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The Property Cast: How can landlords spot a bad letting agent?

The Property Cast: How can landlords spot a bad letting agent?

News

In https://www.totallandlordinsurance.co.uk/knowledge-centre/propertymarks-perspective-on-lettings-the-property-cast-total-landlord-insurance?utm_source=landlordzone&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=propertymark+podcast+may+2023" target="_blank" this episode of T

REVEALED: Why higher interest rates are making it trickier for BTL investors

REVEALED: Why higher interest rates are making it trickier for BTL investors

News

Buy-to-let mortgage searches were down 23% in April compared to the previous month, while investors have been putting down larger deposits as high-interest rates bite. Research by https://www.twenty7tec.com/" target="_blank" Twenty7tec shows that average loan-

New report urges Government to stop describing private landlords as 'bad'

New report urges Government to stop describing private landlords as 'bad'

News

Government policy should move away from thinking that social housing and home ownership are good while private landlords are bad if it is to solve the rental stock and rent costs crisis. That's the view of a new report from Cambridge University Land Society which says this mi

87 MPs are now landlords including Chancellor, research reveals

87 MPs are now landlords including Chancellor, research reveals

News

Nearly one in five Conservative MPs are currently landlords, according to research by campaign group 38 Degrees, a surprising figure given the Government's anti-landlord stance in recent years. The study counted 87 MP landlords more than 13% of the Commons of whom 53 cla

LATEST: Renters' Reform Bill due next week after Coronation, says Gove

LATEST: Renters' Reform Bill due next week after Coronation, says Gove

News

Renters Reform Bill due next week, says Gove — draft law arrives four years after discussion, just days after King’s Coronation.

COURT: Landlord jailed for 13 months after failures lead to tenant's death

COURT: Landlord jailed for 13 months after failures lead to tenant's death

News

A rogue landlord whose failure to fit a smoke alarm contributed to his tenants death has been jailed for 13 months. Humraz Pinnu Shahid, 43, of Oakwood Lane, Leeds, spent years denying he owned the basement flat on Berkeley Grove (pictured) where Philip Sheridan

BLOG: Can 'guaranteed rent' attract more landlords and fix the social housing crisis?

BLOG: Can 'guaranteed rent' attract more landlords and fix the social housing crisis?

News

As the largest accredited supplier of properties to local authorities in London and Essex, Leigh Young (pictured), Co-founder of the Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent Scheme, talks about how a shift in mindset could help some landlords navigate the current and future market challen

Propertymark on lettings: What agents and landlords need

Propertymark on lettings: What agents and landlords need

Podcast

Nathan Emerson of Propertymark discusses lettings reforms, agent standards, and landlord redress in The Property Cast with Sean Hooker.

Airbnb returns to its roots with 'Rooms' but will initiative silence critics?

Airbnb returns to its roots with 'Rooms' but will initiative silence critics?

News

Airbnb is going back to its roots by launching Airbnb Rooms, an updated version of its original aim to let guests stay in a room within someone elses home. The platform explains that in the current cost-of-living crisis, and years of being isolated, visitors are looking for

Tax to double for Airbnb rental properties in Scots holiday hotspots

Tax to double for Airbnb rental properties in Scots holiday hotspots

News

The Scottish Government has followed its https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/clamp-down-on-letting-second-homes-planned/" target="_blank" English counterpart and revealed plans to manage the number of second homes and holiday rentals more aggressively within the country

Renters still don't understand build-to-rent 'offer' says leading figure

Renters still don't understand build-to-rent 'offer' says leading figure

News

A 'lack of understanding' about the build-to-rent (BTR) sector is preventing it from offering a speedy solution to the housing crisis, according to one trade association boss. https://ukaa.org.uk/" target="_blank" UK Apartment Association </a

OPINION: 'Rent-to-Rent craze adding to UK's renting crisis'

OPINION: 'Rent-to-Rent craze adding to UK's renting crisis'

Opinion

Rent-to-rent is a controversial property investment model now being promoted by many property investment trainers and online influencers. Simply put, it involves would-be property investor landlords (as well as some rogue property companies) renting off a legitimate property own

LATEST: Average rent hits highest EVER record of �1,199 a month

LATEST: Average rent hits highest EVER record of �1,199 a month

News

The average monthly rent in the UK is now a record-breaking �1,199, according to HomeLet, which advises landlords to prepare for more tenants being unable to pay. Its rental index figures for April - using data on achieved rental values from 5,000 letting agents - show rental p

EPC upgrades plus tenants 'terrified' of bills creating more damp, politicians told

EPC upgrades plus tenants 'terrified' of bills creating more damp, politicians told

News

Increasing numbers of landlords are reporting damp and mould problems after forking out for energy efficiency work, it has been claimed. <figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type- " data-rt-type="" data-rt-align=""><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63bef2f3c329eff8e3a4af45

Women renters welcome at novel new block - but men shown the door

Women renters welcome at novel new block - but men shown the door

News

Britains first womens-only https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/breaking-flat-owners-in-medium-towers-hit-by-cladding-crisis-will-not-have-to-pay-acm-costs/" tower block for renters has been given the green light by planners in west London. The scheme for

Starmer vows to get even tougher on landlords AND free-up market for renters

Starmer vows to get even tougher on landlords AND free-up market for renters

News

Labour has pledged to create a national https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/government-backs-away-from-lifetime-deposits-and-a-national-landlord-register/" register of landlords to replace the current Register of Rogue Landlords which only lists those who have been handed

Government to help first-time buyers beat landlords to some property sales

Government to help first-time buyers beat landlords to some property sales

News

A new version of the Help to Buy scheme could be included in the Conservatives next https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/elections-get-political-and-quiz-candidates-landlords-are-told/" election manifesto, according to reports. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wan

Welsh government raises hopes of new energy cash for landlords

Welsh government raises hopes of new energy cash for landlords

News

Landlords in https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/draft-legislation-goes-live-setting-out-how-occupation-contracts-will-work-in-wales/" Wales could be in line for financial help to upgrade their properties after the Welsh government acknowledged that meeting new energy sta

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EPC upgrade rules may lead to landlords leaving, admits 'net zero' minister

EPC upgrade rules may lead to landlords leaving, admits 'net zero' minister

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A government minister has admitted that landlords could quit the market unless upcoming changes to EPC rules are implemented carefully. In a Lords debate to discuss the challenges of achieving net zero, https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/tag/lord-callanan/" target="_blank"

Another city council prepares to clamp-down on smaller HMOs

Another city council prepares to clamp-down on smaller HMOs

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Peterborough plans Article 4 Direction trial to curb smaller HMOs, following Leicester’s expansion of similar controls across more city neighbourhoods

NEW: Petition launched urging residents to 'rise up against HMOs'

NEW: Petition launched urging residents to 'rise up against HMOs'

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News
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A Rugby councillor is trying to drum up opposition to HMOs with an online petition calling for an Article 4 direction in the town. John Slinger (main picture) believes too many family homes are being turned into HMOs by landlords who often dont have the communitys best int

'Latest' housing minister revealed but not yet her responsibilities

'Latest' housing minister revealed but not yet her responsibilities

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Redditch MP Rachel Maclean is the latest housing minister to arrive through the revolving door at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The newcomer replaces previous housing minister Lucy Frazer, https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/breaking-housing-

Is it time to ditch the spreadsheet?

Is it time to ditch the spreadsheet?

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Spreadsheets. Theyve been around since 1979 and have served the property industry well since their inception. However, with legislation like Making Tax Digital coming into play in 2026, were seeing Landlords slowly transition from using outdated equipment to more modern an

Build-to-rent growth falters as economic downturn and labour shortages bite

Build-to-rent growth falters as economic downturn and labour shortages bite

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News
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Economic headwinds facing the construction industry put the brakes on the build-to-rent sector last year. Build cost inflation and labour shortages meant that it only grew by 14% in 2022 adding up to 242,548 homes in planning, under construction or completed - compared to a

NEW: Big South East council clamps down on smaller HMOs

NEW: Big South East council clamps down on smaller HMOs

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Arun Council introduces Article 4 direction in Marine, Hotham, River wards, requiring planning permission for small HMOs to maintain housing quality.

Landlords warned of rogue plumber in NW England

Landlords warned of rogue plumber in NW England

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A leading ethical repair firm has shamed a rogue plumber who charged an 85-year-old woman £1,500 to repair a water pipe.

House price falls create opportunities for landlord investors

House price falls create opportunities for landlord investors

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Falling house prices and rising mortgage rates, coupled with a cost of living crisis, which inevitably results in higher incidences of rental arrears, are scaring off potential new investors in buy-to-let. But new investments in the right locations could be an astute move for ne

CONFIRMED: Truss names Simon Clarke as housing secretary in Cabinet reshuffle

CONFIRMED: Truss names Simon Clarke as housing secretary in Cabinet reshuffle

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News
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The UKs Prime Minister Lizz Truss has named Simon Clarke as her Levelling Up, Housing and Communities secretary of state following her confirmation as Prime Minster. Truss, who won 57.4% of the Conservative Party membership vote to get the job, had previously been rumoured to

BREAKING: Scottish landlords warn of severe problems if 'rent freeze' goes ahead

BREAKING: Scottish landlords warn of severe problems if 'rent freeze' goes ahead

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News
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John Blackwood , (pictured) Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (https://scottishlandlords.com/" target="_blank" SAL ), has warned of dire repercussions for the private rented sector is his country's Governm

Scotland introduces national rent freeze with eviction ban

Scotland introduces national rent freeze with eviction ban

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News
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Sturgeon announces national rent freeze & eviction ban in Scotland emergency legislation—set to run until end‑March (tenant protection). Sour

OFFICIAL: 'No concession for student landlords under tenancy reform plans'

OFFICIAL: 'No concession for student landlords under tenancy reform plans'

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The https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-levelling-up-housing-and-communities" Department for Levelling Up, Housing &amp; Communities (DLUHC) has dismissed concerns from HMO student landlords that its plans to bring in periodic tenancies will damage

Why is it so difficult to find good tradespeople to repair and maintain properties?

Why is it so difficult to find good tradespeople to repair and maintain properties?

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One of the main tasks you have as a landlord is finding quality tradespeople to repair and maintain your rental properties. Whether its a big landscaping project, or a small leak its important to hire people who know what theyre doing.&nbsp; Unfortunately for many landl

Landlords with leasehold properties in line for Ground Rent rip-off refunds

Landlords with leasehold properties in line for Ground Rent rip-off refunds

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More than 5,000 leaseholders including landlords could get refunds on their ground rent after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) secured assurances from nine firms that bought freeholds from housing developer Taylor Wimpey. Those leaseholders who paid a doubled

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

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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'

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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'

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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

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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?

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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

'Selective licencing fees will push up rents as cost of living rises squeeze landlords too'

'Selective licencing fees will push up rents as cost of living rises squeeze landlords too'

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A leading letting agent has criticised the reasoning behind the UKs ever-growing list of selective licensing schemes. Selective licensing covers all rented property in a given area or council borough and landlords are required to pay a five-yearly fee of between �500 and �9

More HMO restrictions in Bristol as battle over fast-expanding sector hots up

More HMO restrictions in Bristol as battle over fast-expanding sector hots up

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Landlords in Bristol will soon be required to gain planning permission to convert properties into HMOs in three key areas, it has been revealed. South Gloucestershire Council is to bring in Article 4 directions in the Bristol neighbourhoods of Stoke Park and Cheswick and parts o

LATEST: London mayor urges private landlords to sell their homes to councils

LATEST: London mayor urges private landlords to sell their homes to councils

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Londons mayor Sadiq Khan has urged private landlords who are planning to exit the private rented market to sell their properties to local councils instead of other landlords. Khan made the comments within a self-congratulatory statement on his website l

PICTURES: Landlord to pay �40,000 after multiple breaches of HMO licence

PICTURES: Landlord to pay �40,000 after multiple breaches of HMO licence

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A landlord in London must now pay �40,000 after losing his appeal against his fine for breaching Mandatory HMO licensing conditions at a bedsit property above a pub. Earlier this year Islington council brought a prosecution against Mohammed Shahid for fai

Comment: is Government legislation killing the buy to let landlord?

Comment: is Government legislation killing the buy to let landlord?

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For years now, what would appear to have been successive waves of anti-landlord legislation have been bearing down on buy to let, but will this change under a new prime minister? From George Osborne to Rishi Sunack, the Treasury, it would seem, has been milking the buy to let la

'Trophy Mansion' owned by bankrupt property guru repossessed by bank

'Trophy Mansion' owned by bankrupt property guru repossessed by bank

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The next chapter in the troubling story of property guru Glenn Armstrong has begun after court records have revealed that the infamous �3m seven-bedroom trophy mansion he often used within his marketing effort has been repossessed by bailiffs. The 62-year-olds now form

Are Rishi and Liz aware of landlords’ real issues?

Are Rishi and Liz aware of landlords’ real issues?

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Ben Beadle critiques Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss for neglecting landlord concerns, urging focus on supply crisis and policy clarity.

Khan says next PM should make landlords pay tenants' moving costs after evictions

Khan says next PM should make landlords pay tenants' moving costs after evictions

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the next Tory PM to force landlords to pay tenants moving costs when asking them to move out of a property where the renter is not at fault. His comments were made during a debate within the London Assembly on housing issues in the capita

Welsh landlord's attempt to evict tenants sparks national debate over PRS changes

Welsh landlord's attempt to evict tenants sparks national debate over PRS changes

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A landlord has been unwittingly drawn into a heated debate over the looming changes to the Welsh private rented sector. The country's Government recently delayed its planned reforms that will alter how tenancies, properties and evictions are managed, similar in many ways to the

Liz Truss to help landlords reference tenants better via rent recording initiative

Liz Truss to help landlords reference tenants better via rent recording initiative

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Wannabe Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced that, if elected next month, she will introduce measures to enable tenants within the private rented sector to record their rent with the UK's credit reference agencies. This will both help tenants get on the property ladder via imp