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Borough to extend HMO licensing despite just 25% take-up of existing scheme

Borough to extend HMO licensing despite just 25% take-up of existing scheme

News

The London borough of Greenwich has launched a consultation into renewing its additional licensing scheme. The previous scheme ran from October 2017 and ended in September, and the council now wants landlords and tenants to help it decide whether to start it up again from April

New Welsh 'occupation contracts' will need amending by landlords, warns law expert

New Welsh 'occupation contracts' will need amending by landlords, warns law expert

News

Landlords must ensure they amend the Welsh governments model tenancy agreements or risk eroding their rights, warns a leading property lawyer. Following the introduction of thehttps://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/huge-changes-to-welsh-renting-laws-go-live-today-f

Why are buy-to-let landlords rushing for the exit?

Why are buy-to-let landlords rushing for the exit?

News

The Government has given buy-to-let landlords two compelling reason to sell-up, and fast: first is the overhaul of the rental rules coming next year, with indefinite tenancies and the end of section 21 evictions, and second comes the eroding of capital gains tax, tax free allowances. <p

Government gives solicitors �120,000 to help clear evictions backlog in courts

Government gives solicitors �120,000 to help clear evictions backlog in courts

News

New government funding to explore how technology can help dispute resolution could reduce the backlog of court cases, including possession hearings. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has been awarded �119,691 from the Department for Business, Energy &amp; Industrial St

Council faces half-billion pound debt after disastrous investments

Council faces half-billion pound debt after disastrous investments

News

Investigations have thrown new light on a series of solar energy investments which failed to switch the lights on for Thurrock Council. Conservative led Thurrock Council has saddled itself with an almost �500 million debt when it tried to bridge a funding gap by taking on risky

Top property stories of 2022 - The Property Cast, Total Landlord Insurance

Top property stories of 2022 - The Property Cast, Total Landlord Insurance

Podcast

In this episode of the property cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Nigel Lewis - award-winning property journalist and Editor in Chief at LandlordZONE, the most visited landlord news website in the UK. Nigel Lewis is a property writer and editor with a 27-year track record working for nation

Demystifying damp, mould and condensation for landlords and agents - The Property Cast, Total Landlord Insurance

Demystifying damp, mould and condensation for landlords and agents - The Property Cast, Total Landlord Insurance

Podcast

In this episode of The Property Cast, we discuss the myriad of issues surrounding damp, mould and condensation a common problem for landlords and letting agents alike. To explore this topic, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme, steps into Eddies sh

An agent's take on the future of the PRS - Total Landlord Insurance

An agent's take on the future of the PRS - Total Landlord Insurance

Podcast

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Maxine Fothergill, President of the leading membership body for property agents, ARLA Propertymark. The trio discuss the topical issue of rental reform and ROPA, delving into the detail of what lies ahead for age

Portsmouth goes ahead with hotly contested HMO licensing expansion

Portsmouth goes ahead with hotly contested HMO licensing expansion

News

Portsmouth is to go ahead with its contested additional licensing scheme but has promised to reward good landlords by charging them a lower licence fee and doing fewer inspections. Landlords had urged their council not to go ahead with plans to extend licensing to about 4,000 th

Gove promises protections for tenants in 2023

Gove promises protections for tenants in 2023

News

The long awaited renting reforms first muted in 2019 will be implemented next year, promises Housing Secretary, Michael Gove MP. Admitting that the Government should have moved more quickly� on these reforms to protect tenants following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Mr Gove

'No protection': outraged landlord reveals battle to evict nightmare tenants

'No protection': outraged landlord reveals battle to evict nightmare tenants

News

A landlord battling to evict his nightmare tenants using a Section 8 order is exasperated that county court bailiffs encouraged them to stay put. The Cumbrian-based landlord had been granted a possession order, but his tenants - on bail for alleged drug offences and owing �3,00

BREAKING: Council tax crisis for HMO tenants averted after Commons statement

BREAKING: Council tax crisis for HMO tenants averted after Commons statement

News

The Government has averted a looming crisis in the HMO sector that would have seen many tenants charged individually for council tax, rather than paying a share of the propertys annual bill. As LandlordZONEhttps://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/exclusive-official-counci

Tenants union reveals 'day of protests' across London to push for rent freeze

Tenants union reveals 'day of protests' across London to push for rent freeze

News

London Renters Union will picket successful estate agents across the capital next week who it blames for pushing up rents to unaffordable levels. Protests are planned in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Crystal Palace on 3rd December by activists who have taken partic

Welsh short-lets landlords 'very likely' to face mandatory licensing says advisor

Welsh short-lets landlords 'very likely' to face mandatory licensing says advisor

News

The Welsh government has given a strong indication that landlords and property owners operating Airbnb holiday homes within its borders are to face a compulsory licensing scheme similar to the Rent Smart Wales scheme for the traditional private rental sector. This follows a parl

Tenants can be cause of property problems as well as landlords, Government admits

Tenants can be cause of property problems as well as landlords, Government admits

News

Landlords long-standing criticisms of health and safety regulation that tenants are often the cause of problems such as mould or water leaks look set to be addressed in new government guidance. Councils inspecting rented properties will be formally instructed to exami

Gove orders councils to improve mould and damp monitoring of PRS properties

Gove orders councils to improve mould and damp monitoring of PRS properties

News

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has ordered council bosses to prove they are assessing and improving damp and mould problems in the PRS. Following the death of toddler Awaab Ishak as a direct result of mould in his family home, Gove says theres an urgent need to ensure a decen

Comment: the condensation and mould crisis hits the headlines again

Comment: the condensation and mould crisis hits the headlines again

News

The tragedy of the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in a Rochdale social housing flat rests heavily on the minds of landlords across the country: could this happen in one of my own properties they might well ask? The answer is probably, yes it easily could. In a winter with ris

Knotty neighbour problem costs home owner �250,000

Knotty neighbour problem costs home owner �250,000

News

A Japanese knotweed infestation caused homeowner Charron Ishmael to take her neighbour, retired NHS consultant Dr Sheila Clark, to court over a dispute about the plant. Charron Ishmael was selling her property but because of the presence of the invasive plant in her neighbour

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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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News
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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

Consumer Protection - implications for Landlords & Agents

Consumer Protection - implications for Landlords & Agents

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Tenant are Consumers: The UK Consumer Protection law applies to letting agents and landlords alike when they advertise a property to let or create a new tenancy. It also applies to most private landlords when they deal with letting agents, unless they operate as a company.

Section 21 Notices

Section 21 Notices

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Obtaining Possession Using Section 21 Notices Updated October 2016This article explains how to gain possession of your residential rental property in the most efficient way possible. You may just want your property back for your own use, or to sell, or you may be having prob

Agent sentenced after giving drugs gang keys to landlord's flat

Agent sentenced after giving drugs gang keys to landlord's flat

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A letting agent who allowed a criminal gang to use landlords’ empty flats to hide cash and drugs has been given a community sentence.

Council spends £210k chasing down landlord for £40k fine

Council spends £210k chasing down landlord for £40k fine

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News
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A rogue landlord who threatened to evict his tenant after she complained about dodgy utilities bills has been handed a huge court fine.

Is the rental market broken? Have your say

Is the rental market broken? Have your say

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Landlords, tenants and letting agents are being asked to reveal their experiences of the private rented sector within a new national survey.

Fears that PD conversions could be below par 

Fears that PD conversions could be below par 

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News
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Insurance company Zurick UK warns that many Permitted Development (PD) conversions could become uninhabitable

TV star says PM wrong over his 'not working people' landlord claims

TV star says PM wrong over his 'not working people' landlord claims

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News
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Following the Prime Minister’s comments that he does not consider those who earn income from property as ‘working people’, TV star Paul Shamplina has said he does not agree, pointing out that many landlords work hard - and rarely for the 'millons' some activists claim they do.

'Pets in lets' campaigner calls for clearer landlord guidance

'Pets in lets' campaigner calls for clearer landlord guidance

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News
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The government should advise landlords to look at property location and an animal’s medical history when deciding whether to refuse pets, according to a campaigning animal charity.

Welsh landlords to be offered reduced stamp duty

Welsh landlords to be offered reduced stamp duty

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News
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Landlords in Wales could get stamp duty relief for renting out their properties through the Welsh government’s Leasing Scheme Wales.

App launches aimed at HMO landlords in social housing sector

App launches aimed at HMO landlords in social housing sector

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News
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A property and tenancy management app originally designed for the social housing sector is offering its service to private HMO landlords.

PM causes a storm by claiming landlords don't 'work' for their income

PM causes a storm by claiming landlords don't 'work' for their income

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News
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The Prime Minister’s comments about what constitutes “working people” has reignited landlords’ fears that they may be at risk of a tax raid.

COMMENT: The housebuilders' wish list ahead of the Autumn Budget

COMMENT: The housebuilders' wish list ahead of the Autumn Budget

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News
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Ahead of one of the most anticipated Budgets in a generation, given the government’s doom-laden hints, here’s some budget wishes from Britain’s builders.

Council inspectors call for property licencing expansion

Council inspectors call for property licencing expansion

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News
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The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called for more flexible and longer licensing schemes in its evidence to MPs scrutinising the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Leading landlords call for dedicated 'student tenancy contract'

Leading landlords call for dedicated 'student tenancy contract'

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News
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A new student shorthold tenancy (SST) would address student renters’ unique needs, ensuring fairness and safety while providing flexibility around academic schedules, according to iHowz landlord association.

Tenants should withhold rent if repairs not completed, says campaign group

Tenants should withhold rent if repairs not completed, says campaign group

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News
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Acorn has urged MPs to let tenants withhold their rent if landlords fail to repair serious repair including damp and mould.

How not to get bitten by tenants with pets

How not to get bitten by tenants with pets

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How can we ensure that by welcoming furry visitors into our rental properties, we don’t get bitten asks Victoria Valentine.

Taxes, red tape and the onslaught of landlords: it’s time to get out

Taxes, red tape and the onslaught of landlords: it’s time to get out

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This week The Telegraph hit the nail on the head when it reported that landlord profits had collapsed in the past decade following an onslaught of taxes and red tape.

Housing review calls for a new housing strategy

Housing review calls for a new housing strategy

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News
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A new inquiry led by Dame Kate Baker CBE has investigated the crisis in the housing market after a 20 year gap since her last housing study

NRLA partially backs reform proposals for Welsh landlords

NRLA partially backs reform proposals for Welsh landlords

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The NRLA has backed many of the measures within a new report from a Welsh parliamentary committee which recommends big changes for the country's private rented sector.

Campaign group presses another council to get tough on landlords

Campaign group presses another council to get tough on landlords

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News
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Tenants’ union Acorn is lobbying Norwich City Council to introduce a selective licensing scheme and to better enforce its housing policies.

Tenants want energy efficient homes...but don't want to pay for them!

Tenants want energy efficient homes...but don't want to pay for them!

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News
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Only 6% of tenants would pay more rent to help fund energy efficiency measures, despite 80% being in favour of their properties getting an upgrade to an EPC rating of C.

Big portfolio landlord to pay tenants £15,000 over missing licence

Big portfolio landlord to pay tenants £15,000 over missing licence

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A very big portfolio landlord has been ordered to pay £15,290 to former tenants after it failed to license one of its 750 properties.

Landlords to pay back rent if they ignore tenant complaints

Landlords to pay back rent if they ignore tenant complaints

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Landlords may soon have to repay up to two years rents to tenants if they fail to comply with decisions with the sector’s looming new ombudsman.

'Private rented sector better than council housing, let's not forget'

'Private rented sector better than council housing, let's not forget'

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News
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The government must focus on sustaining a vibrant PRS and not “hark back to the wonders of the 1970s with social housing and council housing…as being a really great thing,” warns NRLA boss Ben Beadle.

Labour's 'anti-landlord' stance will hurt benefits tenants, warns Mick Roberts

Labour's 'anti-landlord' stance will hurt benefits tenants, warns Mick Roberts

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Benefits landlord Mick Roberts is losing patience with MPs whose continued ‘anti-landlord’ policies have only made more people homeless and increased rents.

Big law firm reports landlords 'rushing to liquidate assets'

Big law firm reports landlords 'rushing to liquidate assets'

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Landlords and businesses are rushing to transfer and liquidate assets ahead of a potential Capital Gains Tax hike in next week’s budget.

'This is why I've sold nearly half my portfolio', landlord tells BBC show

'This is why I've sold nearly half my portfolio', landlord tells BBC show

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A landlord who used to have a property portfolio of 100 homes has told the BBC that multiple pressures on the sector including looming regulations, higher interest rates and costs have persuaded him to cut his portfolio down to 65 units.