Charity Property Podcast - The Ethical Property Foundation

The Ethical Property Foundation
Charity Property Podcast - The Ethical Property Foundation

 The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the UK voluntary sector. We support hundreds of voluntary groups every year through our “Ask a Property Expert” service. Our free Weston Property Manual, nominated for two awards, and our Property FAQs are available on our website for any group seeking to acquire and run premises.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 12/10/2024

    Episode 6 - Understanding the Hidden Costs for Charities in Leasing a Building

    In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked costs that charities face when leasing a building. We will provide essential insights and practical advice on navigating these financial obligations, including: Service Charges, Rates, and VAT: Unpack what these costs are, how they are calculated, and their impact on your charity's budget.Heads of Terms (HOTs): Learn the importance of detailing everything you want in the lease to avoid unexpected expenses.Understanding Extra Costs: Recognise the potential additional costs beyond rent, and why it's crucial to anticipate them.Variable vs. Controlled Costs: Distinguish between controlled rent and variable costs, and how rent reviews can affect your finances.Service Charges Explained: Discover what a service charge includes, how the landlord should provide a budget and balance sheet, and the importance of understanding past and future charges.Initial Surveys: Conducting a survey at the beginning of a lease to understand historical and current service charge levels, and any future major plans.Lease Literacy: Emphasize the necessity of reading the lease thoroughly to avoid assumptions and ensure clarity on all terms.Insurance Costs: Understand how insurance is organised by the landlord, your contribution towards it, and how it might be included in the service charge or as a separate cost.Rates and Relief: Clarify tenant responsibilities for rates, and explore the reliefs available to some charities.Navigating VAT: Learn how VAT applies in the context of your building lease, and the differences between VAT-liable and non-VAT-liable buildings.Comprehensive Cost Awareness: Ensure you are fully informed of all potential costs associated with leasing a building. Join us for a deep dive into these critical considerations, helping your charity manage its finances more effectively and avoid unexpected financial burdens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  2. 10/31/2024

    Episode 5 - Elephant traps if you want to get out of a lease: break clause and knowing your rights.

    In this episode, we delve into the complexities of break clauses and your rights as a tenant. We'll cover crucial topics such as: Break Clauses and Knowing Your Rights: Understand what break clauses are, how they work, and what your rights are when invoking them.Lease Termination: Learn about the different ways a lease can come to an end, including the natural expiration of the term.Handing Back the Keys: Discover whether you can simply hand back the keys and walk away, or if there are additional steps you need to take.Timing and Notice: The importance of knowing your break dates, giving proper notice, and organising your timeline to ensure a smooth transition.Legal and Suitability Checks for New Premises: Ensure that your new premises are legally permissible and suitable for your needs, including considerations for planning and conversion costs.Property Condition and Repairs: Understand your obligations to return the property in a good state of repair and what dilapidations entail.Proactive Lease Management: Learn why it's beneficial to consider your obligations at the beginning of the lease, including creating a schedule of conditions to limit end-of-lease liabilities.Building Surveys: The importance of conducting a building survey before entering a property as a critical first step in negotiating with a landlord and understanding the state of the building. Join us as we provide essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the end-of-lease process with confidence and ease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  3. 09/10/2024

    Episode 4 - How tenants can use their building: getting consent and what happens if they don’t.

    Episode 4 - How tenants can use their building: getting consent and what happens if they don’t. In this episode, we delve into the essential aspects tenants need to understand about using their leased buildings and the importance of obtaining landlord consent. We'll cover: Landlord’s Consent for Change of Use: Discover when and why you need your landlord’s approval before changing how you use the space.Building License for Alterations: Learn about the necessary licenses for making changes to the building and the implications of unauthorised alterations.Ability to Sublet or Share Possession: Understand the rules and restrictions around subletting or sharing your leased property.Consequences of Not Informing the Landlord: Hear real-life examples of tenants facing significant costs for failing to notify their landlords of changes.Tenant Obligations to the Landlord: Understand your responsibilities, repair liabilities, and who is responsible for the property. Future Proofing the Property: Plan ahead for future use. Consider what you might want to do with the property down the line.Cautious Lease Signing: Don't rush into signing the lease. Think through potential future uses and ensure the lease terms align with your long-term plans. Tune in to get practical advice and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with landlord consent and building use as a tenant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

About

 The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the UK voluntary sector. We support hundreds of voluntary groups every year through our “Ask a Property Expert” service. Our free Weston Property Manual, nominated for two awards, and our Property FAQs are available on our website for any group seeking to acquire and run premises.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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