Only 9 days to go before new deposit protection laws...2007

ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, is backing efforts to ensure landlords understand their new legal obligations over deposits and is taking steps to ensure that the Tenancy Deposit Scheme works efficiently for them.

To support letting agents who are members of ARLA, the Association has produced its own leaflet in a bid to help them educate client landlords and tenants about their obligations and rights under the new deposit protection laws. These come into force on April 6.

The leaflet explains the concept behind tenancy deposit protection, the types of scheme – insured or custodial – and the benefits of alternative dispute resolution.

Said Adrian Turner, ARLA Chief Executive, “Surveys show that most industry professionals understand tenancy deposit protection. The problem facing the industry, and letting agents in particular, is how to ensure that landlord clients, and their tenants as well, understand that tenancy deposit protection is to be mandatory and that the well-tried Tenancy Deposit Scheme is the simplest route for landlords and agents to take to abide by the law.”

ARLA is also pressing its members to review their policies about inventory and condition reports and to make their landlords aware that they need them. Inventories will be critical under the new legislation. Inventories will play a major role in establishing the facts behind any landlord and tenant dispute. An inventory report will help to make the most efficient use of Alternative Dispute Resolution, part of the package that comes with deposit protection schemes.

Without such an obvious proof of loss or damage, it is probable that all the deposit money will be returned to the tenant by the Independent Case Examiner.

See www.arla.co.uk for more information or read the next issue of News on the Block magazine (published early May), which will include a detailed response to the new law. You can find our website at www.newsontheblock.com

NEWS ON THE BLOCK MAGAZINE

Only 8 more days to go to ensure you have your FREE entry in The Little Red Book…

With the May issue of News on the Block magazine we will be launching a new publication called The Little Red Book – Who’s Who in Property Management. This will be a comprehensive listing in the form of a directory of property management agents and specialists in England and Wales.

The publication will be updated and published again in November.

If you would like your company to be listed in The Little Red Book for FREE, please request the submission guidelines from Tony Gold at tony@newsontheblock.com with ‘TLRB Submission Request’ in the subject line. We will also send you details about how to UPGRADE your entry.
Or see www.littleandred.com for further information and submission guidelines.

You can speak with Tony Gold on 0207 616 5290 for other promotional opportunities in The Little Red Book, or to discuss this publication in more detail.

Highlights of The Little Red Book:

• FREE entry for all managing agents or UPGRADE your entry for as little as £50;
• During a 12-month period you can target 20,000 resident management company (RMC) directors and key members of the trade;
• The Little Red Book will be used for reference purposes by property professionals all year round;
• Editorial will include practical advice about the role of managing agents, how to choose a managing agent, how managing agents can help run your block, industry gossip and the latest news from the sector’s movers and shakers.

Closing date April 5th… so please hurry.

AND FINALLY…

It’s a funny old world…

Forget car rage we have discovered a strange case of flat rage, which we believe is the first of its kind in the world. A man in Japan was so cross that a newly built block of flats put his house in the shade that he shot at it repeatedly with a rifle. Police said the man took pot shots at the offending block from a window on the third floor of his house in Kyoto. Nobody was injured but there were a few dents in the walls of the block.

Do you have any funny or strange stories relating to your block of flats, if so send them to ben@newsontheblock.com. See more strange flat-related stories in the next issue of News on the Block (published early May). See www.newsontheblock.com for more information.

NEWS ON THE BLOCK’S RECRUITMENT BULLETIN

Residential Block Manager…

Campsie are a well-established firm of Chartered Surveyors. We are a forward thinking Property Services Company providing a wide range of services including residential sales and lettings, commercial agency, professional services, commercial property management and social housing management. We are part of the Orchard & Shipman Plc property group, which employs over 140 members of staff at six locations.

The company provides a supportive working environment with a strong focus on high quality customer service.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to lead a dynamic residential block management department.

We are looking for an experienced block manager with:-
• Energy
• Drive
• Ambition
Excellent remuneration and benefits available

Please contact Helen Tindall, HR Manager with your CV and covering letter to
www.helen@campsie.com or phone 01895 208844

Campsie are an equal opportunities employer.

DISCLAIMER/LEGAL etc.