“Although with tenanted property there is currently no legal requirement for an electrical safety certificate........” They are NOT telling you the truth - An Act of Parliament is a legal obligation and therefore YOU - The Landlord -not only have a COMMON LAW - Duty of Care, BUT you have a STATUTORY OBLIGATION - The Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 requires that the electrical equipment is safe at the start of … [Read more...]
Changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
22 September, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A survey of landlords by London Councils shows the real impact the government's proposed changes to the housing benefit system will have on the capital, with an estimated 82,000 households at risk of losing their homes. Changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA), the housing benefit for tenants renting privately, were announced by the government in June as part of a drive to stop people on benefits renting properties in … [Read more...]
Newport Council causing problems
18 September, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Newport Council - are causing problems to landlords with HMO's with one of their officers incorrectly citing the criteria for certain HMOs. One landlord has successfully battled through the courts on this matter. The officer in question has made it clear that you require a Certificate of Building Regulations from 1991 to present date and insisted that without this "Certificate" the property was an HMO - … [Read more...]
New website design
7 September, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Welcome to to Michael G. Lewis & Son's new look website. Designed by Ciaoweb of Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach Swansea - Thank you Roberto for all your hard work and patience We are stil in the throw of design, so should any link or problem occur we would be obliged to know. We would all so like to have dome feedback regarding this new look site. … [Read more...]
Change of referencing
3 September, 2010 By Leave a Comment
We are now using Letsure for referencing, which may speed up the process. However, it does depend on applicant's information, circumstances and that the application form is fully completed. If not there may be a delay in the process. We have introduced a new application form, based on the Letsure Reference form. However we understand that peopl are cautious of revealing their bank details on-line. Therefore we have … [Read more...]
MGLS tenants can now pay online with paypal
5 July, 2010 By Leave a Comment
We are always trying to make things easier for landlords and tenants and as such have introduced the addition of Paypal as a way of accepting rents. However, there is a surcharge for this method as we are charged accordingly. Our normal method of payment is by way of cash, cheque, banker's draft and standing order - no surcharge. If you wisah to pay by this method, please enter the details accordingly - the charge is … [Read more...]
Breaking News on HMOs
17 June, 2010 By Leave a Comment
DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Houses in Multiple Occupation The Minister for Housing and Local Government (The Rt Hon Grant Shapps): Today I am announcing the Government’s intention to amend the planning rules for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which were introduced on 6 April 2010. I understand the concerns of local people who see their neighbourhoods being damaged by undue … [Read more...]
Government anounces No New Regulations
17 June, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The Government have dismissed claims for more regulation of the Private Rental Sector amid claims from Shelter and other professional organisations such as Association of Residential Letting Agents ARLA and National Association of Estate Agents NAEA, who call for tighter control over private landlords. Michael G. Lewis & Son are in support of tighter controls of the Private Sector, and are proud to be associated with … [Read more...]
HMO Fines for Swansea Landlords
1 May, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Landlords fined over licences TWO Swansea landlords have been prosecuted for failing to licence their rental properties. Thomas Barry Davies, of Alan Road, Llandeilo, and Paul David Evans, of Killan Road, Dunvant, Swansea, both failed to licence houses they let out as houses in multiple occupation, or HMOs. Evans pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates' Court to failing to license a house in Woodlands Terrace, Mount … [Read more...]
Planning Changes for HMO’s April 2010 (England)
29 March, 2010 By 3 Comments
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2010. In my previous post I reported that there is to be a change in the Planning Consent needed for HMO’s – Three or more persons forming two or more households The amendment to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 to create a separate planning class for HMOs. The changes will come into force on 6 April 2010. The changes will … [Read more...]
