Blue Crystal is finalist at the West London Business Awards 2026
We are exceptionally pleased to be a finalist at the West London Business Awards 2026 in the category of Business/Professional Services Company of the Year.
Articles in Category "Uncategorised"
West London Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025
It gives us great pleasure and pride to be finalists at 4 categories at West London Chamber of Commerce Awards.
These awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market. Each entry is carefully assessed over a range of criteria, from service excellence to marketing and branding.
-Best Small Company (Under 50 Employees) 2025
-Women in Business Award
-League of their own Award
-Best Entrepreneur 2025
Building Safety Act – High Risk Buildings
Fire safety regulations for buildings over 18m or seven plus storeys Article Summary The Building Safety Act 2022 has created a new regime for high-risk residential buildings, especially those over 18 metres or with seven or more storeys. Owners and investors must comply with strict fire safety regulations, registration requirements, and ongoing assessments. Blue Crystal […]
Ground Rent UK
Ground Rent Explained: A Leaseholder’s Guide Article Summary Leaseholders in England and Wales are legally required to pay ground rent in the UK if their lease agreement includes it. Failing to pay can lead to legal action or even forfeiture of the lease. This blog explains why ground rent exists, how it’s calculated, what reforms […]
Highly Commended Managing Agent of the year 2025
Blue Crystal Property Management has been highly commended as Managing Agent of the year (under 1000 units) 2025 at the ARMA ACE awards
Choosing the right Block Management in London
Are You Getting the Right Support for Your Block? Article Summary Managing a residential block in London takes more than arranging cleaners and repairs. From fire safety to financial reporting, effective block management ensures your building remains compliant, efficient, and safe for residents. Why Block Management Matters in London Managing a block of flats in […]
Electrical Safety Checks to be mandatory in 2020
Recommended new safety measures to better protect private tenants by reducing the risk of electric shocks or fires caused by electrical faults were published for consultation 17 February 2018.
Five yearly mandatory electrical installation safety checks for all private rented properties and safety certificates for tenants, to prove checks and repair work have been completed, are part of a package of independent recommendations to improve safety.
The government is also consulting on how best to enforce the strengthened safety regime along with whether landlords who do not comply should face tough penalties of up to £30,000.
As well as making homes safer for tenants, electrical installation improvements benefit the landlord as a material improvement to their properties, helping prevent fires which could cause costly and significant damage. Tenants in the private rented sector face a higher risk of electrical shock and fires caused by electrical faults in their homes compared to social housing tenants.
To address this the government introduced new powers in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to set and enforce tougher electrical safety standards in the private rented sector and established a working group of independent experts from industry and a range of other sectors to develop recommendations.
Increasing rents under tenancy agreements
Increasing rents under Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Most of the time the landlord is more in control when it comes to the rent payable by their tenants. If the tenant is unable or unwilling to agree a rent increase, either within the existing assured shorthold tenancy (‘AST’) or on a renewal, the landlord can serve notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 (“the 1998 Act”) to end the AST (once outside any fixed term or pursuant to any break provision in the agreement) and re-let the property at an acceptable rent.
However, where landlords let to longer term tenants either under assured tenancies or ASTs, or they otherwise have no desire to end the current tenancy, the landlord needs to consider the correct process where they intend to lawfully impose a rent increase. This will be particularly relevant should the Government’s proposals to end the “non-fault” process for possession under Section 21 of the 1998 Act become a reality, creating longer term security of tenure for residential tenants. This Legal Update sets out the process for increasing rents payable under assured tenancies and ASTs.
How do mortgage lenders calculate affordability
How do lenders calculate mortgage affordability? Some lenders may tell you that they won’t offer you a mortgage because your Affordability risk is too high. How to keep your property gas safe Lenders’ Affordability rules differ depending on the landlord. Finding a suitable mortgage match the landlord and the mortgage lender is the priority of the […]
How to check if a property is gas safe
Check if a property has a gas safe certificate Most landlords don’t check their gas appliances annually. So, we’ve put together a list all landlords need to know how to check if a property is gas safe. Carbon monoxide alarms are a must in all properties where there is a solid fuel burning appliance A […]
Bills Included Rent
Many landlords are renting their properties on a room by room basis. Demand for bills included rent has increased in recent years. In fact, millennials’ tenancies make up 14 per cent of tenancies in the UK and bills included rent is a high priority for them, when they’re choosing a place to live. Assured Shorthold Tenancy; how to […]
What happens at the end of a tenancy
What happens at the end of a fixed term tenancy When we think of what happens at the end of a tenancy, our common hope is for it all to go smoothly. Tenants want to move without much hassle or worry and get their deposit back quickly. Landlords want to get a new tenant in […]
How to navigate the changes in tax relief for landlords
Changes in tax relief for landlords are being introduced in stages until April 2020. There are ways you can manage your tax bill as tax returns are due on 31st January and with this year’s return, the Section 24 changes will affect landlords. Winter insurance tips for your rental property How tax bills are calculated […]
Using a guarantor for renting: when we advise it
Using a guarantor for renting can smooth the process in many situations. Guarantors are a secure way of improving the likelihood that those who do not meet the normal requirements of a regular tenancy agreement will pay the rent. Guarantors must live in the UK, a homeowner or have assets, receive an income that meets […]
How to get it right as a first-time landlord
Avoid common mistakes inexperienced landlords make
Being a Landlord especially with the recent legislation and tax changes has become less attractive and more complicated.
Get a good tenant
You may want to find a tenant quickly so rent starts to roll in, however take it slow and ensure you carry out credit & referencing before letting your property.
Get the tenant to complete an application form that provides you with detailed information to enable you to obtain a credit and referencing report. The credit and refrerencing check may show a history of late payments, many accounts, etc. Take your time to verify references including employers and former landlords references.
Even if the tenant wants to move in quickly still ensure you carryout the checks above. Do not feel rushed or pressured into making a decision until you have all the information so you can make the best decision.
How to be the best property manager
Being a property manager is very demanding. Owners, tenants, contractors, colleagues … someone is always trying to get a hold of you. You also need to possess many different skills to balance everyday tasks and responsibilities. Being a property manager can also be very rewarding if you are able to put in place boundaries and […]