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The increase in purpose built student accommodation and the drop in student numbers has resulted in an oversupply of HMOs in the city. Plymouth City Council have been in consultation with SWLA regarding possible alternative use of some properties. Plymouth City Council are interested in the number of landlords who maybe considering a change of use of HMOs into single family dwellings or self contained flats.
Please contact SWLA office to express an interest.
Friday 20th September, Vice Chair Iain Maitland attended a question time with Johnny Mercer MP at the Borringdon Golf Club hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) South West.
Johnny, the new Minister for Defence People and Veterans, answered many questions regarding veterans issues and the good things which were hopefully coming.
Iain had the opportunity to ask for Johnny’s opinion on the abolition of the Section 21 notice for possession. Johnny was apparently unaware of what it was, the effects it would have on the Private Rented Sector and of a letter sent by SWLA on 19th July 2019 giving them information and offering to brief them on the effects of the abolition without adequately replacing it.
SWLA will again contact Johnny’s office with information provided by the Fair Possessions Coalition (18 PRS bodies; SWLA are members) and hope that he can add his support to ensuring a robust replacement for Section 21 before it’s abolition.
On Wednesday 11th September, Office Manager Gillian Kerr attended the Landlord Panel Meeting in Bath.
Items discussed included a licencing update, legislation updates (including removal of Section 21), prosecutions/enforcements and current market conditions.
Future Inn Hotel, William Prance Road, Plymouth, PL6 5ZD 7:00pm for a 7.30pm start
Speakers;
Krissy Salmon from Kent Reliance/One Savings Bank
‘The changing landscape of the Investor Property market; HMO and Multi unit blocks; how we can assist you and the valuation process from a lenders perspective’
Martyn Taylor, Managing Director from Ashley Taylors Legal
‘The importance of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and how it affects landlords’
Also, ‘Solutions for problems in possession cases’
Wine & orange juice will be served during the evening.
We hope to see you there, guests are very welcome.
**Remember to register your car at the hotel reception upon arrival
SWLA are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2019, taking place 16th – 22nd September.
Gas Safety Week is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. It is coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas.
Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a highly poisonous gas that can kill quickly with no warning, as you cannot see it, taste it or smell it.
Landlords are legally responsible for the safety of their tenants. Landlords must make sure maintenance and annual safety checks on gas appliances are carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you’re a landlord, you are legally obliged to make sure:
Before any gas work is carried out always check the engineer is qualified to carry out the work that needs doing e.g. natural gas, domestic boiler. You can find this information on the Gas Safe Register website or by checking the back of the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Encourage your tenants to also check the card when they arrive at the property.
For more information and to find or check an engineer visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
Vice Chairman Iain Maitland attended the Fair Possession Coalition meeting at Smith Square London on Friday 30th August 2019.
Section 21 abolition was the main topic of discussion with an update on progress and an agreement on the way ahead. Also on the agenda was licensing, landlord registration and HMO standards.