Our Blog - Let Property

• Farmers warned of holiday cottage tax changes 17 June, 2011

  At the end of last year, the Government published draft clauses for its Finance Bill 2011, including proposed revisions on Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL). Richard Baker of Stephens Scown With the new tax revision having taken effect from April this year, holiday property owners in the Westcountry may need to review their situation as soon...More

• Guide to letting property: Part 11 of 11: Insuring your let property 06 December, 2010

  Buildings insurance Cornish Mutual's buildings insurance can cover you against the usual dangers to a domestic building like loss or damage due to flood or fire damage, together with other things you may not have thought of such as accidental damage. We will also help you to make sure you are insured for the cost of rebuilding your property should...More

• Guide to letting property: Part 10: Raising rent and possession proceedings 02 November, 2010

  There is a formal procedure in place if a landlord wishes to increase the rent of a property. This procedure is designed to protect the interests of the landlord and the tenant. This procedure does not stop individuals negotiating a rent increase at the beginning of a new term of tenancy agreement and also does not prohibit the inclusion of a...More

• Guide to letting property: Part 9 of 12: Noise and nuisance 11 October, 2010

  It is a criminal offence to create noise and nuisance that result in others being unable to enjoy their home environment. Statutory nuisance Examples of statutory nuisance include: Excessive noise e.g. parties, social gatherings Noisy pets Dumping of waste that results in vermin being attracted to the area Toxic fumes being emitted from a...More

• Guide to letting property: Part 8 of 12: The obligations for repair 20 September, 2010

  Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 landlords have the following obligations: To keep in repair the structure and exterior of a dwelling, inclusive of the drains, gutters and external pipes. To keep in repair the installations within a dwelling for the supply of water, gas, electricity - not including other fixtures, fittings or appliances for...More

• Guide to letting property: Part 7 of 12: Safety regulations for your let property 23 August, 2010

  The seventh part of our guide to letting property covers safety regulations for your let property. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their property meets the latest relevant safety standards. The landlord should make sure onsite inspection and testing is performed where applicable to appliances within a rented property. An up to date...More

• Guide to Letting Property: Part 6 of 12: Part “P” Building Regulations (Electrical Safety in Dwellings) 06 July, 2010

  The sixth part of our guide to letting property covers Part "P" of building regulations, relating to electrical safety in dwellings. From 1 January 2005 work on electrical installations in certain areas of a property must be carried out by someone currently registered with an approved Part P self-certification scheme. Failure to comply with...More

• Guide to Letting Property: Part 5 of 12: Energy Performance Certificates 24 June, 2010

  The fifth part of our guide to letting property covers the fundamental aspects of Energy Performance Certificates. Since 1 October 2008, whenever a self contained home is let to a new tenant an Energy Performance Certificate is required.  These certificates provide information on the current energy efficiency of a home and make...More

• Guide to Letting Property: Part 4 of 12: Protecting a Deposit 25 May, 2010

  The fourth part of our guide to letting property covers the fundamental aspects of deposits. The Government's Tenancy Protection Scheme came into force on 6 April 2007 stipulating that any money taken at the beginning of an assured short hold tenancy agreement for a deposit, or on the understanding of it being a deposit must be 'protected'. ...More

• Guide to Letting Property: Part 3 of 12: Assured Tenancies 07 May, 2010

  Having looked at the main types of residential property lettings Tenancy Agreements What is an Assured Tenancy? Assured Tenancies were introduced by the Housing Act 1998.  They cover the majority of residential property lettings barring certain exceptions including holiday lettings, agricultural lettings where more than 2 acres are...More