Residential Property Management – Compliance Update

Landlords should note that there are two proposed changes in regulations concerning rented property.

The first change in Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 comes into force on 6 April 2012.

The key changes are as follows:

The duty to commission an energy performance certificate (EPC) before marketing a property will be extended to the marketing of residential properties to rent;

The current 28-day period within which an EPC should be obtained using “all reasonable efforts” will be reduced to 7 days. The requirement to include an EPC with written particulars will apply to all residential buildings, whether offered for sale or rent. It will not be possible to only include the asset rating;

The second change has a slightly longer lead time and this change concerns flues that are concealed in voids.

If a property contains a gas flue concealed within a wall or ceiling then an inspection hatch must be fitted.

The proposed legislation stipulates that work must be completed by the 31st December 2012, as from January 2013, gas engineers will have the right to turn off gas supply to properties that have not complied and where they are unable to inspect properly.

These changes can be easily adhered to with the help of Michael Parkes Surveyors Limited Property Management Department; we can arrange works on behalf of landlords to ensure that the property is fully compliant with the changing regulations.

For further information please contact Cheryl Tutt on 01634 294994 or email ctutt@michaelparkes.co.uk

New South East Hub Airport increasingly more likely

The Government in its National Infrastructure Plan 2011, http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/national_infrastructure_plan2011.htm, published alongside the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, has confirmed that in March 2012 it will be consulting on a long term Aviation Strategy for the UK which “.... will explore all of the options for maintaining the UK’s aviation hub status, with the exception of a third runway at Heathrow.” .

The Chancellor has also confirmed the Government’s commitment to building a Lower Thames Crossing to the east of Dartford. 3 route options are to be assessed and these proposals will be consulted upon in 2013.

It is clear that at this stage a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary has not been ruled out by the Government. The commitment to building a new Thames Crossing may suggest greater support for an airport within the Thames Estuary rather than somewhere else in the South East.

If you are concerned by any property or planning issues associated with a Thames Estuary Hub Airport and Lower Thames Crossing, then Michael Parkes Surveyors Limited may be able to assist. Please contact us on 01634 294994 or visit or website www.michaelparkes.co.uk