Regional round-up

'So all the pressure to put together new terms of business with the tenant fee ban two months on has passed and in Cornwall we have the usual mix of hot, cold and good old Cornish Mizzle.

'In the build-up to 1 June, it was interesting to see both members and non-members get to grips with the changes to landlords’ commission, particularly as we have family and local businesses competing against each other to retain good landlords. Councils didn’t waste time in seeking out those non-compliant where the set fine is £3,000 first strike and increasing dramatically for each infringement thereafter. However, at last members have a hotline to report non-compliant competitors.

'GDPR last year, the tenant fee ban and now section 21 is on the agenda. With so much pressure with a high number of accidental landlords and decreasing returns, the latest report established 2,742 derelict/empty properties. Of these, 1,000 have been unoccupied for more than ten years.

'Joe Roberts, Head of PRS at Cornwall Council, has announced they will work with investors, owners or landlords to bring these properties back into use for tenants, and to ease the pressure for first-time buyers. With EPCs and many rural properties that do not comply, maintaining and increasing those available to the market is imperative. Funding is also available and if necessary the council are able to do a compulsory purchase. With no let-up on the pressure, member benefits continue to be key to advise and assist our members through the quagmire of compliance'.