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Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme

One of the main provisions of the Housing Act 2004 was a statutory tenancy deposit protection scheme (TDS) for tenants.

This followed pressure from consumer groups including Shelter and CAB to address the unfair practices of landlords and agents regarding tenant

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Bouyant Lettings Market

The demand for Rental property is continuing and has resulted in a thriving rental market throughout the Southwest for the first half of the year.

The demand for Rental property is continuing and has resulted in a thriving rental market throughout the Southwest for the first half of the year.

The increase in Eastern European immigration, buoyant employment conditions and the demand from those who cannot afford to buy have all contributed, meaning that in most cases Landlords have been able to achieve the desired rental yields.

Properties are being let at their full asking price, unlike last year when some Landlords had to negotiate rents down.
Economic and immigration factors continue to fuel demand, along with the increase in the number of young professionals relocating for employment within the Southwest. Most people with rent before they buy when relocating.

More and more "Buy to Let" investors are purchasing new properties, which can attract a higher than average rental due to the quality and fixtures and fittings. Young profesionals are prepared to pay a premium to rent new property, rather than have to pay for the maintenance and upkeep if they paid a mortgage on the property.

Please contact your local branch if you would like further advice and information on being a "Buy to Let" investor.

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Energy Performance Certificates for Rented Property

Next Autumn Landlords will be required to give an Energy Performance Certificate to prospective tenants.

From October 2008, Landlords in England and Wales will be required to give their prospective tenants an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they let their property.

The EPC enables prospective tenants to compare buildings. The Certificate will show an energy efficiency rating and will give an estimation of the running costs and carbon emissions. It will also recommend measures to improve the property and give advice on energy efficient behaviour. Landlords will be responsible for commissioning and paying for the EPC's and providing a valid certificate for tenants.

The significance for Landlords is that, for the first time, prospective tenants will be given an estimate of how much it costs to provide heating, lighting and hot water before they rent a property. The certificate will also show savings that could be made if the energy efficiency of the property was improved. This will give prospective tenants the opportunity to compare running costs as well as rents. With rising fuel prices and tenants becoming increasingly savvy, Government hopes it can harness market forces to raise standards.
While Landlords will not be obliged to carry out the measures, the EPC must be made available to prospective tenants before the property is let. A copy must also be given to the selected tenant before the Tenancy Agreement is signed (except when an existing tenancy is renewed).

The Certificate can only be produced by an accredited assessor. Assessors may be employed by Letting Agents and other organisations, or individual providers. Each certificate will be valid for 10 years and will cost £100.00 to £150.00. Details of accredited assessors can be found using the EPC Register website at www.hcrregister.com

Landlords are advised to improve their properties prior to the EPC's being introduced. Taking advantage of the tax incentives, grants and discounted products.
There are many low cost measures that can be carried out to improve your property, including lagging pipes, increasing the thickness of loft insulation and draft proofing.

The Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) is available to all Landlords who let residential property and pay income tax. LESA enables Landlords to offset the cost of purchasing and installing various energy saving measures against tax.
This includes loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, sold wall insulation, hot water system insulation, floor insulation and draft proofing. Since 6th April 2007 Landlords are entitled to a maximum deduction of £1500.00 per property.

For further information contact the HMRC Self Assessment Helpline on 0845 900 0444 or contact your local Tax Office.

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ADMIN / LETTINGS ASSISTANT

An excellent opportunity to assist us with further developing our successful & established businesses in our Dorchester Office

We require an enthusiastic person used to working as part of a team. You should have an outgoing personality and a sense of humour. You will need to be efficient, have excellent organisational and secretarial skills as well as being computer literate.
The successful applicant must be keen to learn and help in other duties both in and out of the office, as the business requires.

Competitive salary plus commission for the right applicant

Please apply in writing with a copy of your CV to:
Mrs Carolyn Adams
The Old Mill
Lower Kingsbury
Milborne Port
Dorset
DT9 5ED

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Lettings Negotiator

An internal promotion has created the need for a Lettings Negotiator in our Taunton Branch.

A background of work in Estate Agency or Customer Services would be welcomed. An over-riding requirement is for an enthusiastic approach to assist in maintaining our position as one of the leading agencies in the area, and an ability to use initiative as well as work as part of a team.

Applicants must be of smart appearance and possess word processing skills.
All of our staff undertake some week-end working, and successful applicants will be required to participate in a rota to keep our services fully available on Saturday mornings. Salary negotiable according to experience.

Please write enclosing your CV stating your anticipated salary to:-
Mrs Carolyn Adams
The Old Mill
Higher Kingsbury
Milborne Port
Dorset
DT9 5EB

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Taunton Office Fore Street Somerset TA1 1JD Tel: +44 (0) 1823 321408 Fax: +44 (0) 1823 332010	Crewkerne Office Church Street Somerset TA18 7HU Tel: +44 (0) 1460 78896 Fax: +44 (0) 1460 78460	Sherborne Office Greenhill Dorset DT9 4HF Tel: +44 (0) 1935 817110 Fax: +44 (0) 1935 817311

Dorchester Office Durngate Street Dorset DT1 1JP Tel: +44 (0) 1305 751888 Fax: +44 (0) 1305 751999	Minehead Office Bampton Street Somerset TA24 5TR Tel: +44 (0) 1643 707710 Fax: +44 (0) 1643 707792	Gillingham Office Newbury Dorset SP8 4HZ Tel: +44 (0) 1747 823000 Fax: +44 (0) 1747 824500