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Background The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (“MEES Regulations”) are an attempt by the government to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which are a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, by setting a minimum acceptable standard.  The MEES Regulations are aimed at private rented properties (both residential and commercial). Under the MEES Regulations, the energy efficiency of a property is recorded in an Energy Performance Certificate (“E

News on the Block talks to Simon Crewe, Managing Director of Millstream Management Services (MMS), the leading provider of retirement housing management services in the UK.  1. What inspired you to get involved in the retirement sector? There is no denying it is a rapidly growing sector and it is one where the customer’s needs really do have to come first. Where will our rapidly growing older population live as they get older, how will we look after them and how can we help them enjoy an active and indepe

What are Leasehold Ground Rents? An annual sum payable to the Freeholder/Landlord on leasehold properties (flats or houses). The Ground Rent payable for a property is governed by the terms of the Lease. Historically, Ground Rents were a modest/nominal annual sum. It is common for Ground Rents to rise gradually over the Lease term to reflect inflation (e.g. every 25 years), however, recently Freeholders/Developers have started to introduce more onerous Ground Rents with more frequent increases. Leasehold H

At ARMA’s Annual Conference on Wednesday 18th October, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announced plans for a fairer property management system to protect leaseholders from the small minority of rogue agents. As part of this new call for evidence, Government is seeking views on whether a regulatory overhaul is needed to improve the professionalism of the sector and to protect consumers from unfair costs and practices. Citing examples of rogue agents overcharging leaseholders he singled out ARMA members a

After the recent arrival of Colin Horton at McDowalls, the firm hasn't stopped there and has recently attracted more talent by the appointment of Alison Stone, former director of north London based Prickett and Ellis Surveyors to form part of its strengthening leasehold and enfranchisement team.   Chris Baker, Director of McDowalls commented: "I've known Alison for many years and she is a strong valuer with a deep knowledge of lease extension and enfranchisement work. She is a tough negotiator and by he

A person’s home is their castle and one which will be defended fearlessly. It therefore tends to follow that a homeowner will pretty much do anything to protect their home, and their rights to use and enjoy it, no matter what the cost. For example, boundary or right of way disputes between neighbours relating to residential properties normally involve two parties who will want to “win” at any cost, even if the intrinsic size or value of the land being argued about is relatively small. Unfortunately, this

A recent FtT case has put the spotlight on objectivity and a breakdown in communication.  To keep the team at myleasehold up to date with whys and the wherefores of the Tribunal world, we regularly download and review the latest decisions. One case that caught our attention is noteworthy not only for the pettiness of the dispute, but also how a lack of objectivity from one side and a breakdown in communication between the parties lead to a ‘slam dunk’ outcome for one. The case involved a flat in East Lond

In an industry first, North London-based broker 1st Sure Flats launches new flood insurance solution for blocks not covered by government-backed Flood Re scheme at the ARMA conference. With the incidence of flooding in the UK increasing year-on-year, anyone living in a high risk area relies on their home insurance policy to protect their most valuable asset should their home be damaged by flood water. The Flood Re Scheme, which went live in April 2016, is designed both to protect the insurance industry ag

Specialist property management company Rylands Associates have demonstrated their innovation in the sector by allowing clients and customers to pay for services using digital currency. Rylands Associates was started in 2012 by Chairman Grant Cooper, an experienced leasehold property specialist and now employs 60 staff in its Essex and central London offices. Grant said: “We could have waited for demand from customers and clients for payments via cryptocurrency however we like to stay one step ahead so we’

Issue 91 of News on the Block is now available to view online.  This issue includes some of the following articles:  The Hot 100 feature  Airbnb landlord faces attempted murder charge  What you need to know about recruitment  Airbnb: What are insurers thinking?  The Property Management Awards 2017 Please click here to view the digital edition.

We are delighted to announce that Matthew O’Sullivan BSc (Hons) FRICS MAPM has joined Keegans as Director and Head of our Private Residential Building surveying team. A Fellow of the RICS, and director, Matthew joins us from RLB and has over 18 years experience in delivering Building Surveying and Employers Agent services to a mixed portfolio including residential, education and commercial projects. Matthew is also a member of the Association of Project Managers. Keegans operate a building surveying team

McDowalls Surveyors are continuing to strengthen their valuation team. Having seen good rates of growth across the business, they are seeking new ways to continue to develop the firm. Since acquiring the business in 2011 McDowalls have almost doubled in size and now employ over 20 staff.  Chris Baker, Owner of McDowalls commented:  "I feel it’s the right time to split the valuation part of the business to better reflect the mix of business and clients that we now work for. " With this in mind Chris has