The Importance of Creating a Strong Audit Trail
Over the last 2 years, we have conducted a significant number of audits. The audits are not finance related, the focus is on compliance on 2 levels - Compliance of the letting agency and compliance related to process and systems. Our desktop audits are conducted to ensure that GLM members are complying with membership criteria and relevant statutory requirements.
We have been asked by clients to audit their property portfolio to ensure compliance, to prepare for the sale of their business or to invest in other agencies; most recently we have been involved in auditing agencies being acquired.
Prepare for Spring 2021
Our free Webinar on 3rd February 2021 will focus on some key changes for Letting Agents and Landlords, as well as some updates in relation to electrical safety, CMP and EPCs.
Register online at - guildofletting.com
Boiler Safety and Maintenance Tips Landlords need to know
One of the pitfalls of being a landlord is the hidden costs that can spring up at any given time.
Some, you simply cannot plan for. For instance, a broken-down boiler can occur without warning, and that is a major strain on finances. Simple repairs might not cover the extent of the problem and if you need to replace an appliance, then it is going to be a four-figure sum as a bare minimum. Property Reporter claims that the average cost of repairing a boiler is 60% more than an average month’s rent in the UK. As a landlord, that is a big hit to take.
Aside from the financial obligation, you also have a responsibility to your tenant to ensure their well-being, and the heating system is your responsibility. A poorly maintained boiler can cause untold problems for a tenant, which includes gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as we explained in our article Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation. Luckily, there are some basic maintenance tips you can take that will help prevent major catastrophe at an intrusive time for both you, and your tenant.
Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation
Helping the public stay Gas Safe
As we celebrate the tenth year of Gas Safety Week, organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
This year, Gas Safety Week is addressing a whole range of gas safety matters with a focus on community safety in these difficult times - from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work though lack of awareness.
Susie Crolla, at GLM said: “We are immensely proud to support the continued work that has been carried out by the Gas Safe Register. It has been an honour to witness the level of professionalism and dedication Gas Safe continues to execute .”
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. It’s vital in these uncertain times to look out for the safety of our local communities and ensure people always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home. It’s how we can all work together to stay gas safe.’