Housing Committee to close inheritance loophole

Friday 16th September 2005, 12:00AM BST.

PEOPLE who inherit property in the next year could be the last to cash in on a loophole that lets them rent it to the highest bidder – whether qualified or not.

Under current rules, inherited homes fall outside the Housing Law while they remain the property of the inheritor.

Therefore, the person left the property can live in it whether qualified or not, or let it to anyone they like.

In practice, that often means the properties are occupied by those without qualifications, at inflated rents, and with the occupant enjoying absolutely no security of tenure.

However, the Housing Committee has drafted an amendment to the Housing Law which will stop inheritors renting to those who do not hold qualifications.

Inheritors will, however, be able to live in the homes passed down to them whether or not they hold qualifications.

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