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We’ve previously spoken about sustainability for agencies and making properties more economical, but we haven’t touched on the biggest carbon producers in the property industry, and the properties themselves. With 40% of UK emissions coming from households, this is a sizable contributing factor to our carbon footprint.
HHSRS, or Housing Health and Safety Rating System, is a risk-based assessment of a property to check for various hazards which has been in place since 2006. These assessments are carried out by an environmental health officer from the local council who will look for anything of concern which could have an adverse effect on a tenant’s health or safety.
Smart meters are no longer a new concept. Many years ago the Government issued a deadline for all homes to have one. That deadline currently stands at 2024 and so utility companies have been asked to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to install smart meters in ever home. Some still ask why they should do so, or allow a tenant to install a meter.
It is exceptionally rare to see an agent who doesn’t offer some form of rent guarantee, usually provided by some form of insurer, sometimes referred to as rent protection or rent and legal insurance.
In our previous blog, we looked at what tenants looks for in properties and pets was one of the key factors. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Rightmove has stated the demand for a pet friendly rental property has increased 120%, however according to Chestertons in March 2022 only 12% of properties are marketed as being pet friendly.
It’s been quite a while now since the Tenant Fees Act came into force in June 2019. That time has flown by and we’re sure the rules have now become a standard part of everyday processes, but how much do you really remember?
It’s very likely you will have heard of HMOs and know what they’re about, however here’s a little refresher for you.
Sustainability is becoming more and more of a requirement, rather than a hope and desire. As we move through the 21st century, the need to improve climate change is becoming ever-present in our daily lives, however how many really think about it when in the office? Many will expect their employers to be paving the way for the business to be net-zero so we wanted to explore this further with you. There are some agencies who have a public pledge for net-zero, others who have already managed it, but most wont have much of a plan if anything.
Property inspections can be a daunting task for your inspectors or property managers. Usually a very time-consuming task to arrange and re-arrange, only to be turned away at the door, or no one is in and the dog is going bonkers at the letter box, so it’s very important to make good use of this time.
We can imagine most will have seen the subject line and thought ‘I already know that’. Chances are, you do, but we’d also hope your curiosity has got the better of you on this one! Let’s just hope there’s no cats who read this 🐈. Ok, that one was terrible. Moving swiftly on.....
