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LANDLORDS - Redress Scheme 2019

LANDLORDS - Redress Scheme 2019

28 Jan 2019

By law, Property Agents are required to join a government authorised consumer redress scheme. The purpose of this is to give consumers of the Property Agent an escalated complaints procedure if they are not satisfied with how their complaint has been dealt with by the Agent. This law came into effect from October 1st 2014 and since, College and County have been members of the Property Ombudsman.

HELP WARM THE HOMELESS: Coat Campaign 2018

HELP WARM THE HOMELESS: Coat Campaign 2018

15 Nov 2018

After a warm and well-deserved summer, Winter is fast approaching and it's officially time to hang up our summer dresses. As the days become darker and colder, what better time to warm someones heart and help the homeless?

5 Springtime Tips for Weatherproofing Your Properties

22 Mar 2018

Taking simple measures to protect your property from the elements now could prevent much bigger complications down the line. Heavy rain, strong winds and cold snaps can wreak havoc on a home, while springtime is notoriously wet in the UK, so it’s vital that you make sure your property is weatherproof. Fortunately, this needn’t involve a drastic overhaul. With regular maintenance and the right precautions, you can easily create a safe haven for your tenants.

Joanna's Story - 100 Miles from Oxford to London

10 Mar 2018

Joanna is a 19-year-old student studying engineering at Oxford University and she is also a local resident of Barnes. On October 18th 2016, Joanna’s father tragically passed away from brain cancer, shortly after his 55th birthday.

Electrical Safety in the Private Rented Sector

21 Feb 2018

Following the Housing and Planning Act 2016 which raised concerns over electrical safety in the PRS and pushed forwards by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, new, tougher electrical safety standards are being discussed and considered by the government in order to reduce the risk of electric shocks or fires caused by electrical faults. The Government has commissioned an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. The Private Rented Sector Electrical Safety Standards Working Group was established to provide a forum to discuss the current risk posed to private sector tenants in the home from electrical hazards and whether legislative intervention is required to improve standards. Below, we have summarised the Groups findings and recommendations.

Formalisation of Minimum Bedroom Sizes in HMOs

04 Jan 2018

Further to the consultation on Residential Property Licensing reforms, which closed a year ago this month, it now looks highly likely that during 2018 minimum room sizes will be introduced as an amendment of schedule 4 of the Housing Act 2004. The schedule, (which allows the Secretary of State to include mandatory conditions in HMO licences) by inserting a new compulsory condition in every licence granted in England that local housing authorities are to disregard rooms of less than a prescribed size from being included as a room suitable for sleeping accommodation.