'Ask the Experts'
We have recently appointed a managing agent; we were self managing previously. The managing agent has increased our service charge and included all sorts of issues such as an Insurance Valuation fee, Health & Safety & Risk Assessment fees and something called a 5-yearly hard wire test. Is this really necessary, shouldn’t this have been done when the building was first built, it is only 8 years old?
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
A. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which became law on 1 October 2006, it is now mandatory to undertake a written Fire Risk Assessment and to maintain this and to have it re-assessed at least annually and updated in the event of any changes which are made to the premises. Along with [...]
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I have been in my flat for four years now, it is looking a bit tired, what could I do to freshen up the look?
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
A. If you have a limited budget to work with and aren’t looking to change your main pieces of furniture, just look at accessories, soft furnishings and lighting. You can completely transform any room and it won’t break the bank. Start by deciding what you want to keep and use this as a base. Look [...]
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I recently had an argument with my next door neighbour and I have now received a card through my door asking me to attend the Police Station – do I have to go, what can I expect?
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
A. Many approaches by the Police to members of the public appear to be informal but should not be treated as such. If you receive a request to attend the Police Station and it is suggested by a Police Officer that this is on an informal basis, it must always be remembered that it is [...]
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I recently had an argument with my next door neighbour and I have now received a card through my door asking me to attend the Police Station – do I have to go, what can I expect?
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
A. Many approaches by the Police to members of the public appear to be informal
but should not be treated as such. If you receive a request to attend the Police Station
and it is suggested by a Police Officer that this is on an informal basis, it must always be
remembered that it is never the case [...]
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On contacting the Land Registry recently concerning a boundary query, I found out that the deeds to my property are unregistered. What exactly does this mean and should I be concerned?
Posted on 09. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
There are basically two systems of conveyancing in England and Wales – registered and unregistered. With the registered land system, the Governmentmaintains a register of title to land. Each property or piece of land has its own title including a plan based on the Ordnance Survey Map. Information concerning a property is readily available from [...]
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I own a house and a flat that I rent out through a letting agent. I am moving abroad to work in about 6 week’s time and my agent tells me I have to complete a tax form or they will have to deduct income tax from my rent. Is this correct?
Posted on 02. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I own a house and a flat that I rent out through a letting agent. I am moving abroad to work in about 6 week’s time and my agent tells me I have to complete a tax form or they will have to deduct income tax from my rent. Is this correct?
James, Westbourne
A. In essence your agent is correct. [...]
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I’ve never done much cooking, but I’ve just bought a barbecue to enjoy while the kids are on their Summer holiday. I could have a go at the usual burgers and sausages, but can you suggest something a bit healthier?
Posted on 02. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I’ve never done much cooking, but I’ve just bought a barbecue to enjoy while the kids are on their Summer holiday. I could have a go at the usual burgers and sausages, but can you suggest something a bit healthier?
Marco Throop
A. Hi Marco, why don’t you try something a bit different like your favourite fish wrapped in foil with some [...]
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I am currently involved in court proceedings with my partner, can I actually attend mediation?
Posted on 02. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I am currently involved in court proceedings with my partner, can I actually attend mediation?
Kim, Poole
A. It is quite possible and sometimes preferable to attend mediation while there are ongoing court proceedings. In Bournemouth County Court for example there is currently a Private Children Law Pilot where there are eleven mediators on the scheme. If there are no issues [...]
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Q. We have a really small living area but we like to entertain our friends in it around a dining table.
Posted on 02. Aug, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Interiors
Q. We have a really small living area but we like to entertain our friends in it around a dining table.
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Are my flat management company supposed to make my flat more accessible for the elderly?
Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I am an elderly lady and find that, now, I struggle getting up the stairs of our block (it doesn’t have a lift) to my flat. Are the Freeholders/Management company supposed to make my flat more accessible for me, and possibly others in the same situation?
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What does ‘restrictive covenant approval’ mean?
Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I am selling my property and had a conservatory built a few years ago. When it was built I got Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval, but the buyers are asking if I had ‘restrictive covenant approval.’
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How should I fill the white space in our living room?
Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. We have some white space to fill on our living room wall but don’t have a very big budget to spend on it as we rent our home, what would you suggest?
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How do I stop feeling bloated after eating?
Posted on 01. Jun, 2010 by Homes Etc.
I always feel so bloated after eating… please help!
Pam B, Poole
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How do we make our bathroom appear light and spacious?
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. Our bathroom is reasonably compact and windowless. We are completely renovating it and want to bring in as much light and space as possible. How do we go about this?
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How do I find out if I owe some money on maintenance?
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I bought a flat about 6 months ago but have never paid any maintenance money or insurance although my conveyance solicitor said to expect some charges. I let the flat to tenants. How do I find out if I owe some money?
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We didn’t have a property survey done and now we have problems. Any advice?
Posted on 10. May, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. We bought a refurbished end of terrace house over 12 months ago from a builder/developer. We were silly and did not have a survey done on the property first, but after 12 months are now finding problems like leaking pipes under the floorboards
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Show piece for our living room?
Posted on 10. May, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. Our living room is “finished” but seems a little boring. We have some extra space and are considering a show piece for it. Is there something you could recommend?
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Can you help me loose weight and feel healthier for the Summer?
Posted on 07. May, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I want to lose some weight and feel healthier as Summer approaches. Can you help?
Donna, Christchurch
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How do I spice up my living room?
Posted on 26. Apr, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I can’t decide on a rug for our living room, the room is very neutral and we want to spice it up a little, any advice please?
Shelley, Ferndown
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Advice about deposits and contracts?
Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. I am purchasing a property and recently signed the contract at my Solicitors Office and left a 10% deposit. I have now been told that the Seller has received a higher offer and unless I match this offer, the Seller will withdraw. Can he do this after I have signed the contract and if [...]
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What lighting do you suggest?
Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Homes Etc.
Q. My partner and I will soon move into a new apartment in Westbourne. Our living room will be open plan with a balcony window, so there is a large amount of natural light coming in during the day. We are looking to furnish the living area, but we don’t know what kind of lighting [...]













