UK Landlord Magazine - Editorial

A warm welcome to the new CEO of the NLA, Richard Lambert. Richard has solid experience in managing associations as the former CEO of the British Woodworking Federation and an excellent understanding of the property sector from his earlier career at the British Property Federation. When I met Richard during his first week in the job, it was clear he had already hit the ground running, and I was impressed by his strong commitment to promote the best interests of landlords in the private-rented sector.

This issue of UK Landlord addresses the thorny issue of combi-boilers, which have been the subject of many letters from members owing to complaints about their reliability and the high cost of repairing and replacing them. We publish the detailed responses from three major manufacturers which address many of the issues raised by landlords.

Let us know whether their answers satisfy you by uploading your comments at www.landlords.org.uk/news-campaigns/uk-landlord-magazine.

Wales plans to increase housing supply and boost housing quality and Huw Lewis, AM, the Welsh Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, sets out his plans for achieving these important aims.

We also examine liability for Council Tax which is a common query for many landlords. NLA Director Richard Price explains how the whole system works and it is good to know that the NLA is calling on the Valuation Office Agency and HMRC for more consistency by local authorities in how these rules are applied.

According to a recent survey by the NLA, two thirds of landlords would consider taking advantage of the Government’s Green Deal to improve energy efficiency in their properties. While politicians discuss the intricacies of how this will work, we look at some energy efficient products on the market that are being used in rented properties.

Hope to see you at the Annual General Meeting on 18th November in London.