The National Housing Federation is advising members affected by the controversy over rent increase notices to send tenants a further letter, still being drafted, setting out the position.
It hopes the move could head off the need for a legal test case on the issue.

The text will be designed to ensure landlords are protected from any action for criminal liability.

The action comes after the federation obtained a QC's opinion on the legal status of past notices. Future rent increase notices are not affected.

The federation said it had found no associations willing to join the test case on the issue being brought by East Thames and Network housing associations.

Policy director Liz Potter said: "Our aim is to ensure members are protected against criminal liability by properly informing tenants. They have already done an enormous amount and if they follow our advice they will be able to show they have done as much as could be reasonably asked."

Network said it would decide whether to press ahead with the test case after studying the new advice.

Source

Housing Today