News

Eco friendly standards

From April 1 2018, new private properties for rent are generally required to have a minimum of an E on the Energy Performance Certificate rating scale. This will come into effect for existing tenancies from April 1 2020, and it will make breaches of this rule – renting properties with F or G ratings – unlawful.

If you breach this rule you’ll be given a warning so you can get your property up to scratch. But if you don’t do this, you may face fines and legal action

Blind cords that are below  1.5m in length are a Hazzard as highlighted by HHSRS in recent publications -  As of 1st October 2014 all pull cords for all blinds (whether old or newly fitted) must be 1.5m from the floor to avoid posing a health and safety issue. Any blind that has cords that can form a loop must have either a small safety bracket or cleat hook on the wall to enable the cords to be secured/taut, with no ‘give’ to pose a possible choking problem. Most vulnerable group children under 4.  This is easily arranged, if you have any blinds in properties please do make sure this is addressed as a matter of urgency.

Well its that time again when we have received many calls regarding condensation from tenants.  We have prepared a really helpful factsheet to provide to our tenants regarding wiping down of surfaces and ensuring that the property is kept ventilated and heated.  We would also remind landlords that sometimes there can be external causes for condensation such as leaking guttering, downpipes or general lack of ventilation which can be improved by adding extractor fans.  If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.  Brrrrrr hopefully the cold damp weather will soon be gone!

Landlords of both domestic and non-domestic private rented premises should start preparing for new regulations requiring many of them to make energy efficiency improvements to their rental properties.

The regulations will have two phases. From 1 April 2016 landlords of domestic properties must consent to certain energy efficiency improvements their existing tenants may want to make. From 1 April 2018 landlords will have further obligations to ensure their properties have achieved at least an ‘E’ energy rating before renting them out for the first time or renewing tenancies