Belvoir Sheffield, the leading letting agent in Sheffield is pre-warning landlords to contact their local water board as soon as a new tenant moves into the property, amidst fears that a change in legislation could see them liable for any unpaid bills.
Under The Water Industry Act 1999, water suppliers were banned from disconnecting the supply of water to consumers even when bills were unpaid, leaving a number of outstanding debts. Consequently, the likely introduction of Section 45 of Flood and Water Management Act 2010, aimed to reduce this growing problem bymaking Landlords liable for the payment of unpaid water bills.
Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of property to rent in Sheffield, said: “Landlords are at a huge potential disadvantage this piece of legislation. If a landlord fails to comply to this Act by providing information about their tenants to the relevant water company they could well be liable for any debts incurred.”
Rick, whose letting agency on Campo Lane in Sheffield, specialises in providing flats to let in Sheffield added: “Property management really is a difficult job. Many landlords see it as an easy opportunity to make a quick ‘buck’but the process really does take a lot of time and effort, especially when itcomes to staying on the right side of the law.
“If a landlord fails to comply with legislative issues, claiming ignorance will not work intheir favour. Landlords have a duty to keep up to date with legislation or pay the consequences, which could well mean paying a tenants unpaid bills. The only way to avoid such situations is to seek professional advice or to use a professional lettings agent such as Belvoir Sheffield.”
Belvoir Lettings Agency Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including PropertyManagement, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.
