The New Housing Bill
The new Housing Act 2004
The new Housing Act 2004 received Royal Assent on Thursday the 18th November 2004. The Act introduces widespread changes to existing housing legislation and includes:
A new Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This will replace the current housing fitness standard defined in the Housing Act 1985 with an evidence based risk assessment process. More information on HHSRS (External link)
Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) mandatory licensing for larger, higher-risk HMO’s and discretionary powers to licence smaller properties in multiple occupancy.
More on HMOs in KennetA new selective licensing scheme for private rented properties not covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme and where the actions of bad landlords and tenants have an impact on the wider community.
The introduction of Home Information Packs so that relevant information such as a home condition report is available to buyers and sellers when a property is marketed.
An extension of disabled facilities grant eligibility to include those applicants occupying caravans as their only or main residence.
More on disabled facilities grantsLatest news - November 2005
Implementation of the Housing Act 2004 has been delayed until next year. In a statement to the House of Commons, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said key sections of the Act, including the licensing and control of Houses in Multiple Occupation and the Housing Health & Safety Rating System, would not begin in November, as had been expected, but in April 2006.
Ms Cooper commented: "By announcing this new timetable we are able to offer certainty as to when the new provisions will be coming into force. Making secondary legislation available early on in draft form, alongside guidance, and laying statutory instruments in good time will do much to inform discussions and ensure wider understanding of the details and operations of the new system."
Further updates will appear on these web pages in due course.
More detailed information may be obtained by visiting the Department for Communitis and Local Government web site at www.communities.gov.uk (External link)