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Episode 7: Tackling anti-social behaviour and transforming commercial buildings into new homes

Podcast - Episode 7 - Transcript

Last updated: 28/07/2021 at 15:48 - 105.36 KB

With July 19-25th marking the annual antisocial behaviour awareness week, we speak to the experts about what landlords can do to tackle the issue and how mediation can help.

Presenters NRLA CEO Ben Beadle (@BeadleBen) and Richard Blanco (@richardblanco_) talk to guests Julie Ford, a mediator from the Property Redress Scheme and Chris Grose from Capsticks Solicitors on the tools landlords have at their disposal to tackle the issue - and how talking can help.

Elsewhere in the show Dan Cumming of the NRLA advice team talks about the hot topics on the phonelines throughout the month, including keeping gardens at your rental homes in good condition and where responsibilities lie.

Last, but by no means least, we talk to developers Malkit Purewal and Sanjay Kumar of Savoys Properties (Instagram: savoysproperties), NRLA members who specialise in HMOs and converting former commercial premises into new homes.

Recent changes to planning legislation have made it easier for developers to carry out these developments and the award-winning partners have converted properties including garages, shops, restaurants, offices and even a building society.

To find out more about how they do it tune in now. And if you enjoy the show, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords.

For all podcast enquiries email press@nrla.org.uk 

ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu.

More information

For more information on anti-social behaviour and how to tackle it click here.

The NLRA training academy also runs an eLearning course on anti-social behaviour. For more information click here.

You can read an article on the recent changes to planning rules in the Winter 2020 edition of NRLA member magazine Property. (Page 42)

To read a full transcript of the show click here.

Guest Biographies

Julie Ford - mediator for the Property Redress Scheme

Julie has over 25 years’ experience in the private rented sector predominantly in lettings and property management. A formal specialist housing adviser for Citizens’ Advice and having previously worked as portfolio caseworker for a local homeless charity, Julie bring years of experience to her role as mediator for the Property Redress Scheme

Chris Grose – Head of Housing Advisory Service, Capsticks

Chris leads the Housing Advisory Service which consists of a range of consultancy and training services. Chris has worked in the social housing sector for 22 years in a number of roles including leading an ASB team, a national ASB Advisor at the CIH and a consultant.

Chris has worked closely with a range of agencies both locally and nationally, including working directly with the Home Office in the development of the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which included giving evidence at the House of Commons Select Committee.

Malkit Purewal and Sanjay Kumar are childhood friends who embarked on their property journey over 20 years ago by purchasing a property in auction while both in fulltime employment. They continued building their property portfolio while working until 2008 when they embarked on adding value to property by developing or extending properties. 

In 2010 they purchased an HMO in auction which was used for LHA tenants. They used this HMO as a template to learn how to provide modern contemporary co-living HMOs for the working professionals. The now manage more than 300 tenants in HMOs for themselves and landlords in South East England.  

In 2013 Malkit and Sanjay took advantage of prior approval planning rules to repurpose commercial properties to residential use. From 2013 till to date they have repurposed numerous commercial properties to residential use which was recognised in 2020 by the Property Investor Awards where Malkit and Sanjay were named Commercial Property Developer of the Year. 

Listen Up Landlords Podcast

Are you a new landlord just starting out in the business, or an experienced investor looking for the inside track on what’s going on in the private rented sector?

If so, Listen Up Landlords is the podcast for you.

Brought to you by the UK's largest landlord membership organisation, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) it will bring you the very best information, insight and analysis when it comes to renting homes, along with practical advice on how to make the best of your properties.

Presenters, NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle – a landlord himself - and landlord, property developer and broadcaster Richard Blanco will be joined each month by expert guests from across the industry to shine a light on the issues affecting you and your lettings.

This could be anything from new legislation and tax changes to boosting your kerb appeal.

By landlords, for landlords, Listen Up Landlords will feature stories and views from the buy-to-let market, to support those just starting out and to share best practice.

Meet the Presenters

Ben Beadle

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle bought his first rental home in London at the age of 20 and now has a portfolio of properties in the capital, focussing on student lets and HMOs. Starting out in property management, he was responsible for overseeing the merger of the NLA and RLA to create the NRLA in March 2020. Ben is committed to changing the narrative when it comes to private landlords and growing the association to bring about real political change and create a private rented sector that works for all.

Richard Blanco

Landlord and investor Richard Blanco started buying property in 2003 and has built a portfolio of rental homes across six London boroughs. He is a London Representative for the NRLA and organises and speaks at events across the capital. As well as presenting Listen Up Landlords Richard regularly appears on USA TV show House Hunters International and writes and comments on housing issues in the national and trade press.