Signup to the SWLA
Trago2Business is offering a trade discount card to the South West Landlords Association membership, providing a 15% discount on purchases (with some exemptions) made within store and free delivery on most bulky items and purchases over £1000 within Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
To obtain a Business Account Card, please e-mail the address below giving your name, SWLA membership number, contact address, phone number and e-mail address :
sales@trago2business.co.uk or apply by post to Trago2Business, Twowatersfoot, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 6HY.
Trago will then confirm with SWLA to ensure that the person contacting them is actually a SWLA member. If you are an existing Trago2Business card holder you can upgrade to a SWLA card if it provides a better discount than you are already achieving.
Following consultation last Autumn the Additional and Selective Licensing scheme was approved by Cabinet on 2nd February 2016. This means that from 1st July 2016, owners of most privately rented properties in the area will need to apply for a licence if they want to continue to let their properties. On line applications can be made from 6th April 2016.
Landlords will have until 30th September 2016 to submit their applications. A fee is charged for each licence, payable on application. Applications received after this date will attract a higher fee and continued non-compliance could result in legal action being taken.
For more information, please see www.bristol.gov.uk/discretionarylicensing
Do you have a 1,2 or 3 bed property in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth or Dawlish that is available to let in the next few months.
Teignbridge District Council is looking for a number of properties to lease on a 2 year agreement.
They will offer landlords –
Guaranteed rent paid quarterly in advance, full management service, no contract with the tenants, free initial assessment of property.
They are looking for properties that are in a safe rentable condition.
For further information please contact housing@teignbridge.gov.uk or telephone 01626 215202
Bristol City Council took the decision to create a new discretionary licensing scheme to include properties in Eastville and St George West. These two areas will now be declared as areas where rented properties require a licence. This will commence on 1st July 2016 although the deadline for applications is 30th September 2016.
Bristol City Council announces scheme to assist landlords finding tenants giving free professional services and attractive new financial incentives. See www.bristol.gov.uk/tenantfinder, email :private.renting@bristol.gov.uk.
Act Now, offer ends 29th February 2016
Very limited free central heating offer for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Applies to owners/landlords and private tenants. Conditions apply. To find out more and apply, call Bev at Inclusion Cornwall, tel: 01872 355008, email: bwilson@cornwall.gov.uk. www.cornwall.gov.uk, www.inclusioncornwall.co.uk.
The presentation slides from the Universal Credit Meeting on Thursday 4th February 2016 have now been sent to the office.
If you would like a copy, please cont10act us on 01752 510913 or e-mail swla12@btconnect.com
The How to Rent Guide has been amended as of 1st February 2016. Please remember to print direct from the government website each time to make sure it is the most up to date version. Can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent.
Universal Credit is being introduced across the country and is expected to be fully implemented by 2017.
The first step of introducing it in Plymouth is being taken today, 25th January 2016. All new claims for single claimants will now be through Universal Credit.
It is intended to replace six other benefits including Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance.
Find out how this will effect you and your tenants – come to the FREE briefing provided by Plymouth City Council and South West Landlords Association. It is open to all and is completely free.
Where : Mendel Room, Future Inn Hotel, 1 William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD
Date : Thursday 4th February 2016
Time : 7pm
Free parking but do register your car at reception when you arrive
From 1st February 2016, in England it will be an offence to let private rented accommodation to someone who has no legal right to be in the UK or no “right to rent”.
This applies to new tenancies starting on or after 1st February 2016 and requires landlords to inspect and copy certain documents (for example a passport or biometric residence permit) in order to confirm prospective tenants’ right to rent. If a prospective tenant has an outstanding immigration application or an appeal with the Home Office, landlords can request a Home Office Right to Rent check. A yes or no answer will be provided within 2 working days.
Landlords who don’t make the checks could face a civil panalty up to £3,000 per tenant if they are found to be renting out a property to someone who is in the UK illegally.
For further information- go to GOV.UK
Funding is limited and available on a first come basis subject to tenants meeting the eligible criteria.
Grants are now available to install gas central heating in off grid areas. The grant will also help with the costs of connecting properties to the mains gas supply.
To find out more and to apply for a grant please visit
Friday 18th March 2016 – 9:15 – 4:30pm
Venue – The Long Room, Old Forde House, Teignbridge District Council, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 4XX.
Price – £65 for members, £75 for non-members for one day course.
Course covers ASTs, Deposits, Section 21s, Section 8s, HMOs, Gas and Electrical Safety, Inventories and much more.
The course will provide you with all the skills to start, manage and finish a tenancy.
Places still available. Contach the office on 01752 510913 or via the website to book your place.
Over 475 landlords have already completed this course since September 2011.
Course can lead to Accreditation.
Most rented flats and houses in Weston Town Centre will need to be licensed with the council and pay a fee if proposals go ahead.
Have your say at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rented27