I thought my agent would deal with it
I have been quiet lately but decided I really ought to comment on the whole Rachel Reeves thing - then I saw the Compliance Queen, Alice had commented on Facebook and she said it all, so I reproduce her comments here...
And In The Words Of Alice
'The Council didn't let me know about the new licensing scheme'
'I didn't realise it applied to all properties - I thought it was just HMOs'
'I thought my agent would deal with it, they are an accredited agent'
'What on earth is a 257, and how is it a HMO and licensable?'
All comments I hear daily from naïve landlords who have been slapped with a £10k plus fine for failing to apply for a property license.
I wonder if Rachel Reeves needs any help with representing herself over the criminal offence that she (or her agent) has just committed
She PUBLICLY SUPPORTED the implementation of a similar scheme in her area just a year ago, and now has failed to apply for a license on her very own property. Surely she has to go!
I don't disagree with the implementation of licensing, to improve standards for tenants. Of course not. What I do disagree with is how confusing the system is, and that it seems to be constantly leading (what were) innocent, good landlords, into tripping up and committing CRIMINAL offences. Many councils will go into properties and not even deal with the poor conditions they see. Simply just fine the landlord for breach of regulations. How does that help anyone? Tenants still live in shit conditions, and the landlord now has no money to carry out repairs, as it's all gone to the council! In my opinion civil penalty notices, and licensing schemes are a cash cow for Authorities and some (not all) are 'raking it in' from the fines. Missing the point completely.
In this case (from what I've read, if it's the truth) it's likely the agent will get 'done' for this. Not Reeves.
So, as I say time and time again… there is no such thing as a 'completely hands off landlord'. Even if you choose the best agent, accredited to the highest level, mistakes can still be made. Choose your agent wisely and keep an eye on the paperwork. Especially the compliance certificates, and if the property needs a bloody license, make sure one has been applied for
Everyone makes mistakes, it perfectly normal, we learn and grow from them, unfortunately there is no room for mistakes as a landlord or property agent, you will get HUGE fines for your mistakes!!!
Is it time for yet another politician to resign or be sacked? Another one bites the dust