Since 2007, landlords of houses and flats have been legally obliged to “protect” their tenants’ rent/security deposits. Deposits must either be paid into an authorised scheme or be registered and insured with such a scheme. Landlords are also obliged to give tenants full written details, including the scheme reference number. The requirements initially had to
Landlords need to ensure they comply with tougher new tenancy deposit rules which came into effect on 6th April. If they fail to do so, they could face fines and find it harder to evict tenants. The new rules are part of the Localism Act, which redefines the way landlords should protect the deposits given
A letting agency has been fined for illegally obtaining information about tenants while chasing up rent arrears. The offence took place in 2009 when the agency became concerned about overdue rent payments. One of its directors approached a local authority customer service adviser and asked him to obtain information about certain tenants from housing benefit
A developer of a block of flats has been ordered to return deposits to purchasers because the building was not completed on time. However, it was not the delay itself that caused the problem, but the lack of due diligence in failing to get the work done as quickly as possible after problems arose. In
Five bus drivers have won a claim of unfair dismissal after a change of employer meant they would have to spend up to two hours a day extra getting to their new depot. The case arose when the bus operator Centrewest transferred one of its routes in London to another operator, Abellio. The drivers were
What protection is offered to Consumers at Home? The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 came into force in October 2008. The Regulations allow a mandatory cooling off period of 7 days within which the consumer may choose to cancel the sale. The contract itself must
Timing can be crucial when taking legal action, as one company recently found to its cost. The company had hired a firm of builders to carry out some roofing and cladding works at a new factory. A contract was agreed which stated that in the event of a dispute, no action could be taken after
Court orders to evict tenants rose by 11% in 2011 as landlords took a firmer stance against late payers. Figures released by the specialist receivers, Templeton LPA, also show that the number of tenants in “severe arrears” of more than two months rose by 18% last year to 78,970. That’s the highest level since the
A sales manager has been found liable for breaches of contract and duty to his employer after setting up a rival business. The manager was working for an information technology consultancy when he decided to set up a new company of his own. While preparing his new venture, he downloaded some of his employer’s business
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to “kill off the health and safety culture” which he says has become “an albatross around the neck of British businesses”. He says he wants to address “the fear from businesses of being sued for trivial or excessive claims”. The Government is now planning to change the law on