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Controversial "Bedroom Tax" reform defeated
Controversial plans to introduce "Bedroom Tax" as part of the Welfare Reform Bill have been defeated in the House of Lords.
The tax was proposed to reduce housing benefit payments by more than £600 a year for families living in council homes with at least one spare bedroom. It is argued that it is not fair or affordable for taxpayers to subsidise social tenants living in properties that...
Campaign against silent killer
"You can't see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly and with no warning." This is the word of a new campaign from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Gas Safe Charity launched to raise awareness of the "silent killer" Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Back to Basics: Court Proceedings
Most landlords will know that the process of evicting a tenant can be laborious and must comply with strict legislation to be able to re-gain possession. This back to basics factsheet, provided by Painsmith Solicitors, discusses why there is a need to obtain a Court Order to evict residential tenants and what the process to do this involves.
Call for tenancies to be registered online
John Moss, a Conservative candidate for the London Assembly, has proposed an online register of all private tenancies stating it would be a better idea than licensing all private landlords.
He suggests a simple, online system whereby landlords would enter their details, the address of the property and the tenants’ names, and with a single click, produce a simple form setting out to the...
Homes missing out on Energy Bill savings
New figures released recently reveal that nearly half of Britain’s homes do not have adequate basic insulation and are throwing away at least £100 in wasted energy payments every year.
New EPC regulations delayed at the last minute
The Government has abandoned attempts to introduce changes to EPC rules in less than a fortnight's time, on July 1. A senior official at Communities and Local Government said yesterday that they had run out of time.
Rental Property with Poor EPC Ratings to be Banned
Rented accommodation with poor energy ratings will be banned from the rental market in five year's time, the Government has announced. Reactions have been mixed but with more pressure on tenant finances energy efficiency of homes could prove more and more important over the coming months, but has the Green Deal come too late?
Does Your Agent Have the Seal of Approval?
Agents and private landlords have been buzzing with talk about HMO licensing since Oxford City Council (OCC) announced that it would licence all HMO’s within its power
Are You Ready to be a Landlord?
There are many costs to consider when deciding if you wish to become an investment landlord - sometimes obvious, sometimes not. As every investor's aim should be to create a realistic (yet profitable) yield. You need to think carefully about your sums before signing on the dotted line.
Update to Carbon Monoxide Legislation
In December 2010 the Health and Safety Executive released a Safety Notice to raise awareness of the potential dangers from certain types of flues connected to gas-fired central heating installations in some properties. Landlords are now obliged to take action before the 31 December 2012.
How to Become a Buy-to-Let Landlord
Data from the Association of Residential Lettings Agents show that 71% of landlords believe renting is becoming increasingly popular, with demand continually outstripping supply.
Energy Saving Allowance for Landlords
scottfraser have once again teamed up with Shaw Gibbs Accountants to produce a factsheet for landlords on the government Energy Saving Allowance Scheme.
Gas Safety - Access for Contractors
The Old Bailey will this summer be hearing the case of a plumber charged with the manslaughter of a woman who sadly died of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is alleged that he breached his obligations under regulation 26 (9) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The plumber has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Energy Efficiency for Landlords
Most people will be aware that the Government has made tackling climate change a primary goal over the next few years. The UK’s overall climate change target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by the year 2020, which is ambitious.
New Fire Safety Legislation?
The Fire Safety (Protection of Tenants) Bill is currently being reviewed by Parliament. The objective of the review is to ensure that all rented residential properties have a fire detection system which complies with modern standards.
Important HMO news for Oxford Landlords
From 24th January 2011 the licensing of HMO's (Houses in Multiple Occupation) within Oxford will be changing following confirmation from the Oxford City Council of new guideline and charges.
Energy Performance Consultations and Next Steps
The DCLG has published summaries of responses to a series of consultations on Energy Performance Certificates and has indicated how it will be taking the matter forward.
Bed Bugs and Landlord's Liability
A recent story on the BBC News website highights that bed bugs are back and spreading in the USA and Western Europe. Our solicitors, Pain Smith are often asked about pests and who is responsible for their eradication. They have offered this advice.
Understanding "Subject to Contract"
It is commonly thought that if one party has signed a tenancy agreement then the party that has not signed is not bound by it. However, if the parties have clearly agreed to a tenancy a verbal agreement is sufficient to create a tenancy, the signature is merely agreeing the terms of this agreement.
Will Changes To The AST Threshold Affect You?
On 1 October 2010 the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) threshold will increase from £25K to £100K. This will mean that any residential tenancy (other than Company Lets) where the rent currently exceeds £25K per annum will become an AST.
Update to HMO Licensing from October 2010
Further to scottfraser’s HMO report in May 2010, Oxford City Council (OCC) have now announced that additional HMO licensing will come into force on 25 October 2010.
We are pleased to see that the OCC have interpreted the new Use Class Changes favourably and are likely to only include properties with four or more sharers or those that are being monitored for bad practice.
Hot stuff for Hot Property - Investors!
So, you’re lucky enough to have a property in the UK’s top investment location. Yes, Channel 4’s ‘Where Best to Invest’ named Oxford the UK’s premier investment hot spot just last week*. So, what better time to ensure your property realises its true potential?
Capital Gains Tax review
As most landlords will already know, the rate of CGT is set to increase from 18% to 28% from 23 June 2010, although taxpayers with taxable income and gains below £37,400 will continue to pay CGT at 18%. These changes affect any property bought by a private investor which is regarded as a non–business asset, such as buy–to–lets and holiday homes.
Try A Little Tenderness - Tenants
There’s a brave new world for tenants in the Oxford area thanks to the personable approach that’s at the heart of scottfraser. Imagine life as a tenant in one of Oxford’s premier properties, with your every need managed by an agent you know on a first-name basis who can even get the boiler fixed on Christmas Eve! Too good to be true? Actually, its not!
The House Doctor's in Town!
We've all seen the TV shows that promote neutral, bright, uncluttered interiors, a welcoming entrance and peaceful garden; but understanding that few landlords have the time to achieve this in their properties to let, scottfraser is offering landlords the services of its own House Doctor.
Your World Is Our Oyster - Landlords
Whether you’ve landed the big contract abroad, are planning a year out to travel, or have decided to emigrate for good – leaving your most valuable asset in the hands of strangers is a daunting business – especially while you’re on the other side of the globe. Many are simply tempted to cut the ties and sell, but in a climate that sees Oxford as the UK’s top location hot spot –...
Your Florence Nightingale - Landlords
Friday 27 January 2006 was just another day for Research Fellow Dr Anthony Murphy, but as luck would have it, this was to be a day that would change his life.
You'll Never Walk Alone - Landlords
What is it that makes a landlord choose scottfraser? To remain at the top of our game, it’s a question we ask ourselves frequently to ensure our quality and service exceeds both practical requirements and clients’ expectations.
Giving tenants a taste of luxury
As any letting or estate agency practice will know the Oxford property market is extremely competitive. It is therefore essential that any company engaged in this market are fresh in their approach to securing both tenants and landlords as well as ensuring that their core product is flawless. Each and every client should be valued and treated as such, whether landlord and tenant.
Does planning use class change affect you?
On the 6th April 2010 an additional planning use class (C4) came into force for properties defined as HMO's (Houses in Multiple Occupation) to help restrict the problems of "student ghettos" in residential areas.
