MINIMUM ENERGY LEVELS

Jul 27 | 2018
From 1 April 2018 any building that is rented on a new tenancy must have an energy rating of at least an E.  From 2020, all buildings must have an energy rating of at least an E.  There are some exemptions to this, so please speak to Kirsty for further advice and assistance.  This new legislation does put a burden on Landlords to ensure that their properties meet the energy standards.  How this effects the availability of rental properties we will have to wait to see.

HOW TO RENT GUIDE

Jul 27 | 2018
If you have entered a tenancy agreement on or after 26 June 2018, your Landlord or the Lettings Agent, must have provided you with a 'How To Rent Guide'.  If the guide was not provided to you, then you may have grounds to remain in occupation when and if the time comes for the Landlord to seek possession.  At the time of writing this blog, this is required in England only, . Housing Law is complex as the law changes so frequently, speak to us about our news letter, or keep reading our blogs, follow us on Facebook, or attend one of our training events.  Speak to Kirsty for further information.

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT CHARGES AND LETTING AGENTS

Jul 27 | 2018
Electronic payments are prohibited from 13 January 2018.  This means that if a Landlord takes a deposit from a tenant via an electronic payment (e.g. a credit or debit card), they can no longer add a surcharge onto the payment.  This may effect Lettings Agents from agreeing to take bonds on credit cards.  If you have been asked to pay a surcharge, then you may be entitled to have it returned to you.  If you have any questions then please speak to Kirsty John.

PENSIONS AND DIVORCE

Jul 27 | 2018
Litigants in person (i.e. people who represent themselves in a Court case), should be aware, that whilst it is relatively easy to complete the divorce petition and there are many firms or on-line agents who provide you with the documents and a brief explanation of the grounds  (Owens -v- Owens has changed that somewhat because proving a ground is not always that easy), it is still important that the finances are sorted before the Decree Absolute (DA) is obtained.  If you obtain a DA before the financial provisions are sorted, it could have a severe detrimental long term effect on your future security.  If the pension rights are not sorted before the divorce is made absolute, then the spouse could lose all rights.  Is it worth the risk? Our family page explains the divorce procedure.

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN YOUR WIFE AFTER A DIVORCE?

Jul 27 | 2018
In a recent Court ruling (the case of Mills-v-Mills), the Court found that Mrs Mills could no longer look to her husband as her 'meal ticket for life' and that she has a duty to make her own financial provisions in the long term.  Although this case involves a husband and a wife, it could work equally regardless of the gender.  It now appears that the Court is more inclined to order a clean break between the parties.  A clean break means that the Court divides the financial pot at the end of the divorce process, so it gives more certainty to the parties for their future.  It is now important that anyone in a long term relationship makes provision for their future rather than rely upon the support of their spouse.  Obviously, if this is impossible, then the parties require robust legal advice and support.  Lis Evans can assist you if you have any queries regarding this case and how it effects you.

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