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Legal notes: serving notice when there is no current gas safety certificate

Legal notes: serving notice when there is no current gas safety certificate

News

When a tenant refuses the Gas Safe engineer access to a property to carry out gas safety checks the landlord is presented with a really difficult problem. Tenants denying access for things like safety checks, repairs and maintenance or regular inspections is not unheard off, in

LATEST: Big city to go live with controversial selective licensing plan

LATEST: Big city to go live with controversial selective licensing plan

News

Nottingham councillors have agreed to ask the government to approve the citys new selective licensing scheme. Proposals for its second scheme will cover a slightly smaller area in the city than the current scheme, but would include some new areas such as parts of Broxtowe and

LICENSING: Landlord fails to appeal �2,500 fine for unlicenced HMO

LICENSING: Landlord fails to appeal �2,500 fine for unlicenced HMO

News

A Haringey landlord has failed in his attempt to have a �2,500 fine thrown out by a First Tier Property Tribunal . The landlord, who the council won't name, was fined by Haringey private sector housing team for letting an unlicensed three-storey HMO in Hor

Think British evictions are a pain? Then try it in Germany warn landlord duo

Think British evictions are a pain? Then try it in Germany warn landlord duo

News

German landlords have plenty in common with their British counterparts but must also contend with even longer legal battles, according to one young couple whove had to evict problem tenants. Sascha and Angelika Rothe live in southern Germany where an eviction action can take

Tenants' bad habits must be challenged over mould, says landlord

Tenants' bad habits must be challenged over mould, says landlord

News

Landlords should challenge tenants about their bad habits which lead to condensation mould or risk resulting health problems and higher maintenance bills, it has been claimed. One large-scale portfolio landlord with properties nationwide - known as the Secret Landlord - says tha

Next 2 years are the best time to buy rental properties, according to the experts

Next 2 years are the best time to buy rental properties, according to the experts

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Now is the time to buy rental properties. If youre a new landlord, an investor, or a landlord looking to expand their portfolio, these next two years may be crucial for you to earn the highest return on investment. It might seem contradictory following the downsizing of many

New platform launches offering better work/life balance for HMO landlords

New platform launches offering better work/life balance for HMO landlords

News

A new property platform aims to take the strain from HMO landlords dealing with multiple tenant enquiries and help them to prevent voids. Intense competition in the market means operators can spend up to three hours a day responding to prospective tenants, sifting through hundre

BLOG: Why the fashion for 'landlord bashing' is incredibly ironic

BLOG: Why the fashion for 'landlord bashing' is incredibly ironic

News

Landlord bashing isnt a new sport. Its been around since as long as anyone remembers and truthfully, no matter how sacred the PRS becomes, its always going to be a thing. Tenants defaulting on arrears will always look at an eviction notice with a level of intended cruel

The Conservative's home owning democracy is shot through with failure

The Conservative's home owning democracy is shot through with failure

News

After 13 or so years of Conservative rule the Conservative promise of a stable home owning democracy has failed to materialise. They have got themselves into a bind over housing. Potential home buyers find it impossible to afford a deposit as well as pay interest rates that are

SHOUT OUT: Landlords with rent-to-rent experience to help in landmark case

SHOUT OUT: Landlords with rent-to-rent experience to help in landmark case

News

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA ) wants to hear from landlords who have let property on a rent-to-rent basis so it can contribute to a high-profile case at the Supreme Court. It believes the outcome of the upcoming Rakusen v Jepsen appe

Rogue letting agent jailed after ripping off landlords in shocking case

Rogue letting agent jailed after ripping off landlords in shocking case

News

A letting agency boss in the West Midlands has been jailed for two years and four months after ripping off landlords and tenants who used his firm. Bhavander Singh Sanghera , of Jesson Road, Walsall ran EBS Properties Ltd trading as Martin & Co Wolverha

NEW: Huge reform of estate agency firms STILL being considered four years on

NEW: Huge reform of estate agency firms STILL being considered four years on

News

The government has confirmed it is still deliberating whether to bring in property agency qualifications and minimum standards in the sector, almost four years after the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) published its recommendations. RoPAs report outlined proposals back i

LATEST: Ministers say new PRS Ombudsman must tackle mould complaints

LATEST: Ministers say new PRS Ombudsman must tackle mould complaints

News

The Government has announced plans to tackle mould within the private and social housing sectors through updated guidance and iniatives. Announced late on Friday before a midnight deadline set by the Coroner during the inquest looking into the death of toddler Awaab Ishak, the i

Room for optimism in rental market despite agents' gloomy forecast

Room for optimism in rental market despite agents' gloomy forecast

News

The majority of letting agents expect to see more landlords leave the market in 2023, against a backdrop of rising arrears and falling https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/december-dip-makes-small-dent-in-rising-house-prices/" house prices . Goodlord reveals tha

Government urged to ban sale of gas boilers within a decade

Government urged to ban sale of gas boilers within a decade

News

New and replacement gas boilers should be banned by 2033, two years earlier than current plans, according to the governments net zero tsar. Conservative MP Chris Skidmore believes it should make the decision to decarbonise homes by next year to help the country meet its clima

Alarm as Scottish ministers look to extend rent controls

Alarm as Scottish ministers look to extend rent controls

News

The Scottish government has admitted it is considering long-term proposals for rent control after the https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/leading-letting-agent-slams-chaotic-rent-freeze-announcement-in-scotland/" Cost of Living Act has expired. Minister for Te

Secretive landlord ordered to pay �37,000 for exploiting tenants

Secretive landlord ordered to pay �37,000 for exploiting tenants

News

A rogue landlord who created false identities and fake letting agencies as part of an elaborate web of misinformation designed to exploit his tenants has been fined �12,000 and ordered to pay �25,000 costs.   Thomas Flight, who owns flats on Portland Square in ht

Landlord deals to come under close scrutiny as cost-of-living rises bite

Landlord deals to come under close scrutiny as cost-of-living rises bite

News

Tougher checks on lending to buy-to-let https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/office-blocks-and-high-streets-provide-hope-for-canny-investors/" investors are on the cards after the Bank of England warned it would scrutinise risky areas more heavily due to rising interest ra

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Re-selling Energy

Re-selling Energy

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Re-selling Energy - As a landlord am I able to make a profit by re-selling electricity or gas?</h2>Resale of Gas and ElectricityThe maximum amount that Residential Landlords or resellers� are permitted to charge for gas or electricity is the amount they

Providing a Reference

Providing a Reference

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Providing a Reference - I have been asked to provide a reference for one of my tenants who is moving on. What is my legal position in this and am I putting myself at risk if I say he was a bad tenant?</h2> Referencing (seeking verification of a tenants past performance) is an increasi

Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles

Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles

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Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles - is it legal to have these tiles in the kitchen of a rental property?</h2> There are currently no regulations specifically banning the use of polystyrene ceiling tiles in existing rented property.However, it is unlikely that local authority fire officers and en

Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation

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Misrepresentation - We recently rented out our rural cottage to a couple. As they wanted to use their computers I said it was possible to get high-speed broad-band. I thought this would be possible but it seems it is not at this time. The couple are now claiming that I misled them and that

Mail for Previous Tenants

Mail for Previous Tenants

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I'm receiving mail for previous tenants and some of them are from debt collectors. Will this get my property black listed and cause problems for my current tenants and myself in the future?</h2> It's fairly common to have mail arriving for months and even years after residents have left,

Long Term AST

Long Term AST

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Long Term AST - My prospective tenant has asked for a tenancy term of 6 years. Can I use the usual Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement for this?</h2> The Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the default tenancy for residential lettings and since October 2010 this applies to rents up to �100,000

How long should accounts be kept

How long should accounts be kept

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Question: How long should accounts be kept to satisfy the authorities, things like accounting files, invoices and tax records, as a property landlord?Answer: You must keep your records for 6 years after the tax year to which they apply, whether or not you complete a tax return.It's a good idea, a

Expiry of Section 21 Notice

Expiry of Section 21 Notice

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Expiry of Section 21 Notice - I have served a Section 21 (s21) Notice on my tenant but don't wish to start proceedings immediately. Can I wait without the notice expiring?Once a Section 21 notice has been served correctly it continues indefinitely, until such time as the tenancy is ended, either

Covenant and Covenant Strength

Covenant and Covenant Strength

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Covenant and Covenant Strength - What is a legal covenant and what is the significance of the terms in relation to rental property and lettings ?</h2>The term covenant can have several meanings and has biblical origins but it is of particulalry significance

Labour’s tax plans could drive landlords out of the market

Labour’s tax plans could drive landlords out of the market

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Landlords face potential £90,000 capital gains tax hit under Labour's proposed reforms, prompting many to consider selling before new tax laws take effect.

Investment property is a steal - but there's a catch

Investment property is a steal - but there's a catch

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Landlords with a burning ambition to take on a major project might consider bidding on this home in the Welsh valleys, priced £0.

EXPERT: Clarity needed over PBSA exemption from reforms

EXPERT: Clarity needed over PBSA exemption from reforms

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News
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There is confusion around whether Purpose-Built Student Accommodation will be exempt from changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Borough's HMO landlords trial new appeals portal

Borough's HMO landlords trial new appeals portal

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Landlords in Barnet who are refused permission for change of use to an HMO can challenge the decision through a new online portal.

BTL mortgage rates fall despite interest rate hold

BTL mortgage rates fall despite interest rate hold

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The Bank of England has resisted the temptation to cut interest rates, which remain at 5%.

REPORT: Scots law fails to significantly improve PRS

REPORT: Scots law fails to significantly improve PRS

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News
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Legislation in Scotland has done little to improve affordability in the PRS, according to new research.

Utilita Energy helps landlords winterproof against mould and damp

Utilita Energy helps landlords winterproof against mould and damp

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Times are hard for tenants and landlords alike and this coming winter is causing a worry for many.

Tenant lifestyle not always to blame for damp, says legal expert

Tenant lifestyle not always to blame for damp, says legal expert

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Landlords should not be so quick to lay the blame on tenants for problems and instead use new tools to tackle issues.

Rental prices continue to climb at near-record rate

Rental prices continue to climb at near-record rate

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Average UK private rents increased by 8.4% in the 12 months to August, down from 8.6% in the 12 months to July.

Portfolio landlords buying more properties through companies

Portfolio landlords buying more properties through companies

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Landlords who use limited company structures are incorporating a much larger proportion of their portfolios to mitigate tax changes.

Generous renters dip deep to help homeless youngsters

Generous renters dip deep to help homeless youngsters

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Kind-hearted mydeposits customers have donated more than £66,000 of interest earned on their deposits to the Centrepoint charity.

NRLA calls for clarity on new PRS standards and enforcement

NRLA calls for clarity on new PRS standards and enforcement

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Renters’ Rights Bill sets new Decent Homes Standard, digital PRS database, and stronger enforcement to improve rental property safety and quality.

Landlords urged to offer more tenant-friendly technology

Landlords urged to offer more tenant-friendly technology

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News
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Nearly three-quarters of UK tenants (73%) who aren’t using digital tools in their rental properties would like to give them a try.

Edinburgh landlords win legal challenge over suspensions

Edinburgh landlords win legal challenge over suspensions

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Short-term let landlords in Edinburgh have won a third successful challenge against the council’s licensing scheme.

Proptech in focus at 2024 NRLA conference

Proptech in focus at 2024 NRLA conference

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Think digital—PropTech set for the spotlight at NRLA conference, shaping the future of rental management tools.

Renters' Rights Bill due back in Commons next month

Renters' Rights Bill due back in Commons next month

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The Renters’ Rights Bill returns to the Commons for its second reading next month, as the new government fast-tracks its shake up of the PRS.

Landlord fined for failing to improve cold and mouldy home

Landlord fined for failing to improve cold and mouldy home

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A rogue landlord who persistently ignored requests to carry out improvement works on her property has been ordered to pay £2,400.

TECH: Platform delivers insights to ease property-buying process

TECH: Platform delivers insights to ease property-buying process

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News
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Landlords are being encouraged to trial a tech tool that gives them new insights to make property buying less risky.

North-South rental gap is smallest in a decade

North-South rental gap is smallest in a decade

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The gap between rents in the North and South of England has closed to its smallest level since 2013.

Councils’ disastrous journey into commercial property investments

Councils’ disastrous journey into commercial property investments

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English councils collectively went on a near £7bn commercial property buying spree, a reel into cinemas proved to be a disaster...

Landlord left family living in fear at unlicensed home

Landlord left family living in fear at unlicensed home

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A rogue landlord who left a family of eight living in damp and dangerous conditions has been told to pay more than £3,000 by magistrates.

Calls grow for short-let licensing to rebalance PRS

Calls grow for short-let licensing to rebalance PRS

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MPs are pushing the government to introduce a licensing scheme for short-term lets in England.

Stock crisis predicted to worsen as landlords brace for bad news

Stock crisis predicted to worsen as landlords brace for bad news

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More than one in 10 homes for sale on Zoopla in July were formerly rented, prompting fears that a challenging autumn budget could further increase sales.

Expected tax grab prompts fearful landlords to quit

Expected tax grab prompts fearful landlords to quit

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An ongoing shortage of rental properties is expected to keep pushing rents higher as more landlords look to scale back their portfolios.

Suspended jail term for landlord who ignored safety checks

Suspended jail term for landlord who ignored safety checks

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A rogue landlord has been handed a suspended jail sentence after she failed to maintain gas appliances at her rental property.