Property News and Information
- Utilities
- Electrical Installation & PAT Testing
- Landlords Gas Safety Certificates
- Energy Performance Certificates
- Joinery Services
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme – A Guide For Tenants
- Moving Checklist
Utilities
SAVE MONEY & EARN MONEY… on all these household services
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The Utility Warehouse CashBack CardThe only payment card that gives you an extra 5% saving on: food and fuel at Sainsbury's, as well as clothing, DIY, health and beauty products, household and electrical goods... at leading retailers throughout the UK!Participating retailers include: Sainsbury's, Argos, Halfords, Homebase, JJB sports, Topman, Topshop....
You can order a partner card with a main card - which shares the balance. Or order up to three sibling cards; each has its own balance - perfect for pocket money, or for sending money to a family member away from home - even abroad! |
In these difficult economic times households and businesses are looking to reduce outgoings wherever possible!
A simple and easy way is to save money on essential services. Which Magazine Review & Best Buy With the Utility Warehouse (a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange) typical annual savings for an average household are:
- Gas £156
- Electricity £77
- Phone & Broadband £173
- Mobile (per phone) £80
- Cashback discount card £369
- TYPICAL ANNUAL SAVING £855
You have nothing to loose and everything to gain by switching to the Utility Warehouse for your utility supplies, plus take advantage of the cashback discount card that gives you an extra 5% saving at a growing number of leading retailers throughout the UK. Switching is simple, straight forward and hassle free and includes a unique "Triple Value" guarantee on gas and electricity prices. All the services you take are charged on a single monthly bill. In the unlikely event you are not happy with the services provided you are not locked in to minimum term contracts and can simply cancel and go elsewhere.
The more services you take.... the more money you save....
In addition to saving you money the Utility Warehouse provides the opportunity for anyone to earn an additional income by becoming a distributor in your own right. Introduce friends, family, relatives work colleagues to the savings available with the Utility Warehouse.
As a distributor as well as saving money for everyone you introduce you generate a monthly ongoing income for yourself, for as long as they utilise the services, without doing anything else. Get others to also become a distributor and start to dramatically increase your earnings.
How good is that in these difficult economic times - as well as saving money for yourself and everyone else you introduce to the Utility Warehouse, you are making money as well!
Recent news article from the Financial Mail On Sunday Utility Warehouse in the news
As a Distributor see how easily your earnings keep growing
For further details please visit Utility Warehouse or Contact Us
The above savings are based on... mobile phone savings and 'cheapest mobile services' claims are based on a comparison between ValuePay and the average of the cheapest Pay as you Go tariffs available from Vodafone, Orange, O2 and T-Mobile for usage of 100 cross-network minutes per month. BroadCall saving is based on the total price charged by BT for line rental, unlimited UK calls and the closest equivalent broadband package excluding any short term promotions or discounts. Energy savings are based on typical usage for a 3 bedroom detached house using British Gas (for gas) and npower (for general domestic electricity) in the Swalec region. CashBack card annual saving is based on average annual fuel cost (sources: the AA, the IAM and petrolprices.com, July 2008) and projected average annual supermarket spend (source: mysupermarket.co.uk, June 2008). Participating retailers subject to change.
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Electrical Installation & PAT Testing
Swell Dweller Sheffield is delighted to offer Landlords a range of electrical tests at discounted rates.
PAT Testing
For PAT testing £40.00 per property for properties landlords have paid to advertise on the website and £45.00 per property for landlords not advertising their properties on the website. This includes the full schedule of results and PAT certificate for the first 20 items. £2.00 per item for any items above the initial 20. Please note there is no VAT to apply to these prices.
Domestic Periodic Inspection & Test (these are normally valid for 5 years)
Full periodic electrical inspection and test report. The inspector will carry out an in-depth, thorough inspection of the whole electrical installation and/or a section or part of the electrical installation as requested, and also carry out testing of the installation with approved test meters and equipment. A comprehensive report along with a schedule of appropriate test results is then provided, along with, if necessary, a quotation for any necessary remedial or upgrade work established during the inspection and testing.
The following rates apply:
- 1, 2 bedroom properties - £100.00 per property for properties landlords have paid to advertise on the website and £110.00 per property for landlords not advertising their properties on the website
- 3 bedroom properties - £110.00 per property for properties landlords have paid to advertise on the website and £120.00 per property for landlords not advertising their properties on the website
- 4+ bedroom properties - £125.00 per property for properties landlords have paid to advertise on the website and £135.00 per property for landlords not advertising their properties on the website
Please note there is no VAT to apply to these prices.
Visual Inspection Report
We also offer this service to landlords. A visual electrical survey is intended as a means of identifying defects, damage and deterioration of the installation, together with the general level of compliance with the current national safety standard BS7671. As this type of inspection does not involve any circuit testing, it cannot alone determine whether the installation is safe for continued use. A full periodic Inspection and test to BS7671 would be required to establish this. A visual inspection could however be used as an interim measure between formal periodic inspection and tests to visually identify damage or deterioration. We will also offer advice and will discuss any concerns, offering piece of mind on the condition of the electrical installation. A basic visual report is then provided along with a quotation for any necessary electrical work required. A visual inspection report whilst carrying out PAT testing can be undertaken for an additional £30.00 per property.
Contact Us now to take advantage of these special offers.
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Landlords Gas Safety Certificates
All private landlords have to make sure the gas supply and appliances they provide to their tenants are safe. Every place that has gas must have a valid CAPITA gas safety certificate (changed from CORGI 1 April 2009). This section explains what a gas safety certificate covers, and what to do if you are having problems related to gas safety.
If the gas appliances in your home are unsafe you could be at risk of fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide gas is invisible and has no smell. It is very poisonous and can kill quickly. If you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning you might have symptoms such as headaches, nausea, chest pains, sudden faintness, erratic behaviour, diarrhoea or stomach pains.
There is no legal requirement for your landlord to install carbon monoxide detectors, but you can ask your landlord to provide them. If your landlord does not provide these items, it may be worth considering fitting them yourself. You can buy them from hardware shops and they are fairly inexpensive.
What should tenants do in an emergency?
If a tenant suspects there is a gas leak in your building, have them call the gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999. The gas supplier will disconnect the gas supply or appliance if it is unsafe or the risk is too great.What are my tenants responsibilities?
Your tenants have a legal responsibility not to use appliances that they know or suspect to be unsafe. If there is a gas leak they should try and prevent any further escapes of gas, for example, by turning off the gas supply to the accommodation. They should also report any gas leaks to the gas supplier immediately.What responsibilities does a landlord have?
All private landlords have to have a valid CORGI gas safety certificate for all the gas equipment in the accommodation they rent out. Gas safety certificates can only be given by CORGI registered gas engineers and are valid for 12 months. In order to give a gas safety certificate the engineer has to check:- the gas supply
- gas appliances
- gas flues
- ventilation
If the gas engineer identifies any problems with the gas equipment, the landlord has to get a CORGI registered gas engineer to carry out the works required. The gas engineer has the power to seal off any faulty equipment or request the gas company to cut off the supply to the property.
What about new gas appliances?
All new gas appliances provided since 1998 in bedrooms, bedsits, bathrooms, or shower rooms have to be 'room sealed'. This means that the gas burning system is sealed off from the room. New appliances must also be fitted by registered CORGI gas engineers.How can tenants minimise the risks?
There are things that you can do to minimise risks to you in your home, such as:- report any faulty equipment or problems to your landlord immediately
- make sure that smoke alarms are fitted and in working order
- use carbon monoxide detectors
- plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all escape routes
- make sure that exit routes are clear if you suspect there is a gas leak, contact the gas supplier immediately
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Energy Performance Certificates
This is excellent value compared with others providing EPC's. As a comparison the National Landlords Association are charging £69.00 per property for members and £79.00 per property for none members.
The Sunday Times recently quoted the Residential Landlords Association as suggesting that an EPC is likely to cost approximately £200. Once the law comes into effect demand will be high and an important factor to consider is possible delays to landlord's in the marketing of their properties for rent because they do not have an EPC in place. It will be a busy time for Energy Assessors and so delays in turn around of the EPC's could result in a loss of rental income.
In addition to domestic Energy Performance Certificates Swell Dweller Sheffield can now provide commercial Energy Performance certificates in Sheffield and around the UK starting from just £325.00 + VAT for a floor area up to 100 sq metres (1,076 sq ft). For other floor sizes please Contact Us
The Facts:
The certificates (EPCs) will have to be provided free either when (or before) any written information about the property is provided to prospective tenants or a viewing is conducted. They will not have to be provided if the landlord believes the prospective tenant is unlikely to have sufficient funds to rent the property or is not genuinely interested in renting, or the landlord is unlikely to be prepared to rent the property to the prospective tenant.
A new certificate will not be required on each let since, in the case of rental property. EPC's will be valid for 10 years.
The requirement is being introduced to comply with the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which applies to all property, including rented property.
Contact Us now to take advantage of these special offers.
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Joinery Services
Providing complete joinery services.
Let us make improving/upgrading your rental properties easy and straight forward. We work with plasterers, plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen so all aspects of improving/upgrading your properties can be undertaken. We provide one stop solutions!
Student Accommodation - for HMO licensing requirements, supply and fit fire doors etc...
Address: 7 Berry Avenue, Eckington, Sheffield S21 4AR
Mob: 07929 211146 (Ricky Lyttle)
Email: rickydavid85@googlemail.com
Map
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Tenancy Deposit Scheme – A Guide For Tenants
The bottom line is when you vacate the property you want to get your deposit back. So don't give your landlord grounds to make deductions.
The best way to ensure this is - look after the property! Clean properly as you go along, especially floors, cookers, baths, showers and toilets, which can become major tasks over time if left to fester. Use the vacuum clean regularly, don't live in 'squawler' throughout the year and then in the last few hours before you move out chaotically have a quick clean around. This is a sure fire way to get deductions from you deposit.
Many landlords will provide you with a 'Checkout List' towards the end of your tenancy providing a detailed cleaning schedule etc... to follow to ensure if followed fully no deductions are made from deposits. Also make sure all light bulbs are working, replace where not, provide new vacuum cleaner bags etc...
Assuming the property was clean and tidy when you moved in, it needs to be returned in the same condition in order to ensure no deductions are made from your deposit. If not clean and tidy when you move in report this to your landlord.
Damage to any of the landlords fixtures, fittings and contents will also in most cases result in deposit deductions. So don't be heavy handed and look after things. You may need to arrange to get carpets cleaned if these are stained or soiled.
Where your landlord provides an inventory check the items listed are all accounted for.
Your landlord may also want to see proof that you've paid all utility bills up to date, pending final meter readings upon your departure.
The Facts:
The government introduced the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to protect tenancy deposits and provide a fairer system for settling disputes about the return of a deposit at the end of a tenancy. Before introduction of the scheme, if a landlord kept all or part of your deposit it could be difficult to get it back. With the new scheme, an independent service helps to resolve disputes about deposits at the end of a tenancy. This service is free for tenants.
You will be protected by the scheme if you are:
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renting a home from a private landlord or letting agent on or after 6 April 2007, and
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your tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy (this applies to most new private tenancies), and
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you are paying a deposit (not the same as rent in advance)
It doesn't matter whether it is the tenant, or someone else such as a parent, who provides the money for the deposit.
But what if you paid your deposit before the start of the new legislation? If you paid a tenancy deposit before 6 April 2007, then you will not be protected by the scheme unless your landlord or agent renews your tenancy on or after 6 April 2007, and gives you a new agreement.
There are clear rules about what the landlord or the agent has to do. After you've paid your deposit, the landlord or agent must then protect your deposit using a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
There are two types of scheme available:
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a custodial scheme. With this scheme, the landlord or agent pays the deposit to the scheme, which will keep it until the end of your tenancy.
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an insurance scheme, where the landlord or agent keeps the deposit but pays insurance premiums to the scheme. This means that the deposit is insured if there is any dispute, and the scheme will repay the tenant the agreed amount directly. The insurance scheme can charge fees to landlords for membership and can require contributions towards the costs of insurance.
| The Deposit Protection Service (DPC) DPS is the only custodial deposit protection scheme. It is free to use and open to all landlords and letting agents. The service is funded entirely from the interest earned from deposits held. For more information visit www.depositprotection.com or call 0870 707 1707. |
Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (TDSL) TDSL is an insurance based scheme sponsored by the National Landlords Association and administered by Hamilton Frazer Insurance Services. For more information visit www.mydeposits.co.uk or call 0871 703 0552. |
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) TDS is an insurance based deposit and resolution scheme. For more information visit www.disputeresolutionservice.co.uk or call 0845 226 7837. |
It will be up to your landlord or agent to decide which one to use. They must then provide certain information to you within 14 days of the day when you paid your deposit. This information includes:
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the landlord or agent's contact details
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which Tenancy Deposit Scheme they are using and the contact details for the scheme
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information about the purpose of a tenancy deposit
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how you can apply to get the deposit back at the end of the tenancy
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what you can do if there is a dispute about the deposit.
When you move into a property, it's a good idea to draw up an inventory, a reputable landlord or agent usually provides one as standard practice, which both parties sign. An inventory is a detailed list of the contents and condition of the property and any items provided with it, such as furniture or equipment. Having an inventory can help you resolve disputes at the end of your tenancy about whether you've caused any damage to the property or whether items are missing. It is in your own interests to take care of the property you are renting.
It is also advisable to keep a record of all the rent payments you make either in a rent book or by keeping receipts.
If your landlord or agent hasn't protected your deposit and provided the required information within 14 days, then you can apply to the county court for an order that the landlord or agent should pay the deposit back to you, or protect it in one of the tenancy deposit protection schemes. The court will also order the landlord or agent to pay you compensation equivalent to three times the value of the deposit you paid. The landlord or agent must do all of these things within 14 days of the court order.
In addition, if your landlord or agent hasn't protected your deposit and provided the required information within 14 days, then there are restrictions on how they can evict you. Normally, landlords of assured shorthold tenants can evict a tenant by giving you a minimum of two months' notice and then getting a court order without having to show a reason. This is known as the 'shorthold ground'. However, if your landlord or agent hasn't protected your deposit and provided the required information within 14 days, then they cannot use the shorthold ground to evict you.
When you leave, if you and your landlord or agent both agree on how much of the deposit you should get back, you should get it back within 10 days of agreeing.
If your deposit was held in a custodial scheme, you will also receive some interest on the deposit. The custodial scheme will repay tenants direct, either by cheque or by electronic transfer. Deposits held in the insurance-based schemes will be repaid by the landlord either in cash or by cheque, as they choose. Deposits held in the insurance-based schemes will not pass on any interest to the tenant.
Your landlord or agent is only entitled to keep all or part of your deposit if they can show that they have lost out financially because of your actions, for example, if you have caused damage to the property, or you owe rent. Ask your landlord or agent for a breakdown of the specific costs that they are taking out of your deposit. Your landlord or agent cannot keep your deposit to cover putting right normal wear and tear. There are rules on what costs can be deducted from your deposit.
If you don't agree that your landlord or agent should have kept all or part of your deposit, or you disagree with some of the costs that they have taken out of it, then the tenancy deposit protection scheme your landlord or agent has used will offer a free service to help resolve disputes. Information on what you need to do if there is a dispute will be contained in the information your landlord or agent will have given you at the start of your tenancy (see above). Each scheme will contain an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. When a dispute occurs, and if you and your landlord both agree to use the service, you will have to agree to accept its decision and will not be able to apply to the courts. If you or your landlord do not agree to use the ADR service then the dispute will usually go to the county court.
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Moving Checklist
Moving home is frequently described as one of the most stressful events in life. To minimise stress levels plan your move well in advance. The more time you have, the easier it will be to ensure everything gets done in time. Once you know your completion date or the date of your new tenancy, start planning. To assist in this process, follow our easy-to-use moving home checklist.
Four to Two Weeks and Counting…
- Collect your packing materials early – gather extra boxes from supermarkets and save newspapers etc…
- Obtain quotations and book a removal company as soon as you know your removal date. Find out what services they offer; packing, cleaning, furniture dismantling, insurance, disconnection and reconnection of appliances, storage etc…
- Check parking arrangements at both your present and new home; do you need a residents’ permit or special permission from the council to park and load/unload the removal lorry?
- Arrange quotes and cover for building and contents insurance for your new home from date of completion
- Arrange telephone disconnection at your present home and re-connection at your new home from date of completion
- Arrange change of address cards and start to make a list of people to advise of your pending move (see below)
- If you have pets arrange for someone to care for them on the day of your move
- Plan where furniture and contents will go in your new home
- Start packing non-essential items and label boxes according to content and rooms they will go in. keep fragile items separate
- Start running down the contents of your fridge and freezer
- For any gas appliances you are taking to your new home make arrangements for these to be disconnected and reconnected professionally on the day of your move
- Arrange if necessary a skip for removal of rubbish and unwanted items, moving is an ideal time to have a sort out
One Week and Counting…
- Send out change of address cards
- Start to collect your ‘survival pack’ (see below)
- Arrange to cancel building and contents insurance at your present home from date of completion
- Arrange mail re-direction with Royal Mail
- Cancel/re-arrange doorstep deliveries etc…
- Ensure plenty of packing materials
- Return library books, videos, DVD’s, rental games etc…
- Begin sorting through unwanted items
- Take down any fixtures and fittings eg. Bathroom cabinets, mirrors etc… you are taking with you and dismantle any furniture that cannot be moved assembled
- Finish packing and clean the house
- Don’t forget to empty lofts, cellars garages and sheds
Only One Day Left…
- Final packing except your overnight things (they can go in your survival pack)
- Put together your survival pack and keep it separate from everything else
- Disconnect the power and water from your washing machine, fit transit brackets if necessary
- Defrost fridge and freezer
- Cover carpets to be left to minimise risk of soiling during removal
- Check cupboards and built in furniture to make sure nothing is overlooked
- Check through previous lists and have an early night
The Big Day at Last…
- Strip beds
- Remove any carpet and curtains you are taking
- Dismantle any light fittings you are taking
- Secure and lock windows and doors
- Take final gas, electricity and water meter readings
- Turn off water
- Have a final check to make sure you are not leaving anything you should be taking
- Present keys for your present home to the estate agent
- Collect keys for your new home from the vendors estate agent Have a happy day and relax – the worry is over now and you’re in your new home!
In Your New Home…
- Ensure you know the code for the burglar alarm and change this to your own code
- Check the smoke alarms are working in your new home
- Take gas, electricity and water meter readings
- Collect your pets form who has been looking after them
Some Helpful Hints
Notify the following:- Employer
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Schools
- Utility companies including mobile phone and internet providers
- Cable/satellite companies
- Friends and relatives
- Banks and building societies
- Finance companies
- Credit card companies
- Store card companies
- Subscriptions
- Clubs and societies
- Vet
- Insurance companies
- Pension provider
- Local authority
- Driving license authorities
- TV license authority
- Revenue & Customs
- Kettle
- Mugs, cups, plates & cutlery
- Coffee, tea, milk, sugar & bottled water
- Snacks
- Washing up bowl and washing up liquid
- Soap
- Mop, vacuum cleaner, dust pan & brush
- Tea towels
- Hand towels
- Kitchen roll
- Toilet roll
- Bin liners
- Cloths
- Light bulbs
- Fuses
- Screwdriver and pliers
