In Part 1 of Back to School, Back to Basics we covered the pre-tenancy certifications and legalities of rental properties. Now in Part 2, we’re moving forward in the process and once a tenant has been secured.
Read MoreIt’s September and that has meant back to school for not only millions of children across the UK, but all the ‘big kids’ too - the students who are back at university to take up their places on undergrad and postgraduate courses.
It’s the first year of a true ‘back to normal’ end-of-summer/start of the school year cycle since Covid and demand has been soaring. We’ve even let a few properties in the final stages of renovation such that they’ll be occupied from Day 1!
With so many new move-ins happening, it’s a great time to go back over the basics and ask: What exactly do you need to do in order to let your property?
Read More
Propertymark Outlines Details of New Government Scheme
‘The government has announced a new scheme for homeowners in England called the Green Homes Grant Scheme. Set to start in September, the scheme will see eligible homeowners issued with vouchers to pay for energy-saving improvements to their homes.
How much funding is available?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will be unveiling a £3billion plan to cut emissions, with £2billion ringfenced for the Green Homes Grant Scheme.
Under the scheme the government will pay at least two-thirds of the cost of energy saving home improvements up to £5,000. For the lowest earners, the government will pay the full amount up to £10,000.
David Cox of ARLA Propertymark said:
“Since the withdrawal of LESA (Landlords Energy Saving Allowance), we’ve been calling for a simple grant scheme to help private homeowners and landlords make their properties more energy efficient.
Today’s announcement is a big step forward to ensure that they can take the necessary steps to do this and ultimately create a greener property sector in the UK.”
What home improvements will be eligible?
Homeowners will be able to use the vouchers to pay for improvements that will make their property more energy efficient. This could be installing floor, wall and loft installation, low energy lighting, energy efficient doors and double glazing.
How will the vouchers work?
The government has said that homeowners will be able to apply for the grants on the Simple Energy Advice website from September.
Applicants will be asked some basic questions about their home followed by recommendations on eligible improvements, including information on local suppliers.
Once a supplier has provided a quote and the work has been approved, the government will issue a voucher.
Are you eligible?
The scheme is open to anyone who would benefit from eligible energy efficiency measures. The government are yet to release the criteria to receive the extra funding for those on lower incomes.’
We will provide updates as they become available. The scheme website is accessible below.
First Phase of New Electrical Safety Regulations Comes Into Force
As detailed previously, electrical safety inspections are required for all new tenancies from 1st July 2020. This means that if your property is currently being marketed for rent, it will require certification to ensure that the electrical installations in your private rented property are safe and compliant.
The certification requirement for existing tenancies will not come into force until 1st April 2021 and certificates will be valid for 5 years.
Our team of highly trusted, recommended and competitively priced tradespeople - have been busily servicing our landlords over the past few months to ensure their properties are compliant with this latest legislation.
To fully appreciate our fabulous team, fantastic rates and transparent pricing - contact us using the link below:
How to Support Safe Working for Tradespeople throughout Coronavirus
As we highlighted in our recent post on frequently asked questions from landlords, wherever possible, it is still mandatory to ensure your property is safe and compliant with all current rental and safety legislation.
Our advice has been to carry out any necessary works and checks for energy performance, gas and electrical safety certificates to empty properties between tenants to ensure the safety of our valued tradespeople. Where this has not been possible because a property has a current tenant, we are facilitating the tradesperson and tenant coordinating access and discussing the best arrangements.
Typically, the tenant has chosen to take a walk or do their shopping during the visit to allow the tradesperson safe and unrestricted access to the property whilst they undertake the necessary works. Deliveries of replacement parts and materials are being similarly coordinated.
In carrying out these measures with we’ve been able to keep our landlord’s rental properties safe and compliant - and also keep our trusted tradespeople in work.
The government has produced comprehensive information on safe working practices and it is available via our link.
Powered by Squarespace. © Maplewood Property & Investments Ltd 2024
Maplewood Property & Investments Ltd is a registered limited company in England & Wales.
Company registration no. 10082285. Registered address 85, First Floor Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 7LT VAT registration no. 405 3154 35
