A free Landlord Forum for private residential landlords and letting agents in the Oxfordshire area has been organised for Thursday 29 July at 1pm, at the West Oxon Council Offices in Woodgreen, Witney.
Topics being covered at the event include the legal pitfalls and new developments in private sector housing. General Manager of ‘Inside Housing Solution’, Mike Rangecroft, will be talking about different types of tenancies, unfair terms within tenancy agreements, notices and how to ensure that evictions are legal. He will also give advice on new and upcoming developments within the rented sector.
Landlords will also get information about a health awareness campaign involving Radon gas.
Within the district, 7,400 properties have been identified as being in higher radon-level locations. Environmental Health Officer, Clive Salisbury, will be giving advice about the council's new radon awareness programme including the financial implications for landlords whose properties may need minor remedial works to reduce radon levels.
Landlords will also be informed about how a new waste and recycling scheme starting in November affects their tenants. Plus there is a presentation on how to make homes more environmentally friendly to both save money and attract tenants including grant advice and easy tips to achieve energy efficiency.
The forum includes a free lunch and landlords and letting agents can register by calling 01993 861379 or emailing suman.lalsarbatta@westoxon.gov.uk
• A 15-year -old law that has effectively banned to let and for sale signs from much of Central London has now lapsed.
Richard Barber, partner in central London estate agency W.A. Ellis sees their return as a bonus for agents although he accepts that they are regarded as a blight by many.
“They produce a high quality response and I expect we will see a whole new crop of ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ signs springing up in the conservation areas of Kensington and Chelsea following expiry of Regulation 7 of the Town and Country (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992.”
But he added that he would not want to see a return to the situation that existed in the early 90s when some buildings, normally those in multiple occupation, were peppered with agents' boards regardless of whether there was a flat for sale in the building or not.
Barber accepts that there are many who will not welcome the return of sale boards. “Self-regulation is not an option,” he says. “There are effectively just two choices. A complete ban or rigorous enforcement of strict guidelines punishable by substantial financial penalties.
“If a licence fee were paid for each board erected wardens could be employed to police the Borough and fine any miscreants. It would be a shame if we were made to lose this valuable marketing tool which is of benefit to so many because of the selfishness of a few.”
