David Says...

It is interesting how this general election has followed the Referendum and the Trump election by catching the pundits out. From a predicted three figure majority when the election was called to losing the slim majority they had, this was clearly a disaster for the Conservatives. Gavin Barwell, the former Minister for Housing and Planning, not only lost his cabinet role but actually failed to get elected at all. Although only in office for a short time he was generally considered to be approachable and certainly arranged a number of events to engage with housing stakeholder. Sadly the events around the letting agent fees ban consultation got lost in the election period. We now have to wait and see where the new government will head on all policies and where in the priority list housing law changes will feature when they now have twice the job to do with Brexit (well the Prime Minister did say she wanted this to give her a mandate for her Brexit negotiations, something she has spectacularly failed to do. Indeed she may now be lucky to keep her job).
Sadly housing is a long term business, it takes years for housing schemes of any size to be designed and built, housing lasts in whatever from it is for possibly hundreds of years and instability is only likely to make housing issues worse. The new minister comes from a finance background (not always a promising start!) so time will have to show how much of the brief he can grasp and in what direct he chooses to push it forward.

What We Do

Training for Professionals is the largest provider of lettings legislation training across England and Wales. We aim to help and support Letting Agents and Landlords alike with advice on how best to navigate the constantly changing property management landscape. Whether it’s through training courses, consultancy, or model documentation, TFP aims to make property management safer, easier, more compliant and cost effective. Want to know more?

News

Aug 25
Identifying and filling the legal gaps exposed by the Grenfell fire

The University of Bristol has been awarded a grant by Shelter to conduct this research project. The project team is Dave Cowan (Bristol), Helen Carr (Kent), Ed Kirton-Darling (Kent), and Ed Burtonshaw-Gunn (Bristol).

Summary of the project

This research project uses a survey method to address three objectives:
- To set out clearly the gaps in current legislation which may make housing less safe and/or prevent households from remedying problems
- To set out where lack of enforcement undermines existing legal protections
- To identify legal remedies to strengthen protection for tenants.
We are seeking evidence from renters and owner-occupiers, lawyers, other professionals involved in looking at the conditions of accommodation, and landlords (social and private). Findings from this research will be used to produce a report for Shelter and other academic work. This report and other work will not identify you, your household, or your business/place of work.

At Training for Professionals we have long held that the biggest issue lies in a lack of enforcement and so we are delighted that this is finally being looked at. You can have your say by clicking here.
Aug 24

Welsh Tenant Fee Ban Consultation

The Welsh Government have launched their own consultation on banning tenant fees in Wales. For those with an interest in the area this is a great opportunity to ensure the voice of the industry is heard. The document is not too long or complex so well worth contributing to the discussion if we want to influence the outcome.

The consultation can be found at: https://consultations.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultation_doc_files/170721_consultation_feeschargedtotenants_en_1.pdf
Jun 21

Grenfell Tower

Many of our readers will probably manage some multi-occupancy properties. You might be interested in this letter from DCLG to consider what it is recommending and if it is relevant to any of the properties you manage.

https://goo.gl/Eqpn6q

Twitter feed

Tweets by @TFPOnlineLtd

I have been attending these courses for over 20 years, that should say it all.

— Don Holmes, Go Direct Lettings.com, BIRKENHEAD, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/MA/Feb17

The training courses also provide me with new knowledge, which gives me confidence knowing I am doing my job correctly.

— Jemma McCready, Sandersons Lettings, DARLINGTON, Legal Update 2016 and Completing Possession Claims Online/NE/May16

I could not run my letting agency successfully without these courses.

— Gill Dowling, Dowling Styles Residential Lettings, EAST MOLESEY, Legal Update 2016 and Completing Possession Claims Online/HE/Apr16

Invaluable if you want to run a highly effective & responsible letting company.

— Lisa Abella, Magnet Properties, LUTON, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/CL/Feb17

TFP always keeps us ahead of the game. The helpline has served us on many occasions.

— Clementine Mulligan, J G L Operations Ltd, LYTHAM ST ANNES, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/MA/Feb17

If you take your profession seriously and want to stay ahead and on the right side of legislation you need to attend TFP courses.

— Angela Marden, Ross & Co, EASTBOURNE, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/SE/Mar17

The first course I have been on that every aspect was essential to my job role.

— Lisa Abella, Magnet Properties, LUTON, Legal Update 2016 and Completing Possession Claims Online/WA/May16

If you are an independent letting agent I thoroughly endorse you take this course it will improve your business.

— Michael Chalk, Churchill Estates, LONDON, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/WA/Mar17

Darrel's delivery was engaging, informative and upbeat whilst giving details of really useful information!

— Deborah Faithfull, Watson Property Management, LEEDS, Completing Possession Claims Online/YO/May16

Relative & essential information. Delivered by professional & knowledgeable staff. Will definitely be attending future courses.

— Laura Gilligan, 3Keys Property , DONCASTER, Legal Update 2017 & Tenant Fee Ban Workshop/NO/Feb17

Your questions answered

Find out more

We have a tenant from abroad who seems to have gone home for the holidays but has not returned. All their goods are still in the house. What should we do? The tenant is now 2 months in arrears.

A tenant advised that a rent payment would be delayed due to an emergency. However, the rent payment has been processed by the bank. The tenant has contacted us demanding the return of the money. What are our obligations?

What is the legal position if a landlord decides that he will not rent to a non-EEA persons?

David Says...

What We Do

News

Identifying and filling the legal gaps exposed by the Grenfell fire

Welsh Tenant Fee Ban Consultation

Grenfell Tower

Twitter feed

Your questions answered