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Tenants can sue landlords for cold or damp homes under new laws

Tenants can sue landlords for cold or damp homes under new laws

News

New rules that came into force in March allow https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/landlords-sue-cold-damp-homes-law-tenants-renting-housing-a8776671.html" tenants to sue landlords for issues like cold and damp. A broken heating system or poor ventilation that

Don't fall foul of the authorised guarantee agreement...

Don't fall foul of the authorised guarantee agreement...

Information

Commercial Property : A recent High Court decision in Co-Operative Group Food Ltdv. A&amp;A Shah Properties Ltd (2019) relates to an authorised guaranteeagreement (AGA) dispute, in this case an agreement involving a guarantor of theoutgoing tenant. <p id

Section 21 to be banned in the UK

Section 21 to be banned in the UK

Opinion

The Government has announced its intention to scrap Section 21 notices for eviction in an effort to offer tenants more long-term security.

New service charges rules in commercial property

New service charges rules in commercial property

News

Commercial: A new set of mandatory rules introduced from 1stApril 2019 and though the document itself is titled a first edition, itsupersedes 3 previous editions published as codes of practice. The RICS (Royal Institution of Ch

Security & Locks - Buy to Let Renovation & HMO Projects

Security & Locks - Buy to Let Renovation & HMO Projects

Information

Security: Renovating a buy-to-let property can be a great way for landlords to increase the rental income

My tenant left without telling me...

My tenant left without telling me...

Information

Abandonment: When times get hard the instances of tenants leaving without notice are known to increase. Doing a runner�, skipping� moonlight flitting� walking away� or gone away� and in the words of the immortal song;

What happens if someone other than the tenant pays the deposit?

What happens if someone other than the tenant pays the deposit?

Information

Tenancy Deposits: According to TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) less than 1% (0.85%) of tenancies they handle have resulted in a deposit dispute in the year to March 2018, nevertheless its important to get it right when dealing with tenants' deposits.Cleaning was the most com

The Condensation Conundrum

The Condensation Conundrum

News

Viewpoint by Tom Entwistle As winter approaches outside temperatures drop and the perennial landlords problem of winter condensation and black mould rear their ugly heads again.The question is, how do you know if this is caused by the building or the tenant, or is it a co

Tax on income from lodgers and short stay tenants

Tax on income from lodgers and short stay tenants

Information

Landlords' Tax: Internet sites, such as AirBnB, have increased the number of landlords letting to lodgers and to guests on short stays. There are specific tax benefits to this type of letting business which are expanded upon below.Furnished holiday letting</st

Section 21 Notices - for older tenancies in England

Section 21 Notices - for older tenancies in England

Information

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

Information

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

Information

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

Information

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?

Information

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!

Information

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

Information

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

News

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'�

Information

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

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Only “serious and urgent repairs” should be attempted, says new government guidance

Only “serious and urgent repairs” should be attempted, says new government guidance

Information
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Repairs and Maintenance: Residential landlords (private and social landlords) are being advised by

Short lets industry launches property website for NHS staff

Short lets industry launches property website for NHS staff

News
News
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Opinion
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Information

Short-termlet landlords and property agents are being encouraged to offer NHS staff afree place to stay during the pandemic. A new industry initiative - https://www.nhshomes.co.uk" target="_blank" nhshomes.co.uk - is hooking up medical

Want to return to live in your rented-out property?

Want to return to live in your rented-out property?

Information
News
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Opinion
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Re-possession: During the presenthealth crisis, with everyone on virtual lock-down, new lettings areon hold, but when normality resumes, as it surely will, people willwant to let out their own homes on a temporary basis. Whether

BREAKING: Direct Line confirms doors closed to all new rent guarantee policy claims

BREAKING: Direct Line confirms doors closed to all new rent guarantee policy claims

News
News
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Opinion
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One of the UK's largest insurance companies says there is no legal framework available to it that would enable the insurance giant to pay claims now that evictions have been suspended for three months by the government. One of the UKs lar

How can you support your tenant's mental wellbeing, as well as your own?

How can you support your tenant's mental wellbeing, as well as your own?

Information
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

Today (Wednesday 18 March) is https://mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/" Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) shttps://mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/" MyWhole Self Day , which is all about encouraging employees andcolleagues to embrace and share their identitie

Enforcement – a thankless task

Enforcement – a thankless task

Opinion
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

The other week, I had the opportunity to shadow the Harrow Council Housing Enforcement Officers, who feature with me on for Channel 5's Nightmare Tenants Slum

Exclusive: landlords warned over new WhatsApp business usage rules

Exclusive: landlords warned over new WhatsApp business usage rules

News
News
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Opinion
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Landlords who use WhatsApp to communicate with tenants are exposing themselves to legal action from the global communications giant, which is owned by Facebook and in the UK is the most popular way to text friends and family. The free-to-use service has quietly ushered in new te

RENT TO RENT: '�Why landlords should read my horror story, so they don't get ripped off like me'

RENT TO RENT: '�Why landlords should read my horror story, so they don't get ripped off like me'

News
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

Read our interview with a London landlord who is significantly out of pocket after signing up to a three-year guaranteed rent scheme recommended to her by a reputable letting agent. A landlord is urging othersto be wary of letting their pro

LATEST: Landlords do not have to return deposits for ongoing tenancies signed BEFORE June 1st last year

LATEST: Landlords do not have to return deposits for ongoing tenancies signed BEFORE June 1st last year

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News
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The tenant fees ban and its five-week cap on deposits does not come in fully for all tenancies until later this year, landlords should note. Government authorised tenancy deposit protectionprovider https://www.mydeposits.co.uk" id=

Fears that PD conversions could be below par 

Fears that PD conversions could be below par 

News
News
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Opinion
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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

News
News
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Information

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

News
News
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Opinion
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Information

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
Podcast
Opinion
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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

News
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

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

News
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

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

News
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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Information

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
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

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

Opinion
News
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Opinion
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Information

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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News
Podcast
Opinion
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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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News
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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!

News
News
Podcast
Opinion
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Information

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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News
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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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News
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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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News
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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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News
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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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News
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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.

Student landlord group warns Labour over banning fixed-term tenancies

Student landlord group warns Labour over banning fixed-term tenancies

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News
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A group of student accommodation landlords have warned the Government that its plans to dispense with fixed-term tenancies and move to open ended ones will lead to fewer providers and homes within this market.

North East delivers 'strongest yields' for landlords in UK

North East delivers 'strongest yields' for landlords in UK

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News
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Landlords in the North East are pocketing the highest rental yields in the UK, according to Paragon Bank’s latest lending data.

23% more landlords rush to adopt limited company operations

23% more landlords rush to adopt limited company operations

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News
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Hamptons reports that 46,449 companies have been set up to hold buy-to-let property in Great Britain between January and September, a 23% increase on the same period last year.