Law changes and Tristram's updates

Law changes and Tristram's updates


Welcome to the May edition of the Tristram's monthly newsletter, where we'll be sharing our updates and the latest news from the property market.

Firstly this month we introduce our new Lettings Negotiator, Nic. She'll be focusing on property viewings and has left a note to say hello below. Elsewhere we provide an update on an important law change for landlords on ensuring properties comply with electrical safety requirements from 1st July! If you would like some support with the new requirements please contact us.  

Further on we share some tips for preparing your property for sale, and insights on the new government advice for returning to work. Also, did you know that we've updated our website! Its got some great features and information on so be sure to check it out!


 
From 1st July the new Electrical Safety standards come into effect for new tenancies. Landlords will have to ensure that electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies. The electrical inspection and testing must result in an Electrical Installation Conditions Report being produced by a qualified professional. This report must be provided to the tenant of the property, as well as the housing authority if required. Should a tenant request the report, landlords will have 30 days to provide this to them. Reports remain valid for a 5 year period, after which a new inspection, test, and report should be generated.

In a bid to improve the safety of tenants across the United Kingdom, the Electrical Safety Standards will mean that the electrics in properties should be safer and more uniform. Despite calls to delay the implementation of these new requirements, the government has made clear that landlords providing safe homes for their tenants is of upmost importance, even during the current health pandemic. The new electrical safety requirements will be applicable to all existing tenancies from April 2021.

If a landlord does not have an Electrical Installation Conditions Report in place for their new tenancies, the government can impose large fines and even prison sentences for non-compliance. Landlords must ensure that they take all practicable steps to meet compliance and be able to demonstrate this should any exceptional circumstances prevent them from complying.

If you are concerned about how the new regulations may affect your properties, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.



 



Law Update: Electrical Installation Condition Report Requirement

 

From 1st July the new Electrical Safety standards come into effect for new tenancies. Landlords will have to ensure that electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies. The electrical inspection and testing must result in an Electrical Installation Conditions Report being produced by a qualified professional. This report must be provided to the tenant of the property, as well as the housing authority if required. Should a tenant request the report, landlords will have 30 days to provide this to them. Reports remain valid for a 5 year period, after which a new inspection, test, and report should be generated.

In a bid to improve the safety of tenants across the United Kingdom, the Electrical Safety Standards will mean that the electrics in properties should be safer and more uniform. Despite calls to delay the implementation of these new requirements, the government has made clear that landlords providing safe homes for their tenants is of upmost importance, even during the current health pandemic. The new electrical safety requirements will be applicable to all existing tenancies from April 2021.

If a landlord does not have an Electrical Installation Conditions Report in place for their new tenancies, the government can impose large fines and even prison sentences for non-compliance. Landlords must ensure that they take all practicable steps to meet compliance and be able to demonstrate this should any exceptional circumstances prevent them from complying.

If you are concerned about how the new regulations may affect your properties, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.



How to prepare your property for sale

 
With demand for property prior to lockdown soaring, there are sure to be plenty of motivated buyers once restrictions are relaxed, therefore now is an ideal time to prepare your property for a quick sale.

Kerb appeal
As is always the case with selling properties, a first impression can make or break a sale with a poorly presented property often putting off buyers before they have even set foot in the home. In the summer this is especially important as buyers will often drive or walk past a property before they decide to book a viewing. With the summer sun shining a light on any less-than-perfect parts of the exterior of your property, you should ensure that flowers are planted, weeds are pruned and lawns are mowed. Extra attention to details, such as ensuring that the front door has been cleaned and the windows are streak-free will pay dividends in your selling process.

Accessories
A neutral interior will appeal to a mass market and increase the scope of your property in terms of potential buyers, but if you are looking to make the most of the summer then don’t be afraid of colour. Using accessories to add pops of colour around your home that reflect the brighter summer season – such as burnt orange and lemon – will make your property stand out from the crowd in those all-important photographs.

Lights
When we think of summer, we all first think of sunshine and brighter evenings – so make the most of this light when presenting your home for sale. Get rid of heavy curtains and dark blinds, which can make a room feel smaller and prevent the light from entering a room. Buyers want to feel that rooms are bright and spacious, so if at all possible have windows and doors open throughout the house to create a light, airy feeling (as well as bringing in those fresh summer scents).

Set dress
Set dressing refers to the arranging of a room or space in order to paint a picture of the kind of lifestyle which could be enjoyed in your property. Never is it more important to set dress your garden than throughout the summer months, with potential buyers wanting to know that they will be able to enjoy the outdoor space which your home provides. Tempt potential buyers by showing off your outdoor spaces with garden furniture, fire pits and barbecues.

Viewing times
During the summer months many people like to start work early and leave early in order to benefit from the longer evenings; make sure that you can accommodate as many viewings as possible by being flexible with your viewing times. Allowing people to view your home early in the morning, as well as in the afternoon will help bring more people through the door as well as showing off your property in favourable lighting.



Returning To Work Safely


The latest updates from the government include a return to work strategy with steps for how to do this safely. Understandably, many people have concerns about returning to work including travelling to and from work places. Each business is different and will require different adaptations to their operating procedures to facilitate a safe environment but the same guiding principles will apply. That is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff members and customers. Eight separate guides have been published by the government to support different types of businesses - these guides can be found here. We have summarised the 5 key points applicable to businesses returning to work below*:

1. Work from home if you can
The message continues to be to work from home where at all possible. However, it is acknowledged that not all businesses are able to operate from home. Businesses that have not been told to close by government are now able to go back to work. Employers should discuss operating procedures with their staff.

People should try to avoid public transport in their work commute. However, where this is not possible, the people are asked to wear face masks where possible.

2. Covid-19 risk assessment
All employers need to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment. This is in line with current health and safety employment and equalities legislation. The risk assessments should be undertaken in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments (all businesses with over 50 employees are expected to do so).

3. Maintain social distancing
Work spaces should be redesigned to respect the 2-meter social distancing guidelines. This can be achieved with staggered start times, one-way walking systems, and changing seating layouts. Designating specific entrances and exits can also minimise close contact.

4. Risk management where social distancing is not possible
It is acknowledged that not all workplaces will find it easy to manage social distancing at 2 meters apart. In this instance, employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.

5. Reinforcing cleaning processes
Work spaces should be cleaned more often with extra attention to objects with high contact, such as door handles, and office equipment. Hand washing facilities and sanitising stations should be provided at entrances and exits.
For further information please head to the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

*These key points have been taken from gov.uk guidance published on 11 May 2020