Issue 26 - September 2011
Welcome to the September 2011 edition of the Greater Nottingham Landlords' Electronic Newsletter.
Contents
- New Fact Sheets Available on Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) - The Communities and Local Government website have revised their fact sheets on Gaining possession of a privately rented property let....
- Be Warm, Be Wise: Beat the Rise - A double whammy is on the way for householders: energy prices are rising and subsidies for loft and cavity wall insulation are coming to an end but...
- Good advice from the Notts Fire and Rescue Service - The number of cooking related fires across the City of Nottingham has been steadily rising, in the last....
New Fact Sheets Available on Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The Communities and Local Government website have revised their fact sheets on Gaining possession of a privately rented property let on an assured shorthold tenancy and Top Tips for Landlords.
The Top Tips for Landlords fact sheet covers do's and don'ts regarding using an agent, tenancy agreements, tenancy deposits and gas safety. This fact sheet can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/1973738.pdf
The Gaining possession of your property fact sheet covers which notice you should use, the timescales involved and the correct procedure to follow. This fact sheet can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/1973735.pdf
Be Warm, Be Wise: Beat the Rise
A double whammy is on the way for householders: energy prices are rising and subsidies for loft and cavity wall insulation are coming to an end. But there’s still time to take advantage of Gedling Borough Council's new Warm Streets Insulation Scheme. Call 0800 043 9569, or if calling from a mobile 0333 557 9569, to take advantage of subsidised insulation today. Alternatively, visit: www.warmstreets.co.uk
Warm Streets offers private householders the opportunity to have loft insulation installed for just £49 and cavity wall insulation for just £99, subject to survey. People aged over 70 or on certain benefits may qualify for free insulation. The scheme is available for private rented properties as well as owner occupied, but the tenant must obtain the landlord's permission. Landlord’s may also wish to take the opportunity and utilise the scheme to upgrade the insulation in their rented properties.
Rising energy prices are making it ever more expensive to heat our homes. On 5 August E.ON, as supplier to many homes in the Gedling Borough, became the fourth of the 'big six' energy suppliers to announce massive price rises. E.ON Customers will pay 11.4 percent more for their electricity and 18.1% more for their gas from 13 September. This marks the end of a particularly miserable week for householders worried about their energy bill, as on Monday 1 August Scottish Power's recent price rises took effect.
On top of rising bills, the government intends to replace the direct subsidies which currently make insulation so cheap with the 'Green Deal' at the end of 2012. Although other incentives will be available, these are still to be clarified and are unlikely to offer the fantastic value Warm Streets provides.
Councillor Paul Feeney, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability at Gedling Borough Council said:'The need to be efficient in our energy use is more pressing than ever. With longer nights just a couple of months away, now is the time to identify potential savings from changes to your home such as loft and cavity wall insulation, upgrading your heating system, replacing old, energy-guzzling appliances, insulating your hot water tank or draught proofing measures.
'Simple lifestyle changes such as not over filling the kettle or using lids on your saucepans can also reduce your bills and save you pounds. It is also possible to save a considerable amount of money by switching supplier or changing your method of payment.'
Warm Streets can also offer the best deals in renewable technologies, external wall insulation, replacement heating systems and other improvements to your home. Call 0800 043 9569, or if calling from a mobile 0333 557 9569, to take advantage of subsidised insulation today. Alternatively, visit www.warmstreets.co.uk
GOOD ADVICE FROM THE NOTTS FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
The number of cooking related fires across the City of Nottingham has been steadily rising, in the last five years Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called to a staggering 854 fires. Many of these are caused by poor housekeeping of cookers and happen in rented accommodation.
Even the smallest house fire can cause a great deal of damage with smoke filling up every room in a very short space of time. This in turn can cost landlords dearly in repairs and lost rental whilst the house is uninhabitable.
Landlords can take some simple steps which will reduce the risk to their properties including visiting regularly to ensure appliances are kept clean and in good working order.
Arranging for a cooker to be cleaned by a professional cleaning company can cost as little as £50 once a year but could save thousands by preventing a fire in the first place.
As a landlord, you are responsible for meeting certain safety obligations under the law. This includes making sure all gas and electric appliances in your properties are safe and in good working order. For more information or if you are unsure about risk assessment and would like further guidance then go to our website: www.notts-fire.gov.uk
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