Landlords must not discriminate against tenants on the grounds of a disability

The Disability Discrimination Act defines any mental or physical impediment that adversely affects someone’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
It has to be a “long term” disability, which means it has to last or be expected to last for over a year.
Things like cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis are also included within the definition.
The new rules came in from December 4th 2006 and say landlords should make “reasonable adjustments” to their property if required and if asked.
There are three areas where the landlord may need to make changes.
1. The landlord may have to provide auxiliary aids and services.
2. He may need to change practices and procedures associated with the letting.
3. He may need to make a change to the term of the letting where the premises are actually let.
However, what he does NOT need to do is to change or alter any physical feature which is a part of the design or construction of the building.
He cannot pass on the costs associated with making such changes to the tenant - they will have to absorb them as yet more overheads - but landlords only have to do what is “reasonable” in the circumstances and any disruption to others has to be taken into account.
Disabled people may qualify for Disabled Facilities Grants administered by local authorities. In this instance, there would be no burden on the landlord.
Look out for my next Seminar & Networking Evening on Mon. 14th May. We look at lively topics and the guests always really know their stuff. It's great value at £20 for pre-bookers - but hurry space is limited. Payment is made on the day of the event - so why not register now.
Warning! These sessions are not suitable for those who believe it’s possible to become a millionaire in property in a year!
Details here: http://www.lettingfocus.co.uk/enews/enews.html
Copyright: David Lawrenson 2007

Buy To Let Loans Continue to Become More Relaxed

Since buy to let loans were launched, the premium paid over a standard residential loan has got ever smaller.
At the same time restrictions on how much the rental cover should cove interest has fallen and so have the maximum loan to value ratios.
Buy to let loans are also being made more widely available to co-sharers on a mortgage.
So, look around and shop about - but watch out for high fees

There is Still Money in HMOs (In Brum at Least!)

Whilst at the Birmingham Property Investors Show, I stayed with my young nephew in his student house in Selly Oak.
What a fascinating area - it's pretty well all student HMOs here.
My nephew's place was not fully compliant in respect of the fact that though there were 6 of them living there, they did not have wash basins in each room.
However, it was decent enough accommodation - there were lots of other amenities - and for all I know Birmingham City may have adopted a softly softy attitude on when the wash basins must be put in - perhaps giving landlords time to make the changes (and for the government to change its mind on this rather daft aspect of licensing).
But wow, the yields here were good.
I calculated his landlord would have been getting about 6.75% gross, though running costs on this kind of property will probably peg back net yields to 5%.
And student demand was very high. This was clear from the fact that most properties had notices on them to stop students calling to make enquiries about next year.
Back to main site: www.lettingfocus.com
Don't forget about my £25 seminar evening tonight from 430pm onward at the Railway Tavern. Liverpool St, London EC4. Details at the site.
Copyright David Lawrenson 2007.