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HOW is he still operating? 'Intolerable' landlord fined for second time

HOW is he still operating? 'Intolerable' landlord fined for second time

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A rogue landlord has been handed a hefty fine for renting out a dangerous and mouldy property his second in two years. Hazmar Fauz, of The Avenue in Welwyn, admitted several serious defects at the house in London Road, Luton, when he appeared before magistrates and was fined

Call to raise local housing allowance to address rent gap

Call to raise local housing allowance to address rent gap

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Letting agents urge govt to annually increase Local Housing Allowance to at least the 30th percentile, helping benefits tenants afford rising rents.

Low-income tenants are being priced out of renting

Low-income tenants are being priced out of renting

News

Rising rents and frozen Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates mean that more and more tenants on low incomes cant find an affordable place to live. Whats more, for those lucky enough to find a rental that they can afford, invariably they will cost more to run.

LATEST: Huge spike in number of young landlords entering buy-to-let market

LATEST: Huge spike in number of young landlords entering buy-to-let market

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The Renters Reform Bill wont lead to a mass landlord exodus as an army of youngsters are already starting to take older investors place. The https://www.thepropertysourcingcompany.co.uk/" Property Sourcing Companys poll of its 3

NEW: It's time to phase out traditional gas boilers says lobby group

NEW: It's time to phase out traditional gas boilers says lobby group

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The Heat Pump Association (HPA) wants the government to firm up a date for phasing out traditional gas boilers as UK heat pump installations continue to trail the rest of Europe. The governmentshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-and-buildings-strategy" i

BENEFITS: 'Absurd' rent payments policy discriminates against private landlords

BENEFITS: 'Absurd' rent payments policy discriminates against private landlords

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Universal Credit expert Bill Irvine says the DWP is using the benefits cap as a reason to halt Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) which goes against previous advice from the departments boss. In a letter to Irvine, at https://universalcreditadvice.com/our-service

£17,000: Council issues highest ever penalty against non-compliant landlord

£17,000: Council issues highest ever penalty against non-compliant landlord

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A landlord in Mansfield has been ordered to pay a �17,000 penalty after renting out a sub-standard and unlicensed HMO. The landlord, who was investigated by Mansfield District Council officers after a complaint about alleged overcrowding, was found not to

Landlords and university jointly launch unusual student week initiative

Landlords and university jointly launch unusual student week initiative

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Landlords and student groups have teamed up to tidy Leedss streets during student changeover week. The city hosts about 37,000 students, the vast majority of whom will move house each year at the same time, leaving behind large amounts of rubbish, overflowing bins, furniture

'Tenants look after HMOs better when they're fitted with posh furniture'

'Tenants look after HMOs better when they're fitted with posh furniture'

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A twenty-something entrepreneurial pair aim to shake up the HMO sector by building on their upmarket guaranteed rent model. Liverpool-based Cosi Living founders Joe Duggan , 24 and Olivia Maher , 25, (main picture) only rented their fi

Exclusion of landlords from mortgage help scheme 'a mistake' says Labour

Exclusion of landlords from mortgage help scheme 'a mistake' says Labour

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Omitting BTL landlords from the governments mortgage charter will only hurt supply and push up rents as landlords are forced to pass on their costs, says Labour. The new agreementhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_76Y3b2cjM" https://www.youtube.com

Tenant's �120,000 claim threatens entire deposits protection system

Tenant's �120,000 claim threatens entire deposits protection system

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A tenant who failed to convince a judge that his landlord did not give him statutory tenancy deposit information is taking his case to the High Court. Merryck Lowes application relating to a claim for �120,888 against charitable landlord, the Governors of Suttons Hosp

REPORT: Thinktank says landlords should pay MORE tax to balance inequality

REPORT: Thinktank says landlords should pay MORE tax to balance inequality

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Landlords should pay more tax to balance inequalities within the tax system, according to the Resolution Foundation. The think-tanks new report points out that while the top tax rate for employees stands at 53.4% including employer NICs, only 28% is paid on property gains. </

Landlords '� can you continue to let your buildings?

Landlords '� can you continue to let your buildings?

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Are you confident your buildings will meet the coming changes to energy performance rules? Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation has been in statute since 2008. Since then there has been a progression of increasingly stringent regulations to cajole property owners to

EXPERT: Landlords buying via personal mortgages facing more 'stress testing'

EXPERT: Landlords buying via personal mortgages facing more 'stress testing'

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Landlords buying properties via personal buy-to-let mortgages are facing greater stress testing of their affordability as economic jitters unsettle lenders, it has been revealed. Financial expert Louisa Sedgwick (main picture) from broker ht

BREAKING: Lisa Nandy confirms Labour has U-turned on rent controls

BREAKING: Lisa Nandy confirms Labour has U-turned on rent controls

News

Despite previously saying it would consider rent controls, Labours shadow housing minister Lisa Nandy has now confirmed that the party now opposes them, it has been reported. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housings conference today, Nandy told delegates that the po

WARNING: Landlords who evict illegally to face DOUBLE whammy under reforms

WARNING: Landlords who evict illegally to face DOUBLE whammy under reforms

News

Illegal evictions and harassment are set to become more expensive for landlords who get caught, as councils will be able to fine them up to �30,000 as an alternative to prosecution under the Renters Reform Bill. Lawyer Sam Kharabanda Groom (main picture) at https://cor

PICTURES: Landlords gather to help raise �15,000 for food bank charity

PICTURES: Landlords gather to help raise �15,000 for food bank charity

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Leading figures from the private rented sector including dozens of landlords gathered last week to raise over �15,000 for a food bank charity. <figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type- " data-rt-type="" data-rt-align=""><div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63bef2f3c329eff8e

New evictions law will be toothless without funding, warn councils

New evictions law will be toothless without funding, warn councils

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Councils could struggle to enforce new eviction laws under the Renters Reform Bill, according to the Local Government Association. It has warned that authorities will need more staff and funding because every council in England already has a shortage of environmental health offi

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Holding or Pre-Contract Deposits

Holding or Pre-Contract Deposits

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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

Tenancy Deposit Documentation

Tenancy Deposit Documentation

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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

ITZA revisited

ITZA revisited

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A clear explanation of ITZA and rent review zoning — why old ITZA measurements may not always apply in new rent reviews.

Dispute Resolution Procedure at Rent Review - Calderbank offer

Dispute Resolution Procedure at Rent Review - Calderbank offer

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Learn how a Calderbank offer can help landlords settle disputes and avoid costly rent review referrals.

Should I set up a company to pay less tax?

Should I set up a company to pay less tax?

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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 for Rental Property?

What heating system for Rental Property?

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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

Warnings about Gumtree advertised letting scams

Warnings about Gumtree advertised letting scams

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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

Dispute Resolution Procedure at Rent Review

Dispute Resolution Procedure at Rent Review

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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

Government releases 'How to Rent'� guide

Government releases 'How to Rent'� guide

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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

Up to 50% of southern England landlords looking to sell up

Up to 50% of southern England landlords looking to sell up

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One in five landlords hit by rising costs are considering selling up, with a stark divide between those with properties in the north and south of the country.

Minister claims rent controls 'are working' for tenants and landlords

Minister claims rent controls 'are working' for tenants and landlords

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Scotland’s housing minister has defended the country’s policy of rent and eviction controls despite new figures showing rents continuing to rise.

Landlord couple to face jail following HMO tenant's fire death

Landlord couple to face jail following HMO tenant's fire death

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A landlord couple could face jail after admitting a string of offences which led to the death of one of their tenants in a fire.

Social housing ombudsman to deal with private landlords too, says Minister

Social housing ombudsman to deal with private landlords too, says Minister

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Disputes between landlords and their tenants will soon be handled by the social housing ombudsman, it has been confirmed by Government minister Jacob Young.

Tenant abandonment - what is it?

Tenant abandonment - what is it?

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What is Abandonment? Abandonment is when a tenant leaves the property (usually without notifying the landlord or agent) before the tenancy has ended.

Double council tax aims to get owners letting properties

Double council tax aims to get owners letting properties

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Argyll and Bute councillors have approved a plan to charge a double council tax on second homes.

London council bids to continue clampdown on small HMOs

London council bids to continue clampdown on small HMOs

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Haringey Council has urged landlords to share their views on plans for a new additional licensing scheme in the borough.

Rising UK rents forecast to break records

Rising UK rents forecast to break records

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A continued imbalance between supply and demand is set to grow rents by 6% next year, before hitting an affordability ceiling that will limit growth until 2028.

Unlawful extension lands landlord with hefty fine

Unlawful extension lands landlord with hefty fine

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A landlord who illegally rented out a property for years without planning permission has been ordered to pay £93,000.

Landlords warm to tougher energy rules - but need more help

Landlords warm to tougher energy rules - but need more help

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Most private landlords think they should be subject to stricter energy efficiency regulations, according to new research.

Landlords urged to beware the pitfalls of non-dom licensing

Landlords urged to beware the pitfalls of non-dom licensing

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A licensing expert has warned landlords living overseas about the dangers of asking UK-based friends or firms to apply for their selective licence.

Leasehold reforms herald huge shake-up for homeowners

Leasehold reforms herald huge shake-up for homeowners

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The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill has taken a step towards becoming legislation after it was introduced to Parliament.

Labour to stop landlords evicting if deposit has not been protected

Labour to stop landlords evicting if deposit has not been protected

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Labour MPs have tabled 26 amendments to the Renters Reform Bill that demand much tougher financial penalties for errant landlords and stricter rules around deposits.

New national lobbying group for landlords revealed

New national lobbying group for landlords revealed

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PRS organisations, forums and landlord groups have joined forces to launch the Housing Coalition, which aims to give the sector a voice and improve private rental housing standards.

Could it happen here? Ireland to give PRS tenants 'right to buy'

Could it happen here? Ireland to give PRS tenants 'right to buy'

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Tenants in Ireland could get first refusal on a property when a landlord puts it up for sale if new legislation gets the go-ahead.

Investors rush to snap up buy-to-let portfolios for cash before the year ends

Investors rush to snap up buy-to-let portfolios for cash before the year ends

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With just one month to go until the year ends, investors are continuing to snap up properties at an accelerated rate. With next year bringing uncertainty, and a potential change in government, the trend for new investors who have entered the market to step in and take whole portfolios...

OFFICIAL: Smaller landlords will NOT need to use digital tax system

OFFICIAL: Smaller landlords will NOT need to use digital tax system

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Landlords earning less than £30,000 will not have to use HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) software, the government has confirmed.

Britain's biggest landlord warns Government over tenancy law change

Britain's biggest landlord warns Government over tenancy law change

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Two-month notice periods for tenants under periodic tenancies will negatively impact the build-to-rent sector and encourage sub-letting homes as party flats, the boss of big BTR firm Grainger has told MPs.

'Rescue service' launches to help struggling landlords

'Rescue service' launches to help struggling landlords

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A rent to buy scheme for first-time buyers who can’t afford a deposit is extending its offer to struggling landlords.

Chancellor unfreezes Local Housing Allowance for benefits tenants

Chancellor unfreezes Local Housing Allowance for benefits tenants

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The Chancellor has revealed that the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will be unfrozen and increased to the lower 30% of rents nationwide from April 2024 onwards.

Fewer landlords to complete green upgrades now EPC rules scrapped

Fewer landlords to complete green upgrades now EPC rules scrapped

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Fewer landlords plan to make energy efficiency improvements since the government’s U-turn on raising EPC targets.

Housing benefit direct payments STILL leaving landords 'out of pocket'

Housing benefit direct payments STILL leaving landords 'out of pocket'

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A benefits expert has urged the DWP’s working group to sort out problems with the Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) process that leaves landlords in the dark and out of pocket.

Are you? Landlords report 'feeling more upbeat' as yields rise

Are you? Landlords report 'feeling more upbeat' as yields rise

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Landlords are feeling much more optimistic than they were a year ago, thanks to a more stable market and economic conditions, according to new research from Paragon Bank.

UPDATED - Ending an Assured Shorthold Tenancy

UPDATED - Ending an Assured Shorthold Tenancy

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How to handle the eviction process The Government is planning to replace the Assured Shorthold Tenancy, and Section 21 evictions will no longer be possible when new legislation under the Renters (Reform) Bill comes in. But this will take some time yet. In the meant

Tenant's complaint leads to £10,000 fine for HMO landlord

Tenant's complaint leads to £10,000 fine for HMO landlord

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A criminal landlord has been hit with an £11,800 fine for operating a dirty, unlicensed HMO - one of a growing number of large, sometimes overcrowded and dangerous, bedsits around the country.