Housing update

TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEMES

Tenancy deposit schemes come into effect on 6 April 2007. The Housing Act 2004 (HA 2004), ss 212–215 and Sch 10 make detailed provision for two types of schemes—a custodial scheme and an insurance scheme. Both are intended to protect deposits paid by tenants at the commencement of an assured shorthold tenancy and to provide a procedure for dispute resolution. The Housing (Tenancy Deposit Schemes) Order 2007 (SI 2007/796) proposes amendments to Sch 10 to deal with circumstances where there is a lack of co-operation with the landlord or the tenant.

COMMUNITIES ENGLAND

In January this year the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly, announced proposals for a new housing and regeneration agency for England. The agency will bring together the functions of English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and a range of work carried out by the Department of Communities and Local Government such as the provision of homes, housing growth and
regeneration.

GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

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