The economic downturn has made both landlords and tenants extra keen to minimise potential losses when leases come to an end. A recent case in the High Court involved a dispute over the condition of a set of roof lights on a single-storey warehouse. The lease had required that the tenant should “keep the whole
Letting agents are to be regulated to protect both tenants and landlords against unfair practices. Housing Minister Mark Prisk has promised legislation that will raise standards across the industry. His proposal will oblige letting and managing agents, and agents involved in leasehold management, to offer tenants and landlords access to an approved redress scheme. It’s
A firm of surveyors has been ordered to pay compensation to a finance company for negligently providing a property valuation that was far too high. The case arose after the surveyors valued a house at £3.4m in July 2007. On the basis of that valuation the finance company provided the purchaser with a loan of
The Government is introducing a new Code of Practice to ensure that pub tenants are treated fairly and are allowed to run their businesses as they wish. The code will be enforced by an adjudicator with powers to fine large pub companies who abuse their powerful position. Ministers say the measures will save tenants £100m
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has put forward a set of proposals to tackle issues causing concern to both tenants and landlords in the lettings market. The OFT says it analysed 4,000 complaints from across the spectrum and found that tenants and landlords were often unhappy about fees charged by agents, the poor service
A company set up to preserve parkland has failed to stop planning permission being granted for a housing development. The issue arose when East Devon District Council granted outline planning permission for a 400-home estate in a countryside location. A total of 40% of the homes would be in the affordable housing category. The council
A landlord has won his appeal against the level of penalties imposed on him for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The case arose after six tenants sought Rent Repayment Orders (RRO) after discovering their HMO was not licensed. The tribunal made an order in their favour for the repayment of all the
New permitted development rights to allow offices to be converted into homes without the need for planning permission have been introduced. The move is designed to provide much needed new homes, regenerate town centres and provide a boost for the construction industry. The permitted development right will be in place for three years. Local authorities
The courts are seeing an increasing number of disputes between landlords and commercial tenants over break clauses. It’s thought the economic downturn is putting pressure on both sides to minimise their financial losses. It means landlords are now more likely to scrutinise tenancy agreements as closely as possible to prevent a break taking place. A
The Court of Appeal has imposed the maximum penalty possible on a landlord who failed to comply fully with the requirements of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). The issue arose after the landlord took action against a tenant for rent arrears. The tenant brought a counterclaim denying rent arrears and seeking repayment of the deposit.