Oct 08 - Energy Performance Certificates

One year on and EPC’s are still with us. To summarise, an EPC has to be produced for all dwellings which are rented to
new tenants from 4 January 2009.

What is an EPC
An EPC is a certificate which shows how “energy efficient” your property is, on a scale of A to G (much like the system used on washing machines and fridges) and makes recommendations for improvements. The improvements are not mandatory, however, tenants may use an EPC when deciding which property to rent, particularly if fuel bills continue to rise.

The EPC is produced by an qualified energy assessor and landlords are responsible for ensuring that an EPC is available to view by prospective tenants prior to letting a property. An EPC is valid for 10 years.

From the 4 Jan 09 Steyn Lettings can only market & let properties which have valid EPC’s.

The Scottish Government have produced an EPC information sheet for private landlords it can be found at:
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/pdfs/EPC_Leaflet03.pdf

What will it cost?
We are currently negotiating a special discounted cost with our Domestic Energy Assessor.

Jan 08 - Launch of New Website

Being one of the first letting agencies to realise the marketing potential of the world wide web back in 1991, we felt it was time to update our website. In January 2008 we launched the latest incarnation of Steyn.co.uk. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Oct 07 - The Repairing Standard

As defined by Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 the landlord must ensure that the property meets the Repairing Standard. The Standard refers to maintaining the property and its contents in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.

One important implication is the requirement to have a mains powered smoke detection system. From the 3 September 2007, when a battery operated smoke detector fails it must be replaced with a mains powered system.

The tenant can now apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) if they feel the landlord has failed to meet the Repairing Standard. The PRHP has the power to instruct a landlord to carry out any necessary work. Further details on the PRHP may be found at: www.prhpscotland.gov.uk

Oct 07 - Digital TV Switchover

Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital, TV region by TV region. This process is called digital switchover. The UK’s old television broadcast signal (known as “analogue”) is being switched off and replaced with a “digital” signal. Any TV set or video recorder that’s not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.

Not all landlords supply a TV set, but almost all properties have an aerial socket for the tenants to use. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the aerial and cabling can receive digital. Landlords who supply a TV need to make sure it can work on the digital signal.

Flats with communal TV systems will need to have the system upgrades. This will require co-ordination with other owners in the block, so it is a good idea to start early.

Additional information about going digital can be found at: www.digitaluk.co.uk

Oct 07 - Energy Performance Certificates

From January 2009 all landlords must provide Energy Performance Certificates for all new tenancies.

These certificates are required under European Union Directive. EPC’s will provide potential tenants with information on the property’s energy use and insulation standards. The certificate will also include information on ways to reduce fuel use, and will be issued by registered qualified workers on behalf of the landlord and letting agent.

The properties will not pass or fail but will be graded on an A to G scale. ( A very good and G poor).

With recent rises in fuel costs and a greater public awareness about the environmental impact of high energy use, these certificates are likely to influence rental decisions. Landlords are encouraged to improve insulation standards and install other measures to reduce fuel costs.

The certificate will cost around £200 and will last for 10 years.

For more information on Energy Performance Certificates go to http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/epc.htm

Feb 06 - Landlord Registration

Compulsory residential property landlord registration comes into force from 30 April 2006 (revised from 31 March). Landlords letting properties must be registered with their local authority to ensure they are a fit and proper person.

What you need to know about registration

• All landlords renting residential property in Scotland are required to register with their local authority by 30 April 2006.
• Any landlord who has not submitted a valid application by this date will be letting illegally.
• The principle fee for registration is £55 for each local authority in which you let property (subject to a 25% discount for second and subsequent authorities) and £11 for each property you own.
• A 10% discount is available if you apply online.

Further information and details about exemption are available by contacting your local authority (see contact details below) or by visiting the Better Renting Scotland website.

To register online, go to Landlord Registration Scotland.

Nov 05 - Edinburgh Landlord Accreditation

Steyn Lettings was one of the first letting agents to be awarded Accreditation for exceeding the standards of service required by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland.

Edinburgh Landlord Accreditation is being promoted be the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland as a means of improving services to Tenants and Landlords

For more information on ELA please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ela

Jun 05 - New Premises

After 6 months renovations our new café style offices are now open.

Please come in and let us know what you think

Our new address is:
Steyn Lettings
88 Newington Road
Edinburgh
EH9 1QN

T: 0131 662 0200
F: 0131 662 0211