Posts with tag: letting agent Cambridge

Lettings Firm Closes, but Owes Customers Money

Published On: August 3, 2015 at 9:49 am

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Categories: Landlord News

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Lettings Firm Closes, but Owes Customers Money

Lettings Firm Closes, but Owes Customers Money

A letting agent has allegedly closed, but still owes landlords and tenants money in rent and deposits.

The firm, Kirby Property Management, has three branches in Cambridgeshire.

Kirby belongs to the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

A spokesperson for NALS comments: “We are aware of the sudden closure of Kirby Property Management who were previously part of the NALS.

“We would advise any landlords or tenants who have any concerns to speak with Cambridgeshire police in the first instance.

“Landlords may also wish to register their interest with NALS who operate a Client Money Protection scheme and may, in certain circumstances, be able to assist.”1

1 http://www.propertyindustryeye.com/letting-agent-closure-leaves-questions-over-client-money/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Investigates Over 200 Complaints into Lettings Sector

Published On: July 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm

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Categories: Landlord News

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Council Investigates Over 200 Complaints into Lettings Sector

Council Investigates Over 200 Complaints into Lettings Sector

Cambridge City Council has launched investigations into over 200 complaints about letting agents and landlords in the last 12 months.

Cambridge has one of the country’s largest private rental sectors.

The investigations range from illegal evictions to harassment, and from poor management practice to properties falling into disrepair.

Of the 204 complaints, 21 cases involved formal notices served under the Housing Act. Complaints regarding five properties resulted in prosecutions, with fines and costs totalling over £43,000.

One prosecution resulted in a landlord being considered no longer fit and proper to hold a license or be involved in the management of higher risk Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Over the past year, the Council has licensed 51 HMOs to ensure that they meet the minimum standard required. It is also updating the property accreditation scheme, which provides tenants with the guarantee that the property has been inspected and deemed safe, and the landlord is a fit and proper person.

The Council has also developed a training scheme to help landlords meet their duties and responsibilities, improve the private rental sector and encourage self-management.