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Do I need to let my Insurance Company know I’ve let my property?
The simple answer is that whatever you do with your property, the correct procedure is always to let your insurance company know and get their consent to do it. If, for whatever reason, they refuse to insure you then need to shop around (directly or through a broker) to get the property insured. Failure to…
Why do I need a deposit clause in my Agreement?
i) The simple answer is that everything these days has to be clearly stated and understood. As the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreement is the rock around which the landlord and the tenant`s legal rights and responsibilities are established, it is fundamentally important that from the start the tenant understands what the deposit may be…
ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive comments on Government’s proposed cap for private landlords for EPC improvements
David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark commented on the Government’s proposed cap for private landlords for EPC improvements to their rented properties earlier this week: “Yesterday’s (Monday) announcement that landlords will need to pay the first £3,500 to make improvements to their properties to ensure they are minimum EPC rated E or higher, is bad…
Section 21 Notices – who can sign it?
Agents particularly and some larger landlords who run companies to manage their property need to be aware of a changing viewpoint from the circuit judges regarding accepting Section 21 Notices that have been signed by a junior and not the director or authorised signatory. This refers back to The Companies Act 2006, Section 44 –…
Greater protection for renters thanks to plans to tighten tenant safety
“It is not before time that the government has realised and started to close some of the health and safety anomalies within the private rental sector. It makes sense that areas where tenant safety is concerned the rules are more uniform across the board so everyone knows where they ought to be and what standard…
Tenants will get access to rogue landlord database, says PM
At long last the government appear to have realised the error of their ways; and by making this available to Tenants to look at, are further enhancing the transparency of the private rental sector (PRS) and helping to drive up standards. Phil. David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark commented on the Prime Minister’s announcement that…
Government unveils new body ‘to raise agency standards’
At long last the government is looking to be proactive at controlling the agency side of the property market. This has long been a priority, especially for the burgeoning rental market and hopefully the working party will be able to arrive at a sensible solution that protects the public and fairly regulates the agents, so…
Leasehold – What do the proposed reforms mean?
The Government has a new set of rules being prepared to tackle the “unfair and abusive practices” within the leasehold system, as part of its holistic approach to fixing a broken housing market. It is planned to make sure residents only must pay for the services they receive. This is because for a long time,…
Gardens – What`s my Responsibility?
Landlords need to be very clear in their own mind about the garden and relay onto the tenant what exactly is expected – who is responsible for what and which parts, or all of the outside. In order to avoid problems at the tenancy end and specifically deposit disputes, it is best practice to detail…
A fairer deal for leaseholders of houses and flats
The government`s desire to review and simplify the leasehold and freehold issues that have recently been highlighted; look like they are getting closer to fruition. Depending upon how much of an overhaul is undertaken, there could be major implications for landlords, particularly of flats, in the not too distant future. The Law Commission has proposed a…
Home Improvements – Are they worth it?
Home Improvements are on the increase, according to a recent survey by the Insurers, Hiscox. In 2013, only 3% reported doing work whilst by 2018, this had increased to 15%. One of the main drivers behind this increase is that it is more economic to improve or extend the current residence, considering the high selling…
What`s the fuss over Section 21 Notices?
That puts a greater onus on private landlords and agents to be aware of the imminent changes around the corner affecting a lot of those tenancies that have been periodic for several years. In order to gain possession of most properties, landlords and agents serve notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, as…