Councillors in Reading are set to rubber stamp plans to extend restrictions on the number of HMO conversions. An Article 4 direction already covers parts of the town where HMOs are prevalent, in much of Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards, as well as Jesse Terrace.
Propertymark has called for a set of standards for developers and clear guidance for local councils as a way to effectively convert empty commercial properties into affordable homes - an increasingly popular path for some bigger PRS landlords. Responding to an inquiry from all-p
Converting commercial buildings to residential use would seem an ideal solution to a housing shortage, especially with and a glut of underused commercial buildings, but how easy is it? The planning regulation changes have made it easier to convert commercial buildings to residen
The new How to Rent guide due to come out today (17th March) has been delayed for a week, according to industry sources. The new guide forms part of the prescribed information that landlords in England must issue at the start of any new tenancy or renewa
John Lewiss build-to-rent strategy appears to be stalling amid local opposition to its plans for large developments in West Ealing and Bromley. The retailer has just announced pre-tax losses of �234 million as sales dipped 2% last year, making it even more vital to find new
Landlords, estate agents and surveyors have all given yesterdays Budget an unqualified thumbs down after the Chancellor chose to focus on economic growth but ignore several problem threatening to engulf the housing market. All have said the budget was disappointing and a m
Despite new research showing that one in four people plan to invest in property to generate retirement income, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's scrapping of the 'lifetime pension fund limit' could dampen demand for BTL property, says Cornerstone Tax. The impact of inflation on savings a
Shelter has slammed the Chancellor for failing to raise Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates in his spring Budget. The homeless charity says Jeremy Hunt could have put an end to spiralling homelessness, but instead, he has stuck his head in the sand. Yet again we
Sunday Times economics editor David Smith has expressed sympathy for private landlords who he believes feel bruised by increasing regulation in the sector. He says higher mortgage rates might be the straw that breaks the camels back for many, with some alrea
First time buyers remain better off owning than renting an equivalent home, Lloyds Bank says, but the gap is narrowing. Its latest Owning vs Renting Review reveals that owning a first home now costs �971 a month, four percent less than renting at �1,013.
The government failed to offer long-term support for energy efficiency improvements or increase the Local Housing Allowance in a Budget which instead focused on getting the country back to work. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended support for energy bills at current levels of �2,50
In this in-depth private rented sector legislation special, Eddie and Paul are joined by David Smith, head of property litigation at JMW Solicitors. The discussion kicks off with the recent landmark Rakusen v Jepsen rent repayment order case, where David represented the NRLA and which, he e
Youve made the decision to sell, and beat the market drop and increased costs. But where do you turn? Estate Agents can get you a high price, but theyll take far too long. Auctions can sell super-fast, but you might be compromising on price. <figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-t
Generation Rent is calling on the government to extend Awaabs Law to the PRS after its survey found 1,106 private rented homes in England with dangerous levels of damp and mould. A Freedom of Information request by the campaign group found that the 65 councils which reported
Eddie Hooker, Chief Executive of insurance company the HFIS Group, has called for action to combat the murky end of the rent-to-rent market. Talking during an video interview with LandlordZONE , Hooker said action was needed to increase transparency w
A tenancy mediator has warned landlords that they or the experts they hire - risk being jailed for contempt of court by not using a regulated solicitor to fill in possession notice claim forms. PRS Mediations Julie Ford (pictured) says that under the L
An 80-year-old disabled woman is being evicted from her home after more than 60 years because her property wont pass tighter new EPC rules, a case which is believed to be the first of its kind. Thoresby Estate which owns Anne Marshs property in Edwin
Increasing the Local Housing Allowance would be the quickest way for the government to improve access to affordable homes, say housing charities. According to analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), in 37 local authorities, the gap between market rents for three-bedr
Cross-party peers have grilled Housing Minister Baroness Penn over the government’s ambiguous assurance that no-fault evictions would be banned before the general election.
A rogue landlord who ignored requests to raise standards at his two unlicensed properties has been hit with a bill of more than £45,000.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today raided homes and arrested four people connected to a group of investment companies that left some 1,000 investors out of pocket.
A leading Tory lobbyist and political commentator has called on the government to ditch plans for abolishing Section 21 amid fears that it will only worsen the housing crisis.
New research among tenants reveals a bleak picture as the cost-of-living crisis hits home within the private rented sector.
Leading letting agent Marc von Grundherr (pictured) has labelled the government’s crackdown on short lets “ironic”, given its hard line on buy-to-let landlords.
A surprising 65% of landlords are considering or have already become a limited company as thousands seek tax benefits to help their business succeed.
The private rented sector is forecast to lose half a million homes during the next decade, leaving a large supply gap that can be filled by the build-to-rent sector, it has been claimed.
Paul Shamplina and guests debate whether the UK tax regime is stacked against landlords in this Propertycast episode.
Three quarter of property investors have not welcomed the Government's planning reforms, saying they won't get Britain building.
Landlords in Scotland are encouraged by the new Housing Secretary’s willingness to collaborate but remain concerned abou rent controls.
Housing secretary has resigned from her three roles, admitting her actions didn't meet the highest standards given her senior position in Government.
Seven in ten landlords are now open to tenants personalising their homes, while a third of tenants get involved in decoration plans.
Leaks, alarms and boiler breakdowns are the most common problems facing tenants and property managers, according to new research.
The chance of Angela Rayner losing her job overseeing the housing market are growing following new revelations.
LandlordZONE's Nigel Lewis looks at Labour's odd obsession with landlording 'not being real work'.
Landlords who operate HMOs collect rents almost twice as much as those who operate ‘family homes’, new research shows.
The Renters’ Rights Bill is now almost certain to become law before the political parties break for the party conference season.
HMRC spot checks – “fishing expeditions” – what they mean for you and how to be prepared
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home has warned Labour not to allow landlords to demand that tenants take out pet deposits.
The UK’s private rental sector is undergoing one of the most dramatic shifts in decades and not for the better says leading broker.
Halton council, which includes two big towns outside Liverpool, wants to heavily restrict HMO conversions.
Only one in six landlords (16%) are fully prepared for the Renters’ Rights Bill says new poll.
The true extent of extra cost faced by landlords by the Chancellor's NI plans are revealed.
Fergus and Judith Wilson say their reputation isn't justified, and argue that they are good landlords.
Private tenants already been warned that rents will rise by £15 a month to pay for new scheme.
Pet campaigners have written to Angela Rayner in a last-ditch attempt to reinstate landlords’ ability to require pet damage insurance in the Renters’
Essex borough of Basildon reveals huge crackdown on landlords who run unlicensed HMOs.
Direction of travel: all the regulatory changes to the private rented sector (PRS) say, it’s go bigger or get out
Labour’s first year: Renters' rights up, reforms underway, pace lags promises.
A major investigation into rogue landlords within he private rented sector has made some shocking claims.
Landlord and tenant dispute specialist explores some of the key issues that the looming Renters' Rights Bill will throw up.
Landlords have claimed that HM Treasury plans to charge National Insurance (NI) on rents is a raid on millions of people’s pension
COHO founder Vann Vogstad says HMO landlords will shoulder a particularly large share of any NI levy on rental income.
