New Home Blog

Young people don’t expect to own their own home until they’re in their forties, according to a recent survey.* It is no surprise that attitudes are changing, with people happy to rent as they realise they’re priced out of the housing market. When asked about their plans, 38% said that owning a home “wasn’t critical” to them.

If you are one of the millions who aren’t desperate to get on the property ladder, renting can give you great flexibility and the chance to live in an area that you might never be able to afford if you were trying to buy a home. Once you’ve found your dream flat or house to rent, there are a number of things you’ll need to remember before moving in day:

• Although you won’t need buildings insurance, it’s essential that you have a good contents insurance policy in place. It’s up to the landlord to insure the building, but don’t get caught short when it comes to your own possessions. Some contents insurance policies offer unlimited cover, but others will require you to list the value of your belongings so make sure everything is included.

• Find out who the gas and electricity supplier is as soon as you move in and give them an up-to-date meter reading on the first day. That way, you won’t end up paying for gas and electricity used by anyone who lived there before you. Ask your supplier for a rough idea of how much the bills will be, and if you’re on a tight budget or don’t fancy any nasty surprises set up a direct debit so that you know exactly how much you’ll be paying each month.

• Check with your water supplier to find out if you’ll be paying a straightforward bill or whether the property is on a meter.

• Ask the landlord or agent how recently the locks have been changed. It’s safest if they’re changed when you move in so you know you’re the only one with a key.

• Rented flats and houses may be unfurnished, furnished or part furnished. Agree to go through an inventory with your landlord or agent so you’re all clear on exactly what’s in the house – from a TV to cutlery. This might sound like a tedious job, but if you have it written down it will save any misunderstandings when you come to move out and get your deposit back. If anything isn’t in pristine condition, note that down too, so you won’t be saddled with a bill for damage at the end of your tenancy.

[*] Source – Findaproperty.com

Share this:

Why employees should be careful what they sign!

A recent case was reported in the Mail on Sunday where an employee of a building company went to Brandon Tool Hire to hire a cement mixer on his employer’s behalf. He even used the company’s credit card for the deposit! However the company he worked for Weald 24 Limited, ceased trading and the cement mixer was never returned. As a result, Brandon Tool Hire is holding the employee responsible and has successfully sued him, winning a judgement for £3,022! 

How can an employee be personally liable for his employer’s debts?

When the employee collected the mixer, he was asked for his driving licence and signed the Brandon dispatch note. The note, whilst not specifically labelled as any contract or agreement, did state that whoever signs it agrees to the terms and conditions small print on the back. 

Brandon’s boss Tim Smith says that an employee would not be responsible “if the customer had a trade account” but how many employees would know whether their employer has a trade account or not. 

In this case Brandon is still pursuing the ex employee for his employer’s liability.

I would suggest that anyone working and signing on behalf of an employer should be cautious and consider using a false name! I suspect that many building sites up and down the country will suddenly find that “John Smith” or “Mike Mouse” is signing for quite a lot of deliveries! 

Anyone using Brandon Tool Hire should sign a false name, or at least sign “signed on behalf of the hirer ?????? Ltd, no contract or liability exists with signatory” to protect themselves if the employer does not pay the bill.

Share this:

You don’t need to be a Meerkat to realise that it is always best the check the market before accepting your existing insurer’s renewal quote. There are many direct online companies now offering discounts.

As the Mail on Sunday recently reported with the case of an 85-year-old gentleman who had renewed his home insurance with Aviva for many years, renewing can leave you seriously out of pocket. For his ordinary three bedroom terraced town house built in 1935 he was paying a massive £912 a year for home and contents insurance.

When he first insured with Aviva in 2001 his premiums were just £220. Aviva acknowledge that across the insurance industry quotes for existing customers are normally higher than those for new customers as they often include offers or large discounts which vary each year.

It is disgraceful that people are still being taken for a ride by large financial institutions. The above insurance would be less than £300 with nearly every insurance provider. Even Aviva quoted £269 quite a big drop when his daughter threatened to cancel the policy and move elsewhere. He also got a cheque for £300 by way of an apology – no doubt after 12 years of over charging Aviva can well afford to do so.

Share this: