Landlords will be expected to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC ) on all their properties with effect from the 1st April 2018, by law there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private rented sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an EPC.

The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property that breaches this requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches. If you would like more information on this subject then please click on the link below.

https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/minimum-energy-efficiency-standards.shtml

For Landlords uncertain if they hold a valid EPC for their property they can access the EPC Register via this link to check https://www.epcregister.com/

If a valid EPC is not held for a particular property and you would like us to obtain certification then please contact us on telephone number 0151 644 6974; the cost for us to do this for you would be £60 + VAT.

We are delighted to announce that as of today the 04th August, 2015 rentwirral.com are fully occupied, sadly we do not have any available stock at this moment in time. That is great news if you are a landlord but not so great if you are a tenant looking for a property with our company! If you are a landlord and have a property that you have struggled to rent out with another agency, or if you simply want to try someone new then please get in touch, you will not be disappointed! I can guarantee that your property will receive the attention it requires in order to quickly and efficiently re-let. Call 01516446974 or email ben@rentwirral.com for further information.

Kind Regards

Ben Hulme - Business Manager

We have been busy making a few changes which will improve our efficiency when dealing with incoming calls and enquiries.  Our telephone number remains the same, 0151 644 6974, however when you call in, you will now hear 5 options in order for the relevant person to handle your enquiry, please see these options below;

• 1 - Property Rental Enquiries
• 2 - Repair Enquiries (non-emergency)
• 3 - Rent Officer- for current tenants with rent account issues
• 4 - Emergency enquiries
• 5 - All other enquiries

We look forward to handling your enquiry!

Free Loft & Cavity Wall Insulation - Apply before 31st December, 2012

If you are a private tenant in the Wirral area and are interested in learning how to save money and keep warmer this Winter then please click on the link below. You will be able to run through a very quick and easy application that takes no more than 2 minutes, it will tell you whether or not you are eligible for free loft and cavity wall insulation (if applicable).  This really will help reduce your expenditure this Winter and keep you warmer in your home!

http://www.freeinsulation.co.uk/apply/step1.html - CLICK LINK TO APPLY!

Property to rent in Jolly Beach Resort Antigua

For those of you who cant stand the cold British Winter why not take a look at this lovely 3 bed house that is available to rent in the Caribbean.  This really is the most relaxing place on earth, the house is situated in the Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua, it is located 5 minutes from the sandy white Caribbean beaches, click on the video below for some photographs and video of what we have to offer.....

"Council Tax Benefit is being abolished from 1 April 2013 and will be replaced by a local Council Tax Support scheme.  Wirral Council has designed a draft scheme and is asking the public and stakeholders to have their say about it and help shape the final scheme.  The details of the draft scheme and an on-line questionnaire can be found at http://www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/advice-and-benefits/benefits/council-tax-benefit-reforms/have-your-say.  Please take the time to have a look’".

To find out more information about the scheme itself please click here.

To read about how these changes might affect you please click here.

Chadworth Developments are delighted to announce that through the month of May we broke our own record of successful tenancy signups as well as keeping the void period on all vacant properties to a minimum.

Business Manager, Ben Hulme commented;"during the past month we have averaged over 3 sign ups per week which maintains my belief that the rental market shows no sign of slowing down. The current economic climate means that mortgages for first time buyers are still proving difficult to obtain resulting in more people than ever are turning to the rental market.  Maybe the uncertainty of interest rates also acts as a deterrent to first time buyers who may feel that renting property gives them a lot more financial freedom for the foreseeable future."

Chadworth continue to offer both tenants and landlords fantastic service and affordability along with providing safe, secure and comfortable accommodation.  Contact the office today to arrange a viewing on properties that we have available.

Advice for Tenants and Householders

This news article explains how condensation forms and how you can keep it to a minimum, thus reducing the risk of dampness and mould growth.

Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture and make timber rot.  Damp in housing encourages the growth of mould and mites.  Damp is more often than not caused by condensation forming on cold surfaces.  It can also be caused by rising damp or weather penetration.

What is Condensation?

Condensation is dampness occurring when air laden with water vapour cools on contact with a cold surface, you notice it when you see your breath on cold days or in the bathroom on mirrors or tiled surfaces.  Condensation frequently occurs during cold weather and appears on cold surfaces and in areas of the dwelling where there is little movement of air.

Condensation is frequently found on or near windows, cold wall surfaces and in or behind cupboards or wardrobes. Also it often forms on north facing walls.

Is it Damp or Condensation?

Does it leave a tidemark? - If so, it is not condensation, the source of a leak or dampness needs to be inspected, this could be from rain seeping through windows or rising dampness due to a defective or missing damp proof course.

HOW TO MINIMISE CONDENSATION

Produce less moisture

Ordinary daily activities produce a lot of moisture, often very quickly. 

• Cover boiling pans and turn kettles off after use.
• Avoid paraffin and portable gas heaters as these add moisture to the air in the dwelling.
• Dry washing outdoors or in the bathroom with the door closed, window open or fan turned on.
• Vent tumble dryers using correct vent kits. Self-condensing types reduce the amount of moisture,   but they are not as good as a vented type.
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators/heaters.

Ventilate to Remove Moisture

• Keep a small window or trickle vent open when the room is in use.
• In particular, ventilate kitchens and bathrooms when you are using them.
• Prevent the damp air spreading by keeping kitchen and bathroom doors closed when the room is in use.
• Open curtains for at least 4 or 5 hours each day, this allows moisture to get through any window vents.
• Do not completely draught-proof windows, especially in the kitchen or bathroom as this assists airflow.
• Do not blank off vents.
• Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes, do not put too many things in them so preventing circulation. Where possible put them on internal walls.

Keep Your Home Warm

• Heat your home at low levels for a long time rather than high levels for short periods, this will ensure that fewer cold surfaces form in the home.
• Heat the home even when there is no one there. Keep background heating on all the time during winter months.
• Heat using a dry source, for example gas central heating or electric storage heaters or a fitted gas fire. Do not use paraffin or portable gas heaters.
• Insulation and sensible draught proofing will help keep your home warm and will also cut fuel bills.

Dealing with Mould Growth

• If mould starts to grow on walls, clean them with a suitable cleaning agent.
• Try to ensure that condensation does not occur on a regular basis.

Do you think the buy to let market will remain buoyant in the future and is now a good time to invest in purchasing more properties?

"Whilst it remains difficult for first time buyers to get their foot on the property ladder I think the buy to let market will continue to grow as demand for rented property outstrips supply.  On the down side for Landlords buy to let mortgages are still difficult to obtain and those that are available often demand high arrangement fees or large deposits.  Payments of Local Housing Allowance direct to tenants can also potentially cause Landlords a problem.  Currently there are investment bargains to be had, especially at auction; recent purchases by some of our current Landlords are generating excellent returns."

Ben Hulme - Property Manager

Rental Market Strong

Despite the countries economy going through one of the worst recessions in recent memory, the rental market is remaining as strong as ever.  This recession has been difficult due to the strain of the housing market collapsing and the banks taking a massive hit, but this has led to a huge increase in the demand for rental property. 

Commenting on the upsurge in demand, Ben Hulme, Business Manager said "With the collapse of the housing market, this has led to many properties being snapped up by people with available cash.  Some of our Landlords are choosing to extend their portfolios during this period and as a result are reaping the benefits."

So where are the best bargains to be found?  Will Rowlands, Business Administrator believes that the best bargains are the ever popular 2 up/2 down, commenting "I recently attended an auction and by far the most popular lots were the 2 bedroom terraced houses.  One property was purchased in Rosedale Road in between the parks in Tranmere for £43,000 and although it did require some renovation ie. with a conservative estimate spend of £20,000 the property would still give a return of 9.42% per annum!... much better than any bank!!"

So what do the professionals see for the future?

First and foremost, the rental market will improve and develop even further.  The amount of properties on the rental market will stabilize and then over time the rental figures will increase, all be it gradually.  On the flip side, house prices will increase and therefore offer chances to sell and gain good percentage yields. 

If we can be of any help and offer any advice, we would be more than happy to take your call so get in touch with us today on 0151 644 6974.

We have updated our contact list to make it easier for all our tenants and landords to keep in touch with us via email and telephone so that you are put in contact with the staff member who is best suited to dealing with your enquiry as efficiently as possible.

Please choose from the following according to your enquiry:

• Main Office:- 0151 644 6974
• Ben Hulme- Business Manager- ben@rentwirral.com
• Will Rowlands- Business Administrator- will@rentwirral.com
• Pam Pagin- Rent Officer- pam@rentwirral.com or txt 07538245487
• Emergencies- emergency@rentwirral.com (eg. boiler breakdowns, burst and leaking pipes)
• General Repairs- repairs@rentwirral.com (all non-emergency issues eg. dripping tap)
• General Information- info@rentwirral.com

In all emergency cases we will endeavour to respond without delay, general repairs we will look to respond within 48-72 hours.

Chadworth Developments are delighted to announce that only 1% of the 130+ properties that are being managed by the company are unoccupied.  If you are a Landlord with a property to rent please contact us immediately as we have tenants waiting for property throughout the Wirral.

Over the past 6 weeks we have worked carefully to place the right  tenants in the few remaining empty properties on our books and are now very close to succeeding full 100% occupancy.

Commenting on the success, Business Manager Ben Hulme said "It's a credit to the staff here that we have been able to achieve this significant milestone.  It shows that the hard work and effort that they have gone to over the past few months really is paying off and as a result the right tenants are being placed in the right landlord properties."

In regards to the future development of the business, Will Rowlands, Office Manager added  "Moving forward as a business we are always striving to maintain and improve our standards for both tenants and landlords, now that we are nearing 100% occupancy rate we are in desperate need for new Landlord properties so that we can match prospective tenants on our database to properties throughout the Wirral area.  We have several tenants who have recently passed our application processes including credit checks etc but unfortunately we do not have the right property for them at present, therefore we need new Landlords to contact us immediately if they have a property available for rent".

Contact us now on 0151 644 6974 to discuss further or email ben@rentwirral.com for further information.

Important changes to Housing Benefit from April 2011

In June of last year the new coalition government pushed through an emergency budget designed to help bring down the national debt, as part of this emergency budget the Chancellor introduced new changes to the way Housing Benefit or LHA is going to be calculated.

The main changes to be aware of are that the calculation of LHA will now change, meaning a reduction in the amount you will recieve.  Below is a table of Current and Proposed LHA rates due to come into effect as of April 1st.

What will this mean for landlords?

Any tenant who moved into your property after April 2008 are highly likely to be affected by these changes.  Upon review of claims, any existing tenat may have their Housing Benefits reduced.  In most cases the review will happen on the anniversary of their claim, 12 months from the date of the first claim.  Some people will be protected from these changes for up to 9 months under transitional arrangements.

From April the council will also have better discretion to pay HB directly to landlords so that it helps to streamline the rent payment process further.  Direct payments may also be offered if a landlord proactively chooses to reduce their rent to the new lower LHA levels.

Changes to the maximum rate

There will also be changes to the maximum rate caps, so that LHA weekly rates in any part of the country cannot be more than

• £250/1bedroom property
• £290/2 bedroom property
• £340/3 bedroom property
• £400/ 4 bedroom property

There will now no longer be a 5 bedroom property rate, the maximum rate will be based on a 4 bedroom property.

Budget 2011- Any changes?

So it is that time of the year again, the time everyone dreads as the Chancellor announces his Budget for the forthcoming year, but what effect will this actually have on us? 

These are the main changes that the Chancellor has announced this afternoon,

UK ECONOMY

2011 growth forecast downgraded from 2.1% to 1.7%

2012 forecast also down from 2.6% to 2.5%

Inflation set to remain between 4% and 5% in 2011

FUEL, CIGARETTE AND ALCOHOL DUTIES

No further changes to alcohol duty rates

INCOME TAX

No new personal tax increases

Personal tax allowance to rise a further £630 to £8,015 in April 2012

Consultation on long-term plan to merge income tax and National Insurance

50% top rate of tax to remain but review of how much it raises

BORROWING

Forecast borrowing of £146bn this year, £2.5bn lower than anticipated

Borrowing to fall to £122bn next year, dropping to £29bn by 2015-16

National debt forecast to be 60% of national income this year, up to 71% in 2012

OTHER TAXES AND ALLOWANCES

Council tax to be frozen or reduced this year across England

10% discount on inheritance tax for people leaving 10% of estate to charity

Rise in air passenger duty to be frozen this year

Private jet users to pay passenger duty for first time

Levy on so-called "non-doms" up to £50,000 for those resident in the UK for 12 years

Tax avoidance clampdown to raise £1bn this year

Support for families in the south-west of England with water bills

HOUSING

Government-backed shared equity scheme to help 10,000 first-time buyers

HELP FOR BUSINESS

Corporation tax to be cut by 2% in April, not 1% as previously planned

Bank levy to be adjusted so banks do not pay less tax as a result

43 tax reliefs to be scrapped as part of simplification of tax code

£350m of business regulation to be scrapped

No new regulation on firms with fewer than 10 staff for three years

Business rate relief holiday for small firms extended for another year

New rules to require planners to prioritise growth and jobs

£100m funding for science facilities

21 "enterprise zones" to be launched, backed by tax incentives

JOBS AND SKILLS

Funding for 12 further university technical colleges

40,000 new apprenticeships for young people out of work

Funding for 100,000 work experience placements

PENSIONS

Accepts Hutton review of reform of public sector pension contributions

Long-term aim for £140 a week flat-rate state pension - not to apply to current pensioners

TRANSPORT

£100m for repairing potholes in England

£200m support for regional railways in England

GREEN MEASURES

£2bn extra funding for Green Investment Bank - to launch in 2012

So as you can see not much has changed from the emergency budget that was produced last June but this is because the Chancellor doesn't have much room to manovoure in the current economic climate.

We are pleased to be able to offer some fantastic serviced offices located in beautiful surroundings just off the Chester High Road in Ness.

Oaktree Court Business Centre
Mill Lane
Ness
Cheshire
CH64 8TP

Once you have experienced the laid back atmosphere and seen the high quality offices that we have to offer at very reasonable prices you will not want your business located anywhere else! 

Please visit www.officespacewirral.co.uk for further information or contact our friendly, professional staff on 0151 214 1050.

We are now taking bookings for our luxury villa which is located in Jolly Harbour, Antigua. 

The Villa comprises of:-

• 1 Master suite with en-suite bathroom
• 1 Double Bedroom
• 1 Large Bedroom with 2 x single beds and en-suite wet room (for disabled use)
• 1 Bathroom with bath/shower
• Large fitted kitchen
• Lounge/Dining Room
• Decking to the rear leading to small pool with disabled ledge, security lighting surrounds the entire decking
• Garden to the front, side and rear of the property
• Off road parking
• Sleeps 6 comfortably
• Please contact Ben on 0151 644 6974 for more information regarding Prices and availability.