Winter warnings for tenants
During the cold winter months tenants need to make sure they are aware of the responsibilities. Burst pipes and break ins can often be the Tenants responsiblity.
Check out why by reading my blog on Bristol 247
07th Dec2011
0 Comm
05th Jul2011
Student tenants contents insurance
You’ll probably be watching the purse strings quite closely as a student, so the last thing you will want is to shell out for new possessions as a result of loss or theft. From your laptop, mobile and iPod to the communal Xbox, student houses are like an Aladdin’s Cave for thieves on the prowl. Avoid getting caught out by organising contents insurance, which is your responsibility and not your landlords.
Try not to be careless about leaving windows open and doors unlocked when you are out. Burglars are opportunistic and leaving a window or door open is like giving them an invitation to come in. Other precautions you can take include setting the radio and lights on a timer when you are out of the property for extended periods, to make it seem as if someone is at home.
Kevin Cox of Bristol’s Bespoke Letting Agency Igloolets.com said ” Today students face the challenges of taking care of everything from cooking and cleaning, and being responsible for their own finances, in addition to what they are at university for studying. ” which alone can be quite daunting. Having your house broken into not great for anyone, but having your valuables stolen especially laptops is a nightmare. Even worse when you haven’t got them insured. our insurance provider Endsleigh over some great rates for student insurance.
19th May2011
Who you need to inform about renting out your property
When it comes to renting out your property, the easier course of action is to inform no one. Right or wrong?
Failure to do so, on your own head be it!
Often there are clauses, in either mortgage or insurance policies that prohibit renting out your property, without permission.
Why bother you may well ask? Well the mortgage company can seek repossession for breach of contract, and the insurance company can and often do fail to pay out against a claim.
Often neither of the above do not refuse, however, mortgage company sometimes charge a nominal fee, and the insurance companies, may well advise you to change an insurance product to make sure you are adequately insured for renting, there are fundamental differences between normal buildings insurance and Landlords insurance.
Also bear in mind that if you own a flat that is Leasehold, you may well need to inform the freeholder or Property Management company, as some have policies in place that prohibit subletting.
Often the procedures, in all the above are quite simple. But failure to comply or conform can be costly
03rd May2011
10 Top Safety issues most Landlords Ignore
Ten Top Safety issues most landlords ignore.
When renting out any property, one of the things that Landlords often ignore is the basics of health and safety, leaving themselves open to a claim for negligence, and quite possibly a fine or criminal conviction, and don’t we all know how much of a compensation and litigious world we all now live in.
As reported recently by The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), one in ten rented properties have items such as soft furnishings, bedding and furniture that do not have the required fire & furnishing compliance labels and have to be removed. What’s more, AIIC members are still finding the dubious – and illegal – practice of landlords ‘selling’ odd items of furniture, without fire & furnishing compliance labels, to incoming tenants.
Pat Barber, Chair of The AIIC, comments: “A recent tenant told us – ‘I bought the sofa for £1, it’s really old and tatty, but a great bargain.’ When we pointed out that he would have to take it with him or dispose of it at his own cost when he moved out he was not quite so excited.
“We see time and time again, properties with fire hazards such as gas cylinders and chemicals stored incorrectly by the landlord. We have also seen tins of paint without the lids properly closed in kitchen cupboards – an accident waiting to happen.
AIIC has identified the top 10 most common health and safety issues found in rented properties and they include:
- No 1 Non-compliant furniture, bedding and soft furnishings
- No 2 Loose sockets and light switches
- No 3 No smoke alarms or monoxide detectors fitted
- No 4 Obscured gas meters and electricity mains fuse boxes
- No 5 Curtain tracks and blinds where screws have been put directly into the wall without using raw plugs
- No 6 Loose/damaged steps, paving outside the property
- No 7 Loose stair carpet
- No 8 Poorly maintained decking
- No 9 Air vents and air bricks covered in rooms especially where there are gas appliances
- No 10 Locked windows with no keys supplied
