Universal Credit – A Guide for Landlords

Posted on September 28th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-rented-housing–2/universal-credit-and-rented-housing-guide-for-landlords

This document provides private and social sector landlords with information about Universal Credit to help them understand what they can do to help their tenants prepare for:
– their move to the single Universal Credit benefit payment
– making direct payments of their housing costs (rent) direct to their landlord themselves

It explains how Universal Credit will ensure that the appropriate protections and safeguards are in place – both the trigger points for intervention by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and recovery of arrears where they occur.

It also explains what budgeting and payment support is available for tenants who may need help moving to the new system.
This includes alternative payment arrangements if claimants are finding it hard to manage their Universal Credit payment and pay their landlord themselves.

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages across Great Britain by postcode area.

There are 2 types of Universal Credit services:
– Universal Credit full service
– Universal Credit live service

1/2 Day Landlord Training Courses – Plymouth

Posted on September 27th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

Monday 9^th October 2017

Venue – Astor Room, Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1HA

If you are accredited this will count towards your CPD hours, but the course is open to all.

Cost for SWLA members – £35 per half day or £65 for both courses.

Cost for non-SWLA members – £40 per half day or £75 for both courses.

First Session – 9:30 – 12:30 – Repossession Procedures   

• Section 21’s
• Section 8’s
• Tenants who are in breach of tenancy other than rent arrears
• How to manage repossession situations

Second Session – 13:30 – 16:30 – Important items of compliance and other safety related management issues including

• Legionella
• Gas safe
• Right to rent
• Electrical installation testing
• PAT testing
• Deposits
• Smoke alarms

 Places secured upon receipt of payment, book your place through the office 01752 510913.

Course will be instructed by Stephen Fowler from Training for Professionals

Free Seminar for Landlords by North Somerset Council on Wednesday 27th September

Posted on September 21st, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

North Somerset Council are introducing ‘The Ark Passport Scheme’ to help low income tenants secure private rented accommodation. Private landlords and letting agents throughout the South West are welcome to attend a free seminar which will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017, 6pm – 8pm at the newly refurbished museum in Weston-Super-Mare.

For more information please see the following link; http://www.arkpassport.co.uk/blog/2017/09/13/homelessness-a-thing-of-the-past/

Notice of a General Meeting

Posted on September 15th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

SWLA General Meeting –

Wednesday 18th October 2017 at Future Inn, Plymouth –

7pm for a 7.30pm start –

Guest speakers to cover the topics of Managing Properties, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and Tax Planning, all members welcome.

Fire Door Safety Week, 25th September – 1st October

Posted on September 15th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

A 5 Step Fire Door Check

Fire Door Safety Week is giving these tips for a 5 Step Fire Door Check that anyone can do:

  Download a PDF copy here.

• Check for certification Is there a label or plug on top (or occasionally on the side) of the door to show it is a certificated fire door? You can use the selfie function on your camera phone or a mirror to check. If there is, that’s good news, otherwise report it to whoever is in charge of your building.
• Check the gaps Check the gaps around the top and sides of the door are consistently less than 4mm when closed. You can use a £1 coin to give a feel for scale, this is about 3mm thick. The gap under the door can be slightly larger (up to 8mm is not uncommon), but it does depend on the door – as a rule of thumb, if you can see light under the door, the gap is likely to be too big. It’s good news if the door fits the frame and it’s not damaged. If not, report it. If the gaps are too big smoke and fire could travel through the cracks.
• Check the seals Are there any intumescent seals around the door or frame, and are they intact with no sign of damage? These seals are usually vital to the fire door’s performance, expanding if in contact with heat to ensure fire (and in some cases smoke) can’t move through the cracks. If not, report it – the door may not be properly maintained and in the intensity of a fire may not protect you long enough.
• Check the hinges Are the hinges firmly fixed (three or more of them), with no missing or broken screws? If you see problems, report it – the door is obviously not properly maintained and in the intensity of a fire may not perform and hold back the fire for long enough.
• Check the door closes properly Open the door about halfway, let go and allow it to close by itself. Does it close firmly onto the latch without sticking on the floor or the frame? If not, report it. A fire door only works when it’s closed. A fire door is completely useless if it’s wedged open or can’t close fully.

For information please visit the following website; http://firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/

West of England Landlord Panel

Posted on September 15th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

SWLA attended the West of England Landlord Panel on 13th September in Bristol.

Topics discussed included;

• Rent With Confidence
• Minimum EPC requirements
• Civil Penalty Policies
• Licensing
• Data Protection

We will inform our members if any legislative changes occur.

Plymouth City Council’s Plan for Future Student Accommodation

Posted on September 11th, 2017 - SOUTH WEST LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

View Plymouth City Council’s joint local plan for future student accommodation in Plymouth and South West Devon including population, supply and demand, planning applications, HMOs and council tax data.

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/PlymouthStudentAccommodation.pdf