Buy-to-let owners of leasehold properties and other intermediate landlords will be concerned by a Court of Appeal decision on the liability for repairs to the exterior of a building. Under the terms of the headlease, the freeholder was responsible for…
In a warning to house buyers that it is wise to obtain a full survey before committing yourself, a couple who contracted to pay £3.6 million for a country house – but later pulled out of the deal when evidence…
When work done by a contractor is deficient, the standard JCT form of contract allows an 'appropriate deduction' to be made from payment where the work is not to be made good by the contractor. Arguments over deductions made in…
A developer, Lexadon Ltd, converted a property in Trent Road, Brixton into four flats whilst it applied for planning consent. Having submitted three planning applications without securing a planning consent they decided to rent out the flats, having completed the…
From 1 December 2014, the Home Office will pilot a scheme for landlords renting properties in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton should carry out “right to rent” checks for new tenancy agreements to determine whether tenants have the right…
There was a decision on 8th May 2014 in the Birmingham County Court in a case of Gardner –v- McCusker that has an impact on all landlords where they allow a tenant to remain in their property on a statutory…
The Infrastructure Bill 2014 had its second reading in the House of Lords on the 18th June 2014 and is expected to come into force before the next general election. One provision in the Bill is of particular interest to Developers as it will reduce unnecessary delays…
The Immigration Act 2014 received its Royal Assent on 14th May 2014. Subject to Parliamentary approval, it is anticipated that a new scheme will be implemented from October 2014 that will affect private landlords who are taking on new tenants…
In a case which underlined the special regard that planners must have to the setting of heritage buildings, a local authority has succeeded in its High Court challenge to plans for an 86-metre high wind turbine, which it claimed would…
The door appears to have finally slammed shut on a family’s attempt to obtain Business Property Relief (BPR) from Inheritance Tax (IHT) in respect of a property which had been operated as a furnished holiday letting by their late mother…
