How to complain and get the results you want In the majority of cases, property projects are completed to everybody’s satisfaction. But occasionally, things do go wrong and you may find yourself needing to make a complaint. Don’t be tempted to let your complaint slide, particularly if it
Dealing with damp in your house Damp is a very serious problem as it can lead to mould, which can in itself cause or exacerbate health problems, which can be particularly dangerous in vulnerable householders, such as the elderly, young children and babies, and those with respiratory conditions such as
How can you deal with leaks at home? Water can be incredibly damaging to a property, affecting everything from the fabric of the home – wallpaper, plasterwork, and carpets – to expensive electrical items such as computers and hi-fi equipment. Unfortunately, many leaks can go unnoticed until they start causing real problems,
How do you deal with a flooded home? Flooding has caused devastation across many parts of the country in recent years and affects homeowners in many ways, from the trauma of losing valuable and cherished items, to the upheaval of having to leave the family home and the hassle of
What can you do about subsidence? Subsidence – when the ground below your property shifts – is a very worrying problem to have. One of the first signs of subsidence is the presence of cracks in your property, but it is important to understand that not all cracks are a sign of
What happens if you home is down valued? When a mortgage lender values a property lower than the price you have agreed to sell at, this is called ‘down valuing’ and can be very distressing, especially if you need to move quickly. The problem is that the lender’s decision
What to do if you have problems with a property company There are recognised procedures for dealing with problems with any company. This is the general format: Talk to someone Before escalating a complaint, always try talking to somebody at the company first as you may be able to resolve
How do you deal with a bad survey? A common misconception among homebuyers is that the mortgage valuation is the same as a survey. In actual fact, it is merely a check by the lender to ensure the property is worth the amount you are asking to borrow, even though
What can you do about problems with landlords? We read a lot about rogue landlords in the press but, on the whole, the vast majority are law-abiding and any problems you encounter as a tenant should be easily resolved. The information here largely relates to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern
What can you do about problems with tenants? As a landlord, you are trusting one of your biggest assets to your tenants, so it is important to do your due diligence. With proper precautions, problems are rare but they can and do arise from time to time. What problems can
What can you do if your rental deposit is not returned? If you have been renting a property on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), by law your landlord should have: * protected your deposit in a in a government-approved deposit scheme * provided you with details of the scheme at the start
What happens to property during and divorce? Divorce and relationship breakdowns are one of the harsh realities of life for many people, unfortunately, and splitting up a joint property is one of the biggest hurdles you will face. If possible, try to maintain an amicable relationship with your ex, as