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Good relationships will make all the difference in a challenging year

Good relationships will make all the difference in a challenging year

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Landlords should think carefully before attempting to remove good tenants who resist rent increases, advises https://www.landlordaction.co.uk/ Landlord Action founder Paul Shamplina - or risk replacing them with tenants who stop paying rent. If you have a

Ban for letting agent who claimed £100K in Bounce Back loans

Ban for letting agent who claimed £100K in Bounce Back loans

News

A letting agency boss has been hit with an 11-year ban after repeatedly abusing the https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/landlords-who-took-out-bounce-back-loans-given-six-month-breathing-space/" Bounce Back Loan scheme. Laszlo Szabo, the sole director of Letti

Majority of landlords will have to raise rents next year 'by at least 10%'

Majority of landlords will have to raise rents next year 'by at least 10%'

News

Almost two-thirds of landlords (62%) will be forced to raise rents by at least 10% in the next 12 months if market conditions dont improve. Research by Aldermore Bank found that despite this, landlords feel conflicted about passing on costs in an alread

Legal & General reveals �5 billion investment in housing last year, including BTR.

Legal & General reveals �5 billion investment in housing last year, including BTR.

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Legal & General Capital helped fund more than 17,000 new homes across affordable housing, suburban build-to-rent (BTR), modular housing, traditional build-to-sell, and key worker homes last year. The insurance group invested �5 billion towards levelling up the UKs towns

TENANT BLOG: What I think of the Government's looming renting reforms

TENANT BLOG: What I think of the Government's looming renting reforms

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If you havent heard of it before, the Renters' Reform Bill is set to be voted on before May 2023, bringing with it a plethora of proposed changes for landlords and tenants alike. Shelter , who along with other organisations are cam

BREAKING: Landlords cry foul over council's HMO planning rules change of mind

BREAKING: Landlords cry foul over council's HMO planning rules change of mind

News

Long-term HMO landlords in Portsmouth risk losing their C3/C4 status with no chance of getting it back due to confusion over planning rules, it is claimed. Many took advantage of the option to switch between family use (C3) and HMO (C4) without needing planning permission in 201

COMMENT: My top 10 priorities for landlords in 2023

COMMENT: My top 10 priorities for landlords in 2023

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The rental sector is likely to see some of the biggest changes since the 1980s, so do your homework and keep yourself up-to-date. All the signs are that operating as a residential landlord in 2023 will be just as challenging as it was last year, if not more so here are my to

HONOURS: Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner awarded OBE

HONOURS: Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner awarded OBE

News

Leading property sector figure Kate Faulkner has been given an OBE in the New Years Honours List. Faulkners honour is for her involvement with landlords, estate agents and consumers including her work leading the property industry Home Buying and Selling Grou

Commercial landlords are 'left in the lurch'� as more business tenants go bust

Commercial landlords are 'left in the lurch'� as more business tenants go bust

News

The worst fears of a commercial landlord are realised when the flow on quarterly or monthly rent payments starts to dry up! Read on to find out what to do if you're faced with this. According to the latest available Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures, the number of comp

RISING panic reported among student landlords over plans for open-ended tenancies

RISING panic reported among student landlords over plans for open-ended tenancies

News

The NRLA has backed the growing number of student landlords 'panicked' by the Governments plans to bring in periodic or open ended tenancies across the private rental sector. Concern is widespread within the student community, new research reveals, with 84% saying they

Landlord launches petition to bring back mortgage interest tax relief for BTL

Landlord launches petition to bring back mortgage interest tax relief for BTL

News

A landlord in the Midlands has launched a parliamentary petition calling on the Government to reverse its Section 24 tax changes for landlords, which since 2017 has gradually removed their ability to claim mortgage interest rate against their tax liability. Announced by George O

Is yours one of them? 64% of PRS properties 'will not reach minimum EPC in time'

Is yours one of them? 64% of PRS properties 'will not reach minimum EPC in time'

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Nearly two-thirds of private rental properties wont reach proposed minimum EPC levels, according to new research. Data compiled for property data platform LandTech shows that 64% of private rental properties would fail to reach an EPC rating of C or abo

BREAKING: HMRC completely rejigs and delays MTD scheme for landlords

BREAKING: HMRC completely rejigs and delays MTD scheme for landlords

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Only landlords with property incomes over £30,000 will now need to comply with HMRC's looming https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-tax-digital/overview-of-making-tax-digital" target="_blank" Making Tax Digital (MTD) https://www

Abolishing Section 21 is 'sledge hammer to crack a nut' says property chief

Abolishing Section 21 is 'sledge hammer to crack a nut' says property chief

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One of Londons leading property management figures has said the Governments plans to abolish section 21 evictions is a sledge hammer to crack a nut and not an effective solution to the issue of bad landlords within the private rented sector. The comments come from An

Scots Minister shows 'blatant disregard' for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

Scots Minister shows 'blatant disregard' for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

News

Landlords in Scotland have been hit with a stamp duty rise as the government strives to raise additional revenue. It announced legislation in the Budget statement to increase the rate of the Additional Dwelling Supplement from 4% to 6% for second home buyers and buy-to-let landl

BREAKING: 'Rent Smart Wales' style scheme revealed for Welsh holiday lets

BREAKING: 'Rent Smart Wales' style scheme revealed for Welsh holiday lets

News

The Welsh Government wants to know what landlords who operate holiday accommodation in the country think of its proposed regulation of the sector. Following a https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/breaking-labour-and-plaid-cymru-to-jointly-force-through-rent-controls-in-w

WARNING: Spray foam can lead to refused mortgage applications

WARNING: Spray foam can lead to refused mortgage applications

News

In September the Government announced a �2bn plan to offer home insulation grants of up to �5,000 per household in England. This is to be known as the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme" target="_blank" Green Homes Grant and has replaced

Desperate landlord writes to Gove as bankruptcy looms over cladding rules

Desperate landlord writes to Gove as bankruptcy looms over cladding rules

News

A landlord whos facing bankruptcy has written to Housing Secretary Michael Gove voicing his frustration that he is not eligible for any cladding funding despite only earning �63 a week from his properties. The landlord, who has BTL interest-only mortgages, has two freehold s

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Renting to a 17 year old

Renting to a 17 year old

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What are the implications of renting to a 17 year old or someone who is under the age of 18? We have an application from a 17-year old that is keen to rent but Im not sure this would be legal?</h2> Many landlords and housing providers would be concerned and therefore refuse to let to

Rent Review

Rent Review

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Question - Rent Review - my landlord is asking for far more rent than I expected on review. Am I obliged to pay this?Answer - Commercial leases are contractual - the parties agree to and are bound by its clauses and that includes rent review provisions.The rent review process is a way of periodic

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

Rent controls do not work and never will, expert warns Labour

Rent controls do not work and never will, expert warns Labour

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Rent controls are a potential bombshell in Labour’s manifesto that could have unintended consequences, according to one property expert.

8 essential things for prospective landlords to consider before purchasing a buy-to-let

8 essential things for prospective landlords to consider before purchasing a buy-to-let

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It's essential to ensure that property is the right investment vehicle for you and to choose a property and type of let that aligns with your financial objectives.

Three steps to auction finance success

Three steps to auction finance success

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Three essential steps to secure auction finance successfully—navigate bidding, funding, and acquisition with confidence.

NEW: Labour launches broadside against bad landlords and 'vested interests'

NEW: Labour launches broadside against bad landlords and 'vested interests'

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Labour has launched a broadside against bad landlords as it adds more flesh to its manifesto bone in a bid to win the ‘renter vote’.

Scots and English Labour disagree publicly over rent controls

Scots and English Labour disagree publicly over rent controls

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Scottish Labour have promised that their new MPs will push for rent controls, despite the national party coming out against them.

INSIGHT: Will lower inflation see mortgage rates drop for landlords?

INSIGHT: Will lower inflation see mortgage rates drop for landlords?

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Landlords will have to wait a few more months for any real mortgage rate relief, despite today’s fall in inflation to 2%, experts tell LandlordZONE

After disastrous rent controls, SNP goes quiet on landlords

After disastrous rent controls, SNP goes quiet on landlords

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The SNP has published its manifesto in the run-up to next month’s general election – but renters and landlords barely get a look in.

'Rookie landlords now more at risk from selective licencing'

'Rookie landlords now more at risk from selective licencing'

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A leading law firm has warned that newbie landlords are at risk of ‘significant consequences’ because many are unaware that selective licencing is spreading rapidly across most urban areas of the UK.

OUT OF TOUCH? Minister claims landlords 'support rent controls'

OUT OF TOUCH? Minister claims landlords 'support rent controls'

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Scotland’s new housing minister Paul McLennan has surprised landlords by controversially claiming that the country’s private rented sector supports rent controls.

Labour casts doubt on Tory's CGT exemption scheme for landlords

Labour casts doubt on Tory's CGT exemption scheme for landlords

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Labour has cast doubt on the Conservatives’ proposal for a two-year temporary capital gains tax break for landlords who sell to their existing tenants

New report says EPCs 'riddled with inaccuracies'

New report says EPCs 'riddled with inaccuracies'

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A snapshot investigation by Which? has revealed that property owners are being given Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) riddled with inaccuracie.

Political parties largely misunderstand the business rates issues

Political parties largely misunderstand the business rates issues

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The three main parties manifestos' proposals fail to instil confidence in Colliers business rates expert, John Webber.

17% of deposits 'don't cover rent arrears or damage by tenants'

17% of deposits 'don't cover rent arrears or damage by tenants'

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Cash deposits increasingly don’t cover landlords’ claims for rent arrears or damage, according to a new study.

55% of tenants support rent controls says Generation Rent

55% of tenants support rent controls says Generation Rent

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More than half of private renters (55%) reckon a new government should introduce rent controls.

Welsh nationalists back rent controls in manifesto

Welsh nationalists back rent controls in manifesto

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Plaid Cymru has come out in favour of rent controls in the PRS as part of its housing strategy in the party’s manifesto.

BLOG: Why accurate inventories are more important than ever

BLOG: Why accurate inventories are more important than ever

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The first thing I tell anyone is how important 'evidence' is in both deposit disputes and, now more than ever, monitoring fire safety compliance.

Renting £300 a month cheaper than owning says big lettings firm

Renting £300 a month cheaper than owning says big lettings firm

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Despite politicians and campaign groups claiming that the nation’s rental market is unaffordable, new research out today reveals that renting remains cheaper on average than buying a property with a 5% deposit.

GUIDE: Tenancy agreements as a deed instead of a contract

GUIDE: Tenancy agreements as a deed instead of a contract

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A tenancy agreement is just like any other contract, so as soon as both tenant and landlord have signed the agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract.

Definitive leasehold reform is still far from a done deal

Definitive leasehold reform is still far from a done deal

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Labour might be no more likely to deliver on promises to overhaul the leasehold system than the Conservatives, according to property experts.

Surveyors warn parties to focus on generation rent

Surveyors warn parties to focus on generation rent

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A huge mismatch in the private rented sector has left tenants tackling ever-rising living costs and plummeting affordability levels.

Demand grows for greener properties to lower energy bills

Demand grows for greener properties to lower energy bills

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Most portfolio landlords have been asked to make energy efficient improvements by their tenants in the past year, according to a new poll.

Labour manifesto sets deadline for more energy efficient PRS

Labour manifesto sets deadline for more energy efficient PRS

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Private rented homes will have to meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030 if Labour get the keys to Number 10 next month.

Farage will push for urgent repeal of Section 24

Farage will push for urgent repeal of Section 24

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Reform UK wants mortgage interest tax relief brought back as part of ‘critical reforms’ suggested by the party following the general election.

Legal appeal aims to protect landlords' postal rights

Legal appeal aims to protect landlords' postal rights

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The NRLA has stepped in to help fight a legal battle over whether it is acceptable for vital rental documents to be served by post.

COMMENT: Aiming for net zero makes good business sense

COMMENT: Aiming for net zero makes good business sense

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Increasing the energy efficiency of a property is undoubtedly of value - regardless of the election outcome.