Recent Articles
Easing of External Wall System Fire Safety Checks
External Wall System Fire Safety Checks 17 November 2020 update – since writing this news article both the Government and RICS have eased the requirement of the EWS1 form assessment. In summary, unless the property has cladding, there is now no need for an EWS1 certificate. However, mortgage lenders are criticising this easement and may […]
Possession and Eviction in the Covid-19 Environment!
Updated 23rd Sept 2020 If you are one of the unfortunate landlords with tenants who you wish to seek possession from due to rent arrears or anti-social behaviour, We strongly sympathise with you. The process is now quite complicated and subject to change to suit the perceived requirements of the Covid-19 environment. The new regulations […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Useful Info for Landlords
We have collated a number of links and some general information to help landlords keep on top of the Coronavirus situation. Hopefully, you will find this page of use during these challenging and sad times. News 5 June 2020 ref extension of eviction ban: After weeks of pressure from tenant campaigning groups to extend the […]
PM Tenant Eviction Ban & Mortgage Holiday
PM Boris Johnson has banned landlords from evicting tenants for rent arrears, permitting tenants a delay in rent payments for three months. The PM has offset the impact this may have on landlords with buy-to-let mortgages by introducing a three month mortgage payment holiday. The PM said, “these are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike […]
New tougher electrical safety standards to protect private tenants
Update 1 June 2020 – Guidelines for Landlords, Tenants and Local Authorities on the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have today been released. Click here for a copy of the Guidelines. Point to note if you already have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): “The 18th edition of […]
Landlord Expo 26th Nov 2020
POSTPONED – the date of the Landlord Expo is now Thursday 26th November 2020 at the Exhibition & Conference Centre at the University of the West of England, assuming that Covid-19 is no longer a public risk. Why not join us at the Landlord Expo? Click here for more details. Note the revised times (11:00 – […]
Council Tax Responsibility – Tenant or Landlord?
If your tenant decides to leave before the tenancy term end date, who is legally responsible for paying the Council Tax up to that end date? Under the terms of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, many councils will bill the landlord in the hope that the landlord will pay, however, a recent Court of […]
Section 21 Form 6a amendment – not legal!
Update 13th August: We have been advised that MHCLG has now (as of 12th August) reverted the wording of the Section 21 official document 6A seeking possession in the Government forms website to reflect the document in the legislation. Original article: Confusion reigns after the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) amended the Form […]
Rogue landlord database reform consultation
This consultation is seeking views on widening access to the database to allow tenants and prospective tenants access to the database. To ensure that the database is a useful tool for local authorities and tenants, we are also seeking views on expanding the scope of offences and infractions which could lead to entries on the […]
English Housing Survey (PRS)
This recently completed English Housing Survey provides a snapshot of the Private Rented Sector (PRS). On the basis of it’s findings, I hope Government ministers will read it and wonder why they are being so hard on the PRS. The report clearly justifies the need for an active PRS, recognises that the majority of tenancies […]
