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TENANT BLOG: What I think of the Government's looming renting reforms

TENANT BLOG: What I think of the Government's looming renting reforms

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If you havent heard of it before, the Renters' Reform Bill is set to be voted on before May 2023, bringing with it a plethora of proposed changes for landlords and tenants alike. Shelter , who along with other organisations are cam

BREAKING: Landlords cry foul over council's HMO planning rules change of mind

BREAKING: Landlords cry foul over council's HMO planning rules change of mind

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Long-term HMO landlords in Portsmouth risk losing their C3/C4 status with no chance of getting it back due to confusion over planning rules, it is claimed. Many took advantage of the option to switch between family use (C3) and HMO (C4) without needing planning permission in 201

COMMENT: My top 10 priorities for landlords in 2023

COMMENT: My top 10 priorities for landlords in 2023

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The rental sector is likely to see some of the biggest changes since the 1980s, so do your homework and keep yourself up-to-date. All the signs are that operating as a residential landlord in 2023 will be just as challenging as it was last year, if not more so here are my to

HONOURS: Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner awarded OBE

HONOURS: Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner awarded OBE

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Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner has been given an OBE in the New Years Honours List. Faulkners honour is for her involvement with landlords, estate agents and consumers including her work leading the property industry Home Buying and Selling Grou

Commercial landlords are 'left in the lurch'� as more business tenants go bust

Commercial landlords are 'left in the lurch'� as more business tenants go bust

News

The worst fears of a commercial landlord are realised when the flow on quarterly or monthly rent payments starts to dry up! Read on to find out what to do if you're faced with this. According to the latest available Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures, the number of comp

RISING panic reported among student landlords over plans for open-ended tenancies

RISING panic reported among student landlords over plans for open-ended tenancies

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The NRLA has backed the growing number of student landlords 'panicked' by the Governments plans to bring in periodic or open ended tenancies across the private rental sector. Concern is widespread within the student community, new research reveals, with 84% saying they

Landlord launches petition to bring back mortgage interest tax relief for BTL

Landlord launches petition to bring back mortgage interest tax relief for BTL

News

A landlord in the Midlands has launched a parliamentary petition calling on the Government to reverse its Section 24 tax changes for landlords, which since 2017 has gradually removed their ability to claim mortgage interest rate against their tax liability. Announced by George O

Is yours one of them? 64% of PRS properties 'will not reach minimum EPC in time'

Is yours one of them? 64% of PRS properties 'will not reach minimum EPC in time'

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Nearly two-thirds of private rental properties wont reach proposed minimum EPC levels, according to new research. Data compiled for property data platform LandTech shows that 64% of private rental properties would fail to reach an EPC rating of C or abo

BREAKING: HMRC completely rejigs and delays MTD scheme for landlords

BREAKING: HMRC completely rejigs and delays MTD scheme for landlords

News

Only landlords with property incomes over £30,000 will now need to comply with HMRC's looming https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-tax-digital/overview-of-making-tax-digital" target="_blank" Making Tax Digital (MTD) https://www

Abolishing Section 21 is 'sledge hammer to crack a nut' says property chief

Abolishing Section 21 is 'sledge hammer to crack a nut' says property chief

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One of Londons leading property management figures has said the Governments plans to abolish section 21 evictions is a sledge hammer to crack a nut and not an effective solution to the issue of bad landlords within the private rented sector. The comments come from An

Scots Minister shows 'blatant disregard' for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

Scots Minister shows 'blatant disregard' for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

News

Landlords in Scotland have been hit with a stamp duty rise as the government strives to raise additional revenue. It announced legislation in the Budget statement to increase the rate of the Additional Dwelling Supplement from 4% to 6% for second home buyers and buy-to-let landl

BREAKING: 'Rent Smart Wales' style scheme revealed for Welsh holiday lets

BREAKING: 'Rent Smart Wales' style scheme revealed for Welsh holiday lets

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The Welsh Government wants to know what landlords who operate holiday accommodation in the country think of its proposed regulation of the sector. Following a https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/breaking-labour-and-plaid-cymru-to-jointly-force-through-rent-controls-in-w

WARNING: Spray foam can lead to refused mortgage applications

WARNING: Spray foam can lead to refused mortgage applications

News

In September the Government announced a �2bn plan to offer home insulation grants of up to �5,000 per household in England. This is to be known as the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme" target="_blank" Green Homes Grant and has replaced

Desperate landlord writes to Gove as bankruptcy looms over cladding rules

Desperate landlord writes to Gove as bankruptcy looms over cladding rules

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A landlord whos facing bankruptcy has written to Housing Secretary Michael Gove voicing his frustration that he is not eligible for any cladding funding despite only earning �63 a week from his properties. The landlord, who has BTL interest-only mortgages, has two freehold s

Scots rent and evictions freeze prompts 'staggering' landlord exit response

Scots rent and evictions freeze prompts 'staggering' landlord exit response

News

A staggering 85% of letting agents in Scotland report that landlords want to sell up following the governments move to ban evictions and rent increases until next April. Propertymark members in Scotland say that even more worryingly, 68% of agents had already seen an increase

NEW: Report says 87% of landlords will face full cost of EPC upgrades

NEW: Report says 87% of landlords will face full cost of EPC upgrades

News

Just 0.2% of private landlords would qualify for full state support to help upgrade their properties under a proposed scheme to get the UKs walls insulated, while 87% would be liable for the full costs. The Economy 2030 Inquiry says simply basing hand-outs on means-tested ben

Government confirms biggest tenancy reform in a generation

Government confirms biggest tenancy reform in a generation

News

Gov confirms major tenancy law shake-up: abolishing assured periodic & fixed-term tenancies in favour of universal periodic tenancies.

BLOG: This is what many more landlords will be competing with in cities soon

BLOG: This is what many more landlords will be competing with in cities soon

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A couple of weeks ago I was invited by the owners of a build-to-rent development in Wembley to see at first-hand what this emerging kind of rental property looks like in this case a 440-unit just off the A406 called WemLondon . <figure id="" class="w-richtext-fi

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Section 21 Notices - for older tenancies in England

Section 21 Notices - for older tenancies in England

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Section 21: Most tenancies will never require the service of a Section 21, Housing Act 1988, (eviction) notice. However, on those occasions when it does become necessary, and you just never know, landlords (and agents) will thank their lucky starts they complied with the rul

Asbestos and Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

Asbestos and Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

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Asbestos:Asbestos regulations were last updated in 2012 , bringing the UK in line with EU regulations, which means the current regulations have been in place long enough for most

The importance of a Tenancy Application Form

The importance of a Tenancy Application Form

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The Application Form You should always use a comprehensive Tenancy Application Form when taking on a new tenant. You need a completed application for each adult tenant in the property.The Tenancy application form is a very important starting point for any residential or comm

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Ends

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Ends

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End of an AST: Questions: What happens when an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) comes to an end? Will the tenant have to leave or does she need to sign a new agreement? What if a tenant wants to leave early? How long can a periodic tenancy last?When the fixed term (minimum of

Freehold, Shared Freehold or Leasehold?

Freehold, Shared Freehold or Leasehold?

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Landlords often buy flats which are either Leasehold or Shared Freehold. What are these tenures and what should landlords look out for in these different forms of ownership?Leasehold is one of three forms of tenure (property/land ownership) almost exclusively peculiar to the United Kingdom, thoug

My Tenant Won't Allow Access!

My Tenant Won't Allow Access!

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Landlord's Access to Property: Many landlords will have experienced a tenant denying them access to a property - whether for an inspection, viewings or legal duties. Its easy to understand the view of Its my property, I can enter when I want, but unfortunately th

New Section 21 Rules

New Section 21 Rules

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New Rules for Section 21 :Landlords and Agents need to be aware of the changes affecting Section 21 rules and Notices and other changes for the letting of residential properties in England (and in many cases Wales) introduced during 2015 . This article explains the new rules

New algorithms to calculate EPC ratings

New algorithms to calculate EPC ratings

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Many landlords have long suspected that the DCLG approved national calculation methodologies and software programs were seriously flawed when they produced EPC ratings for buildings following energy assessments.So news that new software is being introduced which is claimed to be more accurate is

How you serve a Notice can be just as important as what you serve'�

How you serve a Notice can be just as important as what you serve'�

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Serving Notices: Landlords and agents often get confused as to how they should serve Notices on their tenants.Ordinarily it wouldnt matter what method is used, but if you end up in court with a possession or money claim, or some such court action, then what and how you se

Landlords and university jointly launch unusual student week initiative

Landlords and university jointly launch unusual student week initiative

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Landlords and student groups have teamed up to tidy Leedss streets during student changeover week. The city hosts about 37,000 students, the vast majority of whom will move house each year at the same time, leaving behind large amounts of rubbish, overflowing bins, furniture

'Tenants look after HMOs better when they're fitted with posh furniture'

'Tenants look after HMOs better when they're fitted with posh furniture'

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A twenty-something entrepreneurial pair aim to shake up the HMO sector by building on their upmarket guaranteed rent model. Liverpool-based Cosi Living founders Joe Duggan , 24 and Olivia Maher , 25, (main picture) only rented their fi

Exclusion of landlords from mortgage help scheme 'a mistake' says Labour

Exclusion of landlords from mortgage help scheme 'a mistake' says Labour

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Omitting BTL landlords from the governments mortgage charter will only hurt supply and push up rents as landlords are forced to pass on their costs, says Labour. The new agreementhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_76Y3b2cjM" https://www.youtube.com

Tenant's �120,000 claim threatens entire deposits protection system

Tenant's �120,000 claim threatens entire deposits protection system

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A tenant who failed to convince a judge that his landlord did not give him statutory tenancy deposit information is taking his case to the High Court. Merryck Lowes application relating to a claim for �120,888 against charitable landlord, the Governors of Suttons Hosp

REPORT: Thinktank says landlords should pay MORE tax to balance inequality

REPORT: Thinktank says landlords should pay MORE tax to balance inequality

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Landlords should pay more tax to balance inequalities within the tax system, according to the Resolution Foundation. The think-tanks new report points out that while the top tax rate for employees stands at 53.4% including employer NICs, only 28% is paid on property gains. </

Landlords '� can you continue to let your buildings?

Landlords '� can you continue to let your buildings?

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Are you confident your buildings will meet the coming changes to energy performance rules? Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation has been in statute since 2008. Since then there has been a progression of increasingly stringent regulations to cajole property owners to

EXPERT: Landlords buying via personal mortgages facing more 'stress testing'

EXPERT: Landlords buying via personal mortgages facing more 'stress testing'

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Landlords buying properties via personal buy-to-let mortgages are facing greater stress testing of their affordability as economic jitters unsettle lenders, it has been revealed. Financial expert Louisa Sedgwick (main picture) from broker ht

BREAKING: Lisa Nandy confirms Labour has U-turned on rent controls

BREAKING: Lisa Nandy confirms Labour has U-turned on rent controls

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Despite previously saying it would consider rent controls, Labours shadow housing minister Lisa Nandy has now confirmed that the party now opposes them, it has been reported. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housings conference today, Nandy told delegates that the po

WARNING: Landlords who evict illegally to face DOUBLE whammy under reforms

WARNING: Landlords who evict illegally to face DOUBLE whammy under reforms

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Illegal evictions and harassment are set to become more expensive for landlords who get caught, as councils will be able to fine them up to �30,000 as an alternative to prosecution under the Renters Reform Bill. Lawyer Sam Kharabanda Groom (main picture) at https://cor

PICTURES: Landlords gather to help raise �15,000 for food bank charity

PICTURES: Landlords gather to help raise �15,000 for food bank charity

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Leading figures from the private rented sector including dozens of landlords gathered last week to raise over �15,000 for a food bank charity. <figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type- " data-rt-type="" data-rt-align=""><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63bef2f3c329eff8e

New evictions law will be toothless without funding, warn councils

New evictions law will be toothless without funding, warn councils

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Councils could struggle to enforce new eviction laws under the Renters Reform Bill, according to the Local Government Association. It has warned that authorities will need more staff and funding because every council in England already has a shortage of environmental health offi

Leash-hold issues? Unusual landlords' association launches

Leash-hold issues? Unusual landlords' association launches

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Landlords who rent properties to vets are being encouraged to join a new group so they can discuss problems, exchange information and learn about what it means to be a professional landlord. The Veterinary Landlords Association (VLA) which has yet to es

Rogue tenants should be named and shamed on a national register, says lawyer

Rogue tenants should be named and shamed on a national register, says lawyer

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A petition has been launched calling on the Government to establish a national register of rogue tenants to help landlords and agents spot troublemakers before they move into properties. The petition has been launched by property lawyer Nyree Applegarth (m

NEW: Reverse PRS policies or face 'perfect storm' MP warns Government

NEW: Reverse PRS policies or face 'perfect storm' MP warns Government

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Labour MP Chris Bryant has pleaded with the government to rethink its housing policies or face a perfect storm of a housing crisis� in his Rhondda constituency. He told the Commons that the frozen housing benefit cap was now completely out of kilter with reality� for m

New fire regulations 'hot'� off the press, and the importance of inspections

New fire regulations 'hot'� off the press, and the importance of inspections

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It used to be the case that you could let your residential rental property and forget it, leaving your tenants to enjoy the accommodation in peace, without any disturbances. However, these days, with regular changes in the law, risks of none compliance and your insurance require

Mortgage expert highlights 'significant' problems for landlords as rates rise

Mortgage expert highlights 'significant' problems for landlords as rates rise

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Rising interest rates are piling the pressure on landlords and leaving some as mortgage prisoners, according to one mortgage expert.&nbsp; With most fixed rates now well over 6%, the interest costs can have tripled since some landlords last mortgage was taken, causing a perfe

Would you sell a BTL property to its tenants at a discount to avoid agency fees?

Would you sell a BTL property to its tenants at a discount to avoid agency fees?

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More landlords looking for a quick and painless exit from the PRS are considering concessionary mortgages, it has been claimed. These little-known mortgage deals allow a sitting tenant to buy the property at a discounted price, based on a valuation. The seller must b

Rental market reaching crisis point as 'perfect storm' hits landlords and tenants

Rental market reaching crisis point as 'perfect storm' hits landlords and tenants

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Landlord Actions Paul Shamplina (main picture) has explained to Radio 4 listeners how an almost broken court system and higher interest rates are driving a rush in Section 21 evictions before rent reform laws kick in. Speaking on the https://www.bbc.co

Tenants pocket �16,000 after landlord and agent's regulatory mistakes

Tenants pocket �16,000 after landlord and agent's regulatory mistakes

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A landlord has failed to convince a court that stress and financial difficulties excused her from paying a rent repayment order. Instead, Jaya Sanahs four tenants will share �16,191 after ahttps://www.landlordzone.co.uk/tag/first-tier-property-tribunal-2...

Details on higher EPC ratings for PRS a long way off, admits energy minister

Details on higher EPC ratings for PRS a long way off, admits energy minister

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Landlords are to wait many more months to find out the details of Government proposals to raise the minimum Energy Performance Certificate for rented properties. Energy minister Andrew Bowie (main picture) has admitted during a Lords debate that progress h

Lloyds Bank's plans to build 'thousands' of rental homes prove over optimistic

Lloyds Bank's plans to build 'thousands' of rental homes prove over optimistic

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Lloyds has grown its rental portfolio to 1,000 properties and has another 700 in the pipeline as it bids to become one of the UKs biggest landlords, albeit far off its original objectives. The bank has some way to go if the publicly-owned institution is to meet its target of

Landlord pays �40,000 fine after large HMO 'put tenants at risk'

Landlord pays �40,000 fine after large HMO 'put tenants at risk'

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A landlord in Norfolk has payed fines totalling �40,000 after he was found to have housed tenants in a way that put tenants at risk. Issues were reported at the Watton property (pictured) to Breckland Council last year, which prompted an inspection by officers who found a block

Landlord secures huge victory in �18,000 Rent Repayment Order case

Landlord secures huge victory in �18,000 Rent Repayment Order case

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An Upper Tribunal has slashed a landlords Rent Repayment Order by �16,000 after taking pity during an appeal hearing on her precarious financial position�. A First Tier Property Tribunal https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6239f607e90e07799cd3de67/LO

BREAKING: Landlords face higher mortgage costs as base rate rises by 0.5%

BREAKING: Landlords face higher mortgage costs as base rate rises by 0.5%

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The Bank of England has this lunchtime raised its base rate by 0.5% as the venerable institution fights to bring down inflation, which yesterday was revealed to be sticking stubbornly at 8.7%, way above the bank's target of 2%. Commentators and mortgage holders alike had hoped t

Welsh minister backs review of existing higher stamp duty rates for landlords

Welsh minister backs review of existing higher stamp duty rates for landlords

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Welsh Minister for Climate Change Julie James has backed the NRLAs call for a review of property taxation in the PRS. Speaking at thehttps://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/breaking-landlords-tell-housing-minister-face-to-face-that-sector-needs-support/" <strong i