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We have 2 blocks on our estate - the leases provide that we collect service charges as a whole not block by block. At a previous AGM it was minuted that each block should have its own reserve towards its own repairs. This has been the convention since, but now this is being objected to by some and we need to understand how sound our decision was.

Sadly, you have fallen foul of the misconception that company resolutions can change leases. This is NEVER the case, so the minutes and intention is not enforceable in law an AGM should consider only the company accounts to be filed with companies house service charg...

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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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What is the 90 day short let cap?

Airbnb replied to the concerns about the number of listings and their impact and stated that they take housing concerns seriously and have previously worked with the Mayor to enforce a 90-night cap on rentals in London.

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What is included in a homebuyers survey?

The inspection for a Homebuyer Survey includes an investigation of damp issues, rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation as well as timber defects such as over-stressed timbers and beetle infestation. A Homebuyer Survey does include a visual inspection of the s...

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What is the strategy for dealing with abusive and unreasonably persistent persons?

Termination of contact is the policy to deal with unreasonably persistent and rude persons.

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What is the BBRS Contemporary Scheme?

The BBRS Contemporary Scheme covers cases registered from 1 April 2019 onwards for businesses with a turnover of up to 10m per annum and total assets of up to 7.5m.

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What incidents are not anti-social behaviour?

Kids playing, incorrect parking and day-to-day noise are some examples of incidents that are not anti-social behaviour.

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What criticism has the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) faced regarding leasehold insurance irregularities?

The FCA has been strongly criticised by Insurance Business magazine for its lack of action in addressing leasehold insurance irregularities.

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The interpretation and enforcement of provisions regarding service charges under residential tenancies by pointing out the need for reasonableness and transparency in property management.

Akorita v 36 Gensing Road Limited [LRX/16/2008]SummaryThe cases are similar the Akorita v 36 Gensing Road Limited [LRX/16/2008] as they pose a cause against management and service charges in connection to a property. Mr. Akorita was the lease holder in the case and t...

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Who provides Green loans and mortgages with reduced interest rates?

In 2023 the UK government allocated 4.1 million for green loan products to enable homeowners to borrow money specifically for energy upgrades whereby the homeonwer will be able to incorporate the repayment into their regular monthly mortgage instalments.Contributing ...

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Who are most likely to be affected by the rise in energy bills?

The elders and those yet to settle into their jobs are among the most vulnerable. The elders, because their aging bodies cannot cope with the freezing temperature, and the recently employed ones because they will not be able to raise more money to pay the extra charges.

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What are the 3 Notices called?

Stage 1 – Notice of intention. This notifies service charge payers of the planned works.Stage 2 – Notice of Estimates. This sets out quotations obtained for the work.Stage 3 – Notice of Reasons. If the contractor chosen was not the cheapest or is more expensive than...

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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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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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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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Is freehold property good to buy?

Leasehold enfranchisement……When undertaking a valuation for negotiation the Chartered Valuation Surveyor has to interpret the right evidence for the right situation to bring maximum benefit to the Client.

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What financial support is available for heat pump installations?

The UK government offers grants through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan program, providing up to 7,500 grants and additional funding for eligible rural homes.

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Why are platforms like Airbnb required to report client earnings to HMRC starting January 1, 2024?

This regulatory change aims to enhance tax compliance and transparency in the gig economy, ensuring accurate income reporting by taxpayers using short-term rental and freelance platforms.

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How did COVID-19 affect short-term and long-term let-downs in the UK?

The pandemic boosted short-term lets with a surge in domestic travel. Landlords shifted to tourist markets like the Lake District and Cornwall, displacing locals. The UK staycation trend has continued post-pandemic.

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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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The questions of the reasonableness of the service charges and, if applicable, the construction of the arrangement previously made between the parties concerning the management.

Poynders Court Limited v GLS Property Management Ltd [2012] UKUT 339 (LC)SummaryThe case of Poynders Court Limited v GLS Property Management Ltd [2012] UKUT 339 (LC) intends to resolve the issue between Poynders Court Limited, a company for residential management, an...

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s it worth getting a homebuyers survey?

What is rather nice about a Homebuyer Survey is that the written report highlights matters that need attention by putting them as ACTION bullet points, with advice on what and who should be able to help. The Homebuyer Surveyor’s brief is to make an assessment of any ...

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Why do some consumers express reluctance to use Open Banking?

Misunderstandings and misconceptions lead some consumers to believe Open Banking gathers more data than is required, creating a perception of invasiveness.

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What Is BBRS?

The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS) is an independent, not-for-profit service. It was established to resolve disputes between SMEs and their banks.

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Why is the BTR industry doing so well in the UK?

The BTRs, especially the ones that are in the evolved form, have everything that a modern family needs to live comfortably and securely.

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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.

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What happened during the Levelling Up Select Committee session regarding the Renters Reform Bill?

During the Levelling Up Select Committee, an all-party group of MPs responsible for scrutinising government legislation posed questions to various individuals. The session focused on areas such as the implications of a new ombudsman for the private rented sector, the...

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Which tenants can use the IDVT process for a Right to Rent Check?

Currently, the UK government allows only British and Irish nationals to use the IDVT process for the Right to Rent check. Other foreign nationals can continue the checks through the Home Office Website.

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What defence can a developer offer in respect of new developer claims now limitation periods have been extended?

Generally there are TWO potential defences a defendant may be able to raise in respect of the new limitation periods:if the claim has already been settled or determined; orthe extended limitation period breaches the defendant’s rights under the Human Rights Act 1998....

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Explain the factors or scoring criteria in FTSE4 Good Index series ESG risk ratings?

The FTSE4Good Index Series is a group of indices that measure the performance of companies that meet certain environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The FTSE4Good ESG Ratings are a set of scores that assess the level of ESG risk of companies included in...

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