Understanding Awaab’s Law: A Detailed Guide for Landlords With the introduction of Awaab's Law as part of the Renters' Reform Bill, landlords are now legally obligated to swiftly address damp and mould issues reported by tenants. The law, named after Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged exposure to mould, aims to protect tenant health and improve living conditions by holding landlords accountable for timely responses to these issues. What Is Awaab’s Law? Awaab’s Law ensures that landlords must resolve damp and mould problems within a legally mandated timeframe. This legislative action came about in response to the death of Awaab Ishak, a young child whose health deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to mould in poorly maintained social housing. The law underscores the need for landlords to take tenant complaints seriously, act promptly, and prevent potential health hazards, or risk legal penalties and sanctions. The Importance of Proactive Property Management Landlords must be proactive in managing their properties to stay compliant with Awaab’s Law. Regular property inspections and a detailed inventory are key. This not only ensures that issues such as damp, inadequate ventilation, or potential mould growth are identified early but also provides documented evidence that the landlord is addressing potential problems. Proactive maintenance and regular checks are essential, especially in regions prone to damp issues, such as Manchester and other parts of the North West. Best Practices for Compliance To meet the obligations of Awaab’s Law, landlords can implement the following best practices: Regular Property Inspections: Conduct thorough inspections, particularly before and after the winter months, to identify any potential damp issues that could escalate during colder periods. Comprehensive Documentation: Maintain detailed reports, using property management services to document all aspects of the property’s condition, especially related to damp and mould. Swift Action on Complaints: Act immediately when tenants raise concerns about mould or damp. Quick, effective responses can prevent the situation from worsening and mitigate any legal risks. The Role of Professional Property Management Utilising a professional property management service can assist landlords in staying compliant with Awaab’s Law. Property management firms offer detailed property reports, including mid-term inspections that focus on identifying early signs of damp. These inspections also provide an opportunity to assess other potential risks and ensure the property remains in good condition. This level of detail can help landlords demonstrate their commitment to resolving issues and maintaining safe, healthy living conditions for tenants. Adapting to Awaab’s Law: How Northmode Properties Can Help At Northmode Properties, we understand the challenges landlords face in staying compliant with evolving regulations. We offer tailored property management services to help landlords navigate the complexities of Awaab’s Law. Our team provides comprehensive property reports, regular inspections, and swift responses to tenant concerns, ensuring that landlords meet their legal obligations while protecting both their properties and tenants. With extensive knowledge of the North West housing market, including key cities like Manchester, we are well-positioned to help you safeguard your investments and ensure compliance with these new regulations. Make sure to follow us to stay updated on the latest property management trends, regulatory changes, and how Northmode can support you in ensuring your properties meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Effective property management, especially in winter, requires thorough preparation to avoid costly repairs and maintain tenant satisfaction. Here's a more in-depth guide for landlords: 1. Heating Systems & Boilers Ensuring your property's heating systems are functioning properly is essential. Regular boiler servicing should be carried out by a qualified engineer, as this prevents breakdowns and ensures efficiency. Checking thermostats early in the season is important to avoid issues when temperatures drop. Encouraging tenants to test the system early helps identify problems sooner. 2. Insulation & Draught Proofing Proper insulation is critical in reducing heat loss and energy consumption. Inspect lofts and walls to confirm they’re adequately insulated. Also, address any draughts around doors and windows using draught excluders or weatherstripping. These steps can significantly reduce heating costs and make your property more energy-efficient. 3. Roof & Gutter Maintenance Heavy rainfall, snow, and ice can place a strain on roofs and gutters. It’s important to inspect roofs for loose or missing tiles that could lead to leaks during winter storms. Clearing gutters of leaves and debris prevents water from seeping into walls and foundations, which could cause significant structural damage. 4. Pipe Insulation Frozen pipes are a common issue in winter and can result in costly repairs. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages. Additionally, advise tenants to leave the heating on at a low level during extended absences to prevent pipes from freezing. 5. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms With heating systems and fireplaces in greater use, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases during the winter. Ensure all smoke and CO alarms are tested and functioning. It’s crucial to replace batteries and provide tenants with clear instructions on how to maintain these devices for safety. 6. Ventilation & Condensation Control As windows stay closed to keep the property warm, the risk of condensation increases, which can lead to dampness and mold growth. Encourage tenants to ventilate regularly by opening windows briefly or using extractor fans, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Installing extractor fans can help to maintain air quality and reduce the risk of damp issues. 7. Emergency Contact Information Landlords should provide tenants with clear instructions on who to contact in the event of emergencies such as a burst pipe or boiler failure. Prompt action can reduce potential damage to the property and maintain tenant satisfaction. Conclusion Winter property management requires proactive steps to ensure heating, insulation, and safety systems are fully operational. By conducting these essential checks and fostering open communication with tenants, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship throughout the season. For expert assistance in property management across Manchester, Liverpool, and the Northwest, reach out to Northmode Properties to see how we can help you prepare your property for the winter months. Stay updated on property tips and market trends by following us on social media or visiting our website. www.northmodeproperties.co.uk

Although the economy has found a more stable footing, boosting consumer confidence in the housing market, significant challenges lie ahead. Base rates are just starting to improve, and the government’s goal of building nearly 2 million homes in the next five years demands a significant upscaling of the workforce. A long-standing shortage of available properties continues to impact both sales values and rental prices across many regions, including the Northwest. In the coming years, the housing sector will undergo a major transformation driven by evolving regulations on planning, safety, and sustainability, as well as new legislation like the Renters’ Rights Bill. It's crucial that these changes balance the needs of residents and investors, ensuring housing remains accessible. Stay updated by following Northmode Properties, where we share regular insights into the housing market.

The anticipated removal of Section 21 has sparked considerable concern among landlords, especially regarding their ability to manage properties effectively. Without the option to evict tenants easily, many landlords worry about their options if a tenant damages the property or fails to pay rent. In this article, we’ll explore what this legislative change means for landlords and how it may impact the lettings market. Fortunately, insights from the recent English Housing Survey, published on July 18, 2024, should help ease these worries. The data reveals that Section 21 evictions are actually quite rare in today’s market. In fact, 63% of private renters who moved in the last year did so on their own terms. Common reasons for these voluntary moves include job changes, the need for a larger home, or relocating to a different area. Evictions made up only 9% of tenant relocations, with most driven by landlords looking to sell their property or move in themselves. Among the few tenants who were evicted, more than half were asked to leave informally, 37% received a Section 21 notice (which allows landlords to evict tenants after a fixed-term tenancy ends or during a tenancy with no fixed end date, without needing to provide a reason), and just 2% were served a Section 8 notice (which is used if a tenant has violated the terms of their tenancy). These figures should offer some reassurance to landlords. Most tenancies come to an end at the tenant's discretion, and even in cases of eviction, it’s often because the landlord has a genuine need to reclaim the property. The use of Section 21 notices remains relatively low. A positive example of this system can be found in Scotland, where Section 21 was abolished several years ago, and the market has adjusted well since. Kevin Fraser, Director of Property Management for our Scottish brand, DJ Alexander, shared his perspective: “Since the ‘no fault’ eviction ban was implemented in Scotland back in 2017, we've seen the market adapt smoothly, with minimal impact on our clients. The new legislation provided sufficient alternative grounds for issuing notices to tenants, which we've utilized when landlords need to regain possession. Most landlords tend to issue notices when tenants stop paying rent, or when they want to sell or renovate their property. These reasons can still be used instead of Section 21, so the removal of this provision in England shouldn’t cause major concern for those in the sector.” For landlords who remain apprehensive about this change, an additional safety net is available: rent and legal protection insurance. This affordable insurance, costing around £1 a day (or a percentage of the rent in some cases), provides peace of mind by protecting against potential damages and rent arrears, thus safeguarding the security and profitability of your investment. You can learn more about Rent and Legal Protection here. While the abolition of Section 21 may seem intimidating, the reality is that most tenancies conclude without issues. As evidenced in Scotland, having the right alternative grounds for issuing notices continues to work effectively. With the proper protections in place, landlords can manage their properties with confidence and ease.

At Northmode Properties, we're proud to be part of the Northwest community, managing properties and blocks in vibrant areas like Manchester, Salford, Didsbury, Stockport, Bolton, and Bury. Our solid reputation comes from our passion for property management and lettings. We genuinely love this region and care deeply about the people in it. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with local contacts, which helps us understand the property market in a way that’s personal and relatable. We're here to support our community and make property management a positive experience for everyone involved. What is Block Management? Block management involves overseeing and maintaining residential buildings with multiple units, such as apartment complexes or housing developments. Typically, these properties are leasehold arrangements, where residents have the right to occupy a unit for a specified period but don’t own the land it sits on. Leaseholders are often represented by Residents’ Management Companies (RMCs), while block management companies work with RMCs or on behalf of freeholders. Block management includes a range of services outlined in the lease, such as: Scheduling and completing maintenance and repairs, including painting, decorating, and gardening. Collecting service charges and ground rent from residents. Arranging necessary insurance coverage. Ensuring contracts for services (like cleaning and maintenance) offer good value. Preparing and reviewing annual budgets. Conducting routine inspections to keep the property in good shape. Advising unit owners on leases and relevant legislation. Acting as a neutral party for dispute resolution when needed. Complying with legal and safety regulations and staying updated on legislation. A block management company requires a diverse skill set, including knowledge of health and safety, law, accounting, insurance, and construction. The monthly fee varies based on the number of units, responsibilities, and property location. What Northmode Properties Offers Northmode Properties delivers a comprehensive range of block management services, covering properties with as few as two units to those with up to 120 across the Northwest. We proudly manage and cater to investment landlords, RMCs, and right-to-manage companies, which empower leaseholders to take control of their building’s management. For RMC and RTM clients, we also provide an additional service where we act as your Company Secretary. Client Fund Protection and Professional Standards At Northmode Properties, your financial security is our priority. As a proud member of Client Money Protection (CMP), we protect our clients against the loss or misuse of funds, including rent and deposits held by letting agents. In the unlikely event that client money is lost or misappropriated, CMP ensures that you can recover the full amount. We safeguard client funds in dedicated, secure accounts, providing you with peace of mind. As an accredited member of The Property Institute (TPI), the leading professional body for residential managing agents in England and Wales, we uphold the highest standards of leasehold management. TPI promotes excellence in the industry through expert advice, training, and ongoing guidance, ensuring professionalism and best practices across all aspects of property management. Why Choose Northmode Properties? Local Expertise: We know the Northwest property market inside and out, allowing us to foster strong communities and deliver value for our clients. Clear Communication: We prioritise open communication through various channels, including email updates, newsletters, and residents’ meetings, keeping everyone informed about decisions affecting their homes. Personal Touch: We prioritise accessibility, ensuring our clients’ needs are met and the safety and well-being of residents are always front of mind. You’ll have a dedicated property manager and assistant property manager, along with support from a skilled and responsive team, including an emergency out-of-hours contact. Industry Affiliations: We take pride in our connections with key industry bodies like The Property Institute and The Property Redress Scheme. These affiliations signify our commitment to upholding the highest standards in property management and continuous professional development. Accountability and Compliance: We adhere to strict ethical codes and best practices, ensuring we are accountable to our clients and industry regulators. Our comprehensive professional indemnity insurance offers added protection for your peace of mind. Community Commitment: We are deeply rooted in the Northwest and are dedicated to giving back to the community through various local initiatives. Northmode Properties Says At Northmode, our focus is on building strong communities while providing exceptional value for our clients. If you’re a current RMC director or property manager, you know how demanding block management can be—it can quickly become overwhelming. Let us handle every aspect of your block management, allowing you to focus on other priorities. We are a trusted, local team with extensive experience, always placing residents’ safety and well-being at the heart of our operations. Whether you're a landlord seeking reliable property management or a leaseholder in need of a trustworthy block manager, choosing an accredited agent like Northmode Properties means choosing a partner dedicated to your success and peace of mind. Discover more about our outstanding service. Get in touch today and chat with a member of our friendly, professional team. T: 0161 676 0084 E: info@northmodeproperties.co.uk