The months leading up to the end of the year promise to be busy for the lettings market, with changes to carbon monoxide and smoke alarm regulations on the horizon (see our last blog on that here ) as well as an end to the temporary right to rent checks that have been in place since March 2020. Ofgem has also now announced its new energy price cap from October 2022 – and we’ll need to continue to support tenants throughout, making them aware of the financial schemes available to help ensure they can continue to pay their bills and rent as the cost-of-living crisis bites.
End of the temporary Covid-adjusted right to rent checks
The temporary, Covid-adjusted right to rent measures will come to an end on 30 September. This means that checks for British and Irish citizens will once again require a face-to-face check of the relevant documents, or a check through an approved IDVT provider. Your applicants with a biometric residence card or permit, with settled or pre-settled status, or those that have applied for a visa and used the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app will still be able to provide landlords or agents with a share code to complete their checks.
Energy price cap to increase by 80% on average per household from October
On 1 October 2022, the energy price cap for dual fuel will increase to £3,549 per year for the average UK household – an 80% increase on the current cap of £1,971. A typical bill for those on prepayment meters will jump to £3,608. There are sites helping tenants to find ways to become more energy efficient in homes, and you can also ensure that they’re aware of the financial support available, if they struggle to pay their energy bills, especially during the winter months.
All the best,
The Revive Property Sales and Lettings Limited team