Tom

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…

There are three ways to increase the rent for an assured shorthold tenancy: •clause in the tenancy agreement or •agreement with the tenant or •by notice under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. Clauses in the tenancy agreement Normally, it is not possible to review the rent during the fixed term of a 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…

Firstly it is important to point out there is no legal requirement for landlords to inspect and test electrical equipment. 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. Since we wrote the last article on this topic…

Who The dutyholder (landlord) is responsible for ensuring a legionella risk assessment is carried out. The dutyholder can appoint a competent person or persons to undertake the risk assessment and take day-to-day responsibility for controlling any identified risk from legionella bacteria, known as the ‘responsible person’. What Check competence The dutyholder should check that the…

Mould problems are prevalent in UK rented accommodation as our weather conditions are an ideal breeding ground for mould spores and fungi. Excess mould can not only ruin your clothes and furniture but it can cause severe respiratory problems, allergies and asthma as well. The following guide has been written by Mould Expert Marcel Springorum…

First some definitions.. A drain is a pipe that carries waste water away from a building. A lateral drain is the part of a drain which lies outside the property boundary, and in some cases, can be located under someone else’s land or a road. Your sewerage company is responsible for maintaining lateral drains. A…