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QUESTION  I am concerned about my front door (fire door) in my apartment. I live in a housing association low rise block of flats. How often should a fire door be checked in my apartment building and who is responsible?   ANSWER Your apartment door must be appropriately fire-resistant to ensure a reliable means of escape during a fire. It is imperative that the door self-closes fully from any angle, facilitated by a door closer that operates automatically. Additionally, the door should be free from damage

The Build to Rent Awards 2023 have recognised Inventory Hive for their excellence in the build-to-rent sector. The multi-award winning proptech leaders have won the award for most effective use of technology in the sector. The awards ceremony, which was supported by the UKAA and hosted by Love to Rent, took place in Leicester Square in London in November and recognised disruptors and innovators within BTR. The Inventory Hive platform is used by build to rent operators, landlords, letting agents and invent

Alan Draper, Managing Director of Common Ground Estate & Property Management, attended last night’s All Party Parliamentary Group meeting for Commonhold and Leasehold Reform, where Housing Minister Rachel Maclean outlined the Government intentions as announced in the King’s Speech earlier that day. “In my view, the biggest potential for levelling the playing field in the heavily rigged leasehold system is scrapping the presumption for leaseholders to pay their freeholders’ legal costs when challenging p

The Building Safety Act has a variety of requirements when it comes to storing and communicating safety information. What needs to be shared? Who do you tell? And how often does it need to be updated? Repairs and maintenance specialist Fixflo is continuing its building safety series by answering these questions and more in a specialist look at record keeping. The webinar will see Nigel Glen, Non-Executive Director, Emeria, Dorian Lawrence, Managing Director, FR Consultants, and Shaun Lundy, Director of St

As the dark nights draw in, condensation issues start to emerge, bringing with it the possibility of mildew and mould forming in homes across the UK. When temperatures drop outside, it reduces the temperature of the externals walls of our homes and generates environments favourable to condensation, causing water droplets to form where air does not freely circulate. This creates damp conditions that allow mildew and mould to thrive, leading to the deterioration in the decorative condition of the property,

As expected the King’s Speech has revealed the Government’s plans for leasehold reform in the form of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill.  In his speech the King announced that “My Ministers will bring forward a bill to reform the housing market by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold and tackling the exploitation of millions of homeowners through punitive service charges.” Leaseholders extending their lease or taking over the management of their building are also t

It is often found in buildings, but when Asbestos seeps into the ground it becomes a hidden danger lurking in soils on many construction sites. In this information piece we explain the critical importance of professional remediation and understanding the risks Asbestos poses to human health, business continuity and the environment. Gain valuable insights into the latest methods used in the safe and effective removal of this hazardous substance.  Asbestos - the hidden danger Often Asbestos is nearly invisi

Demand for Build to Rent properties is rising and investor appetite is growing which is driving a marked increase in BtR planning permissions. However, The ‘Planning for Rent Insight Report’ by national consultants Lichfields has revealed that planning policy across all boroughs is mixed and could do far more to provide a comprehensive or consistent basis for the delivery of new London BtR schemes. A key finding highlights a stark inconsistency in how BtR is addressed in Local Plan policy across the capit

Today, industry experts and organizations have offered their views on the King's Speech, particularly on the Leasehold Reform Bill, which was a central piece of the government's legislative agenda. The Leasehold Reform Bill aims to address several issues surrounding leasehold properties, but there are varying opinions on its effectiveness and scope.   Charlotte Cook, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, emphasized the initial endorsement of the Renters Reform Bill by a wide range of stakeholders, including

“We welcome the promise of a Leasehold and Freehold Bill and the reforms that will bring; it covers a lot of ground. We were disappointed that ground rents have not been tackled directly today, but understand this is a complex area so welcome the opportunity to consult to find the right solution. Ground rents have already been abolished for new homes; so it is crucial for these rents to be capped or abolished for the 5 million existing leasehold homes.  Leaseholders will benefit by reducing the annual co

Today in the King’s Speech the King revealed that ministers will bring forward a bill to reform the housing market by making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their freehold and tackling the exploitation of millions of homeowners through punitive service charges. Linz Darlington, lease expert and founder of Homehold, lease extension specialists says: “The promises of making it cheaper to purchase a freehold is fantastic news, and hopefully this will also extend to lease extensions. “This

Mark Wilson founder member of ALEP, RICS Registered Valuer and Managing Director of myleasehold While reform to the leasehold system is very much welcome, it is crucial that the Government addresses potential reform with  caution.  Other than the easy win of changing lease terms from 90 to 990 year term, the proposed content, such as we are aware of to date, is random and confusing and this is exacerbated by leasehold being an emotive issue.   With so many moving parts and with so much regulation already