Covid-19: Residential properties – Update

The current situation with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has created a lot of unknowns and concerns throughout the property market. The Government has made several assurances in the recent news conferences in the past few weeks aimed at both Landlords and Tenants, outlining how both will be afforded assurance and protection in such turbulent times over the coming months. On the 26th of March the Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed, this gave royal assent to many of the measures which were promised. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/contents/enacted/data.htm Residential tenants now have protection from eviction…

Moving home during the coronavirus crisis

We are living in difficult times but as a community we will get through it together. As a firm we recognise the difficulties and the challenges that are being faced by us all in simply going about our day to day business and living our ordinary lives. We have a very busy and thriving property department and it is our wish to keep all our clients informed as to the latest developments in this regard and the advice given by the Government. Firstly, there is no need to withdraw from…

Coronavirus, Commercial Landlords and Tenants

There is essentially zero certainty as to what is currently going on in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. One of the most turbulent and ambiguous areas of law at present is how will Commercial Landlords and Tenants be affected by the situation and the interim “relief” being introduced by the Government. The Government published the “Extra protection for businesses with ban on evictions for commercial Tenants who miss rent payments” on the 23rd of March 2020. In short, Commercial Tenants who are unable to pay rent because of Coronavirus…

Summary of Budget 2020

Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivering his first budget yesterday, changes announced include measures put in place to support the economy in the face of the coronavirus such as additional support for the NHS and public services and loans available for small businesses to support ‘business interruptions’. Furthermore minor Stamp Duty changes have been introduced in respect of non-UK residents. Business rates for small businesses have been scrapped. Below is a summary of the main points: Coronavirus and public services £5bn emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services…

Safeguarding is vital when appointing others to act

Financial abuse of vulnerable people by those acting on their behalf is on the rise, with investigations into the actions of appointed attorneys soaring to a record high. With the continuing rise in dementia and a population that is living longer, these figures show how important it is that people understand how to act under a power of attorney, and the need for safeguarding and professional input to the process.  A Power of Attorney is a document by which someone - known as the donor - gives another person –…

Interview with Manal Fouad our Senior Associate Solicitor

Interview with Manal Fouad our Senior Associate Solicitor Q: What has been the highlight of your profession so far?A: Dealing with a few complex cases, fighting for justice on behalf of my clients, which attracted high media coverage achieving successful results. Q: Who (or what) inspired you?A: My mother – she taught me whatever happens in life, to greet it, and embrace it with honesty and integrity. Q: How would other describe yourself in three words?A: Loyal, Patient and amiable Q: What do you find interesting about the Private Client…

Interview with Jeremy Lewis our Partner

Interview with Jeremy Lewis our Partner Q: How long have you worked at Bowling & Co?A: Nearly 9 years. Before that I was joint managing partner at a firm in Docklands for 27 years. Q: What aspects of law first attracted you to the profession?A: I was always interested in property law. To others it was dull and boring but I found it interesting and challenging. Q: Who (or what) inspired you? A: A teacher at school who used to say “Being good is not enough if you dream of…

Mum and Dad need to get with it

Parents who help their children get on the property ladder are being urged to adopt a more professional approach when it comes to handing over the cash.  Faced with high rental costs and soaring property prices, more parents are dipping into savings or releasing capital from their own property to support the next generation. Research by Legal & General estimates that a massive £6.3bn was provided last year by the Bank of Mum and Dad – or BoMaD - as it’s known.  The figure effectively makes BoMaD the 11th largest mortgage…

Government to crack down on Rogue Landlords

The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP has made an announcement, that over 100 councils will now be provided access to funds in order to stop rogue landlords and/or letting agents. We understand that the majority of Landlords provide and want to provide decent homes for their tenants and their tenants’ families. However there is always a small element that is seeking to maximise their profit at the expense and hardship of those tenants.  This minority of bad Landlords, who do break the law, and provide properties which are unfit for…

Time to talk about workplace mental wellbeing

Time to Talk Day on Thursday 6th February 2020 is an opportunity for employers to review policy and culture against best practice in employee mental wellbeing Workplace mental wellbeing is a top concern among employers, according to European-wide research1. According to the World Health Organization, lost productivity due to mental illness costs Europe US$140 billion per year.  In the UK, workplace mental illness is estimated to cost 2% of GDP and the latest statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that work-related stress, depression or anxiety now represents…