As part of our maintenance program, we installed FD30 fire doors in the ground floor bin and landlord service stores. Each door features intumescent fire seals on the frame, a fire-rated transom panel, a fire-rated D handle, three hinges, kick and push plates, and a combination lock. These solid-core doors replace hollow-core doors and will help contain the spread of flames and smoke in case of a fire.
Landlords, your Gas Safety duties
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it is important to understand the laws regarding gas safety. As a tenant, you must always have a landlord legally responsible for the safety of the gas appliances in your flat. When was the last time you saw your landlord’s gas safety record? If your gas appliances, including your boiler, have not been safety-checked within the last year, there could be a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
From 1st October 2022, a CO alarm is required to be fitted in every habitable room of a rental property containing gas appliances (excluding appliances used for cooking purposes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland). The landlord is required to carry out checks and tests to ensure that carbon monoxide alarms in the rental property are working the day any new tenancy begins. From 1st January 2013, properties without inspection hatches for flues in voids are considered ‘At Risk’.
Remember, as a landlord, you have a legal responsibility for the gas safety of your tenants and a moral obligation to everyone living at Malting Mead, including neighbours in adjoining flats. Find out whether your property is Gas-Safe now.
Fire safety in your Flat
The risk of spread of fire is considerable in blocks of flats due to their density. Prevention and making a Fire Escape Plan is key to your safety. Ensure you know what to do in an emergency. As part of your safety plan, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test weekly.
Fire Action Notices are displayed on the noticeboards. Do not store or leave items on the stairs, landings or passageways, which are escape routes. No petrol or other inflammable material be stored in flats or any part of the development. The covered common areas are smoke-free by law.
Hertfordshire Fire Service provides a Home Fire Safety self-check or request a Home Fire Safety Visit.
Renters Right Bill
Renters receive greater protection and security from eviction with legislation to level the playing field between tenants and landlords.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament today, will ban Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions for new and existing tenancies, extend into the private rented sector and end blanket bans for those on benefits or with children.
Our new block management team
Following a review of the past 12 months, the directors of Endymion Management Co. Ltd. have given notice to Benjamin Stevens. Their contract will cease on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.
After a thorough tender process, we are pleased to announce we have appointed P&R Management Services (UK) Ltd. They will take over from Thursday, 1 February 2024.
Led by Paul Godbold, P&R specialises in block management. It has a team and systems in place to manage developments such as Malting Mead.
P&R came with positive references from resident management companies like ourselves. P&R has started the handover from Benjamin Stevens and will contact Malting Mead leaseholders to introduce themselves to you all.
Trees at Malting Mead
After a survey conducted in September by our arboriculturist, two trees were removed from Malting Mead. The large cherry tree was in decline and had reached the end of its life expectancy of approximately 40 years. The smaller Whitebeam tree was no longer alive, as it did not come into blossom or leaf over the past year. Both trees have been replaced with different species.
Security camera
A security camera has been installed on the south elevation at Malting Mead. It covers a section of the public footpath, the two pedestrian gates, and part of the garage area. In the event of criminal activity, vandalism and suspicious behaviour, evidence will be passed to the police and authorities.
Balconies – rain water drainage
Standing water on balconies causes problems over time. We ask leaseholders with balconies to ensure the drain hole is not covered and clear of leaves and other debris. Doing this helps clear standing water, that can ingress into the brick cavities, causing unnecessary and costly repairs.
External changes to the building
We remind all Leaseholders that before making any external changes to their flats, they must first contact P&R Management Services for permission to ensure that the works do not affect the structure or appearance of the building or the rights of other leaseholders.
Remember, you don’t own the bricks and mortar or the land on which your flat is built. Permission is required for, but not limited to; gas boiler flues, vents, pipes, waste outlets, cables, windows, balcony/patio doors, front doors, store cupboard doors, garage doors and anything else that could affect the outside fabric and appearance of the building. P&R will advise Leaseholders of any fees for their time to obtain permissions and project manage any works for and on behalf of Endymion Management Co. Ltd.
New and replacement boiler flue and ventilation grilles must be black or brown on brickwork and white on painted walls. Redundant flues or vents must be removed and blocked up. Adjoining surfaces must be made good and match existing finishes. Do not copy what has gone before
No external satellite dishes or aerials are permitted at Malting Mead.
Please refer to the FAQ section for detailed information on the approved style and specification for any replacement windows and balcony/patio doors.
Waste & Recycle – your bin stores
We remind all residents and leaseholders that the four bin stores at Malting Mead are for domestic waste and recycling only – Click here to check your bin collection date
Domestic waste (anything that cannot be recycled and will go to landfill) must be put in strong black refuse bags, tied and placed in the black bins.
DO NOT put in the bin stores any commercial, industrial or builders waste, TVs, computer equipment, domestic appliances, furniture, furnishings or fixtures and fittings. You will need to arrange collection or take it to the nearest Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
Do Not put Clinical Waste in the bin stores. This is deemed hazardous. You will need to make your own arrangements for safe collection and disposal.
Recycling is good, however, we remind everyone that ‘contaminated’ bins will not be emptied by the council. DO NOT put plastic bags, film or wrapping in the recycle bins. Please wash all glass and plastic bottles and containers and flatten and squash all cardboard, cartons, tins and cans before putting them loose in the recycle bins – this will help increase the amount of bin space and waste we can recycle. Click here for what goes in your recycle bins.
Do Not put items on the floor of the bin stores – this will be deemed fly-tipping and the management will seek to find evidence to identify those responsible and, if needed, take enforcement action. You need to make your own arrangements for removal from Malting Mead.
Landlords, your Duty of Care – Click here for the WHBC ‘Duty of Care Guidance for Landlords’ leaflet.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep Malting Mead tidy!
Mould spots and condensation
Black mould spots on walls and ceilings, and moisture on the inside of windows, are commonly caused by condensation due to a lack of air circulation. This issue is often a ‘lifestyle problem’. Bathrooms, kitchens, and drying laundry are the primary sources of steam and moisture in a flat. The most effective solution is to open windows into the vent position. Mould spots can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated. For more information on steps to reduce condensation and black mould growths, click here. The external walls at Malting Mead have cavity wall insulation. You must get approval from the Management before fitting an airbrick or vent.
Private landlords – Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020
Private landlords are responsible for ensuring the safety of their tenants. However, some fail to do so, putting their tenants in danger as a result.
The latest Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
This means that all landlords now have to make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are safe. The Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020 to improve safety in all residential premises and particularly in the private rented sector.
Smoking and Vaping
We remind all smokers that the landings, stairwells, passageways and undercroft car ports at Malting Mead are SMOKE-FREE enclosed public place by Law. Please do not smoke or use e-cigarettes in any of the smoke-free areas and, if you do smoke on the unrestricted parts of the development, ensure you discard of your cigarette butts responsibly.
BBQs
We remind everyone that BBQs are NOT PERMITTED on balconies, patios or anywhere on the grounds. This is due to the high fire risk in this type of environment. You will be in breach of your lease. Thank you for your support.
Wildflower meadow
Interest in cultivating wildflowers in open spaces has grown recently. This year, our gardeners are allowing the grass to grow and have seeded a wildflower meadow in the back gardens near the fruit trees.
The meadow will benefit us with more flowers, colours, and support for wildlife by attracting pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. We anticipate a display of wildflowers that will naturalize and regrow each year.
After flowering, the meadow will die back and reseed naturally. If successful, we may introduce more mini meadows to the gardens.
Wipes, cooking oil and fats…
DO NOT put wipes down the toilet, no matter what it says on the packaging, or pour cooking oil or fats down the sink. You need to dispose of along with your household waste in a strong black bin liner and put in the black lidded bin in your bin room. Thank you in helping us keep Malting Mead drains running clear! Read more here.
Verge Protection Orders
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has introduced ‘No waiting at any time’ double yellow lines at the junction of Endymion and Cranborne Road. The restrictions are part of the new Verge Protection Orders (VPO) scheme, prohibiting parking near to junctions, on the footpaths, verges, vehicle crossovers and other green areas. Offending vehicles are issued with penalty notices.
Parking at Malting Mead
Following the recent AGM, we have been asked to remind everyone of the parking regulations at Malting Mead.
The ten marked open bays on Endymion Road are for resident and visitor parking. The six undercroft bays are private and assigned to individual flats and are to be kept clear at all times. The overflow parking in the gated garage area is for resident parking. No parking of trailers or caravans. Untaxed, un-roadworthy, abandoned or unauthorised vehicles may be removed at the owner’s cost.
It was voted and approved at the recent AGM that commercial vehicles can no longer park in the gated garage area.
You can park on Endymion Road, however, single yellow line restrictions operate from 8am to 10am Monday to Friday. The authorities patrol daily.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
Did you know landlords have extra legal responsibilities if the flat you share with other tenants is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)? – your home is probably an HMO if the 3 or more people living there share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Click here for more.
Privacy Policy updated
We’ve updated our Privacy Policy in line with the new GDPR data protection laws, which came into effect on 25 May, 2018. We take our data privacy responsibilities seriously at Endymion Management Co. Ltd. and want you to understand and feel confident about how we collect, store and handle your personal data. Click here to view or download
pros and cons of renting
Renting a room or a home from a private landlord is a reality for millions of people in the UK – but is it a positive or negative experience? – BBC source
Security – side gate
Due to problems with intruders in Malting Mead a keypad lock has been fitted on the pedestrian gate leading on to the footpath to the side of the development. The gate code is the same as for the gate leading into the garage area. Please ensure the gate closes and locks properly behind you.
Please be reminded that if you see someone suspicious please report it immediately to the Police by calling 101. To report rough sleepers to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council click here.
Please also ensure that all bin store doors are properly locked to discourage intruders.
Residential Landlords – changes coming
The tax relief that landlords of residential properties get for finance costs will be restricted to the basic rate of Income Tax, this will be phased in from April 2017. Click here for more.
Car Park – line marking
A contractor has been appointed to carry out painting lines in the parking bays fronting Endymion Road and the garage area. The works is on Tuesday 14 or Wednesday 15 March (weather permitting). Please ensure your vehicles are not parked in the bays or garage area from 8am – click here for more information
Borough news, Recycling and Fly-tipping
Attached here are the leaflets from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Serco door dropped this week with latest news and information about your Waste & Recycling and the problems of Fly-tipping. NB: Malting Mead black and blue lidded bins are collected weekly. There are NO brown bins at Malting Mead.
Right to Rent checks
From 1 February 2016, all private landlords in England have to make Right to Rent checks. This means checking that tenants have the right to be in the UK. You need to make right to rent checks if you:
- are a private landlord
- have a lodger
- are sub-letting a property
- are an agent appointed by a landlord to make right to rent checks
Click here for what the new Right to Rent checks mean for private landlords and tenants
Guide to private renting
In all privately rented property you’ll have certain rights and responsibilities whether you are the landlord or the tenant. Click here for important information from GOV.UK
Hatfield Station redevelopment
The Hatfield Station redevelopment is completed after two years – the new facilities and transport infrastructure bring real improvements to the town and the community. The station extension, multi-storey car park, bus terminus and landscaping use the mix of materials and finishes to good effect. Let’s hope the new retail outlets attract quality that benefits both commuters and us, residents.
Hatfield 2030+
Hatfield 2030+ is about engaging with as many individuals and groups as possible across Hatfield’s diverse community to understand what Hatfield should look like in 2030, and how we can get there. The outcome of the Hatfield 2030+ project will be a Renewal Framework, defining the vision and the projects we need to take us there, however big or small. The renewal strategy will look to capitalise on the wealth of assets Hatfield already has to offer and identify ways to improve the town and benefit the local community.
Ball games
Ball games are not permitted in the front garden at Malting Mead. This decision was taken after recent disturbance to residents in block 2 and damage to plants as a result of ball games. We’re not discouraging children from playing outside in the back gardens and away from the buildings. We ask that parents supervise their children when playing outside.
Welcome to Malting Mead 