Advice Column – Avoid Scams on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Everywhere I look I see adverts for upcoming sales - Black Friday and Cyber Monday ‘deals’ are jumping out at me from all directions. Some of the prices seem too good to be true - how can I be sure I really am getting a good deal and not being scammed? You’re not the only one eager to bag a bargain. The busiest shopping time of the year is also a busy time for cyber criminals who use the spike in spending to disguise their scams as legitimate shopping sites. Fraudsters are also taking advantage of AI advances
Advice Column – Are My Kids’ Costumes Safe?
My kids are so excited about dressing up for Halloween this year, but I’ve been hearing about awful accidents involving costumes catching fire. I didn’t realise these products could be so flammable and now I’m really worried in case something happens. I don’t want to stop my kids having fun, so is there anything I can do to make sure any costumes I buy are fire-safe? Stories of Halloween costumes catching fire may sound a bit extreme, but some of these products do come with higher fire risks than you’d expect. So, it’s important to know what you
Advice Column – Protecting Yourself Against Holidays Gone Wrong
We’re booking a summer holiday to Spain. It’s been a while since we’ve gone on holiday and we really don’t want anything to go wrong. What can we do to protect ourselves and prepare for the unexpected? The chances are you’ll have the relaxing holiday you deserve, but there are a few things you can do in advance to help your holiday go smoothly. That includes the golden rule of getting travel insurance and brushing up on what your rights are if something goes wrong. The first thing to do is check if your passport is in date.
Advice Column – Damp and Mould in Rented Accomodation
Damp and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our landlord, but they haven’t done anything. With six months left on the occupation contract, we’re running out of options. What should we do? You’ve done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if they are responsible you’ll need to find the cause of the damp and mould, but this can take
Advice Column: January Debts
I’ve built up a bit of debt and I am panicking. Even though I cut back, Christmas was expensive, my rent has gone up and my paycheque just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. I’m doing everything I can but it’s not enough - what can I do? First of all it’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially, there’s support available. You say you’ve built up a bit of debt. The first step is to collect all the information you have about your debts, this might include contracts, bills and statements.
Navigating Winter and Holidays: A Tenant’s Guide
As the winter chill settles in and the festive season approaches, tenants face unique challenges that require a bit of extra attention. At Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale, we understand the importance of a warm and stress-free home during these months. Here's a guide to help you navigate the winter season and holidays as a tenant. Heating Hacks: Keeping your home warm and cosy is a top priority during winter. Ensure your heating system is in good working order by bleeding radiators and checking the boiler. If you encounter any issues, report them promptly to your landlord or property
Navigating Rental Arrears: A Winter Guide for Landlords
As winter settles in, landlords face unique challenges in ensuring a smooth and stress-free tenancy for both themselves and their tenants. Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale understands the importance of maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships, especially when dealing with rental arrears. Here's a comprehensive guide to help landlords navigate these challenges during the winter months. Open Communication: The key to resolving rental arrears often begins with open communication. Reach out to your tenants early if you notice any signs of financial strain. Understanding their situation can pave the way for finding mutually beneficial solutions. Flexible Payment Plans: Consider offering flexible payment
Advice Column: Halloween Costumes
Halloween is coming up and my children are keen to dress up for trick-or-treat. I’ve read about accidents involving costumes catching fire and I’m worried about buying an outfit that could be highly flammable. I don’t want to spoil their fun but I do want to make sure everyone is safe. How can I check if the costumes would be safe for my children to wear? It’s not easy being the ‘safety police’ when everyone just wants to have fun - especially when that fun includes extravagant costumes. Children should always be kept away from naked
How to Maintain Good Landlord-Tenant Relationships in the Private Rented Sector
Maintaining a positive relationship between landlords and tenants is important for a harmonious living environment and a successful rental experience. Whether you're a landlord or a tenant in the private rented sector, fostering good communication, setting clear expectations, and addressing concerns promptly can help prevent misunderstandings and create a mutually beneficial arrangement. This article will explore key strategies that can help build and maintain excellent landlord-tenant relationships! Establish Clear Communication Channels: Open and transparent communication is the foundation of any successful relationship. Landlords and tenants should establish clear channels of communication right from the start. Provide tenants with
Navigating Rent Increases: How to Handle The Ever-Changing Rental Market
Rent increases are a common occurrence in the private rented sector, and as a tenant, it's essential to be prepared and know how to navigate them effectively. In this article, we will explore various strategies and tips to help you handle rent increases and ensure a smoother transition in the ever-changing rental market. Understand the Local Rental Market: One of the first steps in navigating rent increases is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local rental market. Research current rental prices in your area to determine if the proposed increase is reasonable. Consider factors such as location, amenities,
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