Pesky Pests in Rental Properties
Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) the causes of pest infestation and the impact on the tenant is high on the agenda and is one of the 29 Hazards. Health hazards due to poor design, layout and construction can make it hard for the occupant to keep the property clean and hygienic, and as a result pests can be attracted.
The HHSRS takes into consideration the following: -
Access into and harbourage within the dwelling for pests
Insect infestation (e.g., cockroaches) and infections (spread by insects and rats and mice)
Access into and harbourage within the dwelling for pests
Inadequate and unhygienic provision for storage and disposal of household waste.
Inadequately stored/accumulated refuse allowing access for insects, rodents, pests, birds, squirrels, foxes
Service ducts and holes around pipes e.g., central heating harbour insects and provide access between dwellings in blocks
Access to open drains by rodents
Access for rodents by means of ill-fitting doors and windows
Uneven and/or cracked internal walls and/or ceilings allowing access for pests
Missing/damaged brickwork including airbricks to external walls and other disrepair to external walls and roof
Therefore, it is up to the landlord to ensure that the property is fit for human habitation.
GLM are proud to announce partnership with Block Management Utilities
We are delighted to announce a new partner association with our friends at Block Management Utilities. BMU have a wealth of experience and work with many familiar names across the UK property management industry. Their trusted and proven utility management services are designed to save letting agents precious time and money and not least the hassle of dealing with multiple providers. Their aim is to simply make our lives easier! James Riley a Director at BMU said “We are delighted to be partnering with the Guild and supporting them with their excellent range of Training and Development programmes. We look forward to being able to pass on some of our vast knowledge of the energy market to Guild members and course delegates.”
The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus The Renter’s Reform Bill
As a result of the Pandemic, proposed legislation has been put on the back burner. The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus the Renter’s Reform Bill, the Briefing Document highlights the main elements of the Bill which are as follows:-
● Abolishment of the so-called ‘no fault’ evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This has been a very key topic, but the general feeling is that with the private rented sector having almost doubled in size in the past 10 years, this is will be welcome news for tenants.
● Reforming Section 8 and the possession grounds for landlords, introducing new and stronger grounds for repeated incidences of rent arrears and reducing notice periods for anti-social behaviour. Amending the Section 8 notice will need to consider what happens when a landlord needs to move back in or sell their property.
● Application of the legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector giving tenants safer, better quality and better value homes.
● The introduction of a new Ombudsman for private landlords so that disputes can easily be resolved without the need to go to court.
● The introduction of a new property portal to help landlords understand their obligations and to give tenants performance information to hold their landlord accountable.
