News

Just wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the Spencer Ward Team.  Our opening hours are - open until 1pm on Christmas Eve, and then closed until Wednesday 30th December at 10.00am to 2.00pm.  For any emergency repairs call our office number which will advise you of the out of hours advice mobile number.  Please do leave a message or text if the call is not answered.  Any messages left on our landline number will be handled when we return on 30th.  Best Wishes!!!

Does your current agent ensure that your property is not being rented to an illegal immigrant?  From February 2016 the new scheme will apply to tenants and if a landlord is found to be knowingly renting a property to an illegal immigrant, or not to have followed the checks, a civil penalty of up to £3,000 could be imposed. 

Likewise if you suspect any of your current tenants are in the UK illegally, there are ways to report it to the Home Office annonymously. 

All adults (persons over the age of 18) who will live in the property as their only or main home should be checked, regardless ofwhat you believe their nationality to be.  This includes people who will live in the property but aren't named on the tenancy agreement.  This should be done by landlords / agents requesting proof of prospective tenants' right to live in the UK, checking that the documents are valid and genuine, and keeping a copy of the documents as evidence that the checks have been undertaken.

Very IMPORTANT - 1st October 2015 Section 21 Notice in England will become a prescribed form - NEW RULES APPLY

 Deregulation Bill implemented 27th March 2015 this now redefines when and when not a Section 21 Notice may be used. In addition claims of disrepair may veto use of Section 21 Notice  - Landlords be aware!

Landlords are you ready for the changes in legislation regarding the installation of CO detectors and smoke/heat detectors at your rented property?  Call us now for further details and prices from our qualified electricians for installation.