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High University fees and the economic downturn have led to fewer University applications for 2012. Some have speculated that this would be reflected in demand within the student accommodation sector. However, this is not the case, says Caroline Kavanagh, group lettings director of Townends estate agents, who has seen no evidence of a downturn in… Continue Reading
Category Archives: News
What Repairs are Tenants Responsible For?
Tenants are required to use the property in a responsible way, taking proper care of it. For example, turning off the water when going away if there is a risk of burst pipes, and unblocking sinks. Tenants often have responsibility for some minor repairs and maintenance, for example, internal decoration, gardens, furniture or equipment, though… Continue Reading
What Repairs are Landlords Responsible For?
Landlords are responsible for most repairs to the exterior or structure of a property, for example, the roof, chimney, walls, guttering and drains. Some structural problems may be covered by your building’s insurance, and you should contact your insurer as soon as possible. The landlord is also responsible for the repair of sanitary installations (basins,… Continue Reading
Soaring Demand Pushes Rent Higher
The rental market has been strong for a good few years now, and despite reports that mortgages are becoming cheaper than rents, it shows no sign of stopping. Simply put, if a mortgage company won’t lend to you, it is irrelevant whether a mortgage is cheaper or not! Agents have reported that properties are being… Continue Reading
Deposit Protection Scheme: What are the Legal Requirements?
If you take a deposit from a tenant for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, you must safeguard it in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. Landlords must tell tenants days within 14 which scheme they are using, and pay the deposit money into it. At the end of the tenancy, the tenant should get their money back within… Continue Reading
Slum Landlord Jailed
Millionaire landlord, Israr Fazal, 54, has been jailed for renting decrepit and dangerous flats in Manchester to vulnerable families. Up to 12 families, mostly from Eastern Europe, were charged up to £100 per week to live in the squalid conditions. On the other end of the spectrum, Mr Fazal himself was living in a luxury… Continue Reading
Private Rents in England are Unaffordable, say Shelter
Private rents are now unaffordable in 55% of local authorities in England, according to Shelter. Homes in these areas cost more than 35% of the average local take-home pay (the level considered unaffordable by Shelter’s Private Rent Watch report). It said private rents in 8% of England’s local authorities were “extremely unaffordable” – with average… Continue Reading
The Difference Between a Section 8 and Section 21
The most basic difference between a section 8 and section 21 is that a section 8 notice is served when a tenant is in breach of contract (eg,, rent arrears), and a section 21 is served to end a tenancy agreement, simply so that the landlord can regain possession. A “section 8 notice to quit”,… Continue Reading