Boiler Flues in Voids
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have recently issued a safety alert to raise awareness of a potential risk from a particular arrangement of flues for gas boilers that are located on internal walls.
Since 2000 some properties (mainly flats and apartments) have been built with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or in ceiling spaces. The boiler flues that this information relates to are connected to room-sealed fan assisted boilers. If the boiler is situated on an outside wall it is unlikely that it has this type of flue. Similarly, if the Gas Safe registered engineer can see the entire flue you will not need to take any further action. However if the flue is hidden then the property will need an inspection hatch fitted to allow the engineer to work on the flue.
The provision of carbon monoxide alarms are not an alternative to being able to see the flue and you or your landlord will still need to have inspection hatches fitted. You have until 31st December 2012 for this work to be completed. From 1st January 2013 any Gas Safe registered engineer will turn the boiler off and formally advise that it is not used until an inspection hatch has been fitted.
Take Action Now
If your property is less than two years old then contact the builder. If the property is between two and ten years old advise your landlord to contact the home warranty provider as the property may be covered by them if there are defects in the flue. If the property is older than 10 years you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer for further advice.
Specialist Letting agency based in Guildford. Offering Landlords free advice on property sourcing, mortgages, wealth management, tenant placement and property management
Friday, 18 March 2011
Friday, 11 March 2011
Editorial from Surrey Advertiser Property Section
As Belvoir’s network turnover reaches an all time high, Glenn Wakeham owner of the Guildford Office predicts perfect market conditions for long-term investment landlords
The good news for landlords is that new tenants will have to pay substantially more for a similar property than they did two years ago. The Belvoir monthly rental index, produced by 140+ offices nationwide, has shown a steady rise in rental income across the country throughout 2010 and all signs suggest this will continue through 2011. The latest figures show a further rise in national average rents from £695 to £700 in January. On a local level, Guildford has seen some rents rise by as much as 10% over the last year.
“As the fallout from the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) continues, it is clear that the impact on the housing market and private rental sector (PRS) will be significant”, says Belvoir Guildford Owner, Glenn Wakeham. “However, contrary to many knee jerk responses within online forums and industry blogs, I strongly believe that these exceptional market conditions, which include falling property prices, continued low interest rates and unprecedented tenant demand, now makes buy to let (BTL) a fantastic opportunity for long-term landlords.
“However, it is clear that our Government needs to better understand and take note of the needs of the PRS, and the critical role landlords play within the housing sector. Many industry bodies are asking the Government to help support the PRS by offering incentives to landlords and to increase pressure on lenders to make funding more accessible.
“With an estimated 490,000 public sector job cuts planned, and the residential sales market bracing itself for another dip, the situation is predicted to continue for the foreseeable future and new BTL landlords will be attracted by higher yields and attractive purchase prices. Belvoir is well placed to provide unique and expert advice to landlords looking to extend their portfolios as we are specialist residential letting agents and do not operate within the sales market, hence there cannot be a conflict of interest when providing free BTL advice.“
The good news for landlords is that new tenants will have to pay substantially more for a similar property than they did two years ago. The Belvoir monthly rental index, produced by 140+ offices nationwide, has shown a steady rise in rental income across the country throughout 2010 and all signs suggest this will continue through 2011. The latest figures show a further rise in national average rents from £695 to £700 in January. On a local level, Guildford has seen some rents rise by as much as 10% over the last year.
“As the fallout from the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) continues, it is clear that the impact on the housing market and private rental sector (PRS) will be significant”, says Belvoir Guildford Owner, Glenn Wakeham. “However, contrary to many knee jerk responses within online forums and industry blogs, I strongly believe that these exceptional market conditions, which include falling property prices, continued low interest rates and unprecedented tenant demand, now makes buy to let (BTL) a fantastic opportunity for long-term landlords.
“However, it is clear that our Government needs to better understand and take note of the needs of the PRS, and the critical role landlords play within the housing sector. Many industry bodies are asking the Government to help support the PRS by offering incentives to landlords and to increase pressure on lenders to make funding more accessible.
“With an estimated 490,000 public sector job cuts planned, and the residential sales market bracing itself for another dip, the situation is predicted to continue for the foreseeable future and new BTL landlords will be attracted by higher yields and attractive purchase prices. Belvoir is well placed to provide unique and expert advice to landlords looking to extend their portfolios as we are specialist residential letting agents and do not operate within the sales market, hence there cannot be a conflict of interest when providing free BTL advice.“
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