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Smart meters are on the rise, more and more homes are being kitted out with the digital cost-cutters and the implementation of them in all homes is inevitable. In 2009, the government announced its plan to have a smart meter installed in every home by 2020. It was then announced after that all homeowners would… Read more »
Get a FREE Landlord health check! With ever-changing legislation for the private rental market, it’s a good time to become a compliant Landlord to avoid any penalties! We’re happy to provide a FREE health check for all local landlords, with advice and guidance to ensure you’re doing things right. Have you carried out ‘Right to… Read more »
If you’re a busy landlord that can’t devote a lot of time to managing properties (maybe it’s not your full-time job) then a local Leicester letting agent could be the answer to ensure that both you and your tenant(s) are happy. If you’re a first-time landlord then working with a letting agent such as Readings… Read more »
As you’re already aware, from 1st April 2018 landlords will have to ensure that their rental property has a minimum EPC rating of E. These new regulations apply to new lets and tenancy renewals. You could be fined thousands of pounds if you breach these regulations unless you are exempt. If your property has an EPC… Read more »
What does Boiler Plus mean? Boiler Plus is a new set of regulations (part of the Heat In Buildings policy) affecting the energy efficiency of heating systems and has raised the bar for both manufacturers and installers. Why is the legislation changing? The main motivation for these changes is to phase out inefficient boilers to… Read more »
During the lifetime of a landlord’s investment, a void period is inevitable and can cause a bucket load of stress and worry. Not only will there be no rental income but you could still be paying costs such as a mortgage or council tax. Tenants circumstances change and can’t always be avoided but there are… Read more »
Wear and tear are three words that can drive landlords to despair! Is wear and tear a sloppy excuse for lack of care? Where does wear and tear end and when does it become damage? As an established Leicester letting agent we offer some answers and solutions to help tackle this tricky issue. What is wear… Read more »
Are Right to Rent Checks for everyone? Yes! Except for underage children that is. But even then, you need to check their age, particularly if they are a teenager, just to be sure they really are under 18 (and keep a copy of the proof). It’s important to know who is applicable for Right to… Read more »
Huh? What’s the Deregulation Act 2015 & how does it affect me? Deregulation Act 2015 & Retaliatory Evictions is a mouthful and doesn’t mean very much to the average Landlord or tenant. As experienced Leicester letting agents we’re here to guide you through legislation and act as your jargon buster! So here goes… The aim: To… Read more »
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 »
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