For many landlords, securing commercial finance can feel like a mysterious process. Unlike a standard buy to let mortgage, the steps are more detailed, the information requested is broader, and lender decisions depend on the overall strength of the case. Understanding the lifecycle of a commercial finance deal helps landlords prepare, avoid delays, and achieve […]

Cleaning charges are the main reason tenants lose part of their deposits, a new survey reveals. Research by Go.Compare home insurance found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of renters who saw money withheld in the past two years pointed to cleaning fees as the cause. This was higher than any other category recorded. Also, younger tenants […]

Inflation continues to climb faster than rent and house rises, Home.co.uk’s latest Asking Price Index reveals. In August, the annualised rent growth fell deeper into negative territory at -2.2%, a result of rising availability, which is up 12.5% compared with last year. The downturn is largely linked to London, though Scotland, Wales and nearly every […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Scotland. A landlord conducting a routine inspection was shocked to discover that their tenant had transformed the living room into a fully functioning pub. Complete with a bar counter, beer pumps, bar stools and neon signs, the property […]

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and long-time business partner, Mike “Woody” Woodfine. A proud Yorkshireman, Mike carried with him the grit, honesty and no-nonsense humour his roots are famous for. Before I met him, he had already lived a life of service and adventure, serving his […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in South Africa. In Johannesburg, a landlord received a tip-off from neighbours that something unusual was happening inside one of their properties. Upon inspection, they discovered a lion cub living in the tenant’s lounge. The tenant had been bottle-feeding […]

These phrases are often used interchangeably, yet they insure two very different risks. Loss of rent responds when your property becomes uninhabitable because of an insured peril. Rent guarantee responds when a tenant falls into arrears. Mixing them up can lead to declined claims and a painful gap in cash flow. This article sets out […]

A council has come under fire from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) after failing to carry out electrical safety checks on more than 400 of its own housing stock. Tandridge District Council in Surrey claims they are “disappointed but accept the findings” after being given a C4 grading for very serious failings. According to […]

Three specialist buy to let lenders have unveiled fresh rate changes and new products to support brokers working with landlords. Dudley Building Society has expanded its BTL range with new two and five-year fixed rates. Pricing starts at 5.50% for a two-year fix at 70% LTV, while a five-year deal at the same LTV is […]

The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) stock drops by more than half (60%) in some parts of England as landlords leave due to HMO stigma, according to new data. Research by HMO management platform COHO reveals in England, the number of available house shares has fallen by -15.2% between June and September 2025. […]

The energy performance certificate (EPC) system needs “practical reform, not political” as landlords lack confidence in the system, according to a new report. All private rented homes will need to meet EPC C targets by 2030 and 2028 for new tenancies. However, a report by Leaders Romans Group (LRG) reveals landlords have concerns over whether […]

A council has introduced a free early-intervention programme to help private landlords in resolving tenancy disputes before they escalate to eviction. The ‘Call Before You Serve’ initiative focuses on keeping tenants in their homes, cutting down on costly legal battles, and reducing the risk homelessness in the borough. Croydon Council says it is offering landlords […]

The Scottish government must deliver more than 15,000 homes a year in the next Parliament to tackle the housing emergency, claims Shelter Scotland. The housing charity, together with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, has funded a report showing that the government must invest in affordable […]

Once you own four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties, lenders place you in the portfolio landlord category. The application process becomes more rigorous, because the lender needs to see that the portfolio as a whole, not just the subject property, is strong enough to carry current and future borrowing. Understanding the criteria and preparing well […]

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) are a quick way to price your portfolio without booking a full inspection. Used correctly, they are good enough for decision-making, broker conversations and annual reviews. This guide shows how to build a tidy AVM pack, when to trust it, when to upgrade to a RICS valuation, and how to use […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in the United States. A group of tenants in Massachusetts decided that their flat was missing one thing – a pool. Instead of visiting the local leisure centre, they sealed the living room floor with plastic sheeting, brought in […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves may spread stamp duty payments across several years rather than in one lump sum, according to media reports. A story by CityAM, claims the idea of staggered stamp duty payments frequently pops up at The Treasury. While many approve of the idea of reforming stamp duty, critics argue spreading payments could push […]

Hi, I bought a converted 3-storey property a few years ago. It was converted into three flats in 1988. A building regs full plan was submitted correctly. I don’t have a copy of the Building Regs submission but a later Lawful Development Certificate refers to it, and the council’s legal department saw it. The HMO […]

Student landlords fear the consequences of the Renters’ Rights Bill and plan to leave, according to new data. Using landlord testimony and survey data, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) reveals ongoing uncertainty for student landlords will drive up rents and reduce supply. The NRLA points to data from Scotland, where fixed-term tenancies were abolished […]

Industry bodies and politicians warn a Scottish Housing Bill amendment preventing evictions in the first 12 months of a tenancy would only benefit rogue tenants and risk driving landlords out of the sector. The Scottish Greens have tabled the amendment, which would require landlords to wait a year before evicting tenants to sell the property […]

Shelter has accused private providers of “cashing in” on the temporary accommodation crisis, as councils spend billions of pounds to house the homeless. According to government figures, local councils spent a total of £2.8 billion on temporary accommodation for 2024/25 to accommodate households who are homeless, a 25% increase in one year. The housing charity […]