News
A Gas Safe registered engineer working on a boiler is required under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to check the flue for correct operation. Some properties, mainly flats and apartments, have been built with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are behind walls or ceilings with no access.
The engineer needs to be able to see the flue – which takes fumes away from the boiler – as part of essential safety checks. A flue in poor condition, together with a boiler that is not working properly, could put you or your...
Published on Tuesday 24th January 2012
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Countrywide, the UK's largest property services group, has further expanded its lettings footprint with the acquisition of busy Wakefield lettings business, Letmove.com. The purchase of Letmove.com is the 12th lettings acquisition in 2011 for Countrywide and builds on Countrywide's successful year of growth in the Yorkshire region and the UK Lettings market.
Based only 10 miles south of Leeds, the large Wakefield portfolio encompasses over 450 properties across the whole of the area, in addition to covering suburbs within the South Leeds region. The centrally...
Published on Tuesday 3rd January 2012
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If you are a landlord and make energy saving improvements to your property, you could reduce the tax you pay. You can do this by claiming the ‘Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance’ (LESA).
LESA is a tax allowance (not a cash payment) that allows you to claim up to £1,500 against tax every year and can be claimed for properties you rent out in the UK and abroad. You can claim LESA for the costs of buying and installing certain energy saving products for properties you rent out, but only for what you actually spend. Qualifying improvements include:
• Cavity...
Published on Friday 28th October 2011
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Protecting your pipes
• Wrap all pipework, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages with insulation which you can usually get at your local DIY store or plumbers’ merchants at a modest cost
• Keep your home heated during a very cold snap - set your timer to constant or 24 hours and use your thermostat to maintain some warmth through the night and while you're out.
• Get to know your stop taps - you'll need to turn them off quickly if there's a burst. Check regularly...
Published on Tuesday 25th October 2011
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A reminder to all our landlords that it’s Gas Safety Week and you should ensure your gas appliances are checked before winter sets in.
Landlords are required by law to have gas appliances which they supply checked every 12 months, and provide the inspection report to the tenant.
Faulty appliances can cause a carbon monoxide (CO) leak which is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas but is also highly poisonous and can kill within hours, or cause serious illness through long-term exposure.
A carbon monoxide detector can be installed in your property...
Published on Wednesday 14th September 2011
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