No.157
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou,
I have heard conflicting stories about rental increases in our village of Kiti, as
to how much the rent may be raised and how often. Our rented property was built
In the early 1980's. Some people are of the opinion that the rent in villages like
Ours is increased every 4 years ,so would you confirm this as fact or fiction.
Are the new increases for property's such as ours have a maximum of 8%, as we do
Not have a contract.
Please keep up your good work as my wife and I really enjoy your weekly articles
And look forward to many more.
Regards Brian Macro.


A.: A difficult question without knowing your property. Kiti does not fall within the Rent Control Act and as such it is a free market situation. I will say, as a general rule, an 8% increase every two years in the past was OK. Nowadays however with the crisis, this could be reduced to say 5%-6% every 2 years – always depending on how high or low the existing rent is. The above ---% reflect that you have now reached the full market rental value and under the normal landlord and tenant obligations. Many thanks for your comments.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29228-td
28.9.09

No.158
Q.: Is there a time schedule when a pubic road should be resurfaced Mr Loizou? Our road is not in the best condition, but our local authority told us that its time has not come up as yet (3 years ago).
Taylor Williams

A.: I am getting on in life my dear Taylor and I will keep hearing all sorts of rubbish. There is not such a time frame. Repairs should be undertaken when needed. Of course it depends on the funds available for the local authority. Keep complaining and write to the District Officer for the same reason. Keep me posted, our/yours Q+A column and perhaps I can help, depending on how right you are.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No.159
Q.: I have a problem with the property tax that I am charged by the local authority. I objected to the amount charged, but it says that there is nothing it can do – Is this correct Mr Loizou?
J. Killer

A.: My dear Sir, with such a “surname” the local authority should have refunded to you immediately and to your liking (please excuse my joke). If the value of your property has been set as at 1.1.80 and no objections were raised at the time, the local authority just applies the % formula for your property tax. Having said that the annual property tax is so small, that it is not worth a fight (compare this with the U.K. Municipality rates!!).
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

3/29193-td
28.9.09

No.160
Q.: The cost of living in Cyprus is going up and up and yet, we read comparative tables from the E.U. that Cyprus is one on the lower and of the scale on the cost of living. Any reason for this?
Ivanof Drakan

A.: The cost of living is not only food cost and drink cost. It includes rents, medical care, taxation and all sorts of other things including entertainment cost, telecommunications cost, local authorities charges (rates) etc etc. Yes we are quite expensive in certain areas and very low on others. This apart, if we are to compare as an example the U.K. pension tax which is charged at 20% and for Cyprus it is charged at 4½% (for British permanent residents), there is a very large difference. You also have to compare all sorts of other items. If you live e.g. in India, the cost of living is 1/3 that of Cyprus, but, then, what about the rest?
Regards,
A.P. Loizou




3/29199-td
28.9.09

No.161
Q.: Dear Sirs

We have been informed by our solicitor that it is a legal requirement for a group of houses with communal areas to elect a committee in order to deal with communal issues. Speaking to a number of owners, some agree & others are not interested but one in particular is adamant that there is no such law in Cyprus. Being a Cypriot other owners are believing him. I would be very grateful if you could please send me something in writing stating what the law is on this issue. Even better if it was written in easy English.

Regards

Mrs Sheena Bottrell


A.: There is no such a mandatory requirement. However electing a committee which will be registered with the Lands Office, it gives the committee legal powers and other benefits which I am all for it. It also depends on your sales contract if there is such a requirement. If not, it might cause difficulties in running the project.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29235-td
30.9.09

No.162
Q.: We live in the Nicosia central area and we have had last week a very forceful storm. The drains were blocked and the roads became running streams. Surely a European capital should have such a drainage system to cater for such, be it, not regular events – Your comments Mr Loizou.
Regards,
George & Ann Lenon

A.: As you say dear readers this was an exceptional case and thank God we did not reach the stage in the U.K. was last year with boats replacing cars, putting in danger the residents etc. A drainage system is designed to cater for normal weather conditions. Indeed our H.Q. being in the centre and having watched the storm, it was unprecedented. Trees were falling down, leaves and rubbish blocked the drains and the whole system did not work. Locals as well as the Municipality of Nicosia and the Firebrigade were quick to act however, but you must have seen the situation to appreciate the problem. I feel that on the whole the Nicosia drainage “behaved” well and for those whose houses were damaged, the Interior Minister has suggested to spend the night at hotels at the Government’s expense, whereas for those who did not have insurance for such events, the Government will cover the repairs bill. I think on the whole, dear friends, the “system” in this case worked very well under the circumstances.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29198-td
30.9.09

No.163
Q.: I watched a BBC world program on Spain and Portugal and the reporter visited all sort of local festivities, ranging from bull fights, to tomato throwing and the (??) kiosks on exhibitions etc etc. Do we have a chance dear Mr Loizou to match such events?
Nelli & Dinon Hans

A.: Difficult to say, but each country has its own attractions. Tomato throwing and bull fights is not my cup of coffee, but I am just one. We have so many festivities to have fun in Cyprus, it is difficult to give you a list. Just last week at Anoyira. village I have visited the Carob festival. Such festivals and being with the right Co you can have a great fun. An excursion to Hirokitia ancient housing estate (followed by sougla party at the local restaurants) was another memorable and educational trip. The wine festival at Limassol (don’t go on the first or second day), the Paphos Opera and the Larnaca Kataklysmos festival are also worthy of a visit. Having said that, I was invited at a festival at Marbeya in Spain, where all the locals were dressed in local costumes and it was most enjoyable with the various exhibitions having their own “tent” and entertainment. Yes we do not have this sort of thing, which is very pleasing for the locals and visitors. Regrettably, Spain with 40 mil. residents has 70 mil. tourists. Us, in Cyprus, have 700.000 locals and 2.0 mil. tourists. We have been eroded I am afraid by the international visitors. Yet places such as Mykonos which has 6.000 local residents and around 500.000 tourists keep their traditions and architecture. We seem to be, as Cypriots, more influenced by the foreign visitors, than others. It is a shame on the one hand but the worst of things (in my opinion) is the non Greek speaking waiters (the cold face. no jokes etc) and the thieving taxi drivers etc are the major issue.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

3/29197-td
(30.9.09)

No.164
Q.: I have just been informed that Pissouri village will have its own marina. Because my house is near the beach, do you expect that the marina with the traffic and noise that will cause, will affect local house values? I depend on your advice Mr Loizou, since if it is so (negatively) I think I better sell now than afterwards.
Many thanks and keep up the good work.
Eddy Molyvas

A.: Far from it my friend. The marina will accommodate 150 fishing boats and 140 yachts. It is quite large on the whole, but I am of the opinion it will transform Pissouri village and its bay. Pissouri beach is nothing to talk bout in terms of water clarity and the marina will add life and things to do. It will be also a destination place to visit with local color. My opinion is that values will increase/benefit from such an investment, which is expected to commence the year 2012 and completed 2015. If you have visited Portofino (Italy) you might find a resemblance (after 2015) be it without its pine trees. Try and buy a house at Portofino Eddy and you will see the difference. Do not worry.
Regards
A.P. Loizou

No.165
Q.: I know that most Cypriots are sougla fanatics, but don’t you think that it creates smoke and smells to neighbors, who might not be so enthusiastic – My next door neighbors are “at it” practically every night and it is getting on to me but what can I do?
(name withheld)

A.: My dear friend, you have a problem since sougla is the “national food” and an occasion to have a party. I do appreciate what you say and joking, may I suggest that you befriend your neighbors, so that you get invited also? I cannot offer you any other advice I am afraid. I would have been more concerned on the noise.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No. 166
Q.: My house has just been completed and we have realized in horror that our bathroom white tiles have been joined with grey cement. Is there no specifications on this?
Mr A & G Cai

A.: Do not despair. Either colors are usually adopted if no specific specifications. There is an epoxic chemical which the builder can place on top (1/2 hour work) and “voila”, the grey will become white (I am sending you the name and place to shop).
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No. 167
Q.: Now that we have placed air conditioning it appears that the electricity capacity is not enough, since the electric is cut off when we put the A/C on. What can we do Mr Loizou, must we rewire the whole house?
Turner King

A.: Check first through an electrician that there is no electricity leakage with your A/C connection. If this is OK, ask for a higher electricity fuse (minor fee involved) and if this is not enough, you might need a 3 phase electricity, which it will cost you in terms of EAC fees and altered installations. Get the advice of the electrician

who has done the house (I hope he is qualified) or if you to elect, get an electrical consultant to check. Take one step at a time.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No. 168
Q.: My neighbors planted their garden with Cyprus trees. Originally it did not matter, but now that they are over 4 meter height, not only we cannot enjoy the view from the ground floor, but I am afraid we will lose it from the first floor as well. Surely there must be something to protect our rights Mr Loizou.
Russell Snow

A.: I wish I would be the bearer of good news dear Russell. You do not have such “rights” as you say in terms of trees, unless you are in a project and the general agreement stipulates otherwise. In theory, at least, each owner can do whatever he likes in his house, within the law/planning permits and not causing nuisance to others. I do not think that blocking the view is a nuisance – although I do appreciate your predicament.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou

No.169
Q.: You might think that this is a silly question Mr Loizou, but here it goes. What length do you think an ordinary pool should be in order to have an enjoyable swim? We have to take a decision soon and for this reason your early reply will be very much appreciated.
Annie Boyed

A.: An open ender question Annie. It depends on many factors including the number of residents, the house size, as well as the age of the users.
A bear minimum acceptable size is 4.0 m. x 8.0 m. Myself being 2.2” tall, I find this size small. I would go for 4.0 m. x 12.0 m. length. Bearing in mind that the water level to be 1.40 m. depth for the whole length. You do appreciate of course that the larger the pool, the larger the running cost – Did I met the deadline?
Regards,
A.P. Loizou



3/29233-td
2.10.09

No.170
Q.: Thank you for your prompt response,and some further information as follows.
The property is a detached 3 bedroom bungalow with driveway and garage
Built in 1979/1980 it is the oldest dwelling in our vicinity ,last years rent increase
Was 14%[The Maximum we believe] and there are several things wrong with
The property yet our landlord who lives in England is loathe to spend too much
Money on the building. The Rent is currently Euro 467 per month and is raised
Every 2 Years.
Regards
B.D. Macro.


A.: As I have said, it is a free market so the landlord can ask whatever he feels it is right. There is no set limit (+-) for rental increases save in Rent Controlled areas, which your property does not fall. The rent is reasonable (without seeing the house mind you!!). I will suggest that a 7%-10% increase every 2 years is fair.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29241-td
3.10.09

No.171
Q.: Dear Mr Loizou, we are writing this letter to you to report our complain against our developer. Our co-residents told us that we should not do this for our safety reasons!! Is this the sort of thing that it is acceptable in Cyprus? We feel unsafe and of course worried. We write to you for advice since we feel that you are the only person who can give us a straightforward and sound advice.
J & K

A.: My dear friends, this is not Italy with Camora and the rest gangs that appear to be involved in all sorts of dealings (see E.U. report on deposits in the Med). Do not be carried away by this situation. In Cyprus we have, in the sense of your problem, barking dogs without teeth. The crime that we have here relates mainly to prostitution and drags. Go forward my dear friends and fear nothing. If you need my help and if I can provide it through Governmental contacts, I am here for your.
Regards,
A.P. Loizou


3/29194-td
3.10.09

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