Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ftp on October 10, 2009, 07:32:09 pm

Title: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 10, 2009, 07:32:09 pm
Just had an offer accepted on a newish house and have been told by someone that in the deeds there is a clause stating that no commercial vehicles are allowed to operate from any houses on the estate.
Anyone else had this?
Would you just ignore it?
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Dean Taberner on October 10, 2009, 07:35:14 pm
I think it must be aiming at the guy who owns 15 icecream vans,

Ignore it mate.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: GWCS on October 10, 2009, 07:38:21 pm
This is quite common on built up housing estates.

I think just 1 van on the drive will be ok, it when you have them blocking others drives etc like 2 or 3 becomes a problem.

So long as you are being respectful to your neighbours i cant see anyone reporting it.

Still if they do, buy a harley and rev it up and drive off everyday (very early) to your lock up (which you will have to have for your van) i think u'll get even more complaints then..LOL
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: eclipse on October 10, 2009, 07:40:01 pm
there is a couple of new estates around here that have the same clause in the deeds all be it the clause is only valid for 3 or so years ive even heard the same said about caravans
 i would ask about it to be honest i would not just ignore it
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Clive McDonald on October 10, 2009, 07:44:52 pm
All new estates, and the majority biult in the last fifteen years have this covenant.There is also probably a clause about parking caravans on the front, and if it's open plan building a brick wall.

You will not buy any newish house without this clause anywhere.

The orignal developer is responsible for enforcing it. If you are really that worried.
A. Do not tell anyone you have a van.
B. Keep the registered address elsewhere.

For this to become actionable a neighbour would have to complain to the developer. No one can do anything about vans parked on the road.If one or more of your neighbours has a van you are probably okay.Many people use vans for work, and there is no longer the stigma of living next door to one as there once was. For a van to be a van it has to be transit size, not a tiddler like the one you've got.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: JSMC on October 10, 2009, 07:48:41 pm
tell them to GTF. hate this nonsense. I hope they know that majority of their equipment inside the house was brought by truck and white van.

some people really need to ge tthier heads out their bum
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: JSMC on October 10, 2009, 07:50:25 pm
also in these deeds they normally say no satellite dishes have to be put up remind them of that if they get arsey
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 10, 2009, 08:52:01 pm
if the offer is accepted then look at the deeds, your entitled to look at them mate.





Matt
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: matt on October 10, 2009, 09:35:37 pm
as has been said before, that covenant is very popular

it has been enforced around here, 1 of my customers were told they had to move a caravan, it wasnt that big either

who are the builders dave ? ? ? e.mail me if you like, i might know if they enforce or not
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 10, 2009, 11:03:05 pm
It's not brand new but fairly recent. My accountant happened to be doing my books and knew of a client of hers who was unable to rent a property there due to having a large signwritten double glazing van.
The offer has been accepted. I suppose I could remove the signwriting if needed. (got far too much work anyway).
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Window Washers on October 10, 2009, 11:05:29 pm
It's not brand new but fairly recent. My accountant happened to be doing my books and knew of a client of hers who was unable to rent a property there due to having a large signwritten double glazing van.
The offer has been accepted. I suppose I could remove the signwriting if needed. (got far too much work anyway).
cross the bridge when it comes I would say tbh.

And Ewan, I have done this myself hence why I am saying it  :P and ftp does not have more than one van nor at the mo does he employ, I would ask fror it to be taken out if I was buying it, but again tbh one van aint a problem more than 1 is
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 10, 2009, 11:17:08 pm
It's a general rule of the estate I would imagine. My accountant seemed to think it applied to parking the van. I can understand how running a business from home could be against the regulations but what if you worked for say British Telecom?
Think I'll just have to try it.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: macmac on October 10, 2009, 11:27:29 pm
Easier for you to say windowwasher, it’s not your home or your money at risk, or to a lesser extent a financial disruption as well as a nuisance into his window cleaning business.

It could possibly turn out to be a big financial cost whichever way it goes. It needs to be clarified and dealt with correctly.



I agree with that, there's nothing to lose by just digging a little deeper & it's best done now. ;)
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Window Washers on October 10, 2009, 11:32:26 pm
I would look at the area ftp if you think it’s the kind of place you will get other similar tradesmen living there you may be OK, even if you are breaking the rules they may not be enforced, but its a risk that you don’t have to take. Just ask a few more questions to the right people and even the residents.  ;)
ask the people that hes buying it from  ::) and ask for it to be taken out, if it cant then 2 option pull out (they will not want that nor will your wife) 2 get little place as you earn to much anyway
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: vacman on October 10, 2009, 11:35:39 pm
Can't believe you're been told to ignore this issue or to wait and see what happens....sorry but anyone would think you're buying a £10 pair of shoes which may or may not be suiteable...but hey! that's a £10 pair of shoes we're talking about there, so who cares! This is your new house LOL  ;D

Add which, 'newish' estates ALWAYS attract a certain sort of person and you know the type i mean....keeps up with the Jones's, did slightly better to get on a new estate, doesn't want antything happening 'in my back yard'. You won't have to wait long (in my experience) for someone to start making trouble IF you really aren't allowed to park your van.

But then ultimatly, isn't this what you're paying your solicitor lots of money for....? He/she'll be the one who will get this ironed out for you once and for all.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 10, 2009, 11:37:20 pm
FTP have a look in the local paper for a small lock up garage to store your work gear. probably be able to rent a garage for £50-£80 per month.





Matt
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: macmac on October 10, 2009, 11:41:00 pm
FTP have a look in the local paper for a small lock up garage to store your work gear. probably be able to rent a garage for £50-£80 per month.







Matt

Yeah, dead convenient that matey! ;D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: vacman on October 10, 2009, 11:41:46 pm
I would look at the area ftp if you think it’s the kind of place you will get other similar tradesmen living there you may be OK, even if you are breaking the rules they may not be enforced, but its a risk that you don’t have to take. Just ask a few more questions to the right people and even the residents.  ;)
ask the people that hes buying it from  ::) and ask for it to be taken out, if it cant then 2 option pull out (they will not want that nor will your wife) 2 get little place as you earn to much anyway



Covenants may not only be enforced by the builder windowwasher, and authorities don’t usually make special exceptions to breaking the law for individuals.

I don’t think you have a clue to what you are talking about.  ::)


 ;D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 10, 2009, 11:43:13 pm
FTP have a look in the local paper for a small lock up garage to store your work gear. probably be able to rent a garage for £50-£80 per month.







Matt

Yeah, dead convenient that matey! ;D




I've been looking at a small unit in Essex and it comes with a small office and thats only £400 per month.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: matt on October 11, 2009, 12:05:58 am
I would look at the area ftp if you think it’s the kind of place you will get other similar tradesmen living there you may be OK, even if you are breaking the rules they may not be enforced, but its a risk that you don’t have to take. Just ask a few more questions to the right people and even the residents.  ;)
ask the people that hes buying it from  ::) and ask for it to be taken out, if it cant then 2 option pull out (they will not want that nor will your wife) 2 get little place as you earn to much anyway



Covenants may not only be enforced by the builder windowwasher, and authorities don’t usually make special exceptions to breaking the law for individuals.

I don’t think you have a clue to what you are talking about.  ::)


now i hate to agree with ewan

but these Covenants will not be removed by the seller, thay cannot be removed

it will only take a local bizzy-body to report it, you know the type, retired bank manager who doesnt want his road / street / close looking like a builders yard

tread carefully
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: wizard on October 11, 2009, 04:34:16 am
Worked in the property game I think you cannot remove a covenant it might have come from the land owner, he could be dead. Check with your solicitor don’t leave it. Its snobbery but you never know who might just object. Could be some one who is still to move in. The developers seam to think it makes the area worth more.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 11, 2009, 08:56:49 am
Been googling this subject with little joy. It would seem that most of us are breaking a covenant by running a business from our homes in theory. I would imagine nearly all modern estates have this covenant written into the deeds including caravan parking, building of walls etc. I'm sure my present property had this but I think there is a time limit on it. I have my deeds somewhere so I'll look them out later.
My previous neighbour must have broken every covenant going with his electricians van on the drive and spools of wire chucked on a shed built at the front of the house!
Just depends how anal the neighbours are I suppose. I know of a large camper van that's parked around the corner.
It would seem that most self employed traders are not allowed to live anywhere. ;D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: peter holley on October 11, 2009, 09:27:50 am
I bought a new 4 bed detatched last year.   the was a covenant of no commercial vehicles on drive ,and no satelite dishes in view from front.

my solicitor said dont worry, park the van in the garage.

I park on the drive , and ther are some other vans in the street, one of which is a huge fedex van....
I really woldnt worry about it. ;)
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: lee_dewing on October 11, 2009, 10:04:02 am
If you have a paved drive i can't see what the problem is as it's on your property :-\

but i suppose if it's in the deeds?

I think it's as mentioned to stop the caravan brigade :D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: macmac on October 11, 2009, 11:01:03 am
Been googling this subject with little joy. It would seem that most of us are breaking a covenant by running a business from our homes in theory. I would imagine nearly all modern estates have this covenant written into the deeds including caravan parking, building of walls etc. I'm sure my present property had this but I think there is a time limit on it. I have my deeds somewhere so I'll look them out later.
My previous neighbour must have broken every covenant going with his electricians van on the drive and spools of wire chucked on a shed built at the front of the house!
Just depends how anal the neighbours are I suppose. I know of a large camper van that's parked around the corner.
It would seem that most self employed traders are not allowed to live anywhere. ;D



I feel for your future neighbours, it's one thing having a smart van parked on the developement but, having to live with a scabby window cleaner on the same estate?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man, that would be painfull. You'll be the biggest secret in the area Dave!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 11, 2009, 11:31:36 am
Be funny won't it? I've cleaned this house since I started it's a nice house with a double garage - electric door, remote control fire, electric sun canopy etc. probably nearly in the executive range when first built. I clean a few more futher up the road it's going to pee an awful lot of people off - good chance I'll lose some custies I think.  ;D
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: macmac on October 11, 2009, 11:40:44 am
Be funny won't it? I've cleaned this house since I started it's a nice house with a double garage - electric door, remote control fire, electric sun canopy etc. probably nearly in the executive range when first built. I clean a few more futher up the road it's going to pee an awful lot of people off - good chance I'll lose some custies I think.  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Go for it matey, just think back 2-3 years to where you are now :o Well done Dave, you've built yourself a good business, you are honest & humble, which both go a long way in this business. Even though I don't know you personally, you are one who's word & advice I would trust without doubt! & good luck.  ;) :-*
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: JSMC on October 11, 2009, 12:10:18 pm
if they do pull you what i would do is then buy a scabby old car and tax n insure it and park it on the street for a whole year. What they say baout that LOL
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Clive McDonald on October 11, 2009, 05:11:01 pm
Don't listen much do you.

You can't pursue this as it will only draw attention and all answers will be negative. If it's a small van it's not even an issue.The origninal developer has to enforce this, it has no connection with any local athourity or council.The developer doesn't like enforcement because it costs them time and money, and as time goes by is less and less likely to act.Some developers no longer exist, and in these circumsatnces it is unenforceable.In the worst case you will get a warning letter to begin with. Never admitt to anything, although it is likely that any neighbour seeking this action could take pictures.Any shed etc that you may have is purely as a hobbyist.

Running a business and parking a van are seperate issues.The LA may have some jurisdiction on the running a business in a residentail area.This would be more of a byelaw than a covenant.

Any house you buy will have exactly the same restrictions.If one or more of your new neighbours has a van knock and ask what they think (but don't ask someone who hasn't for fear of making trouble for yourself).

Never trust accountants.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: ftp on October 11, 2009, 05:21:00 pm
Sorry Slumpy, you seem to become invisible sometimes.
Title: Re: Commercial vans and newer property.
Post by: Clive McDonald on October 11, 2009, 05:28:32 pm
Apology accepted, and you won't lose any customers.As you can imagine slump hall is pretty imposing, but this has had no negative effects that i know of.They will probably think they are dealing with a more credible person- or not think anything at all.