Hot Topics Flashcards
Please explain your understanding of the Harris Debate?
The Harris Debate is organised annually by the RICS and provides a platform to address ethical concerns in the field of surveying and valuation.
The debate honours Jonathan Harris, a former RICS president known for his contributions to professional development and education.
What was discussed at the Harris Debate 2024?
In 2024 the debate focused on the theme of Ethics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Valuation Practices.
The debate explored the ethical implications of incorporating artificial intelligence into valuation and surveying as AI is becoming more integrated in these fields.
What are the ethical concerns with the adoption of AI for the purposes of property valuation?
It is important to consider that AI algorithms rely on data and if this data is inaccurate, incomplete or intentionally weighted following bias data input, this can dramatically skew results in the favour or to the detriment of the parties involved.
There are also great issues around transparency of the data input and analysis with operators of AI not always fully cognisant of how results have been generated.
For a valuation to be compliant with RICS Red Book Standards, transparency of how the value has been determined is key.
There is a perception that AI models are ‘black boxes’ where even creators can’t fully explain how decisions are made, therefore to run a valuation with sole AI input is not compliant with current regulations and industry standards.
Please explain your understanding of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete and why this may be of concern?
RAAC is reinforced lightweight concrete which is used to form panels or planks.
* It has no aggregate unlike regular concrete and was mainly used in flat roofs, floor panels and wall panels.
* It was commonly used in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s in schools, hospitals and public buildings.
* There have been recent concerns about RAAC due to the risk of structural failure in particular due to the following factors:-
o Damage due to water ingress.
o Corrosion of reinforcement.
o Excessive thermal degradation.
o Poor original installation.
How would you identify whether a building has RAAC?
To identify whether a building has RAAC a suitably qualified professional should be appointed such as an RICS Chartered Building Surveyor or Structural Engineer.
Key indicators of RAAC include:
o Light-grey or white panels in appearance.
o Underside of panels appears smooth.
o Inside of planks appear bubbly unlike traditional concrete,
o There will be no visible stones (aggregate) in the panels.
What steps would you recommend to a client in order to identify whether a building contains RAAC?
RAAC planks were mainly used from the 1950s until the 1990s so this advice would typically apply to buildings dated from around this time.
I would enquire whether the building owner or local authority holds any similar buildings within their portfolio which are known to have RAAC.
I would also review any records available about the construction of the building to identify if RAAC is mentioned.
Key brand names indicating that RAAC may have be used include:
o Durox.
o Siporex.
o Hebel.
o Celcon.
If I could not identify the construction type of a roof and suspect it could be formed from RAAC, I would advise that the Roof must be inspected by a qualified RICS Chartered Building Surveyor or Structural Engineer.
Following inspection and identification I would advise that the client puts provisions in place to manage risks within their building for example:
o Use of temporary propping.
o Isolation of areas of the building at risk.
The remedial works would be advised in order of priority depending on areas most at risk.
Does RAAC pose a health risk?
The main concerns around properties having RAAC are only due to its lack of durability and structural integrity.
No evidence exists to suggest it poses other health risks despite it being linked in some reports to asbestos which is a common misconception.
What is the RICS doing to help tackle the issue of RAAC in buildings?
The DfE produced a list of 231 schools effected by RAAC and with this number set to rise the RICS is looking to offer support for the education sector.
* The RICS is working with Specialist Structural Engineers and the Construction Industry Council to help building operators mitigate the risks of RAAC.
* The RICS is advising the DfE on surveying properties within their estate and offering guidance on the remedial action that can be taken to make the buildings and those occupying them safe.
Who is the RICS Leadership Team made up of?
Tina Paillet is President of RICS and is focused on sustainability and decarbonization in the built environment sector and is looking to ensure the RICS are aligned with global environmental challenges.
* Nicholas Maclean is Interim Chair of the Governing Council and is responsible for overseeing governance and strategic reviews. He has extensive leadership experience and has served in various RICS roles in the Middle East.
* Richard Collins is Interim Chief Executive Officer with a background in regulation and public interest services and has implemented significant reforms in RICS’ regulatory functions.
* Isobel O’Regan is Interim Chair of the Management Board and is experienced in managing commercial and investment projects and contributes her expertise to the institution’s operational governance.
Can you please explain your understanding of the recent RICS Fee changes
The RICS has announced a 3.5% increase in professional subscription fees for 2025, marking the first adjustment in five years.
* The decision was made to address rising operational costs and inflation, which RICS had been absorbing. A new subscription framework has also been introduced to create a fairer and more regionally equitable system, taking into account member grades, benefits, and local economic conditions.
* For example, UK-based professional members will pay £558, while fellows will pay £681. The framework is designed to reflect affordability, with fees varying internationally based on local market conditions and exchange rates.
* In some regions, like parts of Africa, fees have decreased to enhance affordability. Members under two years and those pursuing qualifications will see tiered rates depending on their status.
Please explain your understanding of the term ‘Placemaking’?
Placemaking is a wholistic approach to the development of public spaces that considers planning, design, implementation and management.
This aims to deliver public spaces that offer unique value to their occupants such as:-
o A greater sense of belonging.
o Increased security.
o A unique atmosphere.
o Inspiration and experience.
o A sense of pride in community.
* The concept is thought to result in an improved quality of life to occupants, greater happiness, better work productivity and a possible increase in property values.
Are you aware of any guidance that applies to RICS Members when using Social Media?
The RICS introduced the Guidance Note ‘Use of Social Media: Guidance for Members Version 1.
This took affect from 30th June 2021.
The Guidance note sets out the same standards as stipulated in the RICS Rules of Conduct and reminds members that these do not change whether communicating via social media, face to face or traditional forms of media.
How do you ensure you operate inline with RICS guidance on the use of Social Media?
I am always sure to use social media in a responsible and professional manner in the same way that I communicate via face to face or other written forms of communication.
* I am sure to use professional and respectful language when communicating and understand the responsibility in representing the RICS.
* I would never make a post that is dishonest or would cause offence in any way.
* I realise that this could potentially undermine public confidence and trust in the profession.
When would the RICS investigate a Social Media post made by one of its members?
An investigation may take place if a social media post is:-
o Discriminatory.
o Dishonest.
o Abusive or threatening.
o Likely to cause significant harm, distress or offence to a person.
o Shows a pattern of frequent or large number of concerning communications.
o Ignores previous advice or warnings about concerns.
Please explain your understanding of the recent updates to RICS Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover around Fire Safety?
During 2019 fire safety insurance cover was removed from the professional indemnity insurance market following the Grenfell Disaster.
* This followed an increase in insurance claims with insurers applying blanket fire safety exclusions.
* Many surveying firms were unable to obtain fire safety cover leaving them exposed on previously completed instructions and non protected for future work.
* During 2020/21 the RICS worked with insurers to restrict blanket fire safety exclusions.
* The RICS agreed with insurers in May 2021 that fire safety exclusions could be used however these would not apply to work on properties with four or fewer storeys above ground level.
* This is contained in the agreement that all insurers sign if they want to participate in the RICS insurance market.
* Cover for completion of EWS1 forms remains excluded from RICS’ policy wording.
* There is limited protection for professionals completing EWS1 assessments on a case-by-case basis at insurers’ commercial discretion.
Please explain your understanding of the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark?
The RICS is launching a scheme known as the Inclusive Employer Quality Mark.
This is designed to improve diversity and inclusion within the property and construction sector.
The scheme requires employers to pledge their commitment to adopting and continually improving against the following six principles:
o Leadership and Vision.
o Recruitment.
o Staff development.
o Staff retention.
o Staff engagement.
o Continuous improvement.
Participating firms will be required to assess their performance against the criteria on a bi-annual basis.
RICS will use the assessment information to document the outcomes and trends for the profession as a whole.
Participating firms are able to use the branding of, ‘Signatory to the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark’.
Please explain your understanding of the importance of Hart vs Large caselaw?
This was a high court case relating to a dispute between the purchasers, Mr & Mrs Hart, and their surveyor, Mr Large.
Large had carried out a Level 2 Home Buyer Report on a property based in Devon.
Mr & Mrs Hart experienced problems with damp and water ingress resulting in a claim against Large.
The court ruled that Large was negligent as he:
o Failed to identify the issues relating to damp.
o Failed to advise the purchaser to obtain a Professional Consultants Certificate.
o Failed to recommend further investigations were undertaken regarding the condition of the property.
This case is important for surveyors as it highlights the need to:
o Report on any building elements that have not been inspected, including an explanation as to why this is the case.
o Recommend further investigations are carried out if the surveyor has a suspicion that a visible defect may affect other concealed building elements. -“Where there is a trail of suspicion, a surveyor must take reasonable steps to follow that trail, which may include recommending further investigations.
o The need to strongly recommend that a Professional Consultants Certificate should be obtained prior to purchase on recently refurbished properties to protect the property purchaser from concealed defects.
Please explain your understanding of how the RICS define Professional Standards vs. Practice Information?
Following the Birchard Review and its recommendations the RICS have introduced two new definitions for Professional guidance which are now split into Professional Standards and Practice Information.
These supersede the former definitions including Professional Statements, Guidance Notes and Codes of Practice etc.
Professional Standards - set out requirements or expectations for RICS members and regulated firms with a focus on baseline expectations for competence and ethical behavior. They contain mandatory requirements that surveyors must follow, where the word ‘must’ is used with best practice that surveyors should follow, where the word ‘should’ is used.
Practice Information – set out supporting guidance to advise surveyors in delivering specific services or working in specific areas of practice. The guidance is not mandatory and does not provide explicit recommendations. Practice Information can refer to processes, toolkits, checklists, insights, research and technical information or advice.
Please explain your understanding of the guidelines around use of the RICS Logo?
I am aware of RICS guidelines which are split into:
o Rules of Conduct for Firms use of the RICS logo and designation.
o Guidelines for Personal Use of the RICS logo.
These guidelines contain detailed information regarding correct usage which is approved by the Standards and Regulation Board.
As a qualified RICS member you have the right to use the logo for personal use for example on Business Cards & Personal E-mail signatures.
There are specific rules around how the RICS master logo is presented for example the font and colour must not be adjusted and there should be a minimum clearance around the logo equivalent to the size of the capital R in RICS.
What is IPMS?
IPMS stands for the International Property Measurement Standards.
The IPMS is a coalition of 80 global professional organisations that was first formed in 2013 when it produced its first version of its measurement standards.
There were various versions of the standards that are targeted at industry specific sectors such as:-
o IPMS Office.
o IPMS Residential.
o IPMS Retail.
IPMS All Buildings was introduced in January 2023 and now supersedes all previous standards.
The RICS has been a pivotal member of the coalition since its inception and provided consultation and advice to its members.
Please explain your understanding of the recent IPMS Updates?
IPMS All Buildings was introduced in January 2023 and now supersedes all previous standards and applies to all buildings irrespective of their use or sector class.
Key Updates to this latest standard include:-
o A shorter and more concise format has been adopted.
o Definitions set out within the standards were made to be deliberately unique in an attempt to prevent confusion amongst existing standards across global markets.
o The IPMS is organized into 4 volumes that can be utilised by different professional groups in various scenarios.
o This is thought to encourage the adoption of the standards on a global scale as some markets were slow to incorporate IPMS and called for one simplified version of the standards.
Please explain your understanding of the key definitions set out within the IPMS?
Internal Dominant Face – The inside surface area comprising more than 50% of the lowest 2.75m measurement vertically from the structural floor surface, or to the ceiling if lower, for each wall section.
Component – One of the main elements into which the floor area of a building can be allocated.
Component Area – The floor area attributed to one of the components.
Standard Facilities – Shared areas in a building that typically do not change over time, such as circulation areas, stairs, escalators, lifts/ elevators, toilets, cleaners cupboards, plant rooms, fire refuge areas and maintenance rooms.
What is your view of the IPMS Updates?
I think the IPMS when established globally will provide an extremely useful set of measurement standards that will hopefully negate ambiguity across international markets.
In reality this is proving very difficult to achieve due to the existing preferences in place in each market place.
For example the UK has been slow to adopt the IPMS due to a familiarity and preference of the existing standards.
I am also awaiting the updated RICS Professional Statement for Property Measurement to find out how the Institution and experts within the profession view the updated IPMS.
Following the Grenfell Disaster are you aware of any guidance the RICS has published to support fire safety?
I am aware that the RICS has published the Guidance note ‘Cladding for Surveyors 1st Edition March 2021’ to support surveyors working on Multi-storey and multi occupancy residential buildings.
The document aims to improve surveyors knowledge of external wall cladding systems that may be considered within the External Wall Fire Review.
Whilst the document is useful and provides illustrated examples of cladding systems, I appreciate that fire safety is of great importance and ultimately falls outside my area of expertise. If my clients do ask for advice on first safety I would always recommend that they seek advice via a professional fire risk assessment.
What is ACM cladding?
ACM standards for aluminum composite material
It consists of two skins of aluminum bonded to either side of a lightweight core of materials such as polyethylene or a mineral core aimed to provided insulating properties.
What is the significance of ACM in relation to Grenfell?
The ACM cladding in use was thought to contain combustible materials that contributed towards the spread of fire across the external elevation of the building.
As a result the UK government has now banned the use of combustible materials on high rise homes from 29th November 2018.
The ban means that combustible materials are not permitted on the external walls of new buildings above 18m.
Local authorities also need to undertake remediation works to replace dangerous ACM cladding on existing buildings.
What is an EWS1?
An EWS1 is an External Wall System Fire Review Certificate.
They are applicable when a multi-storey residential property is either being bought, sold or re-mortgaged.
It is not a building safety certificate but a re-mortgaging valuation tool.
The RICS and mortgage lenders jointly formed the EWS1 form as a way of mortgage lenders assessing the external wall safety of buildings over 18m in height.
What is the New Fire Safety Act 2021?
The First Safety Act was introduced in March 2020 and holds significant legal obligations of organisations deemed to be responsible persons.
It is introduced as an update to the Fire Safety order 2005.
The main focus of the act is the amendment of the Fire Safety Order to clarify that it will apply to the structure and external walls as well as anything attached to external walls such as doors, windows and cladding.
Under the previous regime it was unclear who was responsible for fire safety compliance for these elements of the building.
This will force owners, landlords and managing agents of multi-occupied residential buildings to take precautions to identify any dangerous cladding on those buildings and remediate any dangerous materials whilst introducing interim measures to ensure the building can be occupied safely.
Are you aware of some of the aims highlighted within the RICS Business Plan for 2024?
Incorporating the Levitt Report Recommendations
* Following acceptance of the Levitt Report recommendations in full the RICS looks to:-
o Be more open and transparent with members and the public about the operation of the institution including decision making and finances.
o Developing and implementing new, more effective, internal whistleblowing arrangements
o Reviewing the arrangements for senior executive reward.
Immediate Financial Priorities
* Continue to support the profession as economies recover from Covid-19 and seek to minimise any increases in the cost of subscription levels.
* Utilise any surplus in cash generation to pay back furlough monies received via the UK government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
* Reduce RICS’ need to access external financial support
* Reduce any funding deficit in the closed Final Salary Pension Scheme.
Corporate Objectives
* Maintain and increase demand for RICS qualifications with a primary goal to ensure RICS qualifications remain relevant for future generations and that increased numbers of members use RICS to meet their knowledge and training needs.
* To ensure members remain involved and engage with increased participation in RICS communities with increased engagement beyond renewal of professional subscription fees.
* To be recognised as a sustainable 21st century professional body with improved financial sustainability and enhanced transparency of internal governance, while improving the overall satisfaction of members and the engagement of our people.
Geographic Priorities
* Outside the UK Greater China continues to be the RICS’ largest strategic market with India, North America, the Middle East, Europe and Australia providing notable opportunities.
* Many of these markets have positive characteristics such as a major focus on attracting inward investment and significant commitments to infrastructure spending.
What impact will the labour government’s election have on the Property & Construction Industries?
House Building Targets - Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million homes over the next parliamentary term, reinstating mandatory housing targets and updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
* Infrastructure Projects - Significant funding is planned for public infrastructure, including transportation networks, renewable energy projects, and urban development. This will create opportunities for large-scale construction projects, likely driving economic growth and job creation.
* Sustainability Focus - Labour has committed to embedding green practices across the industry, with policies focusing on eco-friendly materials, retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency, and integrating biodiversity in urban planning. This could lead to increased demand for sustainable construction practices.
* Skills Development - Labour plans to address the construction sector’s skill shortages through youth training initiatives and improved working conditions, such as banning zero-hour contracts. This could create a more skilled and stable workforce but will require significant investment to meet labour demands.
What impact will the 2024 US Election results have on the Property & Construction Industries?
Currency fluctuations - The value of the US dollar often fluctuates sharply during and after an election. These shifts directly affect the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound, which in turn impacts the attractiveness of UK property to overseas investors. A weaker pound against the dollar could mean heightened interest from the US and other international buyers, particularly in prime markets like
London driving higher property prices.
* Impact on Interest Rates - The US election influences the Federal Reserve’s economic policies, which in turn affect global financial markets. Changes in US monetary policy could lead to adjustments by the Bank of England. For UK property, interest rates are crucial as a rise could dampen demand by making
mortgages more expensive. Conversely, if rates stay low, the market could remain buoyant, with borrowing costs staying affordable for longer.
* Supply Chains and Construction - Changes in US trade policy or tariffs could ripple through the global economy affecting the cost of materials like steel and timber. Higher costs for builders could slow the pace of new developments or push prices higher for buyers in England.
* Tech Development & Remote Working - If the election results encourage further growth in the tech sector & remote working, it could bolster demand for homes in England’s regional cities, which have become increasingly popular with remote workers seeking affordability and a better work-life balance.
Please explain your understanding of the acronym MEES?
MEES stands for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. These are regulations in the UK that set minimum energy performance requirements for buildings, specifically for privately rented properties.
Under MEES, properties in the private rental sector must meet at least an E rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be legally rented out. If a building is rated lower than an E, landlords are required to improve the energy efficiency of the property before renting it out, unless specific exemptions apply.
The MEES regulations are part of the UK government’s broader environmental and sustainability agenda, aiming to ensure that properties are energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Please explain your understanding of Green mortgages?
A mortgage that rewards someone for buying or owning an energy efficient home by offering favorable terms than as standard.
This typically result in lower interest rates or receiving cashback when you take out the mortgage.
What is Urban greening factor?
The urban greening factor is a tool that evaluates and measures the amount of urban greening (vegetation cover and planting around buildings) to aid the appropriate planning of greening on future developments.
The aim is to increase the amount of green cover around buildings and support its consideration at the design and outset of developments.
Councils can develop their own targets with the plan for London being a target score of 0.4 for residential developments and 0.3 for commercial developments.
What is meant by the term embodied carbon?
Embodied Carbon refers to the carbon emissions generated as a result of energy consumption and chemical processes during the extraction, manufacture, transportation, assembly, replacement and deconstruction of construction materials or products.
* In construction terms, embodied carbon is the resultant emissions from all the activities involved in the creation and demolition of a building less the operational carbon impact.
What is the RICS futures report?
In 2015 the futures report was launched and highlighted key trends such as urbanisation, the disruption of big data and technology on the sector and the climate crisis as presenting key challenges to the property and construction industries.
* The futures report aims to ensure that the surveying profession is ready to act in the publics interests in addressing global challenges.
* Since 2015 the RICS have analysed these trends by engaging with the profession to keep its members best informed on how to address these key challenges.
* Resulting findings highlighted in the 2020 futures report include:-
o Construction produces the second largest amounts of data behind financial services however it is estimated that 95% of this is currently wasted. The RICS is setting up an innovation and technology hub to provide a centre of expertise on how data can be put to good use.
o The rapid urbanisation in China was also highlighted where formation of mega-cities is creating key challenges. The amount of land classed as urban has doubled since 2000 resulting in polluted, congested and expensive areas. The RICS aims to encourages it members working in these regions to adopt a more sustainable approach to the development of these areas through utilsation of outer urban areas.
o The rapid increase in the use of drones within the industry was also highlighted as presenting key challenges in terms of compliance issues for surveyors taking into account current and emerging regulatory trends, national and international legislation standards. The RICS has developed online courses to support surveyors in this area to ensure the technology is being utilised efficiently, safely and legally.
Are you aware of any RICS Guidance covering the use of drones?
Yes the RICS has produced ‘Drones: applications and compliance for surveyors’.
This provides advice on the different types of drones available, how they can be applied within the industry and advice on current industry legislation.
What legislation applies to drone operators in the UK?
- The use of drones is covered under several pieces of legislation in the UK however regulators are currently in catch up mode due to the rapid evolution of this technology.
- Key pieces of legislation include:-
o Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016
o Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2018
o Data Protection Act 2018
o Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 - It is important for surveyors to have a familiarity of the regulations in places where general aviation rules specify that:-
o A person must not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person in an aircraft and;
o A person must not cause or permit an aircraft to endanger person or property.
o The Civil Aviation Authority specify that commercial drone operators must have a PfCO (Permission for Commercial Operations) issued by the CAA before conducting any operations.
What different types of drones are you aware of?
- Drones with mounted optical cameras are used to monitor the external envelope of buildings and infrastructure.
- Drones with thermal or heat detection sensors are also available however a qualified thermographer may be required to interpret the results. This may be radiometric data where a specific temperature is provided for each pixel or non-radiometric data which shows a general temperature differences.
- LiDAR Airborne laser scanning technology is also available for topographical surveying and mapping.
What is meant by the term inclusive design?
- Inclusive design aims to ensure that the differences in the way people use the built and natural environment can be accommodated for through dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone.
- Inclusive design is the responsibility of everyone who works in the built environment: planners, those who commission new buildings and places, access consultants, designers, architects, engineers, surveyors, property owners and facilities managers.
- Danny Medcalf FRICS and RICS RICS Trainer for Rules of Conduct, Ethics and Professional Practice advised that:-
o “Whether it is a building, a car park, a football stadium, or any other part of the built
environment, the key thing is that the space must promote intuitive and inclusive use,”
o “This means it has to be both welcoming and easy for people to use, regardless of their age, status, gender, physical or mental ability and all other individual characteristics.”
Tell us about the Williams vs Network Rail Japanese knotweed caselaw?
- In 2018, the claimants Mr Williams and Mr Waistell, the owners of two adjacent properties in South Wales pursued damages from Network Rail due to encroachment of Japenese Knotweed onto their land.
- The Claimants requested that Network Rail treat and eliminate the knotweed on their land in addition to paying them damages under various heads of claim.
- This case law is important because the court has ruled that Japanese Knotweed infestation has caused a loss of quiet enjoyment of the claimants property.
- Mortgage companies are cautious of lending against properties that have knotweed within seven metres of the boundary.
- The claimants property value was effected significantly by knotweed growing close to the boundary and the ruling will have a wide reaching impact for other home owners in a similar position.
- In conclusion this case law highlights that surveyors need to be ever more vigilant to the potential presence of Japanese Knotweed on adjacent boundaries and to ensure the risks around this are appropriately caveated in surveys and any marketing literature.
BS Part N repealed incorporated into part K?
- Approved Document N was withdrawn in England in 2013 and moved into Approved Document K.
- The aim of the 2013 revision to the Building Regulations was to remove inconsistencies and overlapping guidance.
- Part N (Glazing) has been deleted and its requirements transferred to Part K (Protection from falling, collision and impact).
- The key changes include:-
o The common stairs in a block of flats with no lift must be a general access stair. Where a lift is provided then there should be, as a minimum, a utility stair suitable for those with impaired sight.
o Handrails should now have a radius of 32–50 mm (previously 40-45 mm), or, if not circular, be 50 mm wide and 39 mm deep with minimum radius of 15 mm.
o Stairs within buildings share a common classification across AD K and AD M. A general access stair is intended for all users of a building on a day-to-day basis, while a utility stair is used for purposes such as escape or maintenance access, but not as a usual route between levels.
What is the Fitness for Human Habitation Act?
- A new law was introduced on March 2019 to ensure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’.
- The Fitness for Human Habitation, Act 2018 aims to help tenants currently living in properties that could cause them harm and to ensure that irresponsible landlords improve their properties.
- If rented houses and flats are not ‘fit for human habitation’, tenants can take their landlords to court.
- The court can make the landlord carry out repairs or put right health and safety problems.
- The court can also make the landlord pay compensation to the tenant.
- For example, if the property in question is too cold or damp and heat cannot be provided this could effect the tenants health.
- It also places an obligation on the landlord to provide their tenant with a ‘how to rent guide’ with information on the landlord’s duties and responsibilities prior to moving in.
What is meant by the term Lifetime homes?
- The Lifetime Homes Standard was introduced by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation ‘Lifetime Homes Group’ in 1991.
- The standards aim to provide adaptable homes that cater for the needs of everyone from young families to older people with temporary or permanent mobility issues.
- The principles aim to allow people to remain in their homes for longer and reduce the demand on the care sector.
- The concept is based on 5 key principles:-
o Inclusivity.
o Accessibility.
o Adaptability.
o Sustainability.
o Good value. - A number of local planning authorities now require that the Lifetime Homes standard is adopted in new build developments for example in Wales and Northern Ireland, new publicy funded homes are required to comply with the standard.
Please explain your understanding of the Part L updates for 2022?
- The Government is making updates to Part L of the Building Regulations which come into effect from June 2022.
- The changes mean that lower amounts of carbon emissions are permitted in the design and creation of buildings including window and façade systems.
- The changes mean that new build homes will produce around 31% fewer carbon emissions that the previous legislation.
- Windows on new dwellings are expected to achieve a U-Value of 1.2W/m2k against a previous requirement of 1.6W/m2k.
- Doors on new dwellings are expected to achieve a U-Value of 1.2W/m2k against a previous requirement of 1.4W/m2k.
Please explain your understanding of the Future Homes Standard?
- The future homes standard is a set of criteria that will be introduced from 2025 to ensure new homes produce fewer carbon emissions.
- Prior to the changes being introduced a technical specification will be consulted on by the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities with legislation introduced in 2024 ahead of implementation in 2025.
- The Future Homes Standard will:-
o Ensure new homes built from 2025 produce 75-80% less carbon emissions.
o Existing homes and certain home improvements will be subject to higher standards.
o New buildings such as offices and shops will have to produce 27% fewer carbon emissions. - Experts predict this could be achieved by introducing mandatory requirements for hot water storage and improvements to insulation and airtightness.
Please explain your understanding of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector?
- The Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 require that landlords renting out property are obligated to ensure that national standards for electrical safety are met as defined in the wiring regulations and British Standards.
- The electrical installation in their property must also be inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person a least every 5 years.
- Landlords must obtain a copy of the inspection report and supply a copy of this prior to new tenants moving in or to existing tenants no later than 28 days after the inspection and test.
- Where the report shows that remedial or further investigative work is necessary, this work must be completed within 28 days or any shorter period if specified as necessary in the report.
What are the new RICS Professional Indemnity Insurance
Requirements for 2022?
- The requirements for professional indemnity insurance were updated following issue of the UK Professional indemnity insurance requirements Version 9 with effect from 1st April 2022.
- The new requirements introduced a change to the maximum uninsured excess of Professional indemnity insurance.
- This means that for larger companies with a turnover in excess of £10m, this is no maximum limit of uninsured excess.
- Whereas for companies with a turnover of less than £10m, the maximum uninsured excess is the greater of £10,000 or 2.5% of the insured sum.
