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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.…

Yes – however there are some things to consider…. Contract (Agency Agreement/Client Agreement) The contract between the landlord and the agent should clearly define how the landlord can terminate the contract and any charges that would apply. If the landlord terminates the client agreement with a letting agent, the agent has a right to protect…

What is a bedroom? A bedroom is a room that is available as sleeping accommodation if it is of a type normally used in the locality either as a living room or as a bedroom. {Housing Act 1985, Chapter 68, Part X} The answer to the topic question is dependent on a number of factors…

No – probably not… Fiduciary relationship The agent is contracted by the landlord to act on behalf of the landlord (the principal). Agents have what is known as a ‘fiduciary relationship’ with the landlord. Data collected, or artefacts created, by the agent in performance of the contractual obligations is collected or created on behalf of…

No but there are many reasons why deeds are used over a simple contracts: 1. Deeds do not need a consideration unlike a simple contract. 2. The obligations are enforceable for 12 rather than the usual 6 years years applicable under a simple contract. 3. The law may require it. 4. A deed is an…

Who is affected? Private landlords. What is affected? Domestic and non-domestic property in England and Wales which is legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which has an EPC rating of band F or G. When does it take effect? New tenancies granted, or existing tenancies extended or renewed, on or after 1st…

There are several elements that affect the validity of a notice – the form, the content, the method of service and the deemed date and time of service. In my previous article (here) I considered the method of service and in this article I look at the deemed date and time of service. The deemed…

There are several elements that affect the validity of a notice – the form, the content, the method of service and the deemed date and time of service. In this article I consider contractual and statutory provisions for method of service. If you don’t have time to read the full article skip to the Summary…

In preparing your property to let, we recommend landlords tidy the gardens. If the tenant is to be held responsible for maintaining the garden, make available the appropriate gardening tools and equipment. Any tools or equipment you do provide must be safe and in full working order and must be supplied with manufacturer’s instructions. Few…

Yes – for all new homes completed on or after 6 April 2008, the builder is required to provide an EPC to the owner, with evidence shown to Building Control. When the builder has finished building they will submit a notice to Building Control which includes an energy rating using SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) to demonstrate…