Landlords News & Views

Latest Articles propose a readers question or article

PRA confirm new increased BTL stress testing and underwriting standards

30/09/2016

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have now confirmed to lenders what they expect the minimum standards of Buy to Let underwriting to be. These standards will have to be in place by 1st January 2017 for rental stress testing and by 30th September for other minimum affordability and risk checks. The PRA have confirmed the… Read more

Save The Date – 8th Oct At ExCel London

29/09/2016

Our search for a low-budget super model is over. Pictured above is Neil Patterson, Managing Director of Property118.com, showcasing our bright orange promo T-Shirts for our big publicity stunt. We are looking forward to meeting as many of our members as possible at the Property Investor Show at the ExCel Conference Centre on 8th October. We… Read more

Can this tenancy become periodic?

29/09/2016

This is a query about whether this particular tenancy can become periodic. We have a flat which have let to the same tenant for two, consecutive, 12 month tenancies. In each case, the rent for the whole 12 months has been paid in advance. The tenant is a single mother but with some sort of… Read more

The pros and cons of Magistrates Court eviction orders to remove travellers

29/09/2016

Local authorities (LA) have traditionally used a possession order from the County Court to remove travellers, but many are now obtaining an eviction order from a Magistrates Court and using their own staff for service. Under exceptional circumstances, such as a substantial risk of public disturbance, the application may be started in the High Court…. Read more

Labour attack private landlords for being ‘subsidised’ with £9bn in housing benefits

29/09/2016

In his Keynote speech to close the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, the leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn, accused the government of subsidising private landlords spending £9bn of housing benefits in the sector. A sum double that of 10 years ago. Despite the Private Rented Sector (PRS) now accounting for over half of… Read more

Tenant now in prison and friend looking after property and cats?

28/09/2016

I rent a small studio to a chap that I have discovered is in prison. He was obviously expecting it (apparently breached a restraining order with his ex) and has left a friend living in the flat, to look after it, including all his belongings and 2 cats, until he gets released. The housing benefit… Read more

Suggestions after section 21 and house full of rubbish?

28/09/2016

I have a tenant that has continually been in arrears and despite me coming to arrangements to assist , the arrears have simply increased as a result of several holidays. I served a s21 and tomorrow they are instructed to move out. (a few days over 2 months notice provided) I have sent them 3… Read more

New safety rules to further deplete our profits! surely not?

28/09/2016

My letting agents are telling me that I need to comply with new rules relating to safety by the end of the year – is this a national thing or just in Scotland? Despite not having a legionnaires check, EICR, PAT test, two smoke detectors (if on one floor) and an interlinked heat shield in… Read more

Deposit Protection compulsory for sublet?

28/09/2016

I recently sublet from a tenant with the consent of the landlord and sublet contract. A £1300 deposit was paid direct to tenant on request of the landlord. Following moving out of the property a scrape on the wooden floor was noticed. The landlord has asked tenant to withhold entire deposit to pay for scrape…. Read more

Clause 24 response from Tim Loughton MP

28/09/2016

This is the response I received from my local Conservative MP from East Worthing, who obviously is another one who doesn’t understand the Bill and its implications: Dear Mr… Thank you for contacting me about changes to the taxation of landlords. I am passionate about helping small businesses thrive. But this needs to be balanced… Read more