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Early this year we informed you of changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that will come into affect in April 2018 (see our blog post here). If your property’s energy efficiency is below band ‘E’ then you could be left with a property that cannot be legally rented and a fine of up to £5,000! An EPC assessment… Read more »
On 11th March 2015 the Housing Minister announced that all rental properties require smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The Government is increasing landlord responsibility to ensure a safer and better private rented sector. New regulations were passed by both Houses of Parliament on Monday 14th September 2015. The Changes: The Government has introduced the Smoke… Read more »
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 outlines that all UK landlords are legally responsible for the gas safety of their properties and tenants. This is to ensure all gas appliances (both fixed and portable), fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe. Landlords renting out a property with gas appliances have 3 main responsibilities:… Read more »
What is Legionella? Legionnaires’ is a pneumonia-like (potentially fatal) disease commonly caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water. What must landlords do? Landlords must assess and control the risk of exposure of tenants to Legionella to ensure the safety of their tenants, but this does not require an in-depth detailed assessment. Control… Read more »
In England and Wales, is an obligatory requirement for landlords to protect any deposit received for an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) that started on or after 6th April 2007 in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. A Tenancy Deposit Scheme is a Government approved, independent third party which is permitted to protect tenants’ deposits for the duration of… Read more »
One of the biggest problems for landlords is condensation and mould. If it isn’t dealt with swiftly it can lead to the growth of black mould on decorated surfaces, clothes, shoes and other soft furnishings. This isn’t simply an issue of unsightly mould but also a potential health hazard, especially those who have respiratory health… Read more »
What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a hazardous substance that causes ill-health to anyone who disturbs it and was used in household products and building materials. Fortunately, asbestos is no longer used or imported in the UK (it was banned in 1999) due to the health hazards it creates. Where is Asbestos found in rental properties? The… Read more »
If you manage your rental property yourself, you should be aware of the importance of a good inventory. Not only will an inventory help you keep track of any damage to or theft from your property, but it will also help to avoid tenancy deposit disputes. What is an inventory? An inventory is an unbiased report… Read more »
The Leicester property market was given a huge boost after the Chancellor’s Autumn budget announcement today. There’s been very little to excite us in recent times with regards to budget announcements but we believe the Stamp Duty news will really help the local Leicester property market, James, Readings Sales Director comments: “The Chancellor’s announcement to exempt… Read more »
The countdown to Christmas and New Year can be a hectic time and a new beginning can sometimes mean a new home for some. Selling your home in winter isn’t always easy when everything looks dark and grey. Mud and leaves everywhere and your garden isn’t looking it’s best. These top tips will help to increase… Read more »
The UK’s number one property auctioneer Auction House – which has a branch in Leicester – offered and sold more properties in October 2017 than during any other month in the company’s ten year history. The award-winning auctioneer offered a massive 626 lots under the hammer and finished the month having sold 468 lots at… Read more »
We live in an age where more and more people are becoming landlords. The saying ‘safe as houses’ is one which stands firm and many see buying a property as, not only a sound investment of their hard earned savings, but one which could easily bring them a healthy return. While there are some downsides to… Read more »
Our new Senior Commercial Surveyor and wannabe Time Traveller has only been with us a few weeks so let’s get to know him better and have a coffee with Hassan. What drew you to working at Readings? Readings have an excellent reputation amongst fellow professionals and are one of the only agencies to offer expertise… Read more »
BOO! How many haunted Leicester houses have you visited? Here are the top ten haunted Leicester houses or landmarks – have you had an unexplained hair-raising feeling when visiting? 1. Braunstone Hall: Including a young woman, hunters believe that there are a number of phantoms who call Braunstone Hall their home along with those pulled… Read more »
Our Autumn and Winter property maintenance checklist helps you when temperatures start to drop. It’s a sign that you must start to check your property is ready for the onset of autumn and the impending arrival of winter. Heating Your number one priority for property maintenance going into winter should be the heating system. Don’t wait… Read more »
When a move is on the cards, whether it’s for work or play, to be closer to family, to make a new start, or be in a catchment area for the best schools, it’s always a good idea to know the area you’re moving to before you buy a place to live. There are many… Read more »
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