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28 May 2008
Canterbury City Council, in partnership with other East Kent local authorities, will be hosting a Landlord's Information evening on Monday 7th July 2008.
The evening will include talks on accreditation and Energy Performance Certificates, which become mandatory for rented properties from 1st October 2008, amongst other topics. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and gather information on a range of letting issues.
The event will be held at the campus of the University of Kent, Canterbury. Further details will be pubished shortly.
The evening will include talks on accreditation and Energy Performance Certificates, which become mandatory for rented properties from 1st October 2008, amongst other topics. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and gather information on a range of letting issues.
The event will be held at the campus of the University of Kent, Canterbury. Further details will be pubished shortly.
8 May 2008
From 1st October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be required whenever a property is let to a new tenant.
Therefore, the majority of student properties will require a certificate in time for the next house hunting season, beginning around January 2009. The EPC must be made available to prospective tenants and a copy must be given to the tenant who takes the property. To avoid the rush, you could consider obtaining the certificate over the summer break, when student tenants are not in occupation.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
The EPC shows the energy efficiency rating of a property, in much the same way as energy ratings for appliances, on a scale from A-G. ‘A’ represents the most efficient, whilst ‘G’ is the least. The certificate shows the current rating of a property as well as the potential rating of the property if certain recommended improvements are implemented. The recommendations range from energy efficient light bulbs to cavity wall insulation.
How long does an EPC last?
The certificate lasts for 10 years and can be used as many times as is necessary during that time.
Who can provide an EPC?
An EPC must be provided by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Home Inspector (HI). A complete list of all suitably qualified DEA’s and HI’s is available on the Energy Performance Certificates and Home Condition Report Registers website
If you have already obtained an EPC for your property and can recommend a DEA to others, why not post their details on our landlord’s forum:
Further information
Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes
Energy Saving Trust
Therefore, the majority of student properties will require a certificate in time for the next house hunting season, beginning around January 2009. The EPC must be made available to prospective tenants and a copy must be given to the tenant who takes the property. To avoid the rush, you could consider obtaining the certificate over the summer break, when student tenants are not in occupation.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
The EPC shows the energy efficiency rating of a property, in much the same way as energy ratings for appliances, on a scale from A-G. ‘A’ represents the most efficient, whilst ‘G’ is the least. The certificate shows the current rating of a property as well as the potential rating of the property if certain recommended improvements are implemented. The recommendations range from energy efficient light bulbs to cavity wall insulation.
How long does an EPC last?
The certificate lasts for 10 years and can be used as many times as is necessary during that time.
Who can provide an EPC?
An EPC must be provided by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Home Inspector (HI). A complete list of all suitably qualified DEA’s and HI’s is available on the Energy Performance Certificates and Home Condition Report Registers website
If you have already obtained an EPC for your property and can recommend a DEA to others, why not post their details on our landlord’s forum:
Further information
Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes
Energy Saving Trust
11 October 2007
We are holding an East Kent Landlords Training Event on Tuesday 6th November 2007 at 4.30pm for 5pm start, being held in Darwin Conference Suite, University of Kent. Pay and display parking is available in the Visitors car park on University Road. There will be presentations by National Landlords Association on Local Housing Allowance (changes to Housing Benefits), National Federation of Residential Landlords with an update on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, and Kent Energy Centre on changes to Energy Performance Certificates. Please email to reserve a place and for any further details.
Agenda as follows:
4.30pm - Tea/coffee and chance to look at stalls for each Association and Council
5.00pm - Welcome.
5.10pm - Update on Canterbury accreditation scheme. 5.15pm - National Federation of Residential Landlords with an update on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Q&A session afterwards.
6.00pm - Kent Energy Centre on changes to Energy Performance Certificates. Q&A session afterwards. 6.45pm - National Landlords Association on Local Housing Allowance (changes to Housing Benefits). Q&A session afterwards.
Afterwards, another chance for landlords to visit 'stalls' for each association and council and ask any further questions.
Agenda as follows:
4.30pm - Tea/coffee and chance to look at stalls for each Association and Council
5.00pm - Welcome.
5.10pm - Update on Canterbury accreditation scheme. 5.15pm - National Federation of Residential Landlords with an update on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Q&A session afterwards.
6.00pm - Kent Energy Centre on changes to Energy Performance Certificates. Q&A session afterwards. 6.45pm - National Landlords Association on Local Housing Allowance (changes to Housing Benefits). Q&A session afterwards.
Afterwards, another chance for landlords to visit 'stalls' for each association and council and ask any further questions.
Addendum to Tenancy Agreement Now Online
30 July 2007
An addendum to the Canterbury Student Housing tenancy agreement which reflects the changes in legislation regarding tenancy deposits is now available online. This addendum is designed to be given to the tenant with the tenancy agreement in order to provide the information that is now required within 14 days of taking a deposit.
We will be reviewing the tenancy agreement as a whole shortly and will incorporate the addendum within the main body of the agreement. In the meantime, accredited landlords can download the addendum from the Products and Advice page.
We will be reviewing the tenancy agreement as a whole shortly and will incorporate the addendum within the main body of the agreement. In the meantime, accredited landlords can download the addendum from the Products and Advice page.
Tenancy Deposit Protection Shows Early Success
12 June 2007
Figures have been released by the Department for Communities and Local Government that suggest the Deposit Protection Scheme has had early success and is continuing to grow.
Figures supplied by the three deposit scheme operators show that 66,000 deposits were protected after 6th April when the scheme launched. That equates to a rate of around 1,500 deposits a day when the figures were collated. Over £58 million worth of deposits are now protected by the schemes.
The deposit scheme was implemented after it was felt that tenants needed protection from landlords who wrongfully witheld deposits. Figures from the Survey Of English Housing 2005/06 indicated that 17% of tenants felt that some or all of their deposit had been unfairly witheld. With the average deposit being £700, the Government hopes that the deposit schemes will benefit both landlords and tenants by promoting trust between the two parties.
Figures supplied by the three deposit scheme operators show that 66,000 deposits were protected after 6th April when the scheme launched. That equates to a rate of around 1,500 deposits a day when the figures were collated. Over £58 million worth of deposits are now protected by the schemes.
The deposit scheme was implemented after it was felt that tenants needed protection from landlords who wrongfully witheld deposits. Figures from the Survey Of English Housing 2005/06 indicated that 17% of tenants felt that some or all of their deposit had been unfairly witheld. With the average deposit being £700, the Government hopes that the deposit schemes will benefit both landlords and tenants by promoting trust between the two parties.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Started 6th April 2007: Are you prepared?
21 March 2007
As you may know, the government has introduced Tenancy Deposit Protection to prevent unfair handling of deposits. From the 6th April, any monies taken to act as a deposit must be protected by a government-authorised scheme.
There are three different schemes in force - two insurance-based schemes and one custodial scheme. The insurance based schemes will involve the landlord holding the deposit and paying an insurance premium to protect it. The custodial scheme will be the only scheme that is free to join and is run by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). However landlords who wish to join this scheme will have to transfer the deposit to The DPS to hold for the duration of the tenancy.
Within 14 days of taking the deposit, landlords must provide tenants with details of how the deposit is being protected including:
The contact details of tenancy deposit scheme
The contact details of the landlord
How to apply for the release of the deposit
Information explaining the purpose of the deposit
What to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
The penalties for not registering a deposit are severe - a Section 21 Notice cannot be served and a fine of up to three times the deposit amount can be levied.
Other points to note are that if a deposit has been taken before 6th April but the tenancy not entered into yet (as is the case with many student properties), the deposit does not have to be protected. However, if you already have tenants in a property and an existing deposit, any new Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement entered into with these existing tenants after 6th April would require the deposit to be protected.
If you have any further queries on the schemes, you should consult the government website on deposit protection
If you are a tenant or landlord and would like some basic information sent to you in the post, please contact us
There are three different schemes in force - two insurance-based schemes and one custodial scheme. The insurance based schemes will involve the landlord holding the deposit and paying an insurance premium to protect it. The custodial scheme will be the only scheme that is free to join and is run by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). However landlords who wish to join this scheme will have to transfer the deposit to The DPS to hold for the duration of the tenancy.
Within 14 days of taking the deposit, landlords must provide tenants with details of how the deposit is being protected including:
The contact details of tenancy deposit scheme
The contact details of the landlord
How to apply for the release of the deposit
Information explaining the purpose of the deposit
What to do if there is a dispute about the deposit
The penalties for not registering a deposit are severe - a Section 21 Notice cannot be served and a fine of up to three times the deposit amount can be levied.
Other points to note are that if a deposit has been taken before 6th April but the tenancy not entered into yet (as is the case with many student properties), the deposit does not have to be protected. However, if you already have tenants in a property and an existing deposit, any new Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement entered into with these existing tenants after 6th April would require the deposit to be protected.
If you have any further queries on the schemes, you should consult the government website on deposit protection
If you are a tenant or landlord and would like some basic information sent to you in the post, please contact us
New housing development planned
24 August 2006
Plans have been submitted to the city council for approval for a new housing development on the Kent University campus.
The multi-million pound planning application includes 64 student flats, incorporating 450 new bedrooms, pavilion, conference and academic facilities incorporating 100 bedrooms and new 500-seater lecture theatre.
If approved, the buildings will go up in Darwin Field, off Giles Lane. The work is planned to be completed for the September 2008 intake.
The planning application can be viewed on the council's website
The multi-million pound planning application includes 64 student flats, incorporating 450 new bedrooms, pavilion, conference and academic facilities incorporating 100 bedrooms and new 500-seater lecture theatre.
If approved, the buildings will go up in Darwin Field, off Giles Lane. The work is planned to be completed for the September 2008 intake.
The planning application can be viewed on the council's website
Part time job hunting on the rise
7 August 2006
Almost half of the UK's students take on part-time work in term-time, earning £2.3bn a year, a study suggests. Students worked an average of 16 hours a week, with 20% doing more than 20, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) found. Two in every five students will work part-time to earn some extra cash.
The research found those in Belfast and Glasgow were most likely to have a job - 62% and 60% respectively. Some 2,648 students in 26 towns were interviewed. Those in Leeds worked the longest hours at 21 a week, while those in Durham worked the least time (12.4 hours). The most popular part-time jobs were in bars and clothes shops, but more unusual occupations included life guards, musicians, nail technicians and autocue operators.
The RBS found that, over the next year, students would spend £10bn on accommodation and living costs. Of this, approximately £3.7bn would go on rent, £995m on supermarket food shopping, £688m on going out, £404m on books and course materials and £306m on music and CDs.
The research found those in Belfast and Glasgow were most likely to have a job - 62% and 60% respectively. Some 2,648 students in 26 towns were interviewed. Those in Leeds worked the longest hours at 21 a week, while those in Durham worked the least time (12.4 hours). The most popular part-time jobs were in bars and clothes shops, but more unusual occupations included life guards, musicians, nail technicians and autocue operators.
The RBS found that, over the next year, students would spend £10bn on accommodation and living costs. Of this, approximately £3.7bn would go on rent, £995m on supermarket food shopping, £688m on going out, £404m on books and course materials and £306m on music and CDs.
HMO licensing in full force
1 August 2006
On 6 July new rules governing the upkeep of large, shared rental property in England came into force. Residents in houses of multiple occupation (HMO) suffer a higher incidence of death and injury as a result of accidents than other types of property, so the government has introduced legislation in the Housing Act 2004 to improve the quality and safety of rental properties.
Larger HMOs with three or more stories and five or more unrelated occupants will need a licence granted by the local council. Under the new rules the quality of HMOs nationwide should improve over time and tenants will benefit from knowing that their house is up to scratch.
HMOs must meet rigorous fire standards. They need fire doors, emergency lights, alarms in the mains power supply, signs on the walls for the escape routes and door locks will have to be fitted. Also as part of this new licensing regime, local authorities will have to carry out basic checks on individual landlords to make sure that they are a “fit and proper person”.
The fees for the licence vary between local authorities, with costs over £1,000 in some areas. Canterbury is currently charging up to £330 per property to obtain a licence. Landlords can be subject to a fine of up to £20,000 if they own an HMO after 6 July and do not have a licence. You should contact Private Sector Housing at the council for any further information.
Larger HMOs with three or more stories and five or more unrelated occupants will need a licence granted by the local council. Under the new rules the quality of HMOs nationwide should improve over time and tenants will benefit from knowing that their house is up to scratch.
HMOs must meet rigorous fire standards. They need fire doors, emergency lights, alarms in the mains power supply, signs on the walls for the escape routes and door locks will have to be fitted. Also as part of this new licensing regime, local authorities will have to carry out basic checks on individual landlords to make sure that they are a “fit and proper person”.
The fees for the licence vary between local authorities, with costs over £1,000 in some areas. Canterbury is currently charging up to £330 per property to obtain a licence. Landlords can be subject to a fine of up to £20,000 if they own an HMO after 6 July and do not have a licence. You should contact Private Sector Housing at the council for any further information.
Students at risk from burglary
1 August 2006
Today's students own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. Many students bring expensive, luxury items such as mobile phones, iPods, digital cameras and DVD players when they move out of home. According to Churchill Insurance, students in the UK collectively took possessions worth a total of £2.5bn with them to university last year.
Students' average insurance claim was £852 and the kit in a student room was worth an average of £3,000. Obviously, students must make sure that they are adequately covered for the loss of their goods (especially when we consider that most students also own their own PC or laptop, often worth in excess of £1,000).
You should check whether you have cover under your parents' home insurance policy. Many companies offer cover for students away from home although you should carefully check the small print to ensure that your more expensive items are covered, and whether you are only covered for a break-in, rather than walk-in theft or theft/loss in transit. If you are not covered, we would suggest that before you take out insurance, shop around for the best quote for you and check what you are covered for.
Students' average insurance claim was £852 and the kit in a student room was worth an average of £3,000. Obviously, students must make sure that they are adequately covered for the loss of their goods (especially when we consider that most students also own their own PC or laptop, often worth in excess of £1,000).
You should check whether you have cover under your parents' home insurance policy. Many companies offer cover for students away from home although you should carefully check the small print to ensure that your more expensive items are covered, and whether you are only covered for a break-in, rather than walk-in theft or theft/loss in transit. If you are not covered, we would suggest that before you take out insurance, shop around for the best quote for you and check what you are covered for.