Macclesfield Property Details
Sold STC
3 Bed
1 Bathroom
Town House
EPC
Floor Plan
Virtual Tour
Spectacular Garden-Fronted Period Townhouse
Simply Stunning Presentation Throughout
Bespoke Professional Interior Design
Contemporary Bath & Shower Room & Downstairs WC
4-Storey Accommodation & 3/4 Bedrooms
Retaining Many Original Features & Character
Open-Plan Island Kitchen & Dining Room
South-Facing Rear Elevation
Bay-Fronted Separate Lounge with Fireplace & Woodburner
Walk to Town, Schools & Railway - Facing Lovely West Park
Marketed by Simeon Rains
399,950
3 Bedroom Town House situated in Macclesfield
Situated in one of the town's most sought-after locations; Riseley Street neighbours lovely Prestbury Road - both locations enjoying a leafy, quiet, but highly convenient position within striking distance of the town centre.
The immediate neighbourhood is unique to the town and features some of the most fabulous Regency, Victorian & Edwardian architecture, that include some notable homes of heritage importance.
Historically, the west side of town that Riseley Street and Prestbury Road are situated, was considered one of the more affluent and desirable parts of the town; indeed, it was the chosen setting for the 15-acre West Park, which opened in 1854. This side of the town was previously a small hamlet lying on the outskirts of the town marketplace.
This particular row of garden-fronted homes date from around 1880 and the height of the Silk and weaving industry that Macclesfield became famous for. The properties were of moderate grandeur, compared to many of the surrounding homes inhabited by weavers and general labourers. These homes offered deceptively spacious accommodation that provided living space for both family and servants, whilst enjoying direct views and access to the facing West Park. Today, Riseley Street is a sought after location due to the convenience of location for almost everything the town has to offer, along with the relatively quiet and attractive surroundings.
It could not be disputed that this particular offering; Number 12, has a particular elegance and delivers immense presence. The period charm and character are instantly highlighted by the façade, being almost reminiscent of a Mayfair or Kensington address with it's prominent bay window, dwarf stone walls surmounted by wrought iron railings and incredibly detailed front door complete with period brassware and stunning stained glass panels.
On entering the property, the reception hallway is simply magnificent - a stunning black and white chequered tile floor is complimented by deep skirting boards, high plaster cornice ceilings, arched wall corbels and the original sweeping staircase with polished handrails.
The front reception room is delightful and features a deep bay window incorporating plantation shutters, a feature fireplace with cast iron woodburner, deep skirtings, high cornice ceiling and stripped, varnished floorboards.
The dining room has been opened to allow the fabulous Heritage island kitchen to contrast with the original period features - an eclectic mix of contemporary flair meets period elegance and style. The dining area retains all the original features and enjoys the the addition of a second woodburner to enhance the cosiness to the hub of the living space.
The kitchen features a comprehensive range of carefully designed Heritage Shaker-style cabinets, complete with solid quartz work surfaces and a fabulous, centrally located island. Velux roof window lights and super bi-fold doors provide an abundance of natural light from the south facing rear elevation. Integrated appliances are neatly tucked away to provide all the domestic assistance necessary and, a very handy downstairs cloakroom and WC is situated just to the rear of the kitchen and neighbouring the outside garden - perfect for the family and also whilst entertaining.
Accessed via the reception hallway, a most useful basement provides excellent dry storage and is served by power and light.
The first floor split-level landing provides access to two amazing double bedrooms, a single bedroom or office, and a sumptuous contemporary-style bath and shower room with Velux roof light The master bedroom is a fabulous size - the first floor gains increased width over the ground floor, due to the ginnel access below. This room features plantation shutters, along with an exposed brick wall which really compliments the stunning décor and room style.
The second bedroom is simply a design masterpiece. The was inspired with a Japanese/Macclesfield connection, which dates back to the 1880's when the property was originally constructed. The silk and textile industry, so closely linked to Macclesfield, became inspired by Japanese design and began producing textiles designs in a similar style.
The room features an incredible diagonally constructed bed centrepiece, with a Japanesque arched structure and theme. Impossible to describe, the room has to be seen to be able to truly appreciate the imagination and detail within the creation.
The third bedroom is presently utilised as an office room; with beautiful décor to inspire any work project. The room could easily provide as an occasional, or younger childs bedroom.
A second staircase leads to an originally constructed attic room which is presently utilised as a brilliant teenager's 'getaway'!
The room is of good height and incorporates Velux skylight windows, which provide plenty of natural light to this super room. A comprehensive range of bespoke-crafted, high-gloss and handleless wardrobes and cupboards, provide great storage, freeing up more useable space to be utilised for living.
To the rear of the property, there is a perfect south-facing, sheltered, sun trap. Easy with virtually zero maintenance is the key here. The walled seating and entertaining area is a perfect accompaniment to the open-plan kitchen diner - the bi-fold design drawing the outside, in.
The front townhouse-style garden is simply elegant and, can be dressed to impress in ones own particular style!
This is clearly a very unique and special home and can therefore only be appreciated fully by arranging a personal visit - please make all enquiries directly to the sole selling estate agent, Simeon Rains, in association with The Good Estate Agent Macclesfield, 52 Waters Green, Macclesfield SK11 6JT.
Reception Hallway: A stunning reception hallway bursting with opulent period character & features - the intricate black & white chequered tile floor to deep skirting boards, high ceilings incorporating plaster cornices & arched plaster corbels, original doors & gorgeous gallery staircase with original polished handrails & spindles, to the most stunning stained glass panel front door, complete with polished brass period door furniture; this is a hallway that certainly makes a statement. Also, a built-in meter cupboard; cloaks hanging area; central heating radiator & door to the basement.
Lounge: A room full of character & being bay fronted, with three picture window panels & fitted plantation shutters; original chimney breast with period-style fireplace, tiled hearth & installed with a cast iron woodburner; high cornice moulded ceiling; deep skirting boards; original stripped floorboards; TV aerial point; central heating radiator; original door.
Dining Room: A spacious separate dining room which has been opened to the island kitchen. The original chimney breast features a cast iron woodburner; chimney recess book or display shelving; deep skirting boards; dimmer light switch; oak plank flooring; central heating radiator; original door.
Island Kitchen: A bespoke & carefully designed kitchen, featuring a comprehensive range of Heritage green Shaker-style, soft-close kitchen cabinets, comprising of wall, base & larder cupboards & drawers with gold bevelled finished handles. Fine-white solid quartz worktops adorn the base cabinets & island & incorporate a porcelain twin bowl sink featuring a gold swan neck mixer tap & porcelain period-style handles. The kitchen island incorporates storage cupboards under & provides informal stool seating to one side. The kitchen is naturally bright, assisted via anthracite finished bi-fold double glazed doors & Velux double glazed roof lights. Integrated appliances include a fabulous gas & electric range cooker, which features a 4 gas burner hob with a separate oversized wok burner, double fan-assisted electric oven & grill + plate warmer; extractor canopy; dishwasher; space for an American-style fridge/freezer; space & plumbing for a washing machine/dryer.
Recessed LED spotlighting has been incorporated within the ceiling, along with strategically placed pendant lighting to provide excellent coverage when required. Oak plank flooring flows seamlessly through kitchen & dining areas & a central heating thermostat allows control of the heating.
Downstairs WC: A most useful addition to the ground floor is the cloakroom & WC, which features two Velux double glazed roof light windows; contemporary-style WC & wash basin with chrome mixer tap; central heating radiator; ceiling recessed LED spotlights; oak plank flooring; solid oak door.
Basement Cellar: Accessed via the reception hallway. Stone steps lead to a good-sized cellar with York stone floor & generous headroom; good storage & served with power & light. Separate coal store & original shoot.
First Floor.
Split-Level Landing: The original polished handrail & spindle staircase leads from the hallway to the first floor landing. The landing divides to the front & rear via a small flight of separate stairs & features a high plaster coved ceiling with plaster decorative corbels.
Master Bedroom: A spacious master bedroom extending the full width of the property & to include the lower ginnel. The bedroom is beautifully presented & decorated to fabulous effect. A double glazed picture window neighbours a lovely chapel-style window to the front aspect - both windows featuring super plantation shutters. The exposed brick rear bedroom wall adds further character to this stunning room, which also retains its original chimney breast & cast iron fireplace. Finally, deep skirting boards & a central heating radiator complete the features of this most spacious bedroom.
Bedroom 2: An incredible bespoke designed double bedroom. The theme was to design an illusion of a non-symmetrical space by creating angles that defied expectation, whilst also delivering a combination of sleeping, working & gaming space. The traditionally square-shaped room was partially divided by creating a diagonal wall & framework of arch structures, which formed a back-lit bed - apart from changing the whole expectation & shape of the room, it allowed a hidden workstation to be created behind the structure; perfect for a teenager's getaway! This bedroom has to be seen to fully appreciate the genius of design. A diagonally placed Japanesque-style bed featuring reverse arch structures & beams, conceals a hidden workstation with a built-in curve-shaped desk & deep storage shelving. Bespoke one-off Japanese Crane inspired wall coverings, contrast with a contemporary-style cast iron central heating radiator. A TV aerial point; double glazed window to the rear aspect, & an original door also feature.
Bedroom 3: A single bedroom or an ideal home office. Double glazed window to the side aspect; recessed LED ceiling spotlighting, dimmer light switch; solid oak door.
Bath & Shower Room: Presented in a stunning contemporary style & luxuriously appointed with an oversized walk-in wetroom-style shower featuring glass screens & a monsoon rainfall thermostatic shower with separate hand-held attachment; deep bathtub incorporating chrome minimalistic taps; WC; vanity sink basin with chrome waterfall mixer tap & double storage cupboard below; grey porcelain marble-effect tiling to all wall & floor surfaces; extractor fan; recessed LED ceiling spotlights; double glazed Velux roof light window; chrome tubular heated towel rail/radiator; solid oak door.
2nd Floor.
Attic Room: An original room having historically been utilised and designed as a servants bedroom - now fully refurbished & currently used as a teenagers bedroom.
A very bright room served by a double glazed dormer window to the front aspect & a Velux double glazed roof light window to the rear. Fitted with a bespoke range of hand-crafted, grey high-gloss, handleless, wardrobes & storage cupboards to the far gable wall; central heating radiator; recessed LED ceiling spotlights; storage recess; light grey oak effect plank flooring.
Outside.
Rear Walled Courtyard: Accessed via bi-fold doors from the kitchen & also by a timber gate which leads to a side ginnel; the rear courtyard offers an almost maintenance-free outdoor lifestyle - ideal for owners who prefer relaxation time over frequent, time-consuming, gardening routines. The outside area has a southerly orientation & offers good privacy, enclosed by brick walls & attractive timber screening. Stone flags provide a solid base & an outside light & power point are provided.
Front: A small flagged garden with dwarf stone boundary wall, is surmounted by period-style wrought iron rails & a gate.
Tenure: Long Leasehold - 999 Years - 860 Years Remaining to 2883. Ground Rent: Peppercorn Rent.
it was a pleasure dealing with an agency that seems to care about its clients and would highly recommend them.
Amy Webb
Latest News
As a landlord you’re legally obliged to provide safe accommodation for your tenants, ensuring that you do everything you can to minimise any risks as outlined in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
But what is it you're responsible for? Here's a checklist to help you get started on the basics:
Written Risk Assessment
Ideally completed by a qualified fire safety specialist annually or between tenancies, a written risk assessment is a must for your rental property.
Gas
Any gas fixtures and fittings you supply for your tenants use have to be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Each year you need to ensure a gas safety check is carried out and you must give a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenant when they move in.
Electrics
Legally you only need to have your electrical system checked every five years (if you own and rent out a HMO), however any electrical items you supply, along with the system itself, must be in a safe condition for your tenants to use.
Escape Routes
Covered as part of your risk assessment, escape routes can often become blocked over time, so it's important to check these during any tenant visits and make sure the area is signposted properly to warn of the hazards of blocking an escape route.
Mould and Damp
The cause of many a complaint from tenants, mould and damp can cause serious health issues, so it's important to find the source of the issue and treat it quickly. Ensure good ventilation throughout the property, instruct tenants on how to ensure air circulates throughout, paint bathrooms and kitchens with mould resistant paint and check for mould, damp patches and condensation on inspecting the property.
Alarms
By law there must be a working smoke alarm on every floor of the property, however if you rent out a property with any solid fuel burner appliances, it's worth installing carbon monoxide alarms too.
Security
Ensure doors and windows are secure, boundary walls and fences are in good order and think about providing external lighting for your tenants
Furnishings
All furnishings and furniture you supply in the property must meet minimum safety standards/fire regulations and must feature a permanent label to reflect this.
Emergencies
Clear information should be displayed about what a tenant should do in an emergency. Who to contact in an emergency, what to do and how to reduce the chance of an injury occurring.
Operating Manuals
There's nothing worse than moving into a new home and not being able to use the appliances supplied with the property so make sure you leave the operating manuals for the boiler, the cooker etc for your tenant to find.
Repairs
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and its recent amendment, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, you’re legally obliged to ensure the property is fit for habitation at the start of the tenancy and maintained in good condition throughout the tenancy. If the property or its fixtures and fittings fall into disrepair, you are responsible for ensuring they're brought up to an appropriate standard.
Of course this list is by no means exhaustive. Why not talk to us about how The Good Estate Agent can help manage your property?
But what is it you're responsible for? Here's a checklist to help you get started on the basics:
Written Risk Assessment
Ideally completed by a qualified fire safety specialist annually or between tenancies, a written risk assessment is a must for your rental property.
Gas
Any gas fixtures and fittings you supply for your tenants use have to be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Each year you need to ensure a gas safety check is carried out and you must give a copy of the gas safety certificate to your tenant when they move in.
Electrics
Legally you only need to have your electrical system checked every five years (if you own and rent out a HMO), however any electrical items you supply, along with the system itself, must be in a safe condition for your tenants to use.
Escape Routes
Covered as part of your risk assessment, escape routes can often become blocked over time, so it's important to check these during any tenant visits and make sure the area is signposted properly to warn of the hazards of blocking an escape route.
Mould and Damp
The cause of many a complaint from tenants, mould and damp can cause serious health issues, so it's important to find the source of the issue and treat it quickly. Ensure good ventilation throughout the property, instruct tenants on how to ensure air circulates throughout, paint bathrooms and kitchens with mould resistant paint and check for mould, damp patches and condensation on inspecting the property.
Alarms
By law there must be a working smoke alarm on every floor of the property, however if you rent out a property with any solid fuel burner appliances, it's worth installing carbon monoxide alarms too.
Security
Ensure doors and windows are secure, boundary walls and fences are in good order and think about providing external lighting for your tenants
Furnishings
All furnishings and furniture you supply in the property must meet minimum safety standards/fire regulations and must feature a permanent label to reflect this.
Emergencies
Clear information should be displayed about what a tenant should do in an emergency. Who to contact in an emergency, what to do and how to reduce the chance of an injury occurring.
Operating Manuals
There's nothing worse than moving into a new home and not being able to use the appliances supplied with the property so make sure you leave the operating manuals for the boiler, the cooker etc for your tenant to find.
Repairs
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and its recent amendment, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, you’re legally obliged to ensure the property is fit for habitation at the start of the tenancy and maintained in good condition throughout the tenancy. If the property or its fixtures and fittings fall into disrepair, you are responsible for ensuring they're brought up to an appropriate standard.
Of course this list is by no means exhaustive. Why not talk to us about how The Good Estate Agent can help manage your property?
Health and Safety Obligations for Landlords
We consider ourselves a pro pet agency at The Good Estate Agent. We want you to feel at home in your property and believe that pets help make a house a home. But we also understand how much time and money our landlords invest in their properties. So can we find a balance?
Here’s our top tips for finding a rental property for the entire family, pets included.
Be Flexible
Expand your search criteria when looking for a new home. Consider widening your search area, or perhaps considering a different type of property. The wider you cast your net you’ll find that more possibilities will present themselves.
References
Can you demonstrate your furry friend is impeccably well behaved? Will your current landlord include confirmation that your pet has caused no damage to their property during your tenancy in your reference? In just the same way that a landlord will be asked to provide you, as their tenant a reference, you could also request that they include your pet within the reference too.
Deposits
While you’ll be expected to pay a deposit when you rent a new home, having a furry friend in tow could mean you’ll be expected to pay a higher deposit to allow for any damages the pet may cause. If this isn’t something advertised within the rental listing why not ask?
Cleaning
When it comes to end of tenancy cleaning you need to return the property in the same state of cleanliness as you received it. Why not offer your potential landlord the assurance of a full professional clean of the property upon moving out?
Honesty is the Best Policy
Springing a pet on your landlord when you’ve already moved into the property could put you in breach of your contract, so always be upfront so as not to make the landlord feel railroaded into allowing a pet when they might not want to.
Get it in Writing
If you do find a landlord who will allow you to have a pet in the property, ensure it’s written down within your contract so there are no misunderstandings. If your contract states ‘small pet’ for example, this does not mean you are allowed to keep a dog in the property. Always ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
As you can see, with a little forward planning, honesty and perhaps a slightly larger deposit, you and your family pet have every chance of finding the perfect new home.
Here’s our top tips for finding a rental property for the entire family, pets included.
Be Flexible
Expand your search criteria when looking for a new home. Consider widening your search area, or perhaps considering a different type of property. The wider you cast your net you’ll find that more possibilities will present themselves.
References
Can you demonstrate your furry friend is impeccably well behaved? Will your current landlord include confirmation that your pet has caused no damage to their property during your tenancy in your reference? In just the same way that a landlord will be asked to provide you, as their tenant a reference, you could also request that they include your pet within the reference too.
Deposits
While you’ll be expected to pay a deposit when you rent a new home, having a furry friend in tow could mean you’ll be expected to pay a higher deposit to allow for any damages the pet may cause. If this isn’t something advertised within the rental listing why not ask?
Cleaning
When it comes to end of tenancy cleaning you need to return the property in the same state of cleanliness as you received it. Why not offer your potential landlord the assurance of a full professional clean of the property upon moving out?
Honesty is the Best Policy
Springing a pet on your landlord when you’ve already moved into the property could put you in breach of your contract, so always be upfront so as not to make the landlord feel railroaded into allowing a pet when they might not want to.
Get it in Writing
If you do find a landlord who will allow you to have a pet in the property, ensure it’s written down within your contract so there are no misunderstandings. If your contract states ‘small pet’ for example, this does not mean you are allowed to keep a dog in the property. Always ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
As you can see, with a little forward planning, honesty and perhaps a slightly larger deposit, you and your family pet have every chance of finding the perfect new home.
A Guide to Renting with Pets
When you buy a property it’s easy to think it’s just a case of finding enough money to cover the cost of the property itself, but what else do you need to budget for?
Solicitor Fees
When buying and selling property, you’ll need a good solicitor to handle the legalities including property searches and transferring mortgage funds. Depending on how much legal work is involved expect to pay around £1,000 – £2,500.
Stamp Duty
You pay Stamp Duty Land Tax when you purchase a new home and the amount varies depending on whether you have bought a home before and the price of the property you are buying. Find out how much you’re likely to pay using the Government’s Stamp Duty calculator.
Mortgage Fees
While not technically a mortgage fee as such, you will need to budget for the deposit you require to purchase your property, usually between 5% and 20% of the value of the property you are purchasing. You may also find that your mortgage is subject to valuation fees and product fees, so always check with your lender for any additional costs involved.
Survey
When buying a home you need to obtain a survey of the property, completed by a surveyor. Responsible for flagging any major issues with the property, they are well worth the few hundred pounds they cost.
Estate Agent Fees
If you’re selling your existing home, as well as purchasing a new one, you’ll find that you will need to pay a fee to your estate agent upon completion of the sale. If you’re selling your home and would like to use an agency that passes on the savings it makes to its customers we’d be delighted to assist you in both selling and purchasing your new home.
Removal Fees
Remember to factor in moving your belongings to your new home. Whether you’re planning on hiring a self drive van or getting a removal company in to do it for you, shop around for a quote that works for you.
Home Insurance
In order to obtain a mortgage you will need buildings insurance as a minimum, which insures the property itself against damage. You’ll be looking at around £100 a year for such a policy, which you can also combine with your contents insurance policy.
Remember you’ll also need a contingency fund to fix any issues the survey picked up on, along with unexpected expenses as they arise.
Solicitor Fees
When buying and selling property, you’ll need a good solicitor to handle the legalities including property searches and transferring mortgage funds. Depending on how much legal work is involved expect to pay around £1,000 – £2,500.
Stamp Duty
You pay Stamp Duty Land Tax when you purchase a new home and the amount varies depending on whether you have bought a home before and the price of the property you are buying. Find out how much you’re likely to pay using the Government’s Stamp Duty calculator.
Mortgage Fees
While not technically a mortgage fee as such, you will need to budget for the deposit you require to purchase your property, usually between 5% and 20% of the value of the property you are purchasing. You may also find that your mortgage is subject to valuation fees and product fees, so always check with your lender for any additional costs involved.
Survey
When buying a home you need to obtain a survey of the property, completed by a surveyor. Responsible for flagging any major issues with the property, they are well worth the few hundred pounds they cost.
Estate Agent Fees
If you’re selling your existing home, as well as purchasing a new one, you’ll find that you will need to pay a fee to your estate agent upon completion of the sale. If you’re selling your home and would like to use an agency that passes on the savings it makes to its customers we’d be delighted to assist you in both selling and purchasing your new home.
Removal Fees
Remember to factor in moving your belongings to your new home. Whether you’re planning on hiring a self drive van or getting a removal company in to do it for you, shop around for a quote that works for you.
Home Insurance
In order to obtain a mortgage you will need buildings insurance as a minimum, which insures the property itself against damage. You’ll be looking at around £100 a year for such a policy, which you can also combine with your contents insurance policy.
Remember you’ll also need a contingency fund to fix any issues the survey picked up on, along with unexpected expenses as they arise.
What it Actually Costs to Buy a Home
What is the Tenant Fees Act 2019?
The Tenant Fees Act bans most letting fees and caps tenancy deposits paid by tenants in the private rented sector in England.
The ban on tenant fees applies to new or renewed tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 June 2019.
The government guidance on the Act for tenants, landlords and letting agents helps explain how this legislation affects them. You might also find the ‘How to Rent’ and ‘How to Let’ guides useful.
The aim of the Act is to reduce the costs that tenants can face at the outset, and throughout, a tenancy. Tenants will be able to see, at a glance, what a given property will cost them in the advertised rent with no hidden costs.
The party that contracts the service – the landlord – will be responsible for paying for that service, helping ensure the fees charged reflect the real economic value of the services provided and sharpen letting agents’ incentive to compete for landlords’ business.
Local enforcement authorities have primary responsibility for enforcing this legislation. The Tenant Fees Act created an independent lead enforcement authority to provide advice and information to local authorities on the Act. Bristol city council has been appointed as the lead enforcement authority for lettings.
What are the new fees?
From 1 June 2019, the only payments that landlords or letting agents can charge to tenants for new contracts are:
rent
a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than 5 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above
a refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than 1 week’s rent
payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant
payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and Council Tax
a default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing, where required under a tenancy agreement
A Word from The Good Estate Agent
Whilst this is a big change for the industry this will simplify the process for tenants. Ultimately both letting agents and landlords will have the same costs and the income will need to be replaced. It is estimated that rents will go up on average £103 per year per tenant in order to counteract this rise. (Rob Bryer, Managing Director)
Further information regarding the Tenant Fees Act 2019, including rates charged to both landlords and tenants can be found here.
Note: All information is taken from the UK Government website.
The ban on tenant fees applies to new or renewed tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 June 2019.
The government guidance on the Act for tenants, landlords and letting agents helps explain how this legislation affects them. You might also find the ‘How to Rent’ and ‘How to Let’ guides useful.
The aim of the Act is to reduce the costs that tenants can face at the outset, and throughout, a tenancy. Tenants will be able to see, at a glance, what a given property will cost them in the advertised rent with no hidden costs.
The party that contracts the service – the landlord – will be responsible for paying for that service, helping ensure the fees charged reflect the real economic value of the services provided and sharpen letting agents’ incentive to compete for landlords’ business.
Local enforcement authorities have primary responsibility for enforcing this legislation. The Tenant Fees Act created an independent lead enforcement authority to provide advice and information to local authorities on the Act. Bristol city council has been appointed as the lead enforcement authority for lettings.
What are the new fees?
From 1 June 2019, the only payments that landlords or letting agents can charge to tenants for new contracts are:
rent
a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than 5 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above
a refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than 1 week’s rent
payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant
payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and Council Tax
a default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing, where required under a tenancy agreement
A Word from The Good Estate Agent
Whilst this is a big change for the industry this will simplify the process for tenants. Ultimately both letting agents and landlords will have the same costs and the income will need to be replaced. It is estimated that rents will go up on average £103 per year per tenant in order to counteract this rise. (Rob Bryer, Managing Director)
Further information regarding the Tenant Fees Act 2019, including rates charged to both landlords and tenants can be found here.
Note: All information is taken from the UK Government website.
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 | What You Need to Know