Episode 32: Trade troubles and garden maintenance

In this episode of Listen Up Landlords, presenters NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle (@BeadleBen)  Richard Blanco (@richardblanco_)  look at the rising cost of building materials and the challenges in sourcing labourers for development and improvement works. The most recent data from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows that 87% of FMB members said the cost of materials has increased and 75% said that this would lead to an increase in the price they charge to the customer. More than half - 51% - said the lack of available labour had delayed jobs. Ben and Richard talk Jeremy Gray, Head of Policy & Public Affairs at the Federation Of Master Builders and developer and landlord Charlotte Edwards, about their experiences, and whether things are starting to change. Joseph Taylor of the Landlord Advice Team joins us for our regular update on the hot topics on the support line, before we talk to Sandy Bastin Head of Tenancy Deposit Services at TDS about outdoor spaces, including where responsibility lies when it comes to tending gardens and common areas of dispute. If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords.  For all podcast enquiries email [email protected]   ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the 'Your Account' section of the NRLA website. Select 'Other' then 'NRLA Podcast' from the dropdown menu.  More information  To download a transcript of the podcast click here. If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA  click here.