News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members other artilces from the February / March 2002 issue RPI news archive

In brief - February / March 2002

A Gateshead family was made to live in their rented property with no heating, cooker or hot water after the entire gas system was condemned. Transco was forced to disconnect the gas supply to the property, at which a five year old boy and 14 day old girl were living. Letting agent Gorham & Co, charged with the management of the address, said the firm was attempting to have appliances repaired and the supply re-connected as soon as possible. The family had refused the offer of emergency accommodation from the local council.

'Bad feng shui' does not make a property offered as an alternative unsuitable, a London judge has ruled. Shopkeeper Tak Ping Yeung has been left with a legal bill of more than £100,000 as a result. A Chinese charm seller, he had been asked by his landlord to relocate his family business next door, making way for a restaurant. This, he claimed, was this a violation of his human rights as bad feng shui would affect his business and his family's health.
While having respect for the tenant's beliefs, the landlord did not have to comply with them if they stifled 'normal economic interests', said Judge Anthony Hallgarten.
 

other artilces from the February / March 2002 issue

• Hostility causes brain drain
• Government admits weekly housing benefit changes
• Fitting way to avoid stamp duty penalty
• House prices buoyant after September setback
• In search of TV stars
• Falconer says 'strong case' for compulsory deposit scheme
• Default tenant database launched
• Do it yourself conviction
• In brief