Freezing Pipes: This time of year, as we head towards colder weather and freezing conditions, buy-to-let properties and indeed all rental properties are vulnerable to potentially expensive winter water damageIn this article digital inventory app developer Imfuna Le
Guide to commercial tenancy rent-free periods and full repairing leases, explaining tenant obligations on lease expiry or termination.
Landlords and letting agents should by now be conversant with the 2014 regulations on blinds and curtains and the measures necessary to prevent accidents with children. It is particularly important to ensure that blinds and curtains supplied in rental properties meet these regulations, otherwise,
Changes to the law on Section 21 and in particular how landlords deal with reported repair issues is now of crucial importance if section 21 claims for possession are to be successful. Careful pre-planning is now essential at the time of setting-up Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST).The Section 21
Understand how to assess tenant covenant strength and why it’s key to commercial property investment decisions.
I have always found the holding deposit (an initial retainer paid to the landlord or agent to reserve a tenancy) is a very useful device to commit the tenant to your letting. But is it legal to withhold the advance deposit you take from a prospective tenant if they back out?In my experience a pro
What do I need to do when I protect my tenant/s deposit? If you take a deposit from your tenant/s you MUST protect the deposit and serve your tenants with the correct documentation within 30 days or face having to pay a fine and the prospect that you cannot use the s21 evict
A clear explanation of ITZA and rent review zoning — why old ITZA measurements may not always apply in new rent reviews.
Learn how a Calderbank offer can help landlords settle disputes and avoid costly rent review referrals.
According to research from the NLA, 4 in 10 landlords are either seriously considering forming a limited company or looking into the option in the coming months.Can you - and more importantly should you - set up a company to pay less tax? Heres my complete guide on becoming incorporated.<stron
What heating system should you use in your rental property? Is there a heating system that could solve landlords condensation claims problems?Its one of the most important questions to ask when letting a property for the first time. Whatever system you choose carries implications for the ef
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) and the National Landlords Association (NLA) have called on the classified online listings service Gumtree to issue clear guidance over possible scams involving bogus letting scams.The warning has been issued to Gumtree by the NLA and the RLA after f
At rent review, the phrase 'going to arbitration' is often bandied about during negotiations as a means for one party to get its own way. Whether or not the parties can agree the rent without involving the dispute resolution procedure, it is common for a represented or experienced party to inv
From the 1st of October 2015 it became a statutory requirement that landlords issue all new tenants after that date with the latest edition of a Government publication The How to Rent Guide�, along with a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a current Gas Safety
From 1st February 2016 all new tenants in England must be given Right-to-Rent (Immigration) Checks to determine their "right-to-rent" or "right-to-reside" in the country, BEFORE they can be given a tenancy. Landlords or letting agents must do the checks - letting agents where the
This is a Guide to Tax Deductible Letting Expenses for Landlords under the new tax rules following the Summer Budget 2015. These may be subject to change and you are advised to consult a tax specialist before making any decisions.From April 2016 landlords will no longer be able to automatically d
An Edinburgh landlord set-up hidden cameras in the bedroom and bathroom of his flat, to film people in bed and in the shower.The cameras were discovered by a young couple, friends of the landlord who allowed them to use the accommodation. The couple found a box on the living room table with a cam
Amongst the ways to agree or ascertain the (open) market rent at rent review or on renewal of a lease, (per s.34-s35 Landlord and Tenant Act 1954), is the use of comparable evidence.At rent review, the market rent for the premises is not what rent the actual tenant would agree or could afford, bu
John Blackwood , (pictured) Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (https://scottishlandlords.com/" target="_blank" SAL ), has warned of dire repercussions for the private rented sector is his country's Governm
Sturgeon announces national rent freeze & eviction ban in Scotland emergency legislation—set to run until end‑March (tenant protection). Sour
The https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-levelling-up-housing-and-communities" Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) has dismissed concerns from HMO student landlords that its plans to bring in periodic tenancies will damage
One of the main tasks you have as a landlord is finding quality tradespeople to repair and maintain your rental properties. Whether its a big landscaping project, or a small leak its important to hire people who know what theyre doing. Unfortunately for many landl
More than 5,000 leaseholders including landlords could get refunds on their ground rent after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) secured assurances from nine firms that bought freeholds from housing developer Taylor Wimpey. Those leaseholders who paid a doubled
More councils are set to introduce Article 4 directions in a bid to clamp down on HMO development, with six currently waiting for approval. There are already about 45 local authorities in England partly or entirely affected by Article 4 which means planning permission is nee
A new landlord survey has revealed the effects of the Government's proposals to ban Section 21 evictions already feeding into the private rented sector. Evictions specialist Landlord Action canvassed some 1,500 landlords and found that 26% of those who had evicted a tenant over
Its known as silly season when the media focuses on light-hearted stories, but news that Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) is being mooted as the new Levelling Up Secretary has been seen by some as no laughing matter. As the leadership contest draws to a close, preparations fo
Making tax digital (MTD) for income tax is part of the governments long-term strategy to digitalise tax and will have implications for how landlords pay tax on their income. For those used to self-assessment, it will represent a change, but providing digital records will give businesses
Landlords in Guernsey have warned that new minimum standards brought in this week to make rental homes safer will spark a PRS exodus.
One tried and trusted way to maximise profit is to buy undervalued property, you can then compound the gain by adding value
Scores of landlords leaving the sector are exacerbating a significant lack of rental properties
Long-standing MP Clive Betts is banging the drum for build-to-rent (BTR) through a taskforce that aims to boost the number of properties in the sector
Warrington leader makes comments as council launches plan to rein-in HMO numbers within town.
Bethen Abraham highlights two areas of the Renters' Rights Bill that have yet to be clarified by Ministers.
Paddy Jackman says sector's needs 'falling between' cracks as Government pushes ahead with renting reforms.
Court case highlights ongoing problem of legal firms that claim to be 'authorised' to help landlords evict tenants when they are not.
Landlords across Wales can now take advantage of a scheme that lets them lease their property to the local council for up to 20 years.
Scotland’s landlords have urged its government to pause additional stamp duty payments in a bid to alleviate its housing emergency.
Darlington looks set to be the latest council bringing in tougher rules to control the growth of small HMOs.
Minister explains why pet damage insurance will not be mandated, and says current deposit of five weeks 'enough'.
A gang of cannabis farm operators, drug dealers and people smugglers have been jailed.
Wigan council says rise in number of smaller HMOs within its borders means new powers to scrutinise new applications are needed.
The practice of property flipping to make a profit is under serious threat from both higher tax and lower house price rises.
Awaab’s Law: What it means for private landlords and the future of property standards
The Renters' Rights Bill now looks more likely to be passed before the summer recess.
HMO landlords face paying out £1,570 for a licence when Camden Council renews its additional scheme in December.
A new body will help decide rents in a bid to prevent over-loading the tribunal service with rent disputes.
A landlord has been found guilty of illegally letting two ‘party flats’ after neighbours complained about excessive noise.
Lobbying group says tenant Bridget Chapman's experiences of a sudden rent rise is proof controls are needed.
The Government has increased its support for tenants who face eviction as its looming reforms bring in greater rights for private
A landlord who thought he could ignore council warnings over his property has been fined £10,000.
Labour has revealed more details of the new minimum standards private landlords will have to meet.
AdvoCATS has launched initiative after Labour decided inexplicably not to allow landlords to require tenants to take out pet insurance.
