Tom

Where internal window blinds are installed in premises where children 0 to 42 months are (ever) likely to have access or be present, ensure they comply with the EN 13120 standard. The standard includes: • Limitations on cord and chain lengths • Safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from creating a hazardous loop…

Property fraud can happen in many ways. For example, fraudsters may attempt to acquire ownership of a property by using forged documents, or by impersonating the registered owner. The fraudsters may then raise money by mortgaging the property without the owner’s knowledge before disappearing without making repayments, leaving the owner to deal with the consequences.…

The landlord has no statutory obligation to repair outbuildings such as garages and sheds unless they are an integral part of the dwelling house. The key piece of legislation that covers landlord repairing obligations is Section 11 of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 which covers the dwelling house (the structure and installations). If the…

What is a schematic diagram? A schematic diagram is a simplified but accurate illustration of the layout of the water system, including parts temporarily out of use. While providing only an indication of the scale, it is an important tool as it allows any person who is not familiar with the system to understand quickly…

Very briefly this is the process…… •Landlord completes claim form for possession •Landlord files claim form with court nearest to the property •Court issues form to tenant •Landlord receives letter from court stating form has been issued. This letter will contain a “tear off slip”. •Tenant will have 14 days to reply with a defence…

Most tenancy agreements prohibit the use of Low Pressure Gas (LPG) heating appliances in rented property but why is this and what are the safety considerations? Safety Checks Does a mobile space heater e.g. LPG heater need a gas safety check? Yes it does. Who is responsible for checking tenant-owned appliances and flues? Tenants are…

No It’s a common misconception that tenants can withhold rent. Tenants do not have the right to withhold rent because of their landlord’s failure to do repairs. The law does however provide tenants with a remedy for breach of the landlords repairing obligations. The ancient common law recoupment rights of self-help and set-off allow the…

Mrs Landlord has had the 1st floor of her Victorian house converted into a self-contained flat as rental accommodation but what sort of tenancy will any occupier have? Status of landlord Section 10 of Schedule 1 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that the landlord is considered to be a resident landlord if the tenancy…

Yes they can. Under ofgem rules if a tenant is directly responsible for paying the gas and/or electricity bills, they have the right to choose their own energy supplier and the landlord or letting agent should not unreasonably prevent this. If there is a default supplier clause in the tenancy agreement tenants are still entitled…

Firstly it is important to point out there is no legal requirement for landlords to inspect and test the electrical installation. However landlords do have an obligation that anything they supply to tenants is safe and the surest way of achieving this is through inspection and testing. Electrical Safety First recommends regular periodic inspections. These…