Council officials in Southampton have launched possession proceedings against Mary Plaisted and if successful she could be the oldest person to be evicted from a residential property in the UK.
The tenant keeps long suffering neighbours awake all night by banging on their doors and windows whilst council carers have refused to look after her as she hurls abuse at them and has hit them with her walking stick. Indeed social services have removed her emergency call button after she raised the alarm over 500 times in a month.
The Council say she has been assessed as having no mental health issues but have yet to find her alternative accommodation
Friday, 22 May 2009
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Traveller lose eviction battle
Gypsies and travellers living on one of the UKs largest unauthorised sites near Wickford in Essex have lost their latest battle against eviction.
The group were initially given a temporary reprieve by the High Court after Basildon Council ordered them to leave the site.
In January the decision was overturned after an appeal by the council.
Three senior Law Lords have now dismissed an appeal by the travellers to challenge the ruling
A spokesman for the Council said "Fundamentally these cases are about the need to uphold planning law for the benefit of the whole community while taking full account of the needs of individuals who require a place to live in accordance with their cultural heritage.
The United Nations have provided some support to the travellers stating that the district council should grant planning permission where needed or offer alternative land for the traveling communities.
The group were initially given a temporary reprieve by the High Court after Basildon Council ordered them to leave the site.
In January the decision was overturned after an appeal by the council.
Three senior Law Lords have now dismissed an appeal by the travellers to challenge the ruling
A spokesman for the Council said "Fundamentally these cases are about the need to uphold planning law for the benefit of the whole community while taking full account of the needs of individuals who require a place to live in accordance with their cultural heritage.
The United Nations have provided some support to the travellers stating that the district council should grant planning permission where needed or offer alternative land for the traveling communities.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Fame at Last!!!
Graham Kinnear, Managing Director of Landlord Assist is featured, together with a photo, in this months property investor news magazine. Kinnear was interviewed in orderthat the magazine could provide some advice to landlords with problem tenants.
Graham Kinnear is available for interview, press comment and the like and can be contacted at Landlord Assist on 08707 662288 or media@landlordassist.co.uk
Graham Kinnear is available for interview, press comment and the like and can be contacted at Landlord Assist on 08707 662288 or media@landlordassist.co.uk
Don't cut corners!
The Health and Safety Executive recently issued a warning to landlords about cutting corners with gas boilers after magistrates ordered an Essex landlord to pay £20,000 in fines and court costs within 56 days or he would face a 12 month prison sentence.
Former landlord Adrian Ellis admitted five breaches of the Gas Safety Regulations when he appeared in court on 9th April.
Landlords should ensure that all their gas appliances are checked by a gas safe qualified engineer at least once in every twelve months.
Former landlord Adrian Ellis admitted five breaches of the Gas Safety Regulations when he appeared in court on 9th April.
Landlords should ensure that all their gas appliances are checked by a gas safe qualified engineer at least once in every twelve months.
£1 Billion of deposits
As the second anniversary of the tenancy deposit legislation passed last month it has been confirmed that almost £1Bn is now within an approved scheme which covers 800,000 tenancies or 1.25m tenants with the average deposit being £1,000.
The amount covered represents the deposits received from 600,000 landlords and arranged via 5,000 letting agents offices.
In terms of the number of cases disputed this reached 6,000 in the last year of figures being available.
The amount covered represents the deposits received from 600,000 landlords and arranged via 5,000 letting agents offices.
In terms of the number of cases disputed this reached 6,000 in the last year of figures being available.
welcome back landlords!!
Landlord Assist, the nationwide tenant eviction and rent collection company are delighted to discover that Buy to Let mortgage availability has increased 58% since December 2008 according to latest figures from Mortgages for Business.
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist is clearly delighted when he comments "At last landlords can take advantage of property prices and increase their portfolios!"
He continues "Many of the estate agents that we deal with have endured the frustration of keen buyers, keenly priced property but none of those buyers in a position to raise mortgage finance"
Whilst these figures are taken from an all time low it does demonstrate that the market is improving. Mike Freeman, Technical Support Manager of Mortgages for Business details "We’ve actively been talking to lenders who we have long term relationships with and there is a feeling that we may see a positive shift in lending criteria with a particular focus on loan to value ratios. This is very positive and shows growing confidence in the Buy to Let market"
Stephen Parry of Landlord Assist agrees "Landlords have been very frustrated that, due to a lack of available funding, they have been unable to take advantage of falling prices. Now liquidity appears to be returning to the market landlords will be able to balance the loan to value of their portfolio to offset any losses on their existing stock"
Landlord Assist have dealt with numerous landlords who, undeterred by poor tenants which Landlord Assist have evicted for them, wish to increase their property portfolios.
Kinnear states "I am always baffled with the approach of many lenders that Buy To Let represents an enhanced risk yet it produces an income which is impossible to achieve via owner occupier lending"
Once the volume of transactions increases it will lead to the stability of prices which is of benefit to everybody. Landlords like everyone else are keen that the market returns to normality.
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist is clearly delighted when he comments "At last landlords can take advantage of property prices and increase their portfolios!"
He continues "Many of the estate agents that we deal with have endured the frustration of keen buyers, keenly priced property but none of those buyers in a position to raise mortgage finance"
Whilst these figures are taken from an all time low it does demonstrate that the market is improving. Mike Freeman, Technical Support Manager of Mortgages for Business details "We’ve actively been talking to lenders who we have long term relationships with and there is a feeling that we may see a positive shift in lending criteria with a particular focus on loan to value ratios. This is very positive and shows growing confidence in the Buy to Let market"
Stephen Parry of Landlord Assist agrees "Landlords have been very frustrated that, due to a lack of available funding, they have been unable to take advantage of falling prices. Now liquidity appears to be returning to the market landlords will be able to balance the loan to value of their portfolio to offset any losses on their existing stock"
Landlord Assist have dealt with numerous landlords who, undeterred by poor tenants which Landlord Assist have evicted for them, wish to increase their property portfolios.
Kinnear states "I am always baffled with the approach of many lenders that Buy To Let represents an enhanced risk yet it produces an income which is impossible to achieve via owner occupier lending"
Once the volume of transactions increases it will lead to the stability of prices which is of benefit to everybody. Landlords like everyone else are keen that the market returns to normality.
Gas Safety - new changes
Landlord Assist are urging Government to properly publicise the recent changes in the Gas Safety Legislation which means that from 1 April 2009 CORGI will no longer be responsible for administering gas safety requirements in the UK. From that date the Gas Safe Register takes over and any engineer planning to undertake work in Great Britain will need to be registered.
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist states that many landlords are not sufficiently aware of the obligations they face and the Government should publicise changes such as this to ensure the masses are made aware. "Many landlords do not know about Energy Certificates as yet let alone the changes in gas safety legislation"
Kinnear continues "We are reassuring landlords that their existing gas safety certificates will remain valid however any future inspections must be carried out by someone registered with Gas Safe and the credentials of engineers can be verified on www.gassaferegister.co.uk."
The Health and Safety Executive reviewed the situation under CORGI and decided that there was a strong case for modernising the gas registration scheme to provide a clearer focus on gas safety,
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist states that many landlords are not sufficiently aware of the obligations they face and the Government should publicise changes such as this to ensure the masses are made aware. "Many landlords do not know about Energy Certificates as yet let alone the changes in gas safety legislation"
Kinnear continues "We are reassuring landlords that their existing gas safety certificates will remain valid however any future inspections must be carried out by someone registered with Gas Safe and the credentials of engineers can be verified on www.gassaferegister.co.uk."
The Health and Safety Executive reviewed the situation under CORGI and decided that there was a strong case for modernising the gas registration scheme to provide a clearer focus on gas safety,
Complying with Fire Safety
Landlords should be aware that the reforms regarding fire safety in tenanted properties are gathering pace and landlords will ignore these at their peril.
Landlords should be aware that the 2005 Fire Safety Order makes it a legal requirement for landlords to carry out a risk assessment in the common parts of HMOs and buildings containing flats and to provide whatever fire safety measures are necessary.
The requirements are reasonably complex using definitions such as FD30 to relate to a fire door and FD30s if the door requires a cold smoke seal. Fire alarm requirements also vary between those required for an escape route and those required within individual flats.
Landlord Assist are happy to advise landlords on current legislation
Landlords should be aware that the 2005 Fire Safety Order makes it a legal requirement for landlords to carry out a risk assessment in the common parts of HMOs and buildings containing flats and to provide whatever fire safety measures are necessary.
The requirements are reasonably complex using definitions such as FD30 to relate to a fire door and FD30s if the door requires a cold smoke seal. Fire alarm requirements also vary between those required for an escape route and those required within individual flats.
Landlord Assist are happy to advise landlords on current legislation
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Advice Line
The Guild of Letting and Management is highlighting the value of having expert advice just a phone call away by subscribing to an advice line. Unfortunately this line will not route you through to the experts at Landlord Assist as we have not been approached on the matter. Landlord wanting superb, free, expert advice can call landlord assist on 08707 662288
Greater protection for lessees
Protection of lessees service charge funds under the Financial Compensation Scheme has received a boost with the publication of new guidance on their rights. It has been confirmed that where such funds are held in one bank account, the £50,000 limit relates to each leaseholders share of the fund - previously it was thought to be £50,000 in total. Further details can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/residentialservicecharges
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
New Proposals
The Association of Residential Letting Agents has introduced a licensing scheme for its UK members and a code of practice for letting agents. Meanwhile The times says that ministers are planning a registration scheme for all private landlords in England and Wales.
The proposals should be released in a green paper in the next week or so.
Landlord Assist, the nationwide tenant eviction and rent collection service are unsure that such proposals will have the required effect.
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist is of the opinion that further costs to landlords will affect those who enter the market and thus the choice of rental property available. Kinnear states "As well as gas and electrical safety checks landlords have to have an energy performance certificate and incur costs of lodging deposits with a government approved scheme. In addition many also have the costs of acquiring n HMO licence"
He continues "There is legislation in place to ensure that landlords comply with gas and electrical checks, legislation for failure to provide an energy performance certificate and legislation surrounding the correct operation of HMOs and the treatment of tenants deposits" Indeed there is also legislation surrounding the actions of letting agents that act on landlords behalf. Kinnear therefore questions whether any further legislation is required.
Stephen Parry of Landlord Assist is of the opinion that correct and consistent enforcement of existing legislation will address the issues of ‘unscrupulous landlords’
Parry continues "We are, every day dealing with landlord and tenant issues and it is clear that there are as many unscrupulous tenants as there are landlords and yet the continuous barrage of legislation seems only to penalise the landlord"
Landlord Assist undertake tenant eviction and rent collection for hundreds of letting agents throughout the country as well as numerous private landlords. Whilst we have highlighted errors and mistakes made by landlords we have never uncovered deliberate dishonesty on the part of a landlord.
Kinnear comments on the registration scheme that currently operates in Scotland "Shelter Scotland has called for a review of the compulsory landlord registration scheme after it has emerged that 25% of properties are still not registered"Director of Shelter Scotland Graeme Brown said there were still instances where tenants had been illegally evicted , threatened and even assaulted. He continues "Good landlords have paid their money each year to sign up to this scheme based on the promise it would level the playing field between them and the minority of cowboy operators who undermine the private rented sectors reputation as a whole"A Scottish Government spokesperson said "Landlord registration aims to raise standards of accommodation and management and assure tenants that their landlord is fit and proper to let property.
Whilst Landlord Assist wish to promote the private rented sector and Buy to Let as an investment medium they are unconvinced that current proposals will protect tenants any further than current legislation does and yet it may impact the supply of rental property to the growing number of tenants throughout the UK.
Landlord Assist offer free, no obligation initial advice to landlords on 08707 662288 or at www.landlordassist.co.uk
The proposals should be released in a green paper in the next week or so.
Landlord Assist, the nationwide tenant eviction and rent collection service are unsure that such proposals will have the required effect.
Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist is of the opinion that further costs to landlords will affect those who enter the market and thus the choice of rental property available. Kinnear states "As well as gas and electrical safety checks landlords have to have an energy performance certificate and incur costs of lodging deposits with a government approved scheme. In addition many also have the costs of acquiring n HMO licence"
He continues "There is legislation in place to ensure that landlords comply with gas and electrical checks, legislation for failure to provide an energy performance certificate and legislation surrounding the correct operation of HMOs and the treatment of tenants deposits" Indeed there is also legislation surrounding the actions of letting agents that act on landlords behalf. Kinnear therefore questions whether any further legislation is required.
Stephen Parry of Landlord Assist is of the opinion that correct and consistent enforcement of existing legislation will address the issues of ‘unscrupulous landlords’
Parry continues "We are, every day dealing with landlord and tenant issues and it is clear that there are as many unscrupulous tenants as there are landlords and yet the continuous barrage of legislation seems only to penalise the landlord"
Landlord Assist undertake tenant eviction and rent collection for hundreds of letting agents throughout the country as well as numerous private landlords. Whilst we have highlighted errors and mistakes made by landlords we have never uncovered deliberate dishonesty on the part of a landlord.
Kinnear comments on the registration scheme that currently operates in Scotland "Shelter Scotland has called for a review of the compulsory landlord registration scheme after it has emerged that 25% of properties are still not registered"Director of Shelter Scotland Graeme Brown said there were still instances where tenants had been illegally evicted , threatened and even assaulted. He continues "Good landlords have paid their money each year to sign up to this scheme based on the promise it would level the playing field between them and the minority of cowboy operators who undermine the private rented sectors reputation as a whole"A Scottish Government spokesperson said "Landlord registration aims to raise standards of accommodation and management and assure tenants that their landlord is fit and proper to let property.
Whilst Landlord Assist wish to promote the private rented sector and Buy to Let as an investment medium they are unconvinced that current proposals will protect tenants any further than current legislation does and yet it may impact the supply of rental property to the growing number of tenants throughout the UK.
Landlord Assist offer free, no obligation initial advice to landlords on 08707 662288 or at www.landlordassist.co.uk
Friday, 1 May 2009
Accepting pets
It is estimated that 43% of the population currently own a pet and almost 5 million people live in private rented accommodation in the UK. Yet few landlords will rent their properties to those with pets.
In a recent survey by Dogs Trust 78% of pet owners reported they had difficulties finding private rented accommodation that would allow their pets and 54% of pet owners were never able to find suitable property that accepts pets. Indeed 8% of people actually rehome their pet.
Dogs Trust has launched its lets with pets campaign to show landlords and letting agents that renting properties to tenants with pets can be straightforward and does make business sense.
In a recent survey by Dogs Trust 78% of pet owners reported they had difficulties finding private rented accommodation that would allow their pets and 54% of pet owners were never able to find suitable property that accepts pets. Indeed 8% of people actually rehome their pet.
Dogs Trust has launched its lets with pets campaign to show landlords and letting agents that renting properties to tenants with pets can be straightforward and does make business sense.
Rogue Landlords still operating
Shelter Scotland has called for a review of the compulsory landlord registration scheme after it has emerged that 25% of properties are still not registered.
Director of Shelter Scotland Graeme Brown said there were still instances where tenants had been illegally evicted , threatened and even assaulted. He continues "Good landlords have paid their money each year to sign up to this scheme based on the promise it would level the playing field between them and the minority of cowboy operators who undermine the private rented sectors reputation as a whole"
A Scottish Government spokesperson said "Landlord registration aims to raise standards of accommodation and management and assure tenants that their landlord is fit and proper to let property.
Director of Shelter Scotland Graeme Brown said there were still instances where tenants had been illegally evicted , threatened and even assaulted. He continues "Good landlords have paid their money each year to sign up to this scheme based on the promise it would level the playing field between them and the minority of cowboy operators who undermine the private rented sectors reputation as a whole"
A Scottish Government spokesperson said "Landlord registration aims to raise standards of accommodation and management and assure tenants that their landlord is fit and proper to let property.
Landlord Guilty of Housing Offences
A landlord, who went on holiday abroad for the winter leaving his tenants without any heating was found guilty of housing offences and fined £3,500 by Bexley magistrates.
Richard Schwartz of Station Parade, Barking owned the property. Three households, all sharing amenities, occupied the two storey house.
Magistrates heard how, following a complaint to Bexley Council an inspection revealed the house had no heating, a WC which did not work and a leaking shower. The property had not been maintained to a reasonable standard.
An improvement notice was issued under the 2004 Housing Act but the landlord failed to comply.
The landlord was found guilty of seven offences and fined £3,500 plus £400 costs.
The tenants have now vacated and are living in alternative accommodation.
Richard Schwartz of Station Parade, Barking owned the property. Three households, all sharing amenities, occupied the two storey house.
Magistrates heard how, following a complaint to Bexley Council an inspection revealed the house had no heating, a WC which did not work and a leaking shower. The property had not been maintained to a reasonable standard.
An improvement notice was issued under the 2004 Housing Act but the landlord failed to comply.
The landlord was found guilty of seven offences and fined £3,500 plus £400 costs.
The tenants have now vacated and are living in alternative accommodation.
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