RLA : RPI : In brief

News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members

other artilces from the April / May 2002 issue

In brief - April / May 2002

A US residential landlord has been sentenced to a two year prison term in what federal officials said was the first case of its kind. The man had been accused of failing to warn tenants of the dangers of lead-based paints, which can poison children. An inspection of one of his 15 properties had revealed that the paint had been applied there; however, he failed to inform tenants of the discovery.

A draft of the Office of Fair Trading's recent guidance on unfair terms in tenancy agreements 'showed a lack of understanding of how the lettings market worked', said the British Property Federation in its recently published 2001 annual report. Nevertheless, 'the OFT was adamant that it was applying the accepted principles of consumer protection legislation to the sector'. For further information visit www.bpf.org.uk or call 020 7828 0111.

Leicestershire County Council is inviting tenants of property equipped with illegal pre-1988 sofas to contact its hotline (0116 265 7979). The council said it has received a number of complaints from people living in rented accommodation that their furnishings contain flammable foam which was banned some 14 years ago.

Following successful pilots in Birmingham and Somerset, the Government-backed Quality Mark registration scheme for the building trade is to go national. The scheme, which is open to independently assessed firms offering plumbing, roofing and other types of building work, is designed to combat the problem of 'cowboy builders'. Some 160 companies covering 18 trades have already registered. Those wanting to find a registered trader can telephone the Quality Mark hotline on 0845 300 8040 or visit the website www.qualitymark.org.uk.

A judge's comments that requirements of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1995 are 'too rigid' and 'manifestly unreasonable' was 'a victory for common sense', said Manchester firm of solicitors Rowe Cohen. The case, concerning supply of water, was concluded in favour of the landlord, Old Etonians Housing Association. It had been accused of breach of contract for failing to ensure the provision of water following a drop in water pressure. But the judge, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, said it was unreasonable to require landlords to provide installations that functioned regardless of the vagaries of supply.

other artilces from the April / May 2002 issue