Published: 21/03/2025 By Rachael James
Symonds & Sampson’s second Landlord’s Seminars drew a capacity audience to the Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury on Wednesday evening.The informative seminar, presented by Partner and Head of Lettings Rachael James, covered impending legislation in the form of the Renters Rights Bill, EPC requirements, and other ‘hot topics’ from the 155 pieces of legislation governing rented properties. Rent is advance, the abolition of Section 21, grounds for serving Section 8 notices, rent increases, and tenant selection (including allowing pets) prompted interesting questions at the end of the seminar, whilst Rachael supported the proposed introduction of a private rental sector database and a new ombudsman scheme, both designed to ensure consistently high standards throughout the industry.
Rachael highly recommends that all landlords and tenants take out insurance from reputable providers, she herself is working closely with Homelet to adapt an existing policy to provide landlords with a higher level of protection, and for some time now, Symonds & Sampson have recommended Reposit as a deposit alternative to both tenants and their landlords.
Whilst some elements of the Renters Rights Bill are still in discussion and the date that legislation will come into effect is yet to be confirmed, the timeline for new requirements for minimum energy efficiency and safety regulations has been confirmed, and landlords were keen for advice on measures to be taken in preparation. In summarising and thanking Rachael at the end of the evening, Partner Andrew Tuffin’s closing advice to all landlords, whether clients of the firm or not, is to make absolutely sure that your paperwork and safety requirements are up to date – our agents across the region would be only too pleased to assist.
This Spring series' third and final seminar takes place at the Crown Hotel, Blandford, on 30th April, starting at 5pm. It is free to attend (we invite donations to our chosen charities, Macmillan and Prostate Cancer UK) and open to all. We ask attendees to please register in advance by emailing Emma Newman.