Ask from our Property Experts

Category:

What our customers are asking:

What types of insulation upgrades are available through the UK energy efficiency grants specifically the ECO4 scheme?

Cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation upgrades are available through the Energy Company Obligation 'ECO4' scheme.

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,&nb...

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...

What changes are proposed for existing leaseholders?

Existing leaseholders benefit from simplified and cost-effective processes for extending lease terms, extending standard lease terms to 990 years with reduced ground rent, and removing the two-year ownership requirement for accessing reforms.

How does the Bill impact new leasehold properties?

The Bill prohibits the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales while exempting new leaseholds on flats.

What is the purpose of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill?

The Bill aims to empower homeowners by introducing significant reforms to the leasehold system in England and Wales, addressing issues such as creating new leasehold houses, simplifying lease extensions, enhancing transparency, and providing redress rights.

What does the ruling mean for building owners in Newham?

The verdict serves as a clear warning to all building owners in Newham, underlining the necessity to promptly prioritise fire safety measures, including removing hazardous cladding. Failure to comply may lead to legal prosecution.

Which Councils have initiated legal proceedings against building owners for not removing dangerous cladding?

Newham Council werenthr first to take legal action 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.

Is there any caselaw of building owners being prosecuted for not removing flammable materials following EWS1 assessments?

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.  The case is Newham Borough vs Chaplair Ltd, the develo...

What are the tax implications for landlords on platforms like Airbnb?

Landlords renting out entire properties on Airbnb can earn up to 1,000 a year tax-free under the 'trading allowance' rule. The tax-free allowance is more generous for those renting out a room only.

What is the significance of the Renters' Reform Bill's new database for HMRC?

The database introduced by the Renters' Reform Bill is expected to be a valuable resource for HMRC, helping track landlords who may have failed to disclose their rental income.

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.

What key aspects of the Renters Reform Bill might have been enacted earlier?

Early enactments may include regulations for annual rent increases, the right for renters to challenge excessive rent hikes, simplified eviction processes for nuisance tenants, and new grounds for repossession for landlords.

Why is the implementation of the ban on no-fault evictions in the Renters Reform Bill postponed?

The government cites concerns about the inadequacy of the current court system, expressing worry that landlords might exploit it to repossess their properties.

How does the tenancy agreement impact my rights in repair matters?

The tenancy agreement is a vital legal document outlining responsibilities. Understanding and applying it effectively can ensure protecting and enforcing your rights, especially when landlords fail in their repair obligations.

What are my rights as a renter in the UK regarding repairs?

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 section 11 outlines your rights, requiring landlords to maintain a well-kept, safe, and habitable property.

What should I do 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.

How does the Fire Safety Act impact flat entrance doors, and why is it significant?

The Act includes flat entrance doors as 'non-domestic premises,' mandating regular inspection and maintenance. This ensures these doors act as crucial barriers during a fire, preventing smoke and fire from spreading within the building. Fire doors are vital as smoke ...

What specific duties does the Fire Safety Act outline for the Responsible Person in multi-occupied residential buildings?

The Act extends responsibilities beyond structural components, including cladding, balconies, windows, and entrance doors to individual flats. The Responsible Person is typically the freeholder or Resident Management Company (RMC).

Why was the Fire Safety Act introduced, and what is its primary goal?

The Fire Safety Act of 2021 was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower incident 2017. Its primary goal is to prevent similar incidents in the future, with provisions rooted in recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

How is Scottish Land & Estates proposing to address these issues?

The organisation is advocating for a more flexible approach. They want an open registration process maintained while actively engaging with the industry and its representatives to refine the regulations. 

How are extended wait times and contractor shortages affecting businesses in rural areas?

Many businesses are experiencing wait times exceeding six months to secure the services of tradespeople, making it extremely difficult to meet the new licensing requirements.

What are HMOs, and why is Burnley Council considering stricter regulations for them?

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) are properties shared by unrelated individuals. Burnley Council is considering stricter regulations due to concerns about increasing anti-social behaviour, crime, and parking issues in certain areas of the borough.

What is the Labour Party's plan to address the housing crisis?

The Labour Party aims to build more affordable housing, focusing on council housing and ensuring that residents can access suitable, affordable homes.

How does Angela Rayner view the government's current levelling up approach?

Rayner criticised the government's approach, stating that it has resulted in declining housebuilding and wages nationwide and is characterised by empty slogans and political gestures.

What is the significance of the 18.22 per cent kickback commissions mentioned in the case?

Brian White alleges that FirstPort imposes charges on leaseholders and threatens late payment fees to discourage challenges to these premiums, as such challenges disrupt the 18.22 per cent kickback commissions, as admitted by E&J Estates.

Why does Brian White argue that the property's capital value should be lower?

White contends that the rebuild cost of the property should be 13.5 million instead of 16.2 million because residential new builds are typically exempt from VAT.

What is the main issue in the legal challenge led by Brian White, MBE?

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.

What has driven Scottish Land & Estates to seek an extension to the licensing regime for short-term let platforms?

Scottish Land & Estates is advocating for an extension due to the challenges faced by businesses in rural areas. Complying with the new regulations, which involve obtaining certifications, is proving to be unfeasible because of a shortage of contractors.

When can the public provide feedback on these proposed regulations, and how will it influence the final decision?

Public feedback can be given during a six-week period of public consultation. The feedback will be considered in a subsequent report presented to the executive in Spring 2024. The final decision on whether to confirm the proposal will be based on this input. If appro...