunge.
Things For Renters To Consider – Anti Covid Measures
The government has issued new recommendations to help prevent Covid-19 from spreading in rental homes.
If you receive visitors from outside your household, they recommend renters make sure their homes are sufficiently aired. They must take appropriate steps to reduce risk.
The recommendations include landlords, rental agencies, and tradespeople. During a visit, keep windows or doors on opposing sides of a room open, according to the instructions. You should keep open small vents or grilles at the top of windows and keep them unblocked.
If someone in your household develops Covid-19 symptoms, you won’t be able to get repairs or safety checks done. The sole exception is if you require the repairs to address a direct safety hazard to you or the general public.
Welsh Eviction Laws
In Wales, laws put together during the pandemic insisted your landlord give you six months’ notice before evicting. Now the Welsh government has extended these laws.
The rule, which law makers enacted in response to the Covid-19 epidemic in July 2020, was set to expire on December 31, 2021. However, the Welsh Government has decided to extend it until March 24, 2022. They included the odd caveat however. This relates to cases of domestic violence or anti-social behaviour and it applies to all sorts of evictions.
Things For Renters To Consider – Energy Efficiency
If you live in England or Wales and you rent, you can expect to live in homes that are more energy efficient. This year, the government will push through new energy efficiency regulations. If a landlord rents out a property, they must ensure that the home contains an energy performance rating of C or higher, according to the rules.
This could entail upgrading to double-glazed windows. A landlord may have to install a more energy-efficient boiler, and extra insulation. As a result, you’ll probably need to spend less money on gas and electricity.
The main drawback is that you might not notice much change right away. Wait a while, and you may change your opinions. The government is set to extend the deadline for new rental agreements until 2026, and for current ones until 2028.
Things For Renters To Consider – Pets
The government has updated its model tenancy agreement to remove landlords’ ability to impose blanket pet restrictions.
This is great news for all pet owners who live in rental properties.
Landlords can now only refuse to let you have well-behaved pets if they have a good reason, such as a shortage of room.
Landlords in England frequently employ the typical tenancy agreement.
It’s worth noting that you’ll still have to ask your landlord if you’re allowed to keep a pet.
Carbon Monoxide
For rental residences with gas boilers or gas fires, the government has enacted new carbon monoxide safety regulations.
Landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors. This need applies for both current appliances and new appliances.
If you break a detector, or it breaks itself, they must be repaired or replaced.
The goal is to eliminate carbon monoxide poisoning by accident. It is hoped that renters will feel safer in your houses as a result of this.
