Who looks after the garden of a rented property

The tenants are responsible for keeping the garden in good order, and the landlord should provide the appropriate tools
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=tenants.html

Rental property abondonement - the truth

Property abandonment by tenants is a complicated state, the tenant retains full rights of occupancy even if the rent is unpaid. Inform yourself
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1159

Dealing With Tenants In Rent Arrears

Over 100,000 UK Tenants Face Increasing Rent Arrears The number of private sector tenants in severe arrears is still increasing, albeit at a slower rate, rising by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter of 2012. There are now more than 99,000 tenants in rent arrears greater than 8 weeks plus – the highest since 2008 and 15% more than last year. Tenants in severe arrears represent 2.5% of all PRS tenancies in the UK Although severe arrears cases climbed steadily last quarter, overall tenant arrears fell slightly in August 2012, with 9% of all rent late or unpaid, the first improvement in this measure in three months. Despite the steady growth in severe tenant arrears so far this year, there was a slight reduction in the number of tenants who faced eviction through court order on a quarterly basis. In the 2nd quarter of 2012, some 25,422 tenants faced eviction, a quarterly fall of 6% compared to the previous quarter. However, evictions remain 8% higher on an annual basis. For landlords dealing with tenants in rent arrears, life can be difficult and the stress can be intolerable, but every effort must be made by the landlord to reach an amicable resolution before any legal action can be taken. Many UK landlords will probably have to deal with this problem at some time or another, and the reality is that it may well be sooner rather than later, especially with the introduction of the new “Universal Credit” system due in October 2013. With dispute resolution in mind, here are a few hints for landlords to try to get the tenant(s) to pay up. 1 – Gentle Reminder within 48 hours of the missed payment date The tenant may have issues with their payroll department, or may have forgotten to transfer the funds, they may have a problem with their bank or had a problem with a standing order. A phone call or polite letter should be all that’s needed at this stage, if it was a genuine mistake. 2 – Propose a Repayment Plan If the tenant is struggling to meet rental payments or has been late on more than a single occasion, or are having difficulties with debt, there are professional companies like Legal 4 Landlords that can help . 3 – Stick To The Terms Of The Rental Agreement Even if tenant(s) breach the terms of the tenancy agreement by not paying the rent, the landlord could still face legal proceedings if they fail to act within the law and abide by the terms of the rental agreement. 4 – Serve Notice For Possession A notice of eviction. There are legal guidelines that must be observed about how long landlords must wait before such a notice can be served, usually once a tenant is more than 8 weeks in rent arrears. There are also rules about how long your tenant has to repay the arrears, or move out. Notices for possession should be handled by tenant eviction specialists and all correspondence should be sent recorded delivery, as proof of delivery. 5 – Start Eviction Proceedings There are two ways to issue proceedings: Accelerated Possession Procedure (Section 8) which would involve a court hearing or possession under the ‘fixed date’ procedure (Section 21) whereby the landlord gives at least 2 months notice for the possession of the rental property. Speak to Legal 4 Landlords on 0844 567 4001 to find out more about these options and take advice from the UK’s leading landlord services company.

Plan for dealing with rent arrears

When owning property for let, ensure you have a clear plan to deal with rent arrears and stick to the plan. read here for more advice
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National Landlords Association supports Big Energy Saving Week

Landlords have an obligation to ensure properties are as efficient as possible, with 43% concerned about paying their energy bills
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1135

How does condensation form?

Waking up to streaming windows is a familiar sight for many people, especially in winter and this is usually the first sign of a condensation problem. If condensation occurs over a prolonged period of time, other signs will start to appear such as damp patches on walls, peeling wallpaper and ultimately black mould growth. These effects can lead to musty smells, damage the fabric of our homes and can even affect our health.

Have you ever noticed the droplets of water that form on the outside of a canned drink when you take it out of the fridge? This is condensation and the reason why it happens is all to do with temperature, air and water vapour.

The temperature on the surface of the can is reduced as air passes over it. As the air gets cooler its relative humidity rises and the water vapour turns into moisture. The air passing over the can is unable to hold onto the moisture which ends up as droplets running down the side of the can’s cold surface.

This is what happens in thousands of households across the nation when the temperature drops inside the home, especially at night time when the heating is turned off. Just like the canned drink, the air reaches the point where it can no longer hold onto to all the moisture that we create in our homes and it migrates to the coldest surfaces - the windows and walls - where it appears as condensation or the more familiar sight of streaming windows.

The causes of condensation problems within our homes

Let’s take a closer look at what causes condensation in our homes.

Through the daily routine of showers, baths, boiling kettles, cooking etc, a family of 4 will contribute approximately 4 pints of water per person a day, equal to over 100 pints of water vapour a week, which has to end up somewhere. Before the days of double glazing, wall and loft insulation this humid, stale air would find its escape route through ill-fitting windows and doors, lofts and so on. It would be replaced by fresher, colder air or to you and me - a draught!

Today, after the introduction of energy saving measures such as draught proofing, double glazing and cavity wall insulation there is no natural escape route for this stale, humid air, which is now trapped inside the home. As a result, this trapped and stale air only makes the problem worse, causing condensation on windows, walls and poor indoor air quality.

Please visit our website for more information about our services at our letting agents Eastbourne office.  We have other similar interesting articles on our ‘Latest Article’ page for you to read too.

Refurbishment loans for buy to let

A refurbishment loan is a specific loan aimed at minor refurbishment of buy to let properties is cheaper than bridging loans
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1118

Looking for a property agent?

When looking for a property management agent, take care to ensure that they work in your best interest with no conflicts
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Simple landlords checklist

When renting your property through an agent, a simple checklist will ensure that everything runs smoothly
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International exposure for your property

We advertise your rental property both nationally and internationally, with clear feedback to you after every viewing
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=landlords.html

Affected by squatters law changes

With a major change on squatters rights, make sure you know where you stand in law - our article explains all
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1100

Free advice on the legalities of buy to let

The world of buy to let is complicated, but we offer as much advice as you need on legal and tax implications before you take the step

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=landlords.html

Do your homework before considering buy to let

Landlords must treat their rental properties as a business and calculate all of the necessary financial requirements of running it before purchasing an investment property
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1072

Focused expertise in lettings for East Sussex

We stay focused where our expertise lies and put our tenants and landlords first
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety

Furniture and furnishings supplied in rental accommodation must comply with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

Some materials used to fill or cover furniture, particularly older and second hand furniture, may be a fire risk and often produces poisonous gases when burning, such as cyanide or carbon monoxide.

There are severe penalties for non-compliance.

If you let your residential property furnished you must ensure that certain types of furniture and furnishings provided meet the current safety regulations - failure to comply with the regulations is a criminal offence and may result in:

• A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
• Six month's imprisonment
• Possible manslaughter charges in the event of death
• The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
• Your property insurance may be invalidated 

These regulations are enforced by local Trading Standards Officers

Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are quite high.

You have two choices: Let your property unfurnished or make sure all your furniture and furnishings meet the regulations. They must carry an appropriate permanent label at point of sale.

• Keep all purchase receipts - be extra careful if buying used furniture.
• It is safest to buy new from a reputable retailer.
• It is an offence for retailers to sell no-complying items.
• If in doubt, consult your local Trading Standards Office.

What do the Regulations Say? 

As from 1st January 1997 all furniture in tenanted residential property must comply with the 1993 amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 which extends the scope of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA). This covers the supplying (hiring or lending) of specified goods (upholstered furniture and certain furnishings) "in the course of business". 

A landlord letting her own home over an extended period, perhaps to different tenants, would be deemed to be "letting in the course of business" and would need to comply. We would therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations. 

Prescribed Items 

The regulations apply to:

• Arm chairs, three piece suites, sofas, sofa beds, futons and other convertible furniture.
• Beds, Bed bases and headboards, mattresses, divans and pillows.
• Nursery furniture
• Garden furniture which could be used indoors
• Loose, stretch and fitted covers for furniture, scatter cushions, seat pads and pillows. 

Excluded Items 

• The regulations do not currently apply to:
• Antique furniture or furniture manufactured before 1950
• Bed clothes and duvets
• Loose mattress covers
• Pillowcases
• Sleeping bags
• Curtains
• Carpets 

Compliance 

Furniture which complies carries a manufacturer's label which must be permanent and non-detachable.

All upholstered items must have fire resistant filling material.

All upholstered items must pass the "match resistance test" as prescribed.

All upholstered items must also past the "cigarette test" as prescribed.

Bed bases and mattresses are not required to bear a permanent label but compliance will be indicated if the item has a label stating that it meets BS7177 

Due Diligence - What Landlord's Should do! 

In the event of a tenant complaint or an incident the defence of "due diligence" may be accepted where it can be shown that the landlord or agent took all reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence - you will need documentary evidence of this. 

A private owner letting a single dwelling (his or her own home - not in the course of business) may in theory have some argument for defence, whereas an agent acting on his behalf will not. However, an agent merely introducing a tenant and not becoming involved in the inventory or management of the tenancy is exempt from liability.

Furniture must meet fire standards or face big fines

All furniture provided in let property must meet stringent fire standards. Read more to check you are compliant
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1053

Deaths caused by electrics - don't let it happen in your property

There are around 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents annually in the UK involving electrics, so don't think it can't happen in your properties.
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=882

We make sure to understand our tenant's needs

We want to assist Tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their needs so we will conduct a brief interview with you  to find out your property requirements.
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=tenants.html

Condensation Related Black Spot Mould

Read our simple but informative article on the causes, dangers and removal of black spot mould
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1034

No hidden shocks to come with us

Our transparent way of doing business means that you can always expect to know exactly where you stand on all aspects of renting http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=tenants.html

Flexible to your available times

At Coast to Country Lettings we are contactable outside normal business hours to suit your needs http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Details on Landlords Green Deal

Read up on new Green Deal for Landlords to fund energy efficiency improvements with no up front costs. Follow the link http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php&id=1007

Legislation updates regarding lettings

Keep up to date with any changes in legislation regarding lettings via our news Page http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/index.php?webpage=news.php

No conflict of interest dealing with Coast to Country Lettings

As we DO NOT deal with property sales and mortgages, our loyalties lie exclusively with Landlords and Tenants.  http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Legal 4 Landlords have offices in England, Scotland and Wales giving our customers the local and personal touch.


http://coasttocountry.legal4landlords.com/

EURO VOTE GREEN LIGHTS BUY TO LET REGULATIONS EXEMPTION

Buy to let mortgages look set to escape tough new laws restricting borrowing for landlords after European MPs cleared the way to write them out of the draft bill.

The European directive on credit agreements relating to residential property (CARRP) will still tighten up lending rules for residential mortgages.

The controversial proposal for buy to let mortgages would have forced lenders to underwrite affordability for landlord loans in the same way as any other home loan.

Effectively, instead of considering rental income, banks and building societies would have to make lending decisions based on the landlord’s income.

The UK government and the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the UK trade body for home loan firms, led lobbying against the plan on the grounds buy to let mortgages are commercial not personal borrowings.

Other European countries were largely unaffected by the proposal as many have small-scale property investment markets, or where property is owned by landlords, the loans are taken out by companies rather than individuals.

The draft voted through the EU Parliament includes a clause that will allow the UK government exempt buy to let from the directive.

The deal is not signed and sealed – the bill now goes to each country to thrash out the final details before becoming European law, probably in a year and with another year after that for final implementation.

“We’re pleased to see that many of the long standing issues we have been lobbying on have reached a positive outcome for the UK in the European Parliament,” said a CML spokesman.

“For example, the UK would be able to exempt buy to let from the directive. However, some provisions have been included which only emerged at a late stage of negotiations but which may not have had their full implications considered and we will continue to work on these issues as the directive goes into its next stage of discussions.”

The Legal 4 Landlords eviction team will look at your situation and give you advice on the fastest route to eviction. Our Eviction Step 1 service means we will take the problem from you and deal with the tenant direct; we will serve the relevant notices and speak with the local authority to try and have them re-housed ASAP.


http://coasttocountry.legal4landlords.com/

You can contact Legal 4 Landlords by Phone, or Email. Our Landlord Advice Line is open 9am - 6pm.

http://coasttocountry.legal4landlords.com/

Legal 4 Landlords are specialists within the lettings industry. Whether you're a landlord, agent or tenant, our unique products and services cater for all of your needs. Our core areas range from Tenant Evictions, Debt & Rent Recovery, Tenant Referencing, Insurances and Guarantees.
http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

All properties will comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) regulations and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations, where applicable.



http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Legal 4 Landlords have offices in England, Scotland and Wales giving our customers the local and personal touch.


http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

As a member of UKALA (the UK Association of Lettings Agents) we are committed to safeguarding the best interests of landlords and tenants. Professional Indemnity Insurance is held by Coast to Country Lettings and Property Management.



 http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Every three months during a letting period, we will conduct a routine visit of your property. Following each visit, a written report will be produced and sent to you.

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk

When the property is vacant, we can offer a gardening service, including lawn mowing. Keeping the garden tidy during vacant periods improves the experience of viewers and can also deter burglary and vandalism.

Over 1 Million More Buy-To-Let Properties Needed In UK By 2016

The UK may need an extra 1.1 Million private sector rental properties within the next 4 Years as 1 in 5 Households could be in PRS properties.

The number of people renting homes in the UK Private Rented Sector (PRS) has almost doubled over the last ten years, increasing from 2.5 Million tenants in PRS properties in 2002 to 4.8 million tenants today.

‘Rental Britain’ – A new report from Savills estate agency and the property portal Rightmove, predicts that one in five households could be in Private Rented Sector (PRS) property by the year 2016.

That would require an additional 1.1 Million rental properties to be made available for rent to new tenants.

The report may be gloomy reading for the UK Government but it is great news for thousands UK landlords who have already secured their rental incomes using specialist products and services for landlords, such as, Rent Guarantee insurance.

The ‘Rental Britain’ report forecasts that £200 Billion (GBP) investment in property will be needed, but says that only £50 Billion (GBP) of this is expected to come from buy-to let-funding, with the gap filled by institutional investment in new purpose built rental accommodation, but the report says that this needs to be recognised by the planning system.

The report also states that a shortage in supply is making some regions of the UK unaffordable, with PRS rent rises averaging 5.2% across the UK during 2011.

The report estimates that during 2011, working tenants paid around £48 Billion (GBP) in rent to private landlords, and this is expected to rise to around £70 Billion within the next five years.

Lucian Cook, director of Savills residential research, said: “Meeting the growing demand for private renting and the changing profile of tenant demand are perhaps the greatest challenges facing both the housing industry and policy makers. The dynamics of supply and demand make a great case for investment in this sector, and rising rents and lower capital values have begun to attract private investors back into the market. Investment returns relative to other asset classes will dictate the pace of investor entry to this sector.”

As we DO NOT deal with property sales and mortgages, our loyalties lie exclusively with Landlords and Tenants.

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Why Seek Property Letting Agents

The task of finding the right house or property to rent can prove to be very difficult, especially for individuals who are looking for the properties in new neighbourhoods with which they are not very familiar. For the home and property owners, the task of finding the right tenants for their properties is normally just as daunting. Home and property letting agents are a special group of professionals whose main task is to bridge the gap between the owners of properties looking for the right tenants and prospective tenants who are looking for the right houses or properties to rent. In effect, they act as middlemen who connect and bring together the two separate groups.

Most homeowners looking for tenants as well as prospective tenants looking for properties often do not seek the services of letting agents, in spite of the kind of benefits that they stand to gain from doing. One of the greatest reasons for this is the fact that they are not fully aware of the kind of services that are normally provided by the letting agents as well as the benefits that they stand to gain by procuring their services. As such, the subsequent parts of this article will discuss some of the most significant of the services that are normally provided by real estate property letting agents around the world and how these could prove to be of benefit.

For the home and property owners looking for the right tenants to occupy their properties, the first of the services that real estate letting agents normally provide is access to the same. The letting agents Eastbourne undertake to find the right tenants for the properties on behalf of the owners. To this end, most of the agents advertise the availability of the properties in question in order to reach more prospective tenants with the information. After attracting the prospective tenants, the letting agents then evaluate all of them in order to determine the most suitable. In addition to helping property owners find tenants for their properties, most letting agents also provide landlord services. These services, as their title suggests, cover activities that would normally be carried out by the property owner, who is the actual landlord. The most common landlord services that are provided by the agents include the administration of the property. This means that they collect rent on behalf of the owners of the properties and cover the maintenance of the property.

For prospective tenants looking for property to let, procuring the services of a real estate letting agency Eastbourne would make the search relatively a lot easier. This is because the letting agents are normally familiar with properties available for rent in their areas operation and will be able to find you the right house in a much shorter time than you would on your own. In addition, some agents also undertake negotiations over the rent amounts to be paid for the properties and, given their familiarity with the prevailing market rates, are in a much better position to strike the best bargain on your behalf.

Information on new or replacement aerials for rented property

Most people will not need a replacement aerial to continue to receive TV after the digital TV switchover. If you get a good TV picture now, your aerial should still give a good picture after the switchover. If you get a poor picture at the moment, you may need a new aerial or satellite dish. The Switchover Help Scheme offer includes a new aerial or satellite dish, if needed, supplied and fitted at the property at no additional cost. For people who own their homes, this process is easy. However, if the eligible person rents their home, the Help Scheme can only install the new aerial or satellite dish where the eligible person can show that they have got, or have made all reasonable attempts to get, the landlord’s permission to any works. As evidence for this, the Help Scheme needs confirmation in writing from the eligible person or the landlord that they have got or have made all reasonable attempts to get the landlord’s consent to the installation of a new aerial or satellite dish.  If a landlord has eligible tenants and they are responsible for the aerial, the Help Scheme is happy to receive a general letter from the landlord or organisation confirming this and giving permission for the installation. The Help Scheme has created a letter that landlords can use. Download the letter here: Help Scheme landlord letter.doc (12kb) It should be sent to: Freepost Switchover Help Scheme (No stamp is needed) Providing a letter to cover their entire property portfolio should limit the number of individual requests a landlord could receive from Help Scheme customers for permission to install a new aerial or satellite dish. The Help Scheme will not install an aerial or satellite dish where a landlord withholds their permission. However, if the tenant is responsible for the aerial, and can confirm that they have tried to obtain their landlord’s approval but with no success, the Help Scheme will proceed with an installation to ensure that the eligible person can get digital TV after switchover. Please note that the Help Scheme cannot upgrade or supply communal aerials or satellite dishes.

Legal 4 Landlords have offices in England, Scotland and Wales giving our customers the local and personal touch.

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Legal 4 Landlords are specialists within the lettings industry. Whether you're a landlord, agent or tenant, our unique products and services cater for all of your needs. Our core areas range from Tenant Evictions, Debt & Rent Recovery, Tenant Referencing, Insurances and Guarantees.

www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk

When you choose to let your residential property with Coast to Country Lettings we will discuss your tenant requirements as, for example, you may not wish to let to smokers or tenants with children or pets. Each prospective tenant will be professionally referenced and credit checked. In some circumstances, we will require a guarantor and appropriate references are also taken in this instance.

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk/

Electrical Safety in Rental Property

Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety - the Key Points

• There are around 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents annually in the UK involving electrics, so don't think it can't happen in your properties.
• If you let property in England & Wales you must ensure that electrical equipment and the electrical system are safe.
• There is currently no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it advisable to do so as you can still be liable if things go wrong.
• You should ensure that tenants are given copies of operating and safety instructions for ALL equipment in the premises and you should carry out regular checks.
• Some gas service companies (Gas Safe Registered) now do electrical checks when they do the annual gas checks.

Electrical Safety in Rental Property

Apart from the Landlord's Common Law duty of care, the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 (and several other statutory regulations see below) requires that the electrical equipment is safe at the start of every tenancy and maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy.

Electrical hazards are also covered by the Housing Health and safety Rating System under the Housing Act 2004.

In the case of commercial property and houses in multiple occupation there is a statutory duty under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 for the responsible person (the property manager) to carry out annual Fire Safety Risk Assessments, which include electrical safety risks.

If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the The Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:

• A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
• Six month's imprisonment
• Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths
• The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
• Your property insurance may be invalidated

These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

Read the article "Electrical Checks - Why bother? by Grant Roy MSc MIEE, chartered electrical engineer.

Landlord Guide

It is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. But, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant you could be held liable.

Manage your property well and the risks to you as landlord or agent are minimal, but manage it badly and your risks are high.

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties (record on a safety checklist) and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.

• Ideally, ensure that the electrical system complies with the latest wiring regulations.
• Make sure a circuit breaker (RCD) is fitted to power circuits.
• Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
• Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order - keep purchase receipts.
• Pay particular attention to second hand equipment - always have these items checked.
• Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
• Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
• Ensure that earth tags are in place.
• Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
• Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
• Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
• Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
• Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.

If you are in any doubt about the wiring or the safety of any appliances consult a qualified electrician.

Regulations

There is no statutory obligation on landlords or agents to have professional checks carried out on the electrical system or appliances. However, under Common Law and various statutory regulations: The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, The Housing Act 2004, The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, and the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which come under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, there is an obligation to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe.

In January 2005 new legislation under Part P of the Building Regulations make it a requirement that for certain types of electrical work in dwellings, plus garages, sheds, greenhouses and outbuilding comply with the standards. This means a competent electrician must carry out the work. For DIY electrical work you must belong to one of the Government's approved Competent Person Self-Certification schemes or submit a building notice to the local authority before doing the work.

Compliance

We strongly recommend that any Landlord, regardless of whether they see themselves as running a business or not, should make absolutely sure they are complying with these regulations to ensure that all electrical equipment supplied is safe.

In order to do this we recommend:

• Annual visual inspections by the landlord or agent - recording this on a safety checklist.
• Inspections on tenant change-overs, recording electrical equipment, its condition and fuses fitted - see PAT Testing.
• Periodic inspections of electrical equipment by a qualified electrician.
• 5 yearly inspections by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and that the electrical system complies with current electrical regulations.
• Keep all records of these inspections.

Due Diligence

In the event of a tenant complaint or an incident the defence of "due diligence" may be accepted where it can be shown that the landlord or agent took all reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence - you will need documentary evidence of this.

A private owner letting a single dwelling (not in the course of business) may have a defence, whereas an agent acting on his behalf will not. However, an agent merely introducing a tenant and not becoming involved in the inventory or management of the tenancy my well be exempt from liability.

Built by landlords to serve the aims of the lettings market, we are a one stop shop solution to not only solve your problems but to help protect you from them happening in the first place or occurring again.

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A deposit (or 'bond') will be required prior to occupation. This will be a minimum of one month's rent. Where we are managing the property, this deposit will be held in accordance with new legislation either by ourselves and covered by insurance or forwarded to an authorised custodial body. We will inform you in writing of which scheme is used.

http://www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk

As we DO NOT deal with property sales and mortgages, our loyalties lie exclusively with Landlords and Tenants.  

www.coasttocountrylettings.co.uk

Coast to Country Letting uses the DPS

THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION SERVICE (DPS)

The DPS makes tenancy deposit protection even easier

The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) has made protecting and returning tenants’ deposits even easier with a new look website and enhanced SMS service.

The DPS’s new SMS functionality is the fastest way for tenants to request repayment ID reminders and get their deposits returned.

Kevin Firth, director of The DPS said: “Whilst repaying deposits only takes two days once we have agreement from both parties, the biggest barrier is misplaced repayment IDs by both tenants and landlords each month – without these, they cannot start or complete the deposit repayment process.”

“Our new SMS service is the fastest way for tenants to receive repayment ID reminders to claim back their deposits.”

The DPS introduced the SMS service last year to notify landlords and tenants of key deposit protection milestones to encourage faster deposit repayment.

The launch of the new SMS functionality coincides with a new-look website and several other service developments including a new registration category, provision for incremental deposit payments, simplified direct transfer process and the ability to cancel joint repayment claims that have been started in error.

Kevin added: “This suite of enhancements is part of our ongoing commitment to simplify and speed up the tenancy deposit repayment process. It also coincides with our application for a licence to take our considerable experience as the UK's only custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme and apply it to Scotland.”

The DPS currently protects over 800,000 deposits on behalf of tenants, landlords, letting agents and other organisations. It is the only government approved custodial deposit protection scheme which protects deposits by retaining them for the duration of a tenancy.

Hiring the Best Letting Agents

Whether you plan on purchasing or putting a home up for sale, hiring the best letting agents Seaford to help you list that property, or find the perfect new property, is something that should be considered. When the best letting agents are hired for the job, not only will they aid buyers or sellers in finding what they are seeking, or selling their property for the highest prices, but they will also provide the most professional services to their clients, and will promise them the best possible results when they are either looking to buy or to sell property which they own.

For sellers who are looking to hire letting agents Seaford, they are going to be extremely valuable assets to getting the property sold. The agent will post the property on their database register, allowing purchasers to see the property. They will also work with any buyers that they have as clients, in order to see if they are interested in the property. Your letting agents will also ensure that the home that you are attempting to sell, is visible by as many buyers as possible, and in as many forums and posts as possible (newspaper, online ads, and other listing services). Therefore, the letting agents will ensure your property is seen, and that it is exposed to the most interested potential buyers.

For buyers who are interested in hiring letting agents, you will find that they can also help you find the perfect new home to purchase. When you hire an agent, they are going to take information about your budget, where you want to live, what amenities and features you seek, and all other factors you consider essential when purchasing a home. From there, the letting agents are going to use their databases, in order to match you with the perfect properties that meet the criteria you have set, and those which fall within the budget that you have set as your purchase price. Additionally, letting agents have an extensive database, with several listings (which are not publicly available), meaning they are bound to have various property types, and purchase options for a buyer to consider, when they are seeking out the perfect new home for them and for their family.

So, whether you are a buyer or seller, making sure that you are working with the most professional letting agents is essential to getting the property sold, or to purchasing the new home that is perfect for you and your family. The more information you provide to your letting agents, and the more open you are, both as a buyer and seller, the more likely it is that you will get the desired results in the shortest period of time. So, whether you want to buy or sell, and no matter what you are asking or what your purchase budget is for a new home, hiring the best local letting agents will definitely work to your advantage, in order to close a transaction, and either make the sale, or buy your new dream home.