• Should you go for a long term or short term let?
    Posted on 4 May 2023

    Should you go for a long term or short term let?

    When you are renting a property there are two main types of lets that you can choose from. There are short term lets and long term lets. The type of let that you decide on will really depend on what you are looking for and your situation that you find yourself in.

    So, what are the main differences between a long term let and a short term let, and why might you want to choose one over the other?

    Why choose a short-term let?

    A short term let is a rental tenancy agreement that usually lasts up to 3 months. These types of lets are not quite as common as longer term lets; however, they are still beneficial to both tenants and landlords.

    As a tenant you might want to choose a short-term let if you are simply staying in an area for a short period of time. Maybe you are taking slightly longer due to work purposes? Perhaps you need to live in a certain area to take care of a sick relative? Or you could just need somewhere to stay whilst you are studying for a short time!

    Staying in a short-term let is ideal if you only need a property for a little while and you want to save yourself money as property rental is much cheaper than a hotel room. Not only this, but you also have a space to call your own too.

    Why a long-term let is better for you?

    The most common type of rental letting has to be a long-term let. Long-term lettings are those rental agreements that last longer than 12 months, often stretching into a tenant living in a property for many, many years.

    The main reason why some people will choose a long-term let is because they want to have the security. They will know that the place that they call their home is safe, for at least a few years. They won’t have to worry about moving, about finding somewhere else to live. You will often be looking for a long-term let if you have a family that you want to find a home for, or if you are planning to start a family in the near future.

    Whilst you have the security of a home for some time when you choose a long-term let, the thing that you are going to need to remember is that you are tying yourself into a longer contract. If anything changes in your home or your situation, then you may find it harder to move home or get out of the agreement that you have signed into.

    As you can see there are benefits to both short-term and long-term lets and which one you choose will really depend on your current situation. Whichever one you choose, you should take the time to think about exactly what it is that you are looking for and what is going to be best for you.
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  • Top tips for property searching when you are short on time
    Posted on 4 May 2023

    Top tips for property searching when you are short on time


    Are you in the early stages of planning to buy a property? Do you not know where to start? Follow these tips to simplify the process, remove the stress, and enjoy your search for a property.

    There are so many properties to choose from, you can't feasibly view every single one. The key is really to narrow down the options.

    By setting some parameters for your search, you should niche down enough to find the perfect selection of properties for you to view.

    In a busy world, we don't have time to view every property on the market at any given time. On average, a homebuyer will view around 7 or 8 properties before making offers. So how can you narrow down your search?

    Needs and wants - there is a BIG difference. You may NEED 4 bedrooms, or you might actually need 3 bedrooms and somewhere to have a study. Perhaps there is a second reception room to double up as a study, or somewhere to have a home office in the garden. You may NEED a garage for your car. Or you may actually just need somewhere to store bikes and gardening equipment if you leave your car on the driveway anyway.
    What could you compromise on, and what can you absolutely NOT compromise on? By setting these boundaries you have a starting point for narrowing down your search.

    Budget - set a figure you are comfortable with and stick to it. Don't be swayed. If you technically could buy at £500k, but this is at the very top of your budget, consider the lifestyle you will have after purchasing the property. You may have the perfect home, but will you have to survive on baked beans for the rest of the year? Is that worth it to you? Fundamentally, there will ALWAYS be better properties, you will NEVER buy the best house in the country. If you push it just a bit higher, there will always be ‘better’ properties - that is why they come with a higher price tag. You will have to cap your spending somewhere. It can be easy to get distracted and quickly end up buying at the very top of your budget. That is fine if you are aware and comfortable with the repercussions. But you don't want to end up having to cut corners to your lifestyle to pay for the house.

    Location - Decide on where you want to buy. Often the area is dictated by external factors, such as work or the kids' schools etc. After all, you can change most things about a property, but you can not change where it is.
    If this is too restrictive, consider having primary and secondary areas. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of properties for sale in most towns. After size and budget, you need a way to narrow down what you are looking for. Have an area you absolutely want and a secondary area that you would consider if the property was perfect.

    Register - make sure that you are registered with the estate agents that cover the location you are trying to buy in. Tell them what you are looking for, where and for how much. Make sure you tell them about the distinction between your needs and wants. They may just have the perfect property to show you! Often agents will have an online registration tool so that you can complete it for yourself rather than having to call during office hours.

    By setting parameters, you will narrow down your search considerably. This will save you time viewing properties that are not suitable for you.

    If you have any questions about searching for a new home, or you want to be registered to be the first to know when properties come onto the market, get in touch.
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  • What buyers are looking for on a viewing?
    Posted on 4 May 2023

    What buyers are looking for on a viewing?

    Not every buyer will take 15 minutes on a property they intend to live in or own for a very long time. Some will take their time looking for red flags, oversights and other shortcomings.

    Essentially, the typical buyer will be out on a viewing looking for certain things. Here are a number of them...

    A meeting with the seller

    Very few buyers will be satisfied with just viewing the property. They’d want to meet the seller or homeowner and ask as many questions as possible. New repairs, fixtures or ceiling might dazzle anyone but talking to the property owner of many years can shed light on a number of things. In the process, the buyer gets first-hand information on house repair history, warranties and insurances if any, and the individual or company doing the repairs, among other insights.

    The roof

    Definitely one place the ardent buyer will be keen to investigate is the state/quality of the roof. They’d want to know whether it’s newly repaired, noticeable, almost falling off or merely neglected. For instance, a neglected or ill-repaired roof means that it’ll cost the new owner. If it’s new, a homeowner will probably pay a lower rate of homeowners cover. A strong, well-done roof will also mean saving a lot from potential claims and wonderful defence against tempestuous elements.

    Structural integrity of the building

    Of course big cracks will be noticed or a shaky structure. Every buyer will take keen interest on the structural integrity of the building, checking out the extensions and where they connect, bay winds or walls just at the periphery of the terrace, among others. Terraces and extensions could already have started falling away from the other part of the property. In fact, the buyer will be looking for things relating to the building to request further explanations from the estate agent or homeowner. Once the homeowner has explained, the buyer will get in touch with a chartered building inspector or surveyor to identify risks and suggest areas in need of additional attention.

    Tell-tale floor

    Property buyers know floors tell their own story. For instance, if the floor around the bathroom seems to be dipping or strangely flaccid the buyer knows the plumbing could be a problem. It might also indicate some questionable plumbing just below the floor. If the floor seems to sag then the building structure could require some attention. Again, the buyer would want reassurance on the reliability and robustness of the structural foundation.

    Area around the property

    Chances are everything seems okay and fabulous inside the home. However, a buyer won’t just stop there. The environment around will be checked out. For example, interested buyers would love to know lots of things such as histories of flooding, if there is a shared driveway and other amenities, quality of a fence if any, among other things. Very few ignore the surroundings when buying a property, particularly a home.

    Signs they need professional inspectors

    Most buyers know of their limited five senses. If they believe there’s more to unearth or be assured about, sellers and estate agents should be ready for buyer-sponsored inspections of the property.

    Of course, there’s so much a typical buyer will be looking for on a viewing. If there’s nothing to hide and hope it’s not found out then homeowners and estate agents have absolutely nothing to worry about.
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  • Could this be the year you help your child buy their first home?
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    Could this be the year you help your child buy their first home?

    First time buyers are finding it harder than ever to get the money together to finance their first home. As a result, many are turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad. Here’s what you need to know about helping your child buy a house in 2023…

    Hundreds of thousands of first-time buyers are turning to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ this year to help get a foot on the property ladder – including older children who have long since cut the apron strings.

    One of the main reasons parents are keen to help is to improve on their child’s credit rating by acting as a guarantor or providing a deposit. This will help them get a better mortgage rate. These options are different from giving a financial gift of money (which could have a tax implication.)

    If parents go down the route of offering to deposit a lump sum with a mortgage lender, as a form of financial guarantee, this will have the least tax implications because the funds are only there to act as security. It is the same if parents offer their own property as security.

    If you’re keen to help your children but are still wondering how, here are some ways to consider doing so:

    Guarantor mortgages

    With a guarantor mortgage, a parent or close family member guarantees the mortgage debt. This means that if the buyer misses their mortgage repayments the guarantor will have to cover them.

    Family offset mortgages

    With family offset mortgages, parents or grandparents put their savings into an account linked to their child’s mortgage. The money in the savings account is then deducted from the mortgage, making the child’s repayments cheaper.

    Family deposit mortgage

    With family deposit mortgages, a family member deposits cash in a special savings account and the money is then held as security against the mortgage.

    Flexible family mortgages

    A parent or family member can use some of the value in their own property as security. Another option is for the family member to place savings in an offset account which reduces the amount of the mortgage on which interest is charged.

    Gifted deposits

    The parent gives a deposit to their child for the purchase of the property.

    Joint ownership

    In this case, both the parent and the child will be named on the mortgage and the deeds. The size of the loan will be based on the earnings or assets of both parent and child and if one of them stops paying, the other one will become liable for the debt.

    One of the best ways to find the right mortgage is to seek help from a mortgage broker. They will work on their customer’s behalf and negotiate between them and the mortgage lender.

    For first time buyers or people with a poor credit history, a mortgage broker can offer advice on how to build a credit score that attracts lenders. Often it is about knowing the right lenders to approach.

    If you want some recommendations for mortgage brokers locally, or some advice about how you can help your children obtain a property, please get in touch and we will be able to give you our expert advice.

    As there is a risk of repossession if mortgage payments are not maintained, it is always important to make an informed choice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    *All information up to date at time of publishing. Some of the mortgages mentioned above may go by different names depending on the mortgage lender.
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  • Checklist for your home sale progression
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    Checklist for your home sale progression

    In all honesty, selling a home could in most cases prove to be a daunting task and people sometimes do not get it right at first, they try and then try again. At this stage, you start to prep your home for viewings, putting the work in to make it attractive while getting prepared for the paperwork that is sure to come.

    As such, sale progression is an important point in the process of the sale of your home and it typically starts from when an offer is made for your property and you have accepted. The process extends to signing contracts and completing on the sale.

    As this is a crucial phase, we have put together a checklist that should come handy as the process of selling your home progresses…

    Choosing a solicitor or conveyancer: you want to kick-off your checklist by ensuring that you have your solicitor or conveyancer on board already. It is important to hire either of the two professionals to effectively deal with the paperwork that accompanies a home sale process. In choosing one, you want to make sure they come highly recommended or you can see visibly via their website or social media that they have a proven success rate. They will be the driving force, ensuring everything is chased up effectively, and there are no hold ups.

    Answer appropriate questions:
    It is usual for your prospective buyers to have questions concerning the property they are about to invest in and as such, you would do well to provide answers to possible questions so each prospective buyer can see how much of your specifications fit the bill of what they are looking for. Your agent can be of help here, knowing what they are likely to ask.

    Accepting offers: As offers begin to trickle in, your agent is under an obligation to inform you of each offer while guiding you to make a beneficial decision. If you do accept one of the offers you consider to be fair, your property will be taken off the market and processes to sign a contract and transfer ownership will kick-off.

    Create a draft contract: At this stage, you and your buyer have agreed that the property fits their bill and you want to sell for the price they are offering, you will discuss a timeframe in which the contract will be completed and every other outstanding issue you agree on. Surveys and checks will be made, and your agent and solicitor will chase up any resolutions which need to be completed before an exchange of contracts.

    Exchange contracts: Here, both parties have agreed on everything and contracts will be signed. Then you’ll both work together to set a completion date and hand over keys.

    Complete sale: To complete the sale, you will commit to move out on a certain date and also pay off the mortgage on the property. A mortgage company usually gives you the outstanding figure to be paid on your property and your agent can help you complete the process.

    The final process involves you paying your agent for work done based on your prior agreement with them and the registration of the sale/ new ownership at the Lands Registry will be done.

    Congratulations, you’ve sold your home!

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  • The buck stops with you! Key things that you need to do as a landlord
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    The buck stops with you! Key things that you need to do as a landlord

    If you are already a landlord, you will know about the endless rules and regulations you have to abide by. If you are not yet a landlord but are thinking about becoming one, this article will help keep you on the right side of the law!

    If you are already a landlord, you will know about the endless rules and regulations you have to abide by.

    If you are not yet a landlord but are thinking about becoming one, this article will help keep you on the right side of the law!

    At the last count, there are 178 different pieces of legislation that affect landlords and the letting of properties. And breaking these rules could land you in serious hot water, with some having unlimited fines and others carrying prison time!

    You can't wing it, and you can't mess it up.

    A landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property is in a 'lettable' condition, with rules and regulations in place to ensure that a tenant has a warm, dry, and safe property. If your property doesn't meet the requirements, you could be forced to improve it with formal notices and legal action. You are asking a tenant to pay you for the privilege of living in your property, so it must be up to scratch.

    The only way to know that you are 100% getting things right is to employ professionals, who know the laws, have completed the qualifications and deal with this every single day. This way, both you and your tenants are protected.

    I have seen many landlords that have dealt with their properties on their own for years. Half of them didn't even have tenancy agreements when they came to me. The majority didn't have deposits protected or up-to-date safety certificates.

    At best, these landlords would struggle to evict the tenants if they needed to, but they could have ended up in prison at worst.

    A letting agent will help you stay on the right track. In reality, their fees are minimal when you consider they could keep you out of jail.

    There are far too many pieces of legislation to itemise here. So I have covered the most critical items to ensure that your tenant is safe and your property is up to standard.

    Professional certificates: One way to ensure that a property is safe for a tenant is to have safety certificates carried out. As a landlord, you must have all gas appliances and electrical systems in every property checked, a 'pass' certificate saved on file and a copy given to the tenant. If the contractor can not pass the system, you are legally required to do any remedial work to make it safe. This could mean a hefty bill and maybe a delay in moving the tenant in. Perhaps, if they are told there is a delay to moving in, they realise that they can't wait and don't move in at all? You now have a hefty bill to pay and no rental income. You have to start back at the beginning, remarketing the property and referencing new tenants. Disaster! The loss in rental income, the monthly payments for the property to sit empty, and a significant repair.

    I would advise that you don't leave the legal certificates until the last minute for this reason.

    Before marketing the property for rent, you will need an EPC or Energy Performance Certificate. These certificates have a 10-year life span and are required when any property is marketed. So if you bought the property within the last 10 years, you might already have one. As part of the Governments' plans to improve the quality of rental properties across the board, they will soon introduce a rule that the EPC grading must be a C or higher to let the property. If the rating is D, E, F or G, you as the landlord will have to improve the property's energy efficiency before you can let it out. This could mean improving heating systems, windows or insulation, or maybe adding solar panels or something more substantial, to get that rating up high enough to allow it to be let.

    Pre-tenancy checks: Before a tenancy can begin, you or your agent must obtain copies of ID for all parties to hold on file as part of the referencing process. This is to ascertain that there are valid forms of ID and that the tenants are who they say they are. You also need to know if they fall into the category of a person of special interest.

    Right to rent: A landlord must confirm that the prospective tenant is legally allowed to sign a tenancy agreement and must check the immigration status of all prospective tenants. This can be done by taking copies of identity documents for all occupants over 18. If a prospective tenant lives in the UK on a visa, you need to know that they will have the right to stay for the duration of the tenancy agreement. You must carry out this check on all tenants. Even if they tell you that they are British citizens, it is against the law to only check those that you think are not British citizens.

    Structural maintenance issues: Of course, no one 'expects' a major structural defect, but if the worst should happen and there is a significant issue at your property, you must deal with it. The tenant should not have to suffer because you don't want to repair something or perhaps can't afford to. Unfortunately, a lack of funds is not an excuse. The Local Authority will not accept this as a reason for not carrying out repairs. This is why it is vital to have a robust insurance policy to quickly deal with unforeseen problems.

    You are expected to provide a warm, dry, and safe property, regardless of budget.

    There are many challenges when renting out a property, but nothing is insurmountable with a qualified agent in your corner. An agent is the perfect middle-person, ensuring that repairs are reported and dealt with promptly. Many repairs only get to a point where the Local Authority is involved because the tenant has no choice if something has been a problem for a very long time. This really is a last resort.

    I always advise landlords to have a few months' outgoings for the property in the bank account to prevent unnecessary stresses. If there are any issues with rent payments or unforeseen repairs, you have the funds to cover them.

    Rent guarantee insurance and landlords' insurance can go a long way to protecting your tenant and the property. Having insurances in place can give you and your tenant peace of mind that repairs can be dealt with swiftly. And you won't have any worries about any surprise invoices.

    If you are anxious about the management of your rental property and would like some help or guidance to make sure that you get it right, get in touch with our expert lettings team.

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  • Home Buying Surveys and Reports Explained
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    Home Buying Surveys and Reports Explained

    Whether you are a first time homebuyer or someone who has purchased in the past, buying a home is one of the largest purchases that you’ll make in your life which can seem very exciting yet daunting at the same time. There are various things to look at, but the most important is the home survey.

    What is a Home Survey?

    A home survey is an assessment of a property by a certified property inspector who identifies any major issues for the prospective buyer.

    The inspector visits the property, conducts an inspection and prepares the report outlining any problems. The home survey reports give you an idea of the general condition of the house as well as any serious defects. It also provides you with details of future expenditure and advises you whether the property is worth the investment. Homebuyers generally have a survey done on the property after they’ve had an offer accepted.  

    Types of Surveys

    The recognised body for property surveys is The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You should check that your home inspector is a member of it.

    The types of surveys conducted are:

    Mortgage Valuation – This is not a full survey, but a way for the mortgage lender to check the value of the property.

    RICS Condition Report – This is a basic survey that won’t go deep into the details, but picks out key problems with the home.

    RICS Home Buyers Report – This is a more detailed report that uncovers deep-lying things like the dampness, pest problems and structural issues.

    Building Structural Survey – This is the most detailed survey which looks at the building’s structure and predicts the costs of fixing problems. You might want this if you are thinking of buying an older home.  

    New Building Sagging Survey – This survey is specially designed for new homes. The report prepared highlights problems like missing loft insulation, faulty boilers, poor tiling and badly fitted windows and doors. So, you have the chance to raise the issues with the developers before moving in.

    How Long Do the Surveys Take?

    The home condition report survey covers the general building inspection and generally takes up to a day to complete depending on the size of the property. The building survey can take between two days and a week to complete as it gives you a detailed report of the building and all the underlying issues. However, basic mortgage valuation takes only a few hours.

    When Will the Report Deliver?

    Once the survey has been completed it is likely to take around 3-5 working days for the report to be produced and delivered. This can vary on the size and condition of the building as well as how busy the surveyor is.

    How Much Do the Surveys Cost?

    The cost of the surveys depends on various factors including the value of the property, its size, location, how easily accessible is the property and the level of the problem the property has.

    With this guide hopefully you’ll get a better understanding what home buying surveys and reports are and that you are fully informed on your surveying needs.
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  • What Social Media Tells You about an Estate Agent
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    What Social Media Tells You about an Estate Agent

    In this three-minute read, we look at the critical role social media plays in reaching out to potential buyers.

    When choosing an estate agent, it pays to channel your inner Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes and do a little online sleuthing.

    As we all know, many estate agents are known for having the ‘gift of the gab’. You’d be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t claim to have a strong community standing, good track record, and proven marketing formula.

    But how do you know if they’re telling the truth? Social media is a good place to start.

    We’re not suggesting you believe everything you see on the internet. But a quick online snoop will provide plenty of clues as to how proactive an agent is, and whether their claims marry up to reality.

    Top tips for online sleuthing

    Step into a buyer’s shoes

    Even if you’re not a big Facebook or Instagram user, many people – including potential buyers – are, so peruse the social media of local agents and analyse what you see. The best agents are dynamic, professional, consistent, and personable – qualities that should come across on their social media channels.

    Presentation of properties

    Compare how different agents market properties. Look for an agent who uses high-quality images or video footage of clutter-free rooms and informative and engaging property descriptions. Steer clear of agents who use grainy snaps of darkened rooms. In our image-focused culture, dodgy pictures are a huge turn-off for buyers.

    Engaging content

    Top agents do more than just market properties on social media – they engage with the local community about a range of issues. Look for content about the area, shout-outs to sports clubs and charities, and articles about important topics of the day (these might cover property-related matters or more general talking points). Savvy agents use social media to build a following so that when they have a property to market, they have a ready-made audience.

    Testimonials

    Reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of an agent’s strengths and weaknesses. Feedback from sellers, buyers, and other professionals involved in the property chain, such as conveyancing solicitors, can provide useful insight.

    Do they have personality?

    Ideally, an agent’s social media will give you some idea of what motivates and drives their business. Why does this matter? Selling your home is one of the biggest (and possibly most stressful) transactions of your life. Better to go through the experience with someone you feel comfortable talking to and whom you trust.

    For an example of how an experienced agent uses social media effectively, go ahead and follow us at: www.facebook.com/PinkertonsEstateAgents
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  • The Differences between Landlords and Property Investors
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    The Differences between Landlords and Property Investors

    In this two-minute read, we look at the differences between landlords and property investors.

    What’s the difference between a landlord and a property investor? Aren’t they the same thing? Does one rent out properties and the other sell them on? If these questions have got you scratching your head, read on.

    Long term vs short term

    Keeping it simple, a landlord makes a regular income from renting properties to tenants. They are responsible for maintenance and managing the property. It’s also likely that they hold onto the property for the long term.

    A property investor is trickier to define. It might be someone who buys buildings they can add value to before selling on, or someone that invests in other people’s property ventures, not getting involved in the actual build or refurb.

    Hands-on vs hands-off

    A private landlord has got a lot to do. Once they’ve bought, financed, and refurbished their rental property, they enter the wonderful world of lettings. And while many landlords use our agency to find tenants and manage their property (the easiest decision in our humble opinion), many choose a more hands-on approach. So, they manage the property, taking care of tenant enquiries, emergencies, or repairs.

    Being a landlord can be a full-time job, depending on the number of properties and tenants they may have.

    A property investor takes more of a back-seat role. For example, they may be part of a joint venture or involved in an equity partner agreement. This is where they put up the capital and other parties do the work.

    Property investors with access to a large amount of money may take more indirect routes to their investments such as property funds or trusts, buying shares in large development companies or property ISAs. In each instance, they commit their cash, rather than their time.

    Regular income vs one-off payments

    A private landlord looks for a good rental yield as a stable and relatively low-risk property investment. They receive monthly rental payments that should cover mortgage costs and could (hopefully) supplement their income. Over time, if they sell their rental property, they may also benefit from price appreciation. Nowadays, many private landlords regard property as an alternative to a traditional pension.

    Property investors buying buildings to ‘flip’ or develop look for a one-time payoff once they’ve sold the property.

    If you’re interested in becoming a landlord or making a property investment, call us on 02891 479 393.
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  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Shocking Statistic That Landlords Should Know
    Posted on 25 April 2023

    Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Shocking Statistic That Landlords Should Know

    We recently read a statistic about private landlords that left us scratching our heads.

    A whopping 56% of private renters say they live in a property that doesn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm*.

    Can such a high percentage of landlords really be ignoring safety advice and flouting regulations on carbon monoxide alarms?

    By law, any room in a rental property with a solid fuel-burning device or a gas appliance (such as a boiler) should have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

    These rules are there for a good reason – carbon monoxide poisoning can cause severe illness and even death. There’s no excuse for complacency.

    How is it made?

    Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fossil fuels. When fuels like gas, oil, charcoal, wood, or coal fail to burn properly (a process called incomplete combustion, caused by a lack of oxygen), carbon monoxide is produced.

    Exposure to it is hazardous to humans and animals.

    Detecting it

    You can’t see, smell or taste it; hence its nickname, the Silent Killer. To keep safe, you need to ensure carbon monoxide alarms and fuel-burning appliances are in good working order.

    Good ventilation is crucial, too. Blocked flues and chimneys are problematic, as are poorly fitted flues.

    Other warning signs include:

    •Black or brown stain marks around heaters and fireplaces.
    •Pilot lights on gas appliances that extinguish regularly or burn yellow (they should burn blue).
    •Flames that burn yellow or orange.
    •Excessive condensation in a room where there is a device that burns fossil fuels.
    •Excessive soot.

    Symptoms

    Signs of carbon monoxide exposure include vertigo, tiredness, nausea, headaches, chest pains, and blurred vision. The affected person may slip into a coma and then die. The NHS says 60 people die from carbon monoxide exposure every year.

    Keeping your tenants and property safe

    Landlords should:

    •Brush up on the regulations and install carbon monoxide alarms where required.
    •Ensure working fireplaces are serviced and swept by a competent person.
    •Have gas appliances regularly serviced by a qualified engineer.
    •Check any carbon monoxide alarms in the property are working when the tenant moves in (note this in the check-in inventory).
    •Ask tenants to test carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
    •Test carbon monoxide alarms during mid-tenancy inspections.
    •Endeavour to avoid cowboy builders who could bodge boiler and flue installations.

    For more advice about keeping your tenants safe and staying on the right side of the law, contact us here at Pinkertons.

    *According to a survey by property software company Plentific.
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