Changes to the Law

 

 

The last fifteen years have seen more changes to British property legislation than at any time since 1925. Not all of the changes are yet complete as the Government brings into effect new powers by means of Statutory Orders. Some of the principal changes are listed here but both property owners and tenants should be aware that major changes have and are taking place.

 

Disability Discrimination Act 1996

 

Whilst most of the provisions of this Act have finally come into force, a new Bill is to be placed before Parliament which proposes a number of amendments to the 1996 Act. This proposes to strengthen some of the provisions of that Act and this is likely to affect both commercial and residential properties. Landlords and occupiers of properties which have access to the public should be aware of the changes proposed.

  

New Land Registry Rules.

 

New rules came into effect at the Land Registry in 2003. Under these fourteen standard clauses must appear at the beginning of all new registerable leases. The use of these clauses is mandatory from the 19^th June 2006.

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This order was due to come into effect on 1^st April 2006 but was then delayed until the 1st October 2006.

The Order aims to rationalise all existing fire safety regulations into one regime. It marks the end of Fire Certificates and proposes a significant shift to "risk assessment, fire prevention and mitigation". The Order places responsibility for fire safety on the “responsible person” being the person who controls the business or the premises. Where two or more persons share responsibility they are obliged to co-operate. The fire risk assessment must be formally recorded if the responsible person employs more than 5 people.