Tom

Short answer….. During a fixed term = no During a periodic (statutory or contractual) tenancy = yes A key principle of joint tenancies is that all of the tenants are collectively ‘the tenant’. This means that they are generally dealt with as a group rather than individually.  If one tenant serves a notice of termination…

Short answer is yes (possibly). Long-winded answer….. The first thing to consider is whether the scratch is ‘fair wear and tear’ or ‘damage’. Scratches caused by the tenant making reasonable use of the premises would be considered fair wear and tear. E.g. micro (barely visible to the naked eye) scratches caused by cleaning. Clearly visible…

We are 3 years into building the prototype for something bigger than ourselves and reflecting on the journey so far. One of our earliest tasks was to define what it was that would be in the DNA of the business – what would our core values be? Our second value out of the hat was…

Internal glazing is often found in domestic properties in locations such as shower screens, shower cubicles, mirror glazing for cupboards and wardrobes. The property you provide as a landlord must be safe and glass fitted in ‘critical locations’ must also be safe. Conventional float glass is not considered to be safety glass. For new buildings,…

Short answer is No! However if the property is classed as a HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) then The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006 apply and S3 (here) covers standards for kitchens. Provision for cooking of food is mentioned twice in the regulations: 3…

Short answer is no. However consider the following: All owners must agree to the property being rented. Provided the tenancy is for a term not exceeding three years any one of the owners can sign on behalf of the others. For a term exceeding three years all  owners must sign. Ideally tenancy agreements should name…

The answer is simple – there is no ‘penalty’ but any demand for rent and any service charge shall be treated for all purposes as not being due from the tenant to the landlord (until the correct information is served on the tenant). Long-winded detailed answer… S47 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 requires…

Short answer = landlord Long answer…. 1. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 section 11, which is implied into all tenancies of less than seven years duration, prescribes that the landlord must keep in repair and proper working order the installations for the supply of water including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences – a…

The legislation that paves the way for yet more legislation that will ban properties of low energy efficiency from the rental market is the Energy Act 2011 and in particular Section 43 here It is anticipated the legislation governing this will come into force for April 2018 and  speculation is that the ban will apply…

When do you have to provide a prospective tenant with the front page of the EPC? It’s a bit of a trick question – the answer is never! The whole Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be made available to a prospective tenant and not just the front page. The most recent legislation on this is…