The Ethical Property Foundation is planning a new project that will create a property service for charities and the wider voluntary sector. Much more than just advice, the project will offer hands-on support to local groups in their dealings with landlords. The initiative will save substantial unnecessary costs, both money and time, as well as improve efficiency.

The service will comprise of two parts – a website and an advice service.

The Website will contain comprehensive information on the practical aspects of lease negotiation and compliance issues. It will give guidelines on what tenants can expect in terms of leases, break clauses, liabilities such as dilapidations and rent reviews. It will also point to the sharper practices of some landlords that organisations should avoid at all costs. This will be constantly updated and will include a wide range of documents and research.

If organisations need more specific assistance than the website can give, there will also be an ‘Advice Manager’. They will assess the organisations’ situation, make recommendations on the steps to be taken, and where necessary put them in touch with appropriate professionals from a register of approved property professionals. This register will comprise of professionals in specialist areas such as lease negotiation, valuation, conveyancing, surveying, repairs and refurbishment willing to work for charities free or at a reasonable cost.

Work on this project is expected to begin with a pilot scheme over the coming months, with a view to launching the service in London or Bristol early in 2006.

The Ethical Property Foundation, Development House, 56-64 Leonard St, London, EC2A 4JX
Telephone 0207 0650 760 Fax 0207 0650 768 mail@ethicalproperty.org.uk
Charity No 1101812