Housing minister John Healey recently announced new practical help and protection for tenants in privately rented homes. The moves will help tenants find safer and better homes for rent and offer extra support if they face problems with their landlords or accommodation.
Please note the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) telephone number has been changed to 08444 727000
Fake tax refunds in email scam
The tax office received a record 83,000 reports during September about scam e-mails offering fake tax refunds. The message usually starts with a claim which reads: "Following a review of your fiscal activity you are due a refund of tax of £xxx."
Landlords who are taking their tenants to court either typically to serve a section 21 notice or section 8 notice for possession or over making a deduction from a tenancy deposit may be interested to know that they can actually charge for their legal input.
Shelter has warned home owners considering sale-and-rent-back to ensure the company is regulated before committing to the sale...
Interim regulation of the rent-back sector started on July 1st, and as a result all firms wishing to operate in the market had to apply for authorisation from the Financial Services Authority.
This means that any firms as of August 1 that did not apply to the FSA are operating illegally.
