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Yes minister, there’s already a ‘lifetime deposit’ to offer tenants

Yes minister, there’s already a ‘lifetime deposit’ to offer tenants

Opinion

While the cost of renting continues to increase across the UK, the Government continues to grapple with the issue of making renting more accessible and secure, especially for

Bold action needed to save the PRS

Bold action needed to save the PRS

Opinion

NRLA calls for urgent government support to address rent arrears and court backlogs, proposing interest-free loans and grants to sustain tenancies.

What are 'Deemed Contracts' and how do they affect Landlords?

What are 'Deemed Contracts' and how do they affect Landlords?

News

Especially at a time like this, in the middle of a pandemic, when good commercial tenants are hard to find, landlords dread the time when a lease comes to an end, or their tenant goes into administration. When a commercial landlord loses a tenant, not only do they lose regular r

Government to spend �13 million helping prison leavers rent from private landlords

Government to spend �13 million helping prison leavers rent from private landlords

News

The government is pouring �13m into a homelessness reduction initiative to fund long-term accommodation for prison leavers in the private rented sector. More than 140 councils across England will share out the cash to pay for landlord incentives and loans for rent deposits, spe

ANALYSIS: Are heat pumps a viable option for rental properties?

ANALYSIS: Are heat pumps a viable option for rental properties?

News

We know that households across the UK will need to adopt a low carbon alternative to traditional heating solutions such as oil, gas, coal or wood burning in the future. Air source or geothermal ground source heat pumps are being touted as just such an alternative to help the UK

A legal case that took vacant possession a step too far'�

A legal case that took vacant possession a step too far'�

News

During these difficult times many tenants have found themselves in the position of wanting to divest themselves of surplus property, to reduce rental commitments by ending a lease agreement before it full term has expired. Perhaps the only way of doing this from the tenants p

BREAKING: Thousands of landlords released from 'cladding hell' after EWS1 forms scrapped

BREAKING: Thousands of landlords released from 'cladding hell' after EWS1 forms scrapped

News

Landlords who own leasehold properties in low and medium-rise apartment blocks affected by the cladding scandal will no longer have to supply an EWS1 form when selling or remortgaging their properties, the government has announced. Thousands of landlords who have been unable to

BREAKING: Housing benefit fraud and overpayments now 'rife' says National Audit Office

BREAKING: Housing benefit fraud and overpayments now 'rife' says National Audit Office

News

Spiralling fraud and overpayments in the benefits system now stand at the highest rate ever recorded, admits the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), as it identifies housing payments as an area of concern. Housing benefit fraud is particularly rife after the pandemic resulted

Private rented properties cost on average �7,600 to upgrade to EPC Band C - official

Private rented properties cost on average �7,600 to upgrade to EPC Band C - official

News

The private rented sector wont meet new energy efficiency targets unless the government stumps up more cash for any replacement to the Green Homes Grant, it has been claimed. Latest https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-housing-survey-2019-to-2020-private-

LATEST: Another council brings in big fines for landlords who ignore electrical safety standards

LATEST: Another council brings in big fines for landlords who ignore electrical safety standards

News

Bury Council in Manchester has adopted new measures to fine landlords up to �30,000 if their properties dont meet the recently-introduced electrical safety standards. Although the standards came into force in June 2020, they had not been adopted and implemented by the counci

Landlord given suspended sentence over property fires at notorious property

Landlord given suspended sentence over property fires at notorious property

News

A commercial landlord whose building was damaged by two fires has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, it has been reported. Wayne Braund, 52, owner of the former Strachan and Henshaw building in Foundry Lane, Bristol (pictured), admitted six fire safety breaches i

'Get rich slow': Landlord who went from one to 430 properties in 13 years

'Get rich slow': Landlord who went from one to 430 properties in 13 years

News

Landlord fire door safety responsibilities explained

Landlord fire door safety responsibilities explained

Information

Guide to landlord responsibilities for fire-door safety—learn what checks and maintenance are required to keep your property compliant.

Rod Turner: My journey from doing up grotty flats to a major landlord portfolio

Rod Turner: My journey from doing up grotty flats to a major landlord portfolio

News

Property investor Rod Turner didnt find the thought of having tenants and being a landlord very appealing, but the turning point came in 2014 when he realised the London market wasnt proving positive for developments and that he needed to hold onto properties long term. As

EVICTIONS LATEST: EPC and gas safety certificates are NOT needed if AST began prior to October 1st, 2015

EVICTIONS LATEST: EPC and gas safety certificates are NOT needed if AST began prior to October 1st, 2015

News

The Court of Appeal has ruled that landlords are able to evict a tenant whose Assured Shorthold Tenancy commenced before 1st October 2015 even if the prescribed paperwork such an EPC or gas safety certificate have not been served. Most solicitors and landlords h

Tragic death of tenant in house fire is wake-up call to landlords

Tragic death of tenant in house fire is wake-up call to landlords

Information

Tragic tenant death underscores landlords' duty to comply with fire safety laws, including smoke alarms, escape routes, and fire-resistant furnishings

Can I invest in commercial property through my pension?

Can I invest in commercial property through my pension?

Information

Using a SIPP to invest in commercial property is perfectly possible and many business owners include their business premises in their pension pot, say Tom Entwistle.</h4>The Self-invested Personal Pension (SIPP) rules are quite complex so you need professional advice before embark

Number of landlords asking for six months rent in advance is rising, claims BBC

Number of landlords asking for six months rent in advance is rising, claims BBC

News

A Radio 5 podcast claims that growing numbers of landlords are asking tenants with a lack of renting history or poor credit score to stump up six months rent in advance, exacerbated by the climate of Covid-hit incomes. While the Tenant Fees Act bans most letting fees and caps

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EXPERT: Number of councils seeking to stop HMO conversions is on the rise

EXPERT: Number of councils seeking to stop HMO conversions is on the rise

News
News
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Opinion
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More councils are set to introduce Article 4 directions in a bid to clamp down on HMO development, with six currently waiting for approval. There are already about 45 local authorities in England partly or entirely affected by Article 4 which means planning permission is nee

Unintended consequences of plans to ban Section 21 evictions 'already happening'

Unintended consequences of plans to ban Section 21 evictions 'already happening'

News
News
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Opinion
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A new landlord survey has revealed the effects of the Government's proposals to ban Section 21 evictions already feeding into the private rented sector. Evictions specialist Landlord Action canvassed some 1,500 landlords and found that 26% of those who had evicted a tenant over

Speculation grows that Rees-Mogg will be Housing Secretary if Liz Truss wins

Speculation grows that Rees-Mogg will be Housing Secretary if Liz Truss wins

News
News
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Its known as silly season when the media focuses on light-hearted stories, but news that Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) is being mooted as the new Levelling Up Secretary has been seen by some as no laughing matter. As the leadership contest draws to a close, preparations fo

Making tax digital as a landlord: What you need to know

Making tax digital as a landlord: What you need to know

Information
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

Making tax digital (MTD) for income tax is part of the governments long-term strategy to digitalise tax and will have implications for how landlords pay tax on their income. For those used to self-assessment, it will represent a change, but providing digital records will give businesses

What are the special rules for VAT on commercial property?

What are the special rules for VAT on commercial property?

News
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

VAT on Commercial Property is a complex topic and anyone wishing to understand these complexities in relation to their own situation should seek specialist advice. This article should give a broad brush general overview but you really should seek advice because errors can be irredeemable an

Landlord banned from letting properties in England for five years

Landlord banned from letting properties in England for five years

News
News
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Opinion
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A rogue portfolio landlord has been banned from letting properties for five years after she admitted multiple offences relating to fire safety issues. Naomi Knapp, a landlord with 34 properties in Bristol, was convicted of eight banning order offences and will now be added to th

'Spray foam must be regulated to stop properties becoming un-mortgageable'

'Spray foam must be regulated to stop properties becoming un-mortgageable'

News
News
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Opinion
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Urgent regulation of the spray foam industry is needed to prevent making thousands of homes un-mortgagable, warn leading property groups. Sprayed polyurethane expanding foams are often used in lofts, either to stabilise a failing roof covering or to provide extra insulation. But

EXCLUSIVE: Landlords battle city council over HMO council tax re-valuations

EXCLUSIVE: Landlords battle city council over HMO council tax re-valuations

News
News
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Portsmouths HMOs are in the firing line again as growing numbers are being referred to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to have their council tax bands reassessed. Rather than paying tax on the whole property, each room can be classified as a band A at a cost of �1,200, wit

LEGAL LATEST: Can the eviction of a disabled tenant ever be fair?

LEGAL LATEST: Can the eviction of a disabled tenant ever be fair?

News
News
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Opinion
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A severely disabled tenant and his family have barricaded themselves into their home in a bid to prevent a controversial eviction. Quadriplegic Harvey Cowe, 62, and his wife Sheree, 55,&nbsp;have lived at the house in Brittany Road, Hove, for 25 years after Brighton &amp; Hove C

Brighton expected to push ahead with 'Airbnb' restrictions

Brighton expected to push ahead with 'Airbnb' restrictions

News
News
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Brighton & Hove Council could push for an earlier crackdown on short lets in the city rather than waiting for government restrictions.

Margaret Thatcher's favourite council reveals start date for landlord licensing

Margaret Thatcher's favourite council reveals start date for landlord licensing

News
News
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Opinion
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One of London’s most high-profile councils has revealed the start date for its new selective and additional licensing schemes as it bids to clamp down on rogue landlords and improve rental properties.

Landlord exodus to limited companies drives up BTL lending

Landlord exodus to limited companies drives up BTL lending

News
News
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Opinion
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Information

Landlords moving into limited companies and HMOs have fuelled a big jump in lending.

MP to stop holiday let owners dodging council tax via Bill

MP to stop holiday let owners dodging council tax via Bill

News
News
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A Cornwall MP has launched a bid to ban short-let and holiday let landlords from switching to business lets.

Scotland moves closer to inflation-linked rent controls in 'hotspots'

Scotland moves closer to inflation-linked rent controls in 'hotspots'

News
News
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Opinion
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Scotland's parliament has finished scrutiny of its Government's plans to restrict how landlords can raise rents, and much more.

Commercial tenants may reclaim millions after landmark ruling

Commercial tenants may reclaim millions after landmark ruling

News
News
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Information

Commercial landlords are now on high alert following a recent high court ruling over insurance commissions

Timetable for landlords to upgrade rental homes to minimum EPC band 'unachievable'

Timetable for landlords to upgrade rental homes to minimum EPC band 'unachievable'

News
News
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Opinion
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The UK’s largest landlord association has called out the Government’s plans to make rental properties reach a minimum EPC ‘C’ band by 2028 as ‘unachievable’.

'Immigration and too few landlords real reason for high rents'

'Immigration and too few landlords real reason for high rents'

News
News
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Rising immigration is likely to push rental demand to new heights, a banking boss has warned.

40 landlords join agent's fight-back against 'extortionate' licensing fees

40 landlords join agent's fight-back against 'extortionate' licensing fees

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News
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Landlords have been urged to join a legal action to challenge Leicester Council’s “unreasonably extortionate” selective licensing fees.

Senior letting agent slates 'too few' amendments to Renters' Rights Bill

Senior letting agent slates 'too few' amendments to Renters' Rights Bill

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News
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A leading letting agent has criticsed the progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill which left the House of Lords with few amendments.

Beware using WhatsApp to discuss rental contracts, warns lawyer

Beware using WhatsApp to discuss rental contracts, warns lawyer

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News
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A property lawyer has warned that landlords might fail to realise their tenant has given notice after a court ruled that a WhatsApp exchange was sufficient to create a contract.

CLAIM: Fees ban has saved tenants £1bn and 'didn't push up rents'

CLAIM: Fees ban has saved tenants £1bn and 'didn't push up rents'

News
News
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Private renters in England have saved nearly £1 billion in letting agent fees since the 2019 Tenant Fees Act, research by Generation Rent has found.

Student HMO landlords face tenancies-in-advance 'crunch' this November

Student HMO landlords face tenancies-in-advance 'crunch' this November

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News
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One of the UK’s leading student lettings agencies has pointed out a huge ‘crunch point’ for HMO landlords when the Renters’ Rights Bill goes live later this year.

Landlords to raise rents when reform restrictions go live

Landlords to raise rents when reform restrictions go live

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News
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New poll shows landlords are planning to raise rents in response to new restrictions within the looming Renters' Rights Bil.

BLOG: 'Tenants and landlords will see harder times when section 21 is abolished'

BLOG: 'Tenants and landlords will see harder times when section 21 is abolished'

News
News
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Property lawyer Ian Narbeth takes a detailed but scathing look at Labour's looming Renters' Rights Bill and predicts there is trouble ahead.

London politician calls for action against rogue landlords

London politician calls for action against rogue landlords

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News
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Comments have been made after residents at a property that was illegally converted into 11 bedsit flats remain worried about its condition.

Landlord trio sell portfolio for £22m citing 'complex renting environment'

Landlord trio sell portfolio for £22m citing 'complex renting environment'

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News
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Three landlord brothers have had a whopping £22 million pay day after selling their property portfolio to an investment trust.

EXPERT: Renting reforms will make 'horrendous housing crisis' worse

EXPERT: Renting reforms will make 'horrendous housing crisis' worse

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News
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A leading property expert says the UK is heading for a “horrendous housing crisis” that could worsen with the advent of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Social housing in crisis as tenants’ complaints go through the roof

Social housing in crisis as tenants’ complaints go through the roof

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News
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New report from the Housing Ombudsman shows complaints about substandard living conditions in social housing in England are five times higher than they were five years ago

Midlands council to stop landlords evicting tenants via new scheme

Midlands council to stop landlords evicting tenants via new scheme

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News
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Wolverhampton Council has launched a mediation service for private landlords and tenants to help prevent evictions.

HMOs 'a real real problem' and need restricting says Reform

HMOs 'a real real problem' and need restricting says Reform

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News
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HMOs in Southend face a crackdown as the council considers proposals to limit landlords’ future applications.

Latest EPC shake-up to be 'good for flats, bad for houses'

Latest EPC shake-up to be 'good for flats, bad for houses'

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News
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Upcoming changes to EPCs next month could end up costing landlords more and see properties downgraded if they don’t have energy upgrade documents, it has been claimed.

OPINION: Landlords and agents had a chance to avoid licensing, and blew it

OPINION: Landlords and agents had a chance to avoid licensing, and blew it

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News
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It is not unusual to hearletting agents and their landlord clients complaining that operating within theprivate rented sector is has become increasingly tangled with red tape.

WARNING: Money lost to 'investment scams' rises to £144 million

WARNING: Money lost to 'investment scams' rises to £144 million

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News
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The public has been warned to be vigilant following a new report that shows the number of people relieved of their savings by ‘investment scams’ has increased by value for the first time since 2021, reaching £144 million.

'Blue-rinse' seaside resort seeks to restrict number of HMOs

'Blue-rinse' seaside resort seeks to restrict number of HMOs

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The borough council’s planning committee will vote on whether to introduce an Article 4 direction next week.