Ask from our Property Experts

What does a service charge cover?

Leaseholders pay service charges as their share for the repair and management of the building. The lease outlines the landlord's obligations for building maintenance and the leaseholder's obligations to pay service charges.

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Are UK house prices and rental price affordability getting worse?

As of 2023, rental prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable for people with an average income in the UK. Fewer homes are available for rent now as compared to a decade ago.

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What makes Ringley's home buildings insurance calculator stand out?

Ringley's calculator is highly regarded and serves as a valuable tool for industry professionals and homeowners alike. It helps assess insurance premiums, offers estimates, and is a reference for accurate coverage determination. Ringley as a leading Managing Agent h...

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How does the Energy Company Obligation scheme 'ECO4' scheme help the UK households?

The UK government's ECO4 scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades to qualifying households as grants. These free upgrades help them reduce energy requirements, electricity bills, and carbon emissions. The ECO4 grants fund wall or cavity insulation and new heat...

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What is the LA FLEX scheme?

The LA FLEX scheme is suitable for households not receiving any benefits in the form of aid. The Local Authority Eligibility Flexibility (LA Flex) mechanism provides attractive discounts to households for energy efficiency upgrades. Under the LA FLEX scheme, the gov...

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What is the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service?

The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service is a new government initiative in England and Wales offering free legal assistance to people at risk of losing their homes.

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What does the analysis of the PRS market reveal?

The survey reveals that the PRS market is on an upward trend compared to the figures for the past 10 years.

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What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirement for rental properties in the UK?

All rental properties in England and Wales are required by law to have an EPC rating of C or above to meet the EPC requirement. The minimum EPC requirement was set to be raised to EPC C by 2028, but there are indications that this timeline might be delayed

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How to market a building: step by step ?

Launch planning includes recruting the team, opening the lettings office and dry run training, tech enablement, visiting competing product, a final review of rent pricing, arranging videography, development websites, show flat furniture, notifying the press, universi...

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What is Building Biology?

Building Biology is a field that examines how the built environment affects human health. It focuses on creating homes free from harmful elements, promoting well-being through considerations like electromagnetic field exposure, indoor air quality, and design principles.

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What is the aim of LVC?

LVC must ensure that the benefits of public investment and planning decisions are shared more fairly across society.

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What is the UK government Net ZERO target?

The Net Zero target is an initiative by the UK Government to achieve a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere by 2050. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting renewable energy sources, improvi...

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Is sharing The How to Rent Guide with tenants mandatory?

Yes, it has been made mandatory for the landlords to share the latest version of the How To Rent guide with the tenants at the beginning of the tenancy or on renewal since 10th June 2014. The guide has been updated 10 times since. The latest guide is March 2023.

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Who in the UK provides Resident Apps for Built to Rent industry?

The Ringley Group owns Busy Living which is its App Generator portal and has the ability to create and white-label integrated, user-friendly Residents Apps to meet the needs of your building and with your brand.

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What are the 2022 UK Build to Rent (BTR) statistics?

To date (2the 022l the UK has seen the construction of circa 76,800 BTR homes through a 30 billion investment. Over 163,400 BTR homes are in the pipeline. Estimates confirm that the next decade will witness the completion of over 38170 million homes with 170 billio...

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How much can households save with heat pumps?

Depending on energy prices, households can save substantially annually by using heat pumps with smart electricity tariffs and removing gas meters. Actual savings vary based on the heat pump's efficiency, but optimising insulation and radiators can further reduce costs.

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What is asbestos surveying?

Asbestos Type 2 survey includes taking samples – The presence of asbestos can be confirmed or ruled out after samples undergo lab analysis. This type of survey will also identify the type of asbestos present and the level of risk involved.

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What are the trading standards requirements for technology on words used for property listings?

The guidance was updated to enhance property-listing practices, making them more consumer-friendly and transparent, in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The terms formally defined are:Under Offer, Let Agreed, Let, New On The Mar...

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Which organizations created the Unreasonable Behaviour policy?

The ARMA and IRPM developed the Unreasonable Behaviour Policy that aims to protect members from the unreasonable behaviour of clients.

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Court Appointed Manager–do I have the right to apply?

The right to apply for the appointment of a Court Appointed Manager depends on the specific laws and regulations governing the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Generally, the right to apply for a Court Appointed Manager is granted to individuals or part...

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What is Michael Gove's urban rebirth housing plan?

Michael Gove's plan aims to build 50,000 new homes in Cambridge as part of the government's broader goal of constructing one million new homes in cities during this parliamentary term. The plan focuses on addressing the long-standing housing undersupply issue in the ...

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How will building biology make future homes more sustainable?

Building biology prioritises sustainability by encouraging eco-friendly practices and reducing environmental impact.

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Are there any specific requirements for tall buildings regarding communal door inspections?

Yes, for buildings over 11 meters in height, it is necessary to make every effort to inspect fire doors at the entrances of individual residential units annually, in addition to the regular communal door inspections.

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How does the rooftop development help the wider community?

Rooftop development adds multiple new homes beside the restoration of old buildings. It causes a minimum impact on the town's appearance and boosts affordable housing.

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Why are the UK house sizes shrinking?

Shortage of the number of plots and the need to build more houses is causing the shrinking of UK houses. Government policy has favoured smaller house sizes since about the 1970s.

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Can I seek compensation if the freeholder is absent?

Seeking compensation when the freeholder is absent can be challenging, as it depends on the specific circumstances and applicable laws in your jurisdiction. However, there are certain situations where you may be able to pursue compensation:- Breach of lease obliga...

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What is the new 2024 energy efficiency target for landlords in England and Wales?

By 2030, all privately rented properties in England and Wales must meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C. This applies to private and social housing as part of the government's effort to improve energy efficiency.

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Dispute regarding the reasonableness and validity of service charges demanded under the terms and provisions of a residential lease.

Johnson v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC)SummaryThe case of Johnson v County Bideford Ltd [2012] UKUT 457 (LC) arose because of a dispute between a lessee, Mr. Johnson, and the freeholder, County Bideford Ltd, regarding the reasonableness and validity of ser...

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What is the alternative to the right to manage process?

If Right to Manage (the no fault, no premium paid method to take control of management of your block of flats is not for you) perhaps purchasing the freehold by collective enfranchisement or approaching the First Tier Tribunal for a court-appointed manager are altern...

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What is the housing situation in the UK?

The UK is facing a serious housing shortage marked by a persistent scarcity of residences. The government aims to build 300,000 new homes annually to meet demand and maintain affordability.

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