Without being a bah humbug with the run up to Christmas, its wise to keep in mind that burglary increases at this time of year. A combination of darker nights and the potential of gifts inside the property. Its a busy time of year but take a few moments to think of the security of your home.

Here are some tips to help keep your home safe this Christmas-

• If you are going away try and be discrete if possible, try not to share on social media or display suitcases outside your property whilst you pack the car.
• Timers are a good investment for your lights, giving the impression somebody is in.
• When living in apartments take care to shut communal doors after yourself not allowing non residents in.
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Don’t be more complacent being in an apartment.
• For fire safety and for disabled access nothing should be kept in communal areas anyway, another reason is so they are not targeted and stolen.
• Inside your property don’t keep valuable items on display where they can be seen from the outside.

On Midnight 4th of December new stamp duty rates were introduced

They are-

• 0% on any amount up to £125,000
• 2% on any amount over £125,000 up to £250,000
• 5% on any amount over £250,000 up to £925,000
• 10% on any amount over £925,000 up to £1,500,000
• 12% on any amount over £1,500,000

More information can be found here

https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/overview

The right to rent policy starts today. This is being trialled firstly in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton.

This means that private landlords need to do immigration checks on new tenants or they could face a fine of up to £3,000

Some key points are

• Check all residents over 18years of age
• Landlords to check passports or biometric residents permits
• Online form available for Landlords to complete if there are no documents available from tenants
• If you are a Landlord using a letting agent, place in writing who is responsible for right to rent as unless stated its the landlords responsibility
• Check all tenants, do not discriminate

More information can be found here

Right to rent government guidlines