What our customers are asking:
What is a coworking space?
A coworking space is a designated workspace where individuals from different professions or organizations work together in a shared environment.
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My balcony wall has crumbled away and part fallen down, its been 3 months now and they haven done anything about it, is this something I can claim of my Buildings insurance for ? not likely, sounds like due to disrepair.
In theory you should be threatening the management company with action for breach of covenant and getting them to make the repairs. Best to check your lease 1st to see if it is the freeholder's or management companies responsibility to do the repairs, or whether your...
Read moreRead by(24)
Is there a legal basis of a "right to light" that may be blocked by adjacent trees? We are a small development of 22 flats set in what was the copse of the Old Manor House in Bedhampton, Havant. Our grounds are surrounded on two side by trees both in our grounds and outside our boundary which act as a barrier from the road for us and is part of the street scene outside. The majority of the trees in our grounds are subject to Tree Preservation Orders and every couple of years or so we apply to our local authority for planning permission to maintain the trees. A few years ago the area in which we live was designated a Conservation area so now we not only have to apply for planning consent to have tree works on the trees covered by TPO's we also have to apply for any tree work under the Conservation Order. We have four blocks, three of two floors, ground and first, and one block which is in the wooded area of our grounds, has three floors, ground first and second. The leaseholders who live on the top floor of this block have asked for the trees surrounding them to be reduced in height to allow more light into there apartments. Our local authority trees officer is of the view that the trees are healthy and form part of the conservation area/character and street scene and are not in need of reduction. The tree officer maintains the "right to light" is a factor that does not come into the decision making when considering application for reducing trees.
I know of no law that gives a legal right to light (where obstructed by trees) and can't possibly conceive there would be such a law If there were no doubt the councils would all be bankrupt from paying out !! there are rights enabling an owner to cut back parts of a...
Read moreRead by(24)
Whether the residential leaseholder, Leon di Marco, would be in breach of the terms of his lease by letting on short-term tenancies, and whether the freehold company, Morshead Mansions Ltd, is entitled to forfeit the lease.
Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96SummaryAnother very important case related to the fights for enforcement of lease covenants and application of equitable principles under property law is Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96....
Read moreRead by(24)
What is the Red Book RICS?
RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents the property profession in 146 countries, and regulates its ‘Chartered’ members. All valuations are subject to the RICS International Valuation Standards otherwise known as the ‘Red Book’.
Read moreRead by(24)
How often should fire doors be inspected?
In the case of buildings over eleven meters in height, the responsible person is required to check fire doors at the entrances of individual domestic premises at least once every twelve months. Fire doors in communal areas of the building should be checked every thre...
Read moreRead by(24)
What was the limitation period of the Defective Premises Act 1972 before the Building Safety Act 2022?
Prior to the Building Safety Act 2022, the Defective Premises Act 1972 required claims to be brought within 6 years. The Building Safety Act which received Royal Assent on the 28th April 2022 has now completed all the parliamentary stages in both Houses to become an...
Read moreRead by(24)
I’m happy to host the AGM in my property. Is this possible?
What a lovely idea, just suggest this to your Property Manager.
Read moreRead by(24)
When did the new Wembley Park Stadium open?
The official opening of Wembley Park Stadium was in March 2007.
Read moreRead by(24)
Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?
Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.
Read moreRead by(24)
What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?
A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.
Read moreRead by(24)
The future Management of your block after RTM
On the Acquisition Date of your RTM Company, all existing management contracts end automatically unless otherwise agreed upon by the RTM Company in advance. Therefore, a prospective and vetted managing agent is ready BEFORE the Acquisition Date. The RTM Company will ...
Read moreRead by(23)
What do they look for in a building survey?
"With a building survey the customer gets the opportunity to increase the scope, for example: to report on loading and rearrangement of the property for conversion or extension. In general, the report includes details on:Major and minor defects and their meaning,Damp...
Read moreRead by(23)
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.
Read moreRead by(23)
What is the best time and the worst to buy a house?
Spring is regarded as the best time as more homes are available for sale. August and December tend to be the worst.
Read moreRead by(23)
What is an annual general meeting?
An annual general meeting AGM is a meeting that is required by the Companies Acts to present the accounts to the shareholders of the business, approve accounts, elect/re-elect directors, appoint and set the remuneration of the auditors. An AGM must be held within 15 ...
Read moreRead by(23)
What are debentures?
A debenture is statement of a sum loaned to the company and how it will be paid back. Debentures may also impose a 'floating charge' over the assets of the company or a fixed charge. A copy of any debenture must be kept at the Registered Office. A copy must be sent t...
Read moreRead by(23)
Whether the freeholder has raised justifiable charges and, on the contrary, whether it was justifiable for the leaseholder o refuse to pay.
Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor | [2010] UKUT 283 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor [2010] UKUT 283 (LC) involves a dispute between the freeholder and the leaseholder on the issue of fair service charges. In essence, a question before t...
Read moreRead by(23)
The case mainly concerns the rights arising under a property agreement and the rights of the recalcitrant parties in the question under the law of English property.
Mrs. Adrienne Joan Ralphs -vs- Mr. Henry Charles PeacheySummaryThe following is a case on the enforcement of property agreement and property rights and interests. The case mainly concerns the rights arising under a property agreement and the rights of the recalcitran...
Read moreRead by(23)
What level of insurance commissions is normal at First port and Estates and Management?
In a case due to be heard at Tribunal in January 2024, Brian White alleges that FirstPort imposes charges on leaseholders and threatens late payment fees to discourage challenging insurance premiums. The property concerned is Hollin Bank Court in Blackburn and White...
Read moreRead by(23)
How many completed UK Build to Rent (BTR) homes will be there in the UK by the end of the next decade?
According to estimates, there will be over 380,000 BTR homes in the next decade.
Read moreRead by(23)
What is the real living wage in London?
The real living wage in London is (£)11.95. This compares against the proposed National Living Wage rise which will come into force from April 1, 2023 to 10.40 (up from the present (£)9.50).
Read moreRead by(23)
How long does a measured survey take, and what factors can influence the duration?
The duration of a measured survey can vary depending on the size, complexity, and accessibility of the building or site. A basic survey for a small property may take a few hours, while larger or more intricate structures could take several days.
Read moreRead by(23)
why does The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd enforcement a contract for the sale of land?
The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of a contract for the sale of land and the consequences of a breach of contract.In this case, BDW Trading Ltd (the claimant) and South An...
Read moreRead by(22)
I can’t attend the AGM meeting. Can I still vote?
Yes. Please complete the Proxy Form and then another attendee can vote on your behalf.
Read moreRead by(22)
Time has elapsed, should we serve a new Section 20 Stage 1 notice or re-issue the old one?
It is always best practice to issue a new Section 20 notice, time tends to lead to a building dilapidating further and new works being required. At the very least you should reissue the notice of intention with a letter of explanation.
Read moreRead by(22)
What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?
The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.
Read moreRead by(22)
What is LVC or Land Value Capture?
Land value capture (LVC) involves capturing the increase in land value caused by public investment, planning decisions, or other factors and using this enhanced value to fund public infrastructure, affordable housing, or other community benefits.
Read moreRead by(22)
How many landlords left the rental market in 2022?
Properties available to rent plunged by 49 percent between March 2019 and March 2022. 53 percent of buy-to-let properties were permanently removed from the private rental market.
Read moreRead by(22)
What changes have been made to the capital gains tax rules?
In the budget of October 2022, the UK government announced that capital gains tax allowance is being reduced by 50 percent. They apply to profits made from selling or disposing of an asset like a buy-to-let property or other asset of value.
Read moreRead by(22)
Ask our Experts
What our customers are asking:
What is a coworking space?
A coworking space is a designated workspace where individuals from different professions or organizations work together in a shared environment.
Read More
My balcony wall has crumbled away and part fallen down, its been 3 months now and they haven done anything about it, is this something I can claim of my Buildings insurance for ? not likely, sounds like due to disrepair.
In theory you should be threatening the management company with action for breach of covenant and getting them to make the repairs. Best to check your lease 1st to see if it is the freeholder's or management companies responsibility to do the repairs, or whether your...
Read More
Is there a legal basis of a "right to light" that may be blocked by adjacent trees? We are a small development of 22 flats set in what was the copse of the Old Manor House in Bedhampton, Havant. Our grounds are surrounded on two side by trees both in our grounds and outside our boundary which act as a barrier from the road for us and is part of the street scene outside. The majority of the trees in our grounds are subject to Tree Preservation Orders and every couple of years or so we apply to our local authority for planning permission to maintain the trees. A few years ago the area in which we live was designated a Conservation area so now we not only have to apply for planning consent to have tree works on the trees covered by TPO's we also have to apply for any tree work under the Conservation Order. We have four blocks, three of two floors, ground and first, and one block which is in the wooded area of our grounds, has three floors, ground first and second. The leaseholders who live on the top floor of this block have asked for the trees surrounding them to be reduced in height to allow more light into there apartments. Our local authority trees officer is of the view that the trees are healthy and form part of the conservation area/character and street scene and are not in need of reduction. The tree officer maintains the "right to light" is a factor that does not come into the decision making when considering application for reducing trees.
I know of no law that gives a legal right to light (where obstructed by trees) and can't possibly conceive there would be such a law If there were no doubt the councils would all be bankrupt from paying out !! there are rights enabling an owner to cut back parts of a...
Read More
Whether the residential leaseholder, Leon di Marco, would be in breach of the terms of his lease by letting on short-term tenancies, and whether the freehold company, Morshead Mansions Ltd, is entitled to forfeit the lease.
Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96SummaryAnother very important case related to the fights for enforcement of lease covenants and application of equitable principles under property law is Morshead Mansions Ltd v Leon di Marco [2014] EWCA Civ 96....
Read More
What is the Red Book RICS?
RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents the property profession in 146 countries, and regulates its ‘Chartered’ members. All valuations are subject to the RICS International Valuation Standards otherwise known as the ‘Red Book’.
Read More
How often should fire doors be inspected?
In the case of buildings over eleven meters in height, the responsible person is required to check fire doors at the entrances of individual domestic premises at least once every twelve months. Fire doors in communal areas of the building should be checked every thre...
Read More
What was the limitation period of the Defective Premises Act 1972 before the Building Safety Act 2022?
Prior to the Building Safety Act 2022, the Defective Premises Act 1972 required claims to be brought within 6 years. The Building Safety Act which received Royal Assent on the 28th April 2022 has now completed all the parliamentary stages in both Houses to become an...
Read More
I’m happy to host the AGM in my property. Is this possible?
What a lovely idea, just suggest this to your Property Manager.
Read More
When did the new Wembley Park Stadium open?
The official opening of Wembley Park Stadium was in March 2007.
Read More
Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?
Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.
Read More
What is the relevant building according to the Building Safety Act 2022?
A relevant building is a building of a minimum height of 11 meters or five storeys.
Read More
The future Management of your block after RTM
On the Acquisition Date of your RTM Company, all existing management contracts end automatically unless otherwise agreed upon by the RTM Company in advance. Therefore, a prospective and vetted managing agent is ready BEFORE the Acquisition Date. The RTM Company will ...
Read More
What do they look for in a building survey?
"With a building survey the customer gets the opportunity to increase the scope, for example: to report on loading and rearrangement of the property for conversion or extension. In general, the report includes details on:Major and minor defects and their meaning,Damp...
Read More
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.
Read More
What is the best time and the worst to buy a house?
Spring is regarded as the best time as more homes are available for sale. August and December tend to be the worst.
Read More
What is an annual general meeting?
An annual general meeting AGM is a meeting that is required by the Companies Acts to present the accounts to the shareholders of the business, approve accounts, elect/re-elect directors, appoint and set the remuneration of the auditors. An AGM must be held within 15 ...
Read More
What are debentures?
A debenture is statement of a sum loaned to the company and how it will be paid back. Debentures may also impose a 'floating charge' over the assets of the company or a fixed charge. A copy of any debenture must be kept at the Registered Office. A copy must be sent t...
Read More
Whether the freeholder has raised justifiable charges and, on the contrary, whether it was justifiable for the leaseholder o refuse to pay.
Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor | [2010] UKUT 283 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rettke-Grover v Needleman & Anor [2010] UKUT 283 (LC) involves a dispute between the freeholder and the leaseholder on the issue of fair service charges. In essence, a question before t...
Read More
The case mainly concerns the rights arising under a property agreement and the rights of the recalcitrant parties in the question under the law of English property.
Mrs. Adrienne Joan Ralphs -vs- Mr. Henry Charles PeacheySummaryThe following is a case on the enforcement of property agreement and property rights and interests. The case mainly concerns the rights arising under a property agreement and the rights of the recalcitran...
Read More
What level of insurance commissions is normal at First port and Estates and Management?
In a case due to be heard at Tribunal in January 2024, Brian White alleges that FirstPort imposes charges on leaseholders and threatens late payment fees to discourage challenging insurance premiums. The property concerned is Hollin Bank Court in Blackburn and White...
Read More
How many completed UK Build to Rent (BTR) homes will be there in the UK by the end of the next decade?
According to estimates, there will be over 380,000 BTR homes in the next decade.
Read More
What is the real living wage in London?
The real living wage in London is (£)11.95. This compares against the proposed National Living Wage rise which will come into force from April 1, 2023 to 10.40 (up from the present (£)9.50).
Read More
How long does a measured survey take, and what factors can influence the duration?
The duration of a measured survey can vary depending on the size, complexity, and accessibility of the building or site. A basic survey for a small property may take a few hours, while larger or more intricate structures could take several days.
Read More
why does The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd enforcement a contract for the sale of land?
The case of BDW Trading Ltd v South Anglia Housing Ltd is a notable legal case that deals with the interpretation and enforcement of a contract for the sale of land and the consequences of a breach of contract.In this case, BDW Trading Ltd (the claimant) and South An...
Read More
I can’t attend the AGM meeting. Can I still vote?
Yes. Please complete the Proxy Form and then another attendee can vote on your behalf.
Read More
Time has elapsed, should we serve a new Section 20 Stage 1 notice or re-issue the old one?
It is always best practice to issue a new Section 20 notice, time tends to lead to a building dilapidating further and new works being required. At the very least you should reissue the notice of intention with a letter of explanation.
Read More
What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?
The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.
Read More
What is LVC or Land Value Capture?
Land value capture (LVC) involves capturing the increase in land value caused by public investment, planning decisions, or other factors and using this enhanced value to fund public infrastructure, affordable housing, or other community benefits.
Read More
How many landlords left the rental market in 2022?
Properties available to rent plunged by 49 percent between March 2019 and March 2022. 53 percent of buy-to-let properties were permanently removed from the private rental market.
Read More
What changes have been made to the capital gains tax rules?
In the budget of October 2022, the UK government announced that capital gains tax allowance is being reduced by 50 percent. They apply to profits made from selling or disposing of an asset like a buy-to-let property or other asset of value.
Read More




