Legal Q&A: Should I invest in an apartment building with exterior cladding? The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 brought into sharp focus the fire risks posed by flammable external wall systems known as ‘cladding’. From a buyer’s perspective the presence of cladding will impact a number of areas, not least the ability to obtain a mortgage, potential remedial costs and the future saleability of the property. Commonly, [...]
Legal Q&A: I want to make alterations to my flat, but joint freeholders are blocking this. What can I do? This is a common problem encountered by flat owners who want to make improvements to their flat but are faced with objections from the other leaseholders in the building. To overcome this hurdle, there are a number of things to consider. Firstly, will the type of alterations to be carried out affect the structural integrity [...]
Legal Q&A: I have a small portfolio of rental properties. Will I be affected by the recent ban on tenant fees? The short answer is that if you are renting out properties in England under an assured shorthold tenancy, students let or licence, you are going to be affected by the recent ban on tenant fees. It is now unlawful for you or your letting agent to charge any fees other than those which are prescribed [...]
Legal Q&A: What is a Section 20 notice of repairs and what can I do if I think the cost is excessive? September 28, 2018 I have just received a section 20 notice relating to some repair works to our block. What does the notice mean and what can we do if we think the cost of the works is excessive? In the circumstances you describe, you will have been served with a Section 20 Notice because your landlord [...]
