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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

News

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

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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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The importance of a Tenancy Application Form

The importance of a Tenancy Application Form

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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

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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?

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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!

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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

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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

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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'�

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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

Consumer Protection - implications for Landlords & Agents

Consumer Protection - implications for Landlords & Agents

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Tenant are Consumers: The UK Consumer Protection law applies to letting agents and landlords alike when they advertise a property to let or create a new tenancy. It also applies to most private landlords when they deal with letting agents, unless they operate as a company.

Section 21 Notices

Section 21 Notices

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Obtaining Possession Using Section 21 Notices Updated October 2016This article explains how to gain possession of your residential rental property in the most efficient way possible. You may just want your property back for your own use, or to sell, or you may be having prob

Landlords claim victory after council delays licencing schemes

Landlords claim victory after council delays licencing schemes

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Landlords in Luton claim to have once again persuaded the town’s council to delay its highly controversial additional and selective licencing schemes, the fourth time this has happened in as many years.

20% of short-lets in London are former long-term rentals

20% of short-lets in London are former long-term rentals

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More than 20% of short-term lets advertised in London were previously long-term rentals, according to research by property data platform Propalt.

Councils call for huge fines if landlords evade new eviction rules

Councils call for huge fines if landlords evade new eviction rules

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Councils are calling for a widening of the conditions under which tenants can claim rent repayment orders (RROs) as part of the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Landlords called out over £80m interest from rental deposits

Landlords called out over £80m interest from rental deposits

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Letting agents and landlords are benefitting from higher interest rates by reaping more than £80 million this year from billions of pounds’ worth of tenants’ deposits.

Term tenancy are fixed and must be for all landlords

Term tenancy are fixed and must be for all landlords

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A leading student accommodation expert has urged the Government to create a level playing field for the sector within the looming Renters (Reform) Bill or face a perfect storm of rising rents and contracting suipply.

Renting reform minister GONE nine months after getting job

Renting reform minister GONE nine months after getting job

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A housing minister appointed just nine months ago by Rishi Sunak has now been asked to stand down during today’s reshuffle triggered by the sacking home Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Landlords angry over council's property licencing U-turn

Landlords angry over council's property licencing U-turn

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A big NE of England council is considering supplementing its landlord-led scheme with selective licensing in large parts of the town.

Landlord home buying slumps to lowest level for 13 years

Landlord home buying slumps to lowest level for 13 years

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Landlords are selling more homes than they’re buying, according to Hamptons’ monthly letting index, although the sell-off is slowing down.

Debate rages: Will banning Section 21 evictions reduce supply?

Debate rages: Will banning Section 21 evictions reduce supply?

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Fears that banning section 21 will harm the PRS in England are entirely misplaced, based on contradictory evidence in Scotland, according to The Social Market Foundation (SMF).

Tax liability – how to minimise it as a landlord

Tax liability – how to minimise it as a landlord

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As a landlord, you want to ensure your property business is as profitable as possible – and that means minimising your tax liability, so you don’t pay HMRC any more than you need to. Here are some options that can help you do that.

Tenants using the home to run a business - how safe are you?

Tenants using the home to run a business - how safe are you?

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The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Part II provides security of tenure to tenants of premises occupied for business purposes, or mixed residential and business purposes. Under the provisions of the 54 Act, it is possible for a lease or tenancy of a property, used for both resid

A new wave of investors rush in to buy properties off landlords looking to sell

A new wave of investors rush in to buy properties off landlords looking to sell

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After a slew of bad news, this week’s headlines come as a welcome relief for landlords looking to sell. The Telegraph reported that despite higher rates and regulatory risks around rentals, a wave of new investors had entered the market, stepping in to take portfolios off landlords’ hands.

Airbnb service for landlords raises £1.75m but still isn't profitable

Airbnb service for landlords raises £1.75m but still isn't profitable

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A business that rents out properties via Airbnb on behalf of landlords has raised another £1.75 million from investors, taking its total raised since 2016 to £12 million.

Record year for build-to-rent construction, says Savills

Record year for build-to-rent construction, says Savills

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The Build-To-Rent (BTR) sector now accounts for 10% of all UK real estate investment after a record-breaking year.

Gove unveils plan to slash ground rents for leaseholds

Gove unveils plan to slash ground rents for leaseholds

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The government has launched plans to slash ground rents on existing leaseholds as part of a consultation into widescale reform.

Evictions taking over six months on average, says MoJ

Evictions taking over six months on average, says MoJ

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County courts are taking over half a year on average to process legitimate evictions by landlords and agents, it has been revealed.

Student landlord slams council over 'unfair' £45,000 licencing fee

Student landlord slams council over 'unfair' £45,000 licencing fee

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A property management company has slammed its local council for charging a student accommodation block nearly £45,000 under the selective licensing scheme.

LibDems promise to give landlords tax breaks for green upgrades

LibDems promise to give landlords tax breaks for green upgrades

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Landlords should be allowed to offset spending on insulation and energy-saving improvements against tax, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Landlord mortgage arrears jump by 29%, official figures show

Landlord mortgage arrears jump by 29%, official figures show

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The tough economic conditions bearing down on landlords are starting to push up mortgage arrears, latest data from lenders’ trade body UK Finance has revealed.

Mystery shopper research 'proves landlords racially profile applicants' - claim

Mystery shopper research 'proves landlords racially profile applicants' - claim

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New research by Generation Rent reveals that white people are 36% more likely to receive a positive response when applying to rent on SpareRoom than black people.

Agents report fewer landlord instructions as 'unintended consequences' kick in

Agents report fewer landlord instructions as 'unintended consequences' kick in

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Signs that the Government’s assault on landlords coupled with higher mortgage costs are chasing more out of the market than usual have come from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) this morning.

Tory MP says court delays MUST be fixed before Section 21 is abolished

Tory MP says court delays MUST be fixed before Section 21 is abolished

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Theresa Villiers warns court delays risk worsening landlord exodus and housing supply issues, urging reforms before Section 21 abolition.

New way to control HMOs revealed in Coventry - but will rest of UK follow suit?

New way to control HMOs revealed in Coventry - but will rest of UK follow suit?

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Coventry Council is hailing its crackdown on unlicensed HMOs a success after it fined landlords more than £100,000 in just two of the city’s streets.

Notorious landlord to pay staggering £480,000 fine over damp HMO

Notorious landlord to pay staggering £480,000 fine over damp HMO

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A notorious rogue landlord and his property management company have been handed a staggering £480,000 fine for renting out an HMO so damp that mushrooms were growing on the upper floors.

Property market 'past peak pain' but values still down 7% in 12 months

Property market 'past peak pain' but values still down 7% in 12 months

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The UK’s housing market is past ‘peak pain’ after a rollercoaster 12 months and is forecast to grow by 17.9% – equivalent to a £45,521 gain on the average home – within five years.