The Importance of Training in the UK Property Sector
In an ever-evolving landscape, training plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of professionals in the UK property sector and the industry as a whole. As the demand for housing and lettings services continues to grow, the need for well-trained individuals becomes increasingly apparent.
Even though it is not a legal requirement for property professionals to be qualified, ensuring that continues professional development (CPD) and on going learning / training, is extremely important. A well-versed negotiator, property manager, estate agent, sales / lettings progressor or administrator can make all the difference to a client and customer, and most definitely impacts the business and agency.
Gas Safety Case Law - Van-Herpen v Green & Green
Source: nearlylegal.co.uk
The issue of gas safety certificates has been revisited again in Van-Herpen v Green & Green (2023) County Court at Hastings, 4 December 2023. The questions for the court were whether a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (“BRCC”) from the installation of a boiler or a Gas Safety Certificate (“GSC”) arising out of a plumber’s visit some two months later had to be served for a section 21 notice to be valid.
Van-Herpen v Green & Green. Hastings County Court. 17 November 2023 (judgment 4 December 2023)
Van-Herpen involved a claim by the Landlord for possession under the section 21 accelerated procedure. The Tenants took up occupation of the Property in September 2018 under an assured shorthold tenancy. The day after they took up occupation of the Property, a new boiler was installed – the previous one having been removed some months prior. The gas safety engineer, commissioned the new boiler and, in the process of doing so, “safety checked” the boiler and checked for “integrity of the flue gases” in line with the manufacturer’s installation specifications. The engineer created a BRCC for the boiler; however, this was never served on the tenants before the service of the section 21 notice.
Christmas is coming…..
Christmas is 11 days away and whilst many people will already be organised and ready for the festivities, there may be time for some last minute plans.
The Top 10 Christmas attractions in the UK are so popular that people plan their festive calendars around them.
London's Winter Wonderland
Bath Christmas Market
Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations
Manchester Christmas Markets
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
York's St Nicholas Fair
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Glasgow's Christmas markets
Oxford's Christmas Light Festival
Stratford-upon-Avon's Victorian Christmas Market
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.