The Water Industry maintain that very substantial water charge arrears arise from the private rented sector. They are not allowed to cut off those who do not pay and are under a legal . . . → Read More: Water Charges Arrears in PRS]]> The Residential Landlord Association has provided the following article realting to Water Charges Arrears in the Private Rental Sector (PRS):

The Water Industry maintain that very substantial water charge arrears arise from the private rented sector. They are not allowed to cut off those who do not pay and are under a legal duty to supply water and receive sewerage. At the moment they do not have the right to require information and there is no contract as such between the occupier of the property, who is the person legally liable to pay, and the Water Company.

According to the Water Industry each bill payer is paying an extra £15 per year for water charges with average charges of around £350 per year, because of arrears and arrears are three times those applicable to electricity and gas combined, with them rising year by year. The Private Rented Sector is responsible for a considerable part of this build up of arrears says the Water Industry. Under new legislation, if implemented, there will be an obligation on landlords to notify the identity of at least one occupier providing the Water Company with the full name and date of birth of the occupier together with the start date for the occupation. This will only arise if the landlord is served with notice requiring them to provide this information.

It is not clear from the Government’s proposals exactly how this notification requirement will work because it will be implemented by separate regulations. It will certainly have to be on an individual by individual basis but will be sent to the property address unless the Water Company held another address for the landlord so the landlord may not become aware of it.

If these proposed rules are actually implemented a landlord will have 21 days from the notification and the start date of each subsequent occupation to give the information. Failure to give the information will mean that the landlord will become jointly and severally liable along with the tenant for the water charges. The reality is therefore likely to be that the charges will then be collected from the landlord, leaving the landlord to try to claim them back from the tenant. The landlord can put this right late by giving the notification and that will then put an end to further liability, at least until the next change of occupancy (but this will not affect the outstanding charges up to the time of late notification). There is no penalty as such for failing to notify; only the joint and several liability for the water charges. Provided notification is given as required the tenant alone will be responsible for the water charges.

The Water Companies have pledged a single point of contact on the web which has been developed during 2012. If notification is not via the web then it will be done by telephone.

The landlord will also have to notify the occupier that he has given this notification to the Water Company.

The alternative voluntary scheme would simply depend on landlords and agents notifying this information on a voluntary basis and the indication is that the Government want to look at this as an alternative to see if it works in practice, to avoid compulsion. However, the message is that if this is introduced and does not work the legislation itself would have to be implemented.

The Government have rejected a do nothing option.

The RLA has responded to the Government’s proposals arguing in favour of the alternative voluntary approach. We are now trying to gauge how likely it would be that this would be

With a new office in this area and an increasing number of managed properties, it’s exciting . . . → Read More: Lets Go Professional: Your Specialist Letting Agent for LS28, BD10 & BD25]]> (For those of you who do not receive the excellent free magazine, Here and Now, please read our editorial that will be in this month’s issue. Don’t miss our fanastic offer at the end of the article!)

With a new office in this area and an increasing number of managed properties, it’s exciting times for Jon Huby and the Lets Go Professional Team. Despite the challenging economic environment, Lets Go Professional has gone from strength to strength. Jon explains how they’ve managed this.

“It is of paramount importance to us that our clients are impressed with the service we provide.  We ensure they feel confident in the advice we offer and the honesty and transparency in the relationship we establish with them.”

With recent cases of letting agents misappropriating clients’ money, Jon and his team realise it’s vital to be fully accredited with a professional organisation and to ensure clients’ money is insured by a Client Money Protection Scheme. From the outset, Lets Go Professional has been a member of the National Approved Letting Scheme and thereby registered as a ‘Safe Agent’.”

Born and raised in this area and a graduate of The University of Leeds, Jon has excellent, local knowledge of the area and rental market. He recognises the need for a specialist, local Letting Agent with outstanding customer service and professionalism.

“Many estate agents have turned their hand to lettings in recent years”, says Jon. “We pride ourselves at Lets Go Professional, on being a Specialist Letting Agent and therefore believe we are better qualified, informed and dedicated than many of the ‘just for now’ letting/estate agents.”

Lets Go Professional are thrilled by the number of recommendations and referrals they have received from existing clients. “It has made us realise that we must be doing it right!” A number of their current landlords are happy to talk to anyone considering their services.

‘Lets Go Professional’ does exactly what it says on the tin – a professional, efficient and friendly company, eager to provide the best service possible. I am happy in the knowledge that my property is being looked after and managed by Lets Go Professional. They have helped and supported me 100% over the past three years. My thanks to Jon and the team.    Mr P. Pringle LS28 Landlord

For anyone looking to rent out their property, finding the right letting agent is an essential but daunting task. Lets Go Professional is an independent, specialist, letting agent and each individual property matters to the team. As part of their fully managed service, they regularly inspect their properties and provide feedback to landlords. The team conduct out of hours and weekend viewings to suit the needs of the professional tenants they seek to attract. They are contactable long beyond normal working hours to answer an concerns that landlords or tenants may have.

CLAIM YOUR THREE MONTHS FREE MANAGEMENT TODAY!*

01274 562086 / info@letsgoprofessional.co.uk

*terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 30th June 2012

As well as changes to the Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation (see Lets Go Professional Blog),

http://www.letsgoprofessional.co.uk/blog/the-tenancy-deposit-protection-regulations-are-changing-%E2%80%93-have-they-registered-with-you/

Friday 6th April 2102 also sees the new regulations relating to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) coming into effect.

So what are the key changes that Landlords need to be aware . . . → Read More: April 6th 2012: Energy Performance Certificates Amendments]]> April 6^th 2012: Energy Performance Certificates Amendments

As well as changes to the Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation (see Lets Go Professional Blog),

http://www.letsgoprofessional.co.uk/blog/the-tenancy-deposit-protection-regulations-are-changing-%E2%80%93-have-they-registered-with-you/

Friday 6^th April 2102 also sees the new regulations relating to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) coming into effect.

So what are the key changes that Landlords need to be aware of?

1.      The new regulations mean that all buildings (whether commercial or residential) that are rented out will need to order a valid EPC before the building is advertised for letting. Previously this was only a requirement of properties for sale.

2.      Letting Agents will need to be ‘satisfied’ that the EPC has been commissioned before they agree to proceed with marketing. Trading Standards Officers will have increased powers to monitor this.

3.      Additionally, Landlords should make every attempt to have obtained the EPC within 7 days of the property going on the market. Currently for rented properties, once an EPC has been ordered, there is no timescale as to when it must be obtained.

4.      From 6^th April, the first page of the EPC must be included with the written particulars of the property (available electronically). It is no longer sufficient just to include the Asset Rating Chart on the particulars.

5.      Finally, it will now be a necessity to lodge air conditioning inspection reports on the central database for England & Wales.

6.      A penalty will apply for landlords who fail to comply with the regulations stated above.

If you are a Landlord and require any further information about the new EPC regulations or any other aspect of property management, please don’t hesitate to contact the Lets Go Professional Team on 01274 562086. Lets Go Professional are a Specialist Letting Agent in LS28, BD10 & BD2.

On Friday 6th April 2012 alterations to the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) regulations will come into force. Whether you are an accidental landlord, with just one . . . → Read More: The Tenancy Deposit Protection Regulations are changing – have they registered with you?]]> Lets Go Professional, your local letting agent in LS28, BD10 & BD2, wish to draw the attention of all landlords to the information contained in this article.

On Friday 6^th April 2012 alterations to the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) regulations will come into force. Whether you are an accidental landlord, with just one property let out, or a property investor with a large portfolio of properties, these changes will affect you.

From the 6^th April, more stringent penalties will be in place for landlords who fail to comply with the tenancy deposit legislation. The changes apply regardless of which scheme you may have selected to register your tenants’ deposits.

Put simply the changes are as follows:

• Landlords will now have 30 days (increased from 14 days) from receipt of the deposit, to:

1. register the deposit with a recognised protection scheme
2. provide all the relevant information regarding this to the tenant

• If landlords fail to adhere to the new legislation, the Court has the jurisdiction to determine the penalty payment (can be a maximum of three times the deposit value)
• If a landlord complies with the legislation after the 30 days, they are still liable for the fine
• Tenants can seek the penalty payments from the landlord even if the tenancy agreement has terminated
• Landlords who do not adhere to the new regulations within the 30 day period, are forbidden from issuing a Section 21 Notice until the deposit is returned in full (or with previously agreed deductions in the event of damage to the property) or until the tenant’s claim has been settled or retracted.

The TDP schemes were set up by the UK government to protect tenants’ deposits by insisting that landlords register the money with a neutral intermediary. The schemes ensure that deposits are returned to tenants at the end of the tenancy, as long as the property has been left as it was found. It applies to all short term tenancies which begun after 6^th April 2007.

Lets Go Professional use the insurance based scheme, ‘My Deposits’ to register all their clients’ money. This scheme also insures the monies, thereby guaranteeing its security. For further advise on the Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes, the new legislation effecting these or any other aspect of property management, please don’t hesitate to contact the Lets Go Professional team on 01274 562086.

To commemorate this once in a lifetime anniversary, the Calverley community . . . → Read More: Lets Go Professional celebrate the Jubilee in Calverley]]> Not since 1897, has a British Monarch celebrated a Diamond Jubilee. That Monarch was Queen Victoria, who sadly passed away a few years later. This June, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee and we recognise her 60 years on the throne.

To commemorate this once in a lifetime anniversary, the Calverley community will join together in a ‘Fun Day’ of celebrations in Victoria Park, Calverley on Monday 4^th June. Lets Go Professional, your local letting agent, will be supporting this event fully and attending activities in and around Calverley park, including the evening fireworks.

Come and join the Lets Go Professional team by joining in the festivities on this unique day!

1.      We are fully accredited by a Professional Organisation – the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS)

2.      All our clients’ money is fully ensured by a Client Money Protection Scheme.

3.      Our staff have achieved qualifications from the Guild of . . . → Read More: Top Ten Reasons for Choosing Lets Go Professional as your Bradford Letting Agent]]> Top Ten Reasons for Choosing Lets Go Professional as your Bradford Letting Agent

1.      We are fully accredited by a Professional Organisation – the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS)

2.      All our clients’ money is fully ensured by a Client Money Protection Scheme.

3.      Our staff have achieved qualifications from the Guild of Lettings and Management.

4.      Much of our business comes from personal recommendation. We can readily provide you with current clients who would testify to our exemplary service.

5.      We are a specialist letting agent

6.      We have excellent local knowledge on the Bradford letting market

7.      We offer out of hours and weekend viewings to suit the needs of our professional tenants.

8.      We conduct regular and thorough property checks of your property

9.      We can advise you on all aspects of preparing your property for letting.

10.  We guarantee you won’t be disappointed with our professional service!

Call the Lets Go Professional Team today on 01274 562086 to find out more about letting your Bradford Property.

See link below:

http://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/news_features/Creditors-meeting-this-week-after-Leeds-agent-closes

The CMP scheme is a scheme which . . . → Read More: Client Money Protection Scheme: Is Your Letting Agent Signed Up?]]> With recent cases in the news of Letting Agents who fail to insure their client’s money, it is so important that when selecting  a Letting Agent in Bradford, you choose one who is signed up to a Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme.

See link below:

http://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/news_features/Creditors-meeting-this-week-after-Leeds-agent-closes

The CMP scheme is a scheme which insures that rents and deposits are repaid to tenants and landlords, in any situation where monies have been misappropriated by a letting agent. The term ‘misappropriated’ means that the money, rightfully belonging to landlords and tenants, has been wrongly or dishonestly applied and therefore is not properly reimbursed to the landlord / tenant in question.

Lets Go Professional is a Bradford based letting agent and member of the National Approved Letting Scheme’s Client Protection Money Scheme. Selecting a Letting Agent in Bradford who is signed up to a CMP Scheme offers you as the tenant / landlord peace of mind when entrusting your money to that Letting Agent.