If you are looking to raise money for a good cause, you may want to register as an official charity. There are a number of benefits to this, such as reduced business rates, tax relief and access to additional funding. However, it is important to know how to set up a charity and whether or not it is appropriate. Responsibilities If you establish a charity, you will be expected to follow the rules on charity work, as well as informing both the public and the...
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You have probably seen articles and videos talking about Article 13 in relation to online content. This new EU directive has proven to be divisive. However, it is important to be aware of what it is, especially if you are someone who is interested in creating online content. Copyright One reason that online video platforms in particular are concerned about Article 13 is that they could be held responsible for users uploading copyrighted material such as music or movies online. The rules state that these...
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Intellectual property refers to the names of your product or brand, as well as any designs, inventions, characters and so forth. This covers copyrights, designs and patents, so it helps to know these laws in order to know how to protect the ideas and inventions that you own or create. Ownership Ownership of intellectual property can vary. It can refer to a person who has created a new product, character or story. This can also apply to someone who has purchased this product, character or...
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In June 2019, things will change for lettings agencies. From this time, lettings fees will be banned. It is important if you are a landlord or a lettings agency to know what you are allowed to charge or you will be liable for prosecution. Payments After June 2019, there will only be certain payments you will be allowed to charge tenants. As well as rent, you will be able to charge refundable tenancy deposits and a refundable holding deposit in order to reserve the property....
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Up until recently, buy-to-let landlords could claim a funding exemption requiring them to make their properties more energy efficient. As of 1st April 2018, these rules have changed. If you are running a buy-to-let property, it is important to be aware of these changes, or you could face a fine and additional costs in order to update your properties. The changes Some landlords may be able to claim government funding in order to help improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Until recently, some landlords...
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The Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act 2018 came into force on 20th March 2019. What this means is that landlords and lettings agencies have a legal requirement to ensure that any domestic rented properties meet a minimum standard for tenants to live in. Knowing the details of this legislation will help to make sure that you are properly protected, but also that your tenants can live comfortably and safely in your properties. Update This new legislation builds on the responsibilities that are covered by...
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Probate is the process of sorting out property, money and assets of someone who has died. People will often have someone in their will named as the executor who has to organise this. Unfortunately, sometimes people can feel this process is not being handled, and this is when someone can claim for a potentially contentious probate. Potential problems Points of contention can vary. It may be that someone feels that the money or assets have not been fairly distributed or that they have not received...
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Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work. In recent years, however, there have been reports of compensation awards made in claims for mesothelioma in the United States in which it has been alleged that the disease was caused by the claimant using talcum powder. Talc and asbestos are both naturally occurring minerals and are sometimes found close together in the ground. In the American cases it has been argued that the talc used in the talcum powder...
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The process of probate requires people to find out what assets, money and property a deceased person has, as well as looking at distributing those items based on the wishes in their will. Often, someone will appoint a legal professional to do this for them. But it is worth asking- can you do probate yourself? It depends The simple answer to “Can you do probate yourself?” is “It depends.” If someone has named an executor in their will, then that person is the one who...
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Commercial planning can often be crucial for businesses. It can mean the ability to create new premises or the ability to extend and upgrade an existing commercial property. A big part of this process is commercial planning, so it is important to be aware of the legal issues around this. Enforcement action It may sound obvious, but it is vital that you secure permission before you begin building work. If you don’t comply, then there is the danger of fines and court action. This can...
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