The National Landlords Association (NLA), representing 20,000 landlords across the United Kingdom, is warning Landlords about the huge repair bills they face if their tenants do not know what to do in a winter property emergency.

With almost three million households in the private-rented sector and weather forecasters predicting a colder winter than last year, simple steps, such as ensuring that tenants know how to switch off the water, gas and electricity supplies, could save landlords thousands of pounds and, potentially, save lives.. 

Tenants are the first line of defence against problems in the properties they rent and need to be fully equipped to deal with all kinds of winter emergency situations. The NLA has compiled the following advice for landlords, detailing how to prevent winter emergencies getting out of hand:

HOW TO COMBAT WINTER PROPERTY PROBLEMS

Frozen pipes: Pipes at risk of freezing should be lagged, and making sure tenants know where to turn off the water supply will allow them to act quickly if a pipe bursts &; potentially saving thousands of pounds in repairs and an insurance claim for water damage.

Problems with the heating: It is important that problems with the heating system are fixed quickly. Landlords should make sure their tenants know how to bleed a radiator and have the contact details of a trusted plumber. The heating system should also be checked regularly to avoid problems before they arise.

Frozen pathways: If pathways and driveways are not well drained they can become icy when the temperatures dip, potentially leading to accidents. Landlords can provide grit for their tenants to use on very cold days.

Power cuts: Strong winds and increased energy consumption mean that power cuts are a threat during the winter months. Landlords can make sure their tenants are fully prepared by providing contact details for an electrician and their electricity provider, as well as ensuring they have a good supply of candles and torches with batteries.

Leaks: Blocked guttering, cracks in the roof and missing roof tiles can cause big problems when it rains. Landlords should make sure that repairs are carried out as early as possible, while guttering should be regularly cleared, especially after the autumn leaf fall.

Security: As the nights become longer, security becomes a larger issue for all households. Landlords can help to reduce the risks for their tenants by making sure there are plenty of spare bulbs for outside lights as well as fitting motion sensor lights to the back and the front of the house. If there is an alarm, ensuring it is serviced each year will prevent problems.

Insurance: Landlords cover buildings insurance but do tenants know they need their own contents cover? In the event of a problem, tenants could be left out of pocket if they don't get the right insurance.

For all winter property emergencies it is vital that tenants have clear guidance on who should be contacted.  As we are sure you are aware a burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property. Many insurance companies do not provide cover for such an emergency should a property be left vacant.

Over the winter months we recommend that all water systems in vacant properties are 'drained down'.  Should you require a 'drain down' at your property by a registered plumber or any further advice or assistance on Winter problems please contact your Lenwell Property Manager on 01582 658 000.

editor@lenwell.com

The saying goes that apparently there are two things in this world that you can rely on..... Death and Taxes!  And, one of the most contentious taxes around (probably second only to Inheritance Tax, which is a great hobbyhorse of mine as my inevitable demise grows closer by the day and I embrace my twilight years!) is Stamp Duty.  However, a property sector coalition is urging the Government to abolish the "anachronistic" (or out of date to you and I) Stamp Duty Land Tax, which it views as a "tax on aspiration".  According to the "1808 Coalition", Stamp Duty should to be reformed because its 'slab' structure unfairly distorts the UK's property market. 

An overwhelming majority of the UK's estate agents (86 per cent) feel that the tax is unfair.  A further 81 per cent believe that an announcement by the Government to reform Stamp Duty would have a very positive effect on the beleaguered property market. 

The current Stamp Duty "holiday" for properties lower than £175.000 is due to expire but 91 per cent of estate agents surveyed feel that it should be extended. 

It is easy to fall into the trap of saying .."well they would say that wouldn't they!", But the figures speak for themselves and it is certainly in all our interests to see strong and steady growth within the property sector.

The '1808 Coalition' has been formed by the NAEA and ARLA to address the issue of "modernising" Stamp Duty in the run-up to the Pre-Budget Report.  It is named after the year the duty was first introduced on UK property sales, and highlights its position as a "relic" of another age that fails to recognise the modern British property market. 

Peter Bolton-King, Chief Executive of the NAEA, said: "Stamp Duty is a barrier to entry for many first time buyers and is also prohibitive for those looking for a step up the property ladder. In addition, it unfairly penalises those investing in buy-to-let portfolios, who have to pay Stamp Duty on the bulk price when individual buy-to-let investors pay a lower rate on the individual unit price.

The time has come to re-assess Britain's most unpopular tax, which is a levy on those aspiring to own their own homes and is manifestly perceived by all those who pay it as being unfair and punitive."

Stamp Duty was introduced for property sales in 1808 and has gone through a number of changes since then, most recently with the addition of next bands in 1997.  As house prices have risen, Stamp Duty has become increasingly outdated, as the thresholds have not been raised in line with property prices.

Peter Bolton-King explained: "Stamp Duty has failed to evolve and is an unwelcome burden for anyone seeking to buy a new home.  As lenders demand even greater deposits, buyers are going to struggle to stump up the huge capital outlay that Stamp Duty demands.  Now is the perfect time to seek change and produce a fairer tax that recognises the challenges that modern house buyers face."

The tax yield from residential Stamp Duty has grown ten-fold since 1996/97. Between 1997 and 2008 receipts from Stamp Duty grew from £675 million per annum to £6.68 billion.  The current system makes it difficult for the Government to project its own revenue streams due to the volatility of Stamp Duty returns during the boom/bust cycle. 

Government statistics also highlight the geographical inequalities of Stamp Duty:

• London reports 11.5 per cent of the UK's residential property transactions, yet 29.4 per cent of Stamp Duty yield.
• Conversely the East Midlands has 7.3 per cent of transactions, yet only 3.6 per cent of Stamp Duty yield.

Clearly, this is an issue set to rumble on, and frankly has been raised at an awkward time when both the current and prospective Government are blinkered in their view of only increasing taxes.  It is worth remembering though, that perhaps giving a little would reap a lot.  The benefits of a strong property sector cannot be underestimated. 

Now, with Stamp Duty put to be I can turn my attention to lobbying for the abolition of Inheritance Tax - and if I can't get that then maybe the Racing Post free for ladies of a certain age!!

Come on Malcolm - Walkies!  

I love to hear from my readers so let me know your thoughts - email me at   editor@lenwell.com

sincerely,