Our 'call of the week' column regularly shines the spotlight on member queries our expert advice line have helped resolve.

In the past year, the column has featured queries from members with all manner of questions, including the technicalities of creating a tenancy and common seasonal issues such as dealing with garden pests and winter property care.

With 2022 around the corner, here, we take a look back at the top ten most read call-of-the-week blogs from the past twelve months. 

Don't forget! Our team of fully trained, expert advisors are at hand to help members with a variety of tenancy related queries. If you're not a member, join us today, from £85 a year. Click here to read how else NRLA membership can benefit you. 

Let's start our countdown...

TEN: Tackling condensation

We start this countdown by taking a look at the tenth most popular call of the week blog from 2021. *Drum roll*

Always a common issue as we approach Autumn, the tenth most popular call of the week blog from the past year was on the topic of condensation. In cooler weather, it can be fairly common to see tiny droplets forming on windows. While condensation isn't a hazard in and of itself, it can lead to serious hazards such as damp and mould if it's ignored. Thankfully, there are plenty of practical things landlords and tenants can do to help tackle the issue. 

NINE: Installing smart meters

Our call of the week blog on smart meters features in the ninth spot in our countdown this year. Our member had been approached by their tenant who was keen to instal a smart meter at their rental property. The landlord gave our advice team a call because they were looking for both some best practice guidance for this scenario, and some more information on the different types of smart meters out there. Read more. 

EIGHT: Holding deposits rules

The rules around holding deposits changed slightly when the Tenant Fees Act was introduced in England, and this call of the week blog relates to a question a member had around how the fees ban had affected the taking of holding deposits. The landlord was about to create a brand new tenancy, and wanted to learn whether the fees ban required them to complete any additional paperwork at the start of a tenancy. 

SEVEN: Frequency of property inspections

When it comes to property inspections, how often should landlords carry these out? In truth it can depend on a range of factors, such as the type of property and number of occupants. This was the subject of the following call of the week, where a landlord had contacted our team to clarify the facts.

SIX: Gas safety certificates

One of the most popular call of the week blogs from this year was the following one, concerning gas safety certificates.

A landlord had given our advice team a call stating their intention to renew the gas safety certificate at their rental property slightly earlier than the date it was due to expire. They wanted to know where they stood legally if they did this, and also what to do about documenting the check had been done. We were happy to clarify things for our member, click below to read our advice.

FIVE: Dealing with household and garden pests

Household pests such as wasps, bees and flies can be common during the warmer, summer months, so its no surprise that this call of the week blog published earlier in the year proved to be a popular read.

We helped our member learn how they should deal with household pests in their rental property, and also who the responsibility for doing this sits with. 

FOUR: Documents needed when creating a tenancy

You don't need us to tell you there are a great deal of things for landlords to consider when creating a new tenancy. 

In this case, our member wanted some advice around all the documents they are required to give to their tenant at the very start of the tenancy. It is vital landlords get this right, and we were happy to talk through things with our member. Don't forget, NRLA members can download unlimited tenancy agreements, (ASTs) from our resource section. Read more. 

THREE: Renewing a tenancy agreement

One of the most popular blogs this year in our call of the week series was the following blog, around the technical aspects of renewing a tenancy agreement. A landlord had got in touch about their tenant who was quickly coming to the end of an existing assured shorthold tenancy agreement. Both parties were keen for the tenancy to be 'renewed', and the landlord gave us a call because they weren't sure if the type of tenancy agreement they had meant the tenancy would simply continue to roll on, or whether they'd have to issue a brand new tenancy. Statutory periodic and contractual periodic tenancies differ, and our advisor was happy to help the landlord understand their next steps.

TWO: Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR)

We're nearly at the end of our countdown! The second most popular call of the week blog this year was on the topic of electrical safety, specifically electrical installation condition reports (EICRs).

Private landlords must ensure every electrical installation in their residential premises is inspected and tested at intervals of no more than 5 years by a qualified and competent person. The regulations came into force in England on 1 June 2020. Since 1 July 2020, all new specified tenancies have been required to comply with this requirement. The regulations were extended to apply to all existing specified tenancies from 1 April 2021, so it is little suprise the following call of the week was a popular read.

*The information in this article touches upon the lockdown in England in January 2020, and while was correct this information may now be out of date to reflect current covid-19 rules.

ONE: Responsibility for maintaining gardens

We've reached the end of our call of the week countdown! The most popular blog in our call of the week series this year tackled the topic of garden maintenance. Always a common question that 'crops' up during the warmer months, a landlord gave us a ring to clarify exactly who is responsible for small maintenance jobs in the garden, things like mowing the lawn. 

In truth, the answer isn't always clear cut and also depends on the 'job', so head over to the blog to read more about the advice we gave to our member. 

So there we have it! The ten most read call of the week blogs from 2021! Don't forget, if you're a member a have a query relating to a tenancy, tenancy regulations, property management and the like, we're here to help you! 

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