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Guide to Selling a House

We’ve been selling property since 1970, and have witnessed incredible changes over the years, continuing to help move generations of the same family.

A property sale isn’t about the bricks and mortar; it’s about people, their hopes and dreams, and their needs. Your reason for selling is unique, as is where you want to be. The estate agent you choose is part of your moving puzzle, and at Alexander & Co we have all the right elements to get you sold and on your way.

We have put this basic 10 step guide together to help ease your property journey and our team at Alexander & Co are always on hand to help answer any questions you have and guide you along the journey.

1. Accurate and up to date valuations

When selling your home one of the first and most important things to do is to obtain an accurate and up to date valuation. The right agent will advise you on the current local property market and deliver an accurate valuation that will ensure your home will sell for the best price possible and in a time scale that suits your needs.

2. Determine your budgets

If you are planning on buying a new home after selling yours it is important that you organise your finances now and know your calculations are correct from the start. Organising yourself early on will give you a clear picture on not only what you can afford to buy next but also what you need to sell your home for in order to move.

3. Choosing your estate agent

Most sellers choose to use the services of an estate agent who acts on your behalf to find you the right buyer at the best price.

This is a good time to consider the marketing techniques that your agent will employ to help to secure a buyer for your home?

4. Marketing you home

Once you have agreed terms with your estate agent your home will need to be photographed and a floor plan will need to be completed. You will need to arrange for an EPC to be completed. It is essential that all potential buyers are considered when marketing your home, not everyone will be reliant on property websites to help with their searches so ensure your agent does not simply rely on this to generate interest.

When preparing your home for marketing put yourself in the potential buyers shoes and walk around your home, do you need to de-clutter, repaint the wall in the kitchen, cut the grass? These are all areas that your buyers will look at and first impressions count!

5. Viewings

You choose to conduct the viewings yourself or ask your agent to do them for you, we always recommend that the agent conducts the initial viewings but if you choose to do this yourself. At second viewings it is a great idea to be present at these as you will be able to the extra points that are not always obvious such as friendly neighbours, First impressions really do count when potential buyers view your property so it is important to prepare fully.

Outside

Give your property 'kerb appeal', if the outside of your home looks unloved, the potential buyers will not be optimistic about the inside. Step outside your home and imagine what a buyer will think on their first approach. A tidy lawn and clean windows and doors will gives a great impression so it is worth taking the time to enhance the exterior and if it is possible move any bins out of sight.

Inside

Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in your property, most will be imagining their sofa in place of yours but above all your home needs to be clean, comfortable and clutter-free. The following should be considered to make them feel at home as soon as they walk through the door.

De-clutter: buyers will look in cupboards and drawers to investigate storage space DIY jobs: it is really important to finish off any niggling jobs that may put off buyers

If you are thinking of redecorating, use neutral tones so buyers can picture their own furniture in the rooms and get the work completed ahead of viewings. Control the temperature: keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter Replace any odours of smoke or pets with flowers or freshly brewed coffee

Check out here to know more details about the Guide to Selling a House

#realestate #Property #selling #london #guide

Tenants Guide to Renting Property

Your experience is of great importance to us. From before your first viewing and beyond, we’re on hand to offer advice and support.

At Alexander & Co your concerns are always listened to and actioned. We know that for every property we manage our ability to handle issues will reflect on how you view your tenancy.

1. Finding a property

When you start the search for your ideal home you will need to consider your requirements and list down your must have’s and nice to have’s and think about the location, budget, how long you want to live there and when you want to move in by. We recommend starting your search around 8 weeks before you want to move.

The majority of searches will start on line but we recommend speaking to your local Alexander & Co office to discuss your requirements, the team will know of properties coming onto the market before they make it on to the property websites.

Once you have found the properties you want to view the agent will be able to arrange viewings and accompany these with you

2. Viewings and securing a property

When you are out viewing property you should look at things that are important to you but not necessarily obvious at first, broadband, mobile phone reception and cable/satellite TV are always going to be important factors to consider. Check out the space inside cupboards and wardrobes for storage space, what furniture and kitchen appliances are included within the rental as well as parking arrangements and any outdoor space with the property. The property will have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which gives a guide on the energy efficiency of the property which will effect your energy bills.

The rental market moves much faster than the sales market so if you see the perfect property, you may have to act quickly to secure it. We recommend always being prepared with the relevant documents such as a form of identification and confirmation of your address.

Once you have found the right flat or house to call home you will need to put a reservation fee down to state your intention as well as providing more information to the agent about when you want to move.

You will need to provide proof of your "Right to Rent" under the immigration act.

3. References & credit checks

You will be asked to give references to your prospective landlord and letting agent to confirm that you have rented in the past without any major problems, this is commonly completed on line using a specialist reference company. As part of this process you will be asked to provide

Three years' address history and Landlord details for any property rented in the last three years

Confirmation of employer and annual income (the reference companies will need to see that your annual salary is at least equal to the monthly rental multiplied by 30)

No adverse credit in the form of a county court judgment, bankruptcy order or similar

If you're self-employed, either an accounts reference or to provide evidence of the last three years' tax return

4. The deposit

This deposit will equate to 1.5 months rent and is held as the landlord's cover for any excessive damages that need to be repaired at the end of the tenancy and the deposit must be logged with one of the government approved schemes, this will be reflected and confirmed within your tenancy agreement. The deposit will need to be protected and you will receive confirmation when this has been completed.

Check out here to know more details about Tenants guide to renting property

#realestate #property #renting

10 Step Guide to Buying a House

Maybe you’re looking to purchase for the first time, relocating, upsizing, downsizing or investing in property with us we can help you find the property that makes you feel at home, and support the entire home buying process. We get rid of the jargon to have clear and transparent conversations, allowing you to make informed decisions swiftly and easily. We have put this basic 10 step guide together to help ease your property journey and our team at Alexander & Co are always on hand to help answer any questions you have and guide you along the journey.

1. Determine your budget

Buying a property is likely to be one of the largest purchases you ever make, so it is important that your calculations are correct from the start and you understand what the real costs of buying a home are. You need to consider your income, savings and which mortgage is right for you. If you are selling a home in order to buy another again it is essential that you arrange an up to date market valuation from a local expert.

2. Select the right mortgage

Whether you are applying for your first mortgage, re-mortgaging or securing a mortgage for an investment property speaking to an expert in this field is essential and will guide you towards the right provider. Speaking to a financial adviser and by obtaining an agreement in principle from your chosen lender will give you the confidence on your budget and show the owner of homes available to purchase that you are a serious buyer and have done your homework.

3. Choosing your next home

Property websites have made the process of finding a new home easier than ever before, however you may not be aware that some of the best properties with desirable locations, price or size sell before they are listed on the larger property portals.

We recommend getting to know the team at your local Alexander & Co branch who will be happy to keep you up to date with properties that match what you are looking for and can help guide you through the different areas in the local towns and villages.

4. Viewing a property

Build up a better perspective of what the property is like to live in by visiting the property at different times of the day, you should look at things like which way the garden faces and the parking arrangements. Ask to the see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), look up at roof and guttering, look at windows and ask what type of heating it is, there may also be guarantees in place based on work recently completed. Don’t forget to check what is being included in the sale, kitchen appliances, carpets and curtains can often be left by the seller. After the viewing providing feedback to your estate agent will help them gain a stronger understanding of your wants and needs in order to find the best property for you.

Check out here to know more about guide to buying a house

#realestate #property #buying

Why buy-to-let is cheaper than ever

When it comes to letting property, the news is filled with doom and gloom - landlords selling their portfolios, and news of yet more regulations making letting property trickier. With this in mind, why on earth are we suggesting that now is actually the best time to invest in the buy-to-let market?

Background

In 2015 mortgage tax relief was abolished for landlords as part of the Section 24 Finance Bill, and this will start to have an impact on buy-to-let investors this January. Not only that, the criteria for buy-to-let mortgages were toughened towards the end of 2017. The effect of these changes has made many landlords stop to consider whether investing in property is still viable for them. Recent research from the National Association of Landlords (NLA) noted that 20% of landlords are planning to reduce or sell off their portfolios this year.

Our own Mortgage and Protection Director, Mark Collender, stated: “There is a lot of confusion in the buy-to-let market at the moment. This is down to the abolished mortgage tax relief for landlords, which has hit many investors. At the same time, lenders have toughened their criteria in terms of buy-to-let mortgages, and there have also been changes in legislation regarding Houses of Multiple Occupancy.

At the moment, there is a lot of rejigging in our local area, in terms of what people want from a buy-to-let. On top of that there’s also the extra stamp duty of 3% that was introduced a few years ago.”

We asked Mark: why is buy-to-let cheaper than ever?

“Buy-to-let is cheaper than ever because, despite the toughened criteria for lenders, competition has seen some interest rates drop to the lowest they’ve ever been for buy-to-let properties. Previously, you’d invariably have a mortgage that would be 1% maybe 2% more than a normal residential mortgage, whereas now we’re seeing that those rates are pretty much on par with what a normal residential mortgage would be.

Check out here to know more about why buy-to-let is cheaper than ever

#realestate letting renting property london

The Dos and Don’ts of adding value to your property

Let’s face it, homes are a work in progress; there is always something we want to do or change. Even when we think we have finished, after a few years the impulse is there to revamp or reconfigure to suit our changing tastes and needs. It is natural to want to find ways to add value to your home, so before you start knocking down walls or building an extension, be aware that not all improvements add value.

Don’t believe any improvements add value

Before you jump into the improvements, you need to understand the market and where your home sits within it. There may be a ceiling price that a person will be prepared to pay for a property in your area, so it is always good to do your research to ensure any changes you make will add value to your property.

Sadly, sometimes even the most impressive improvements will not translate to a reciprocal increase in the value of your home. Ask an estate agent their opinion before you start, they will be able to give you an approximate valuation based on your planned works giving you a better understanding of the financial rewards or losses you could incur.

That being said, in the majority of cases the right improvements will help to add value to your property.

Don’t do cheap

We all love a bargain, but when it comes to home improvements cheap work and finishes do nothing to increase the appeal of your property. Nothing sets alarm bells ringing in the minds of buyers quite like spotting a job that hasn’t been finished to a good standard. How do they know that your home isn’t a house of horrors tied up in a magnolia décor façade. When it comes to improving your home, don’t take shortcuts.

Do increase the space

Increasing your home’s space is a great way to potentially add value to your home. One of the UK’s most popular space-increasing projects has been the conservatory. From classic to contemporary designs, they provide an additional light-filled room thanks to the number of windows, which enable you to bring the outside in.

Check out here to know more about adding value to your property

#realestate #property #london #sale

Landlord Legislation checklist

As a landlord, it is important to understand that there are numerous pieces of legislation which covers the private rented sector.

Failure to comply with the plethora of legal requirements can create substantial financial and criminal penalties for you along with jeopardising the recovery of a rented property should you ever wish to seek possession.

Ensuring you use you a competent and knowledgeable agent is vital in protecting you and one of your most valuables assets from the consequences of legislation and a much more educated tenant base, who are not shy in seeking compensation with an array of “no win no fee” solicitors in the marketplace.

You will find below a summary of the legal requirements for renting out a property with a link attached should you wish to find out more information on your obligations:

Permission to Let

To be able to legally let out a residential property, you will need to ensure that you have sought the permission of all joint owners, and any relevant mortgage company/freeholder. Failure to do so, maybe considered as fraud. https://www.gocompare.com/mortgages/consent-to-let/

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

This has been a requirement since 1st October 2008, and you are legally obligated to commission an EPC before advertising a property to let. Failure to do so, can attract a financial penalty and in some cases, non-compliance could allow a tenant to break contract without penalty. https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates

Gas Safety Record (GSR)

A GSR is required for all properties which there is gas pipework/appliances. There must be a valid GSR given to the tenant before they commence occupation, and this must be renewed annually using an approved Gas Safe engineer. It is a criminal offence not to comply. https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/renting-a-property/information-for-landlords/

Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)

The legal obligation relates to providing a property *safe* in respect of the hard-wired electrical system and portable appliances. The most efficient way of proving compliance is by conducting an EICR on the hard-wired system and a Portable Appliance Test on any appliances you may provide. When you consider that 80% house fires start through an electrical fault then it is a logical approach to take. https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/for-landlords/

Check out here to know more information about landlord legislation checklist

5 signs that you’re ready to move home

They are out there, lurking, that strange breed of human that actually enjoys moving home. They live amongst us, briefly settled and always with one eye on the property market. These strange people may seem alien to the average man on the street, but they have a talent for knowing when it is the right time to move. Not all of us have such a gift, but we may have frustrations, not knowing that they are signs showing us that a move is what we need.

What are these signs, and how do you know when it’s time to move home?

Because the market says so

Every paper you pick up is shouting about how it is a sellers’ market, estate agents confirm the media’s rumblings and you’re keen to make a profit. You’ve seen ‘for sale’ boards around your neighbourhood that are quickly turning to ‘sold’ and so the property market is signalling that now is the time to sell.

They got what???

Are you keeping up with the Jones’s? A house on your street may have gone on the market, you can’t believe the asking price, and when you learn that they have achieved close to or above the asking price your head spins. “They got what???” Nothing breeds excitement for selling like knowing that a neighbouring property has won in the game of the local property market.

You’re financially stretched

It’s rare that we find ourselves on an even keel for years; circumstances can change, jobs, children, and other factors can play their part in boosting or stressing your financial situation. You may even be looking to enhance your lifestyle, and having a bit more money to play with is an attractive proposition. Moving home could provide you with the light relief you are seeking and therefore the idea keeps milling around in your mind.

Check out here to know more details about signs that you’re ready to move home

Landlords Guide

You may have a property to let, or be about to take your first steps to becoming a landlord. No matter your experience our letting agents are here to help you achieve more. It’s not just the flexibility of services that we offer that appeals, but more importantly, how we deliver them.

Lettings is all about action and from the moment your property is in our hands we are consistently working to maximise its potential. We take care of the immediate as well as assisting you to plan for the future. Our attention is meticulous, our attitude tenacious, our approach authentic.

1. Accurate and up to date valuations

When letting your home one of the first and most important things to do is to obtain an accurate and up to date valuation. The right agent will advise you on the current local property market and deliver an accurate valuation that will ensure your home will attract the best possible tenants for the best price possible and in a time scale that suits your needs.

2. Select your management level

Before you become a landlord, consider how much involvement you want to have with your tenant and property, day to day maintenance, monthly rent collection and other responsibilities like keeping up with constant changes in legislation may affect your current lifestyle in a way you do not want. Discuss the options with your agent as it is important to understand exactly what they are doing and how they will make your life easier.

3. Marketing your home

Once you have agreed terms with your letting agent your home will need to be photographed and a floor plan will need to be completed. You will need to arrange for an EPC to be completed. It is essential that all potential tenants are considered when marketing your home, not everyone will be reliant on property websites to help with their searches so ensure your agent does not simply rely on this to generate interest.

When preparing your home for marketing put yourself in the potential Tenants shoes and walk around your home, do you need to de-clutter, repaint the wall in the kitchen, cut the grass? These are all areas that your tenants will look at and first impressions count!

Check out here to know more about landlord guide

#landlord #london #realestate #property

Dunstable area guide

A vibrant town known for its rich heritage and strong cultural identity. In years gone by the town was a stop-over for kings, noblemen, and the clergy on their way in and out of London.

If you head over to Watling Street you are standing on an old Roman road that linked the north to the south, and then formed a crossroads to the east and west of England. With a striking landscape forming the Chilterns, where you can discover a wealth of wildlife, as well as Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds at the Totternhoe Knolls, there is plenty to occupy those with a love of the outdoors.

How to spend your weekends

If you’re looking for some peace and tranquility take a stroll through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral. Dunstable Downs Golf Club is over 100 years old and is highly thought of in the area. You will also find the London Gliding Club, Whipsnade Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park with its Go Ape experience. The Grove Theatre has a mixed programme of live and cinematic events and the surrounding district is home to a fantastic selection of bars and the BBC Three Counties radio station. There are plenty of leisure facilities, which will only be enhanced when the major upgrade of the sports centre is completed.

The things that we know matter to you

Lying east of the Chiltern Hills and 30 miles north of London, Dunstable provides great access to the M1, M25, and other major cities by rail and road. London Luton airport is approximately 7 miles away and is served by Leagrave, Luton and Luton Parkway train stations. The Luton to Dunstable Busway is a revolutionary guided busway system that connects Houghton Regis, Dunstable, and Luton with London Luton Airport

To know more information click here

#realestate #Property #london #Areaguide

6 home staging tips to get your property sold

We all love our homes, and we’ve decorated them in a way that is to our taste. They often express our personality, and passions, and they hold countless memories. Although the time comes when we know its’ time to say goodbye, it still holds a special place in our heart. The difficult part of selling your home is changing how you view your property, from a home to a property for sale.

To achieve the ‘property for sale’ look we use what are called home staging techniques; follow them, and you increase the chances of your property being SOLD.

Where to begin?

When should you begin preparing your home for sale? The sooner you start, the less stressful it will be. You may not have made the decision to sell yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start to organise your home - just in case.

Organise

Your first step is to de-clutter your home. As you look around all the ‘stuff’ you have stored and piled in every room, cupboard, and drawer you may start to get overwhelmed. We always recommend you take a room or an object at a time, such as books. The question to keep asking yourself is: will I really need this when I move? Be honest!

Repair

Once you’ve de-cluttered you’ll start to be able to see your home more clearly, and scuffs, scrapes and breakages will become more evident. It’s easy to look at your home with blinkered eyes, so try and walk around the home as if you were a potential buyer; it will be amazing the things you’ll notice.

Make all the necessary repairs and don’t forget to freshen up the décor. Where possible, keep the interiors to a neutral scheme rather than making bold statements. Remember, soon this won’t be your home, which is why you’re transforming it into a property for sale.

Check out here to know more in details.

Wing Area Guide

Wing is a village amongst villages; our community stretches across 39 of them sitting around Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, right the way to Aylesbury, and each has its own unique and alluring identity.

Although all different, there are some similarities between them. The deep sense of community spirit runs strong; there is always a warm welcome and someone to lend a hand. With gorgeous ‘chocolate box’ homes and cottages, as well as the ability to be in London within 35 minutes, it’s easy to understand the demand for homes in this area.

Embracing their differences

For good amenities the community visit Wing, as amenities can be lacking elsewhere. There may be no corner shop, local school, or even a pub, which is why our advice may prove vital when looking for a home here.

Let’s take you on a little tour

Aston Abbotts is a beautiful quiet village, perfect for dog walking, cycling and horse riding. The local pub holds boys and girls clubs, where people can have a drink and get together. Cubington is more of a traditional village with a church, cricket & tennis club and nursery school. We can highly recommend the Unicorn public house, it’s a gastro pub and the food is delicious, and they also have a little farm shop inside. Stewkley has apparently one of the longest high streets in the country with its community shop and two pubs as well as it’s busy recreational grounds there’s plenty of activities to keep the family busy.

Check out here for more information here

#realestate #london #property #wing

Harrow Area Guide

In touching distance of central London yet with the feel of being hundreds of miles away, Harrow is home to pretty cottages, period architecture and more than 500 areas of greenbelt.

Only 13 miles north-west of central London, this urban village can boast a number of fantastic schools including one of the world’s most famous boarding schools, Harrow School, where Winston Churchill was educated. In complete contrast, it is also home to a 1970s subterranean skateboard park, one of only a few remaining in the country.

Finding a place to call home

From 1930s detached and semi-detached properties to conservation areas with Victorian and Edwardian homes, and even to elegant arts and craft houses, you can’t hide the area’s rich heritage. Like any urban area, there are also a number of new build developments mainly offering apartment living.

For your cultural and lifestyle needs

One of the things that we love about Harrow is the blend of independent stores and big brand names on the high street. There are a number of 18-hole golf courses and clubs, such as The Grim’s Dyke Gold Clun, and Harrow Hill Golf Club has a 9-hole course. You will find cinemas, Harrow Arts Centre, a council-run swimming pool, as well as a wealth of places to eat and drink.

To know more information check out here.

#realestate #property #harrow #london #areaguide

Bicester area guide

This historic market town is now one of the fastest growing areas in Oxfordshire. Aside from being home to one of the UK’s most-visited attractions, it is also blessed with beautiful surrounding countryside.

You can’t miss the distinctive honey-coloured stone villages decorated with picturesque scenery, ideal for exploring on foot or on bike. Classic car enthusiasts will be joyous when they visit Bicester Heritage; it’s literally like stepping back in time. We highly recommend their open days, which are held a few times a year, when you can look inside their workshops to get a glimpse of their latest restoration.

The lure of Bicester Village

This designer discount mall sees millions of visitors a year, so it’s hard to ignore the impact this retail establishment has had on the town. With manicured lined streets it is stylish, and designed to be as attractive visually as it is tantalizing for shoppers.

Check out here for more information.

#realestate #property #london

Aylesbury area guide

This lively market town is steeped in history, and even though it continues to grow it still hasn’t lost its historic charm. With lots of green spaces and a wealth of leisure and cultural activities you can understand why it is the location of choice for many.

Its location makes it particular popular amongst commuters, especially those working in central London. Around the church you will find mainly Georgian properties including the Buckinghamshire County Museum and the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. The museum is dedicated to rural life and local heritage, whilst the gallery is a hands-on experience for young people.

Retaining its charm

Owned by the National Trust, the King’s Head Hotel is an old 14th century timber frame coaching inn, and one of several ancient inns in Aylesbury. The town hosts vintage and craft bazaars as well as a farmers market.

Making this your home

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful period property, or a contemporary residence, this town can cater for all your needs. Although vibrant, there is still a relaxed feel in Aylesbury and with several highly regarded schools it has a lot to offer.

And in your free time

There are a number of places to shop and you have a great mix of high street names as well as fascinating independents. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to eat and drink; Temple Street Wine Bar and Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Café are well worth a visit. The Buckinghamshire County Museum displays the county’s rich history, and they also have an exciting programme of events. More great events can be experienced at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, including West End productions. With leisure facilities available throughout the town, there are many ways you can stay fit and healthy.

Source article: https://www.alexanderandco.co.uk/about-us/area-guide/aylesbury

#realestate #aylesbury #london #property

Alexander & Zero Deposit - Tenants Pay Less Upfront

Alexander & Zero Deposit

We’re very excited to announce the launch of Zero Deposit at Alexander & Co.

We understand that moving home can be costly, sometimes making it hard for tenants to find the deposit, first month’s rent and the other costs of moving. We have partnered with a Zero Deposit Guarantee company and all you need to pay is the equivalent of one week’s rent instead of the traditional six-week tenancy deposit.

How it works

You ask us to send your contact details to Zero Deposit.

Zero Deposit send you a quote online, with all of the necessary terms and conditions for you to review and decide if you want to buy.

You will then make a payment online equivalent to one week’s rent and provide your Direct Debit details. The paperwork is then generated, and copies sent to all parties by Zero Deposit.

Your landlord gets a guarantee for the same amount as a standard 6-week tenancy deposit and you remain liable for any damage or financial loss due to them.

At the end of the tenancy, the inventory and check-out are completed and if you leave the property in a satisfactory condition with no outstanding rent or bills, there is no further action required.

If there is any damage to the property or any unpaid rent, you will need to reimburse the landlord yourself. If you dispute the landlord’s claim, you and the landlord will be asked for evidence which will then be sent for expert evaluation by The Deposit Service (TDS), which is the same as a normal security deposit. .

If TDS finds in the landlord’s favour, Zero Deposit settle the claim with your landlord and seek reimbursement from you directly. If you fail to reimburse Zero Deposit at this point, you may be liable for recovery costs and it could impact on your credit history.

Check out here to read complete article.

Landlords Rent Faster

We’re very excited to announce the launch of Zero Deposit at Alexander & Co.

A Zero Deposit Guarantee can replace a traditional tenancy deposit, giving you the same cover and protection as having a tenancy deposit in the bank, whilst making renting more affordable for tenants.

Your tenant would pay the equivalent of one week’s rent for a Zero Deposit policy, this is non-refundable and gives you effectively the same cover as a 6-week tenancy deposit. Your tenants remain fully accountable for any damages or unpaid rent.

In the event of any financial loss or damage due to you, this is settled by the tenant or if they dispute the claim the evidence is sent for expert evaluation. If found in your favour, Zero Deposit settle the claim with you and recover the costs from the tenants directly, along with any recovery costs.

If you have any queries about how Zero Deposit works please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a team member at your local branch.

Read the complete article here

Is your property E compliant?

1 st April saw the start of a change in legislation with regard to energy efficiency in privately rented properties. With 160 existing pieces of legislation for landlords to follow it is understandable that this may have been overlooked or, as we are finding, that some landlords are not even aware of this change. To ensure you don’t get caught out, we have put together a brief overview of the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

What’s with the E?

As you’re aware, any property for sale or rent needs to have a current Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC). The difference now for any privately rented property is that it needs to meet a minimum standard of E before it can be let. This includes new rental properties, new tenancies, and renewals. And as of 1 st April 2020 landlords will not be able to continue to let properties with an EPC rating of F or G.

Check out our blog for more information here: https://www.alexanderandco.co.uk/about-us/blog/10-community/13-is-your-property-e-compliant

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