Since October 2015, private sector landlords have been required to comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. This put an obligation on them to ensure that there is at least one smoke detector on every storey of their rental property, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel …
Updates to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations Read More »
PainSmith are looking for an Office Administrator to join the team. As Office Administrator you would be responsible: For carrying out administrative duties. To provide support to fee earners. To arrange and prepare all training services provided by PainSmith. To administer the firm’s legal helpline and document sales. To provide accounts assistance under the direction …
There is now clarity in the requirements when corporate landlords and agents are signing notices and prescribed information. The judgment in the second appeal of Northwood (Solihull) Ltd v Fearn & Ors (2022) EWCA Civ 40 has been handed down by Lord Justice Lewison in the Court of Appeal with the decision unanimously in favour of …
Agents Signing Notices and Prescribed Information Read More »
We have a number of positions available, if any of the roles are of interest to you please send your CV and a covering letter confirming the position you would like to apply for to: marveen@painsmith.co.uk Litigation Solicitor An exciting role available to the right candidate to work within one of the leading …
The Home Office has released updated guidance for right to rent checks. The temporary measures put in place on 20th March 2020 were due to cease on 17th May 2021, this has now been extended to 20th June 2021 with face-to-face checks required from 21st June 2021. The following temporary measures below can be used …
Where a landlord has a number of individuals on a single tenancy agreement any variation of the tenancy will impact all the tenants collectively. This is the essence of joint and several liability. Where a property is let by a number of tenants on a single tenancy agreement any request to vary a tenancy term …
We have been asked on the PainSmith helpline about temporary rent variations during the current pandemic. Whilst formalities are not totally necessary for such an agreement they are certainly in the best interest of both landlord and tenant. Rent Reduction Some tenants are unable or struggling to pay rent due to the current pandemic. People …
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued guidance on obtaining EPCs during the current coronavirus outbreak. On 1 April 2020 Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came fully into force. This means that MEES now applies to all existing, new and renewed tenancies despite the current pandemic. Our previous posts on MEES can …
Despite the pandemic, landlords are still obliged to ensure that they comply with their gas safety responsibilities. A Landlord’s gas safety responsibilities are: Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition; Ensure an annual gas safety check is carried out in the rental property; and Keep a record of that check. …
The government has issued guidance for people who are buying, selling or renting their homes. The guidance appears to be oriented towards house purchases and sales but it clearly applies to rentals too. The advice is that where possible, buyers and renters should delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to …
The government has issued guidance for landlords and tenants and their health and safety obligations during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance has three sections, the first and second of which we have addressed in previous posts. The third section addresses the health and safety obligations of both landlords and tenants. The guidance has been drafted …
We have had an interesting enquiry in the office today so thought a post on the subject would be helpful. Unpaid bills are no doubt an issue that will crop up a lot at the moment given the difficulties everyone faces with the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, previous tenants who no longer live in the UK …
The Bill has been laid before Parliament to enact a whole host of amendments to legislation proposed by the government in response to the world-wide pandemic. The bill is currently before the House of Lords and in that version schedule 29 makes some changes to Section 21 and 8 notices. The Housing Act 1988 has …
The current situation is not only difficult for those that have been personally affected by Coronavirus but also by those who are trying to work, run a business or look after their children at home. Whatever your situation we wish you all well and hope you are keeping safe. At the moment the government is …
Yesterday evening the government announced a package of measures to protect tenants and landlords. Emergency legislation will be passed to prevent private sector landlords from issuing possession proceedings for at least a 3-month period. The government has also announced that the mortgage ‘holiday’ offered to homeowners will also apply to landlords with a buy to …
Home-owners facing financial difficulties due to the consequences of the spread of the coronavirus will be offered a three month mortgage ‘holiday’. The Chancellor’s announcement during the coronavirus briefing yesterday came as part of a large financial package to keep the economy running. This mortgage ‘holiday’ is designed to help those who cannot work because …
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