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How do you get rid of Silverfish?

Some simple advice to get rid of silverfish if you are a leaseholder in a block of flats are:Remove their food source: you don’t want to be sharing food with pests, so seal your dried goods in airtight containers. If silverfish won’t be able to access their favored m...

What is a Rent Deposit in the context of a Leasehold Rent Deposit Deed

Rent Deposits and Rent Deposit Deeds explained:  A Rent Deposit Deed is a document which is supplemental to the Lease and is something a Landlord may require so that they have an advance payment of the rent (usually between 3 and 12 months) to protect the L...

What alternative solution did Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse propose in response to the scrapped rules?

Wera Hobhouse proposed incentivising landlords through tax breaks. She urged allowing landlords to offset spending on insulation against their income tax bills.

What were the concerns raised by MPs during the parliamentary debate regarding the scrapped energy efficiency rules?

Many MPs voiced concerns about the impact on families renting from private landlords, citing potential higher energy bills and the environmental consequences of not implementing higher standards in the private rental sector.

What does Andrew Griffith, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, affirm regarding pooled client accounts and AML regulations?

Griffith stated that banks can apply simplified due diligence to pooled client accounts, especially when they assess the risk of money laundering and terrorist finance to be low.

How did MP Kelly Tolhurst bring attention to the matter in Parliament?

Kelly Tolhurst, a Conservative MP, raised the issue during a parliamentary debate, highlighting the threat issued by a bank to an agent, pressuring them to abandon the use of pooled accounts. 

What is the core issue with pooled client accounts for letting agents in the UK?

The challenge revolves around the closure or reluctance of banks to open pooled client accounts for letting agents, citing violations of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

What is the core issue with pooled client accounts for letting agents in the UK?

The challenge revolves around the closure or reluctance of banks to open pooled client accounts for letting agents, citing violations of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

How does the Bill address tenants' rights to keep pets in rented properties?

The Bill grants renters the right to request permission to have pets, and landlords cannot impose general bans.

What should I do as a tenant if my landlord is not addressing repair concerns?

Document the issue in writing through a formal letter or email. If the problem persists, contact your local council for intervention.

Why did Newham Council initiate legal proceedings against Chaplair Ltd?

The legal action was taken under the Housing Act 2004 after Chaplair Ltd did not comply with an improvement notice, failing to remove hazardous cladding from its Lumiere building within the specified deadline.

What is the significance of Newham Council's prosecution against Chaplair Ltd?

It marks a historic moment, Newham becoming the first UK local authority to legally pursue a building owner for failing to remove flammable cladding, emphasising the council's commitment to resident safety.

Why did RAAC concrete cause UK government to order the immediate closure of hundreds of school buildings?

The government took this drastic step after "new evidence" emerged, highlighting the safety risks associated with RAAC.  A concrete beam collapsed during the school holidays.

What is RAAC concrete and why is it causing concern in the UK?

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight construction material used in buildings, including schools, between the 1950s and 1990s. The concern arises because RAAC has a limited design life of 30 years, and structural issues have emerged in these ...

Should VAT be added to building reinstatement valuations: caselaw?

Brian White is challenging FirstPort's insurance costs, alleging that the capital value of a block in Hollin Bank Court in Blackburn is unreasonably increased due to the inclusion of VAT.  White contends that the rebuild cost of the property shoul...

Who has legally challenged Firstport on insurance premiums?

Brian White is challenging FirstPort's insurance costs, alleging that the capital value of his daughter's residential block was unreasonably increased due to the inclusion of VAT.  The Tribunal is due to hear the case January 2024.

What market segment do co-living companies target?

Co-living focuses on single individuals between the ages group 18 and 35 years.

What is the value of the co-living sector in London?

The value of the annual co-living market in London is estimated to be 5.35 billion.

How do small businesses benefit from the Competition Markets Authority?

The CMA exists to ensure a level playing field for all businesses by limiting the power of large organisations to prevent monopolistic practices. 

What is the primary role of the Competition Markets Authority?

The CMA's top function is to ensure markets operate in favour of consumers by enforcing consumer protection rules. The UK competition watchdog also ensures that businesses in all sectors implement fair business practices.

What is the core objective of this Code of Practice?

The primary goal of this Code is to ensure that residents' experiences shape every decision made during remediation projects. It emphasises consistent communication, understanding residents' diverse needs, involving residents in decisions, and minimising disruptions ...

Is there a Code of Practice for Developers carrying out building safety remediation works?

Yes, currently, the Code of Practice is applicable exclusively in England. However, there's a possibility that the Welsh Government may adopt it for use in Wales in the future.

What are some examples of digital technologies in ground rent management?

Digital technologies include ground rent collection software that employs robotic accounting: demands, allocations, and bank reconciliation.  By using direct debit the ground rent collector can manage what the customer needs to pay and rent reviews cannot b...

How have digital technologies impacted ground rent collection?

Digital advancements have reduced ground rent collection costs to just 6 percent, primarily by automating rent collection and communication processes. This also enhances precision and reduces errors.

What is ground rent?

As a legal term, ground rent specifically refers to regular payments made by a holder of a leasehold property to the freeholder or a superior leaseholder, as required under a lease.  As a lease is 'demised' to the leasehold owner fo...

Is the government meeting its housing target?

No, the practical outcome falls short of the 300,000-home objective, with fewer than 250,000 homes constructed last year posing a substantial obstacle.

What strategies are being employed to address the skills shortage in construction?

Efforts are being made to attract and retain young talent. Enhancing the industry's image among younger generations, implementing reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies are key strategies.

What is the Renters Reform Bill, and why is its progress a matter of concern?

The Renters Reform Bill is a legislative proposal aimed at implementing reforms in the rental sector. It seeks to introduce changes that could impact landlords and tenants, such as improving tenants' rights, enhancing rental property standards, and addressing issues ...

What is The Building Safety Act 2022?

The Building Safety Act 2022 is a legislative framework to enhance building safety regulations. It introduces key roles such as the Building Safety Regulator and the Accountable Person to oversee and manage building safety risks.

Who is required to sign the Developer Remediation Contract?

Major housebuilders and other large developers are the primary targets for signing the DRC as at summer 2023.  It is widely expected the scope will be widened.