A survey has found that 56% of people in Britain have doubts about the safety of high-rise homes that they live in. The findings from SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, also found that another 42% believe local councils must urgently address these issues. The anxiety follows attention on the government after the Grenfell […]

For many of us, the private rented sector has turned into a battlefield, and at the heart of the latest skirmish is the issue of guarantors – or rather, the call for no tenant to need one. We have seen 28 organisations, including Shelter, Generation Rent, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the renters’ union Acorn, […]

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could deduct money from benefit claimants’ payments if they owe money to their landlords. In a committee meeting on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill), Labour Minister Andrew Western reveals that up to 40% of benefits could be deducted to settle arrears owed to landlords, utility […]

The Labour government will force landlords to use the Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme for income tax self-assessment or face fines if they fail to pay on time. The controversial scheme will lower the qualifying income threshold for MTD to £20,000 from April 2028, forcing more landlords with modest rental income to keep digital records […]

Letting agents and landlords could unlock annual savings of £3.4 billion by carrying out inspections every THREE months, one firm says. The study from Inventory Base says this strategy will act as a vital shield, catching small problems before they balloon into hefty bills or regulatory violations. It will also, they claim, boost an agent’s […]

Rents are climbing and buy to let company formations are reaching unprecedented levels, one buy to let index reveals. The platform GetGround has analysed its data to offer a snapshot that points to a thriving yet evolving market. It says that in the 12 months to January 2025, rents grew by 8.7%, marking the sharpest […]

One in five renters are taking out loans to help pay for their five-week cash deposit when moving into a new home, research reveals. The findings from Reposit show that 6% of tenants have taken out £1,500 or more, while 18% secured sums between £1,000 and £1,500. A further 24% accessed amounts ranging from £500 […]

London’s rental sector is displaying resilience with consistent tenant demand, robust supply and a notable increase in tenants securing homes, according to fresh insights from Foxtons and Chestertons. With average weekly rents climbing slightly to £557 and a 30% surge in renters moving in February, the capital’s lettings landscape remains a dynamic hub for both […]

Ah, the joys of the British legal system — a place where logic takes a back seat, and bureaucratic chaos reigns supreme. If you thought following the law would lead to a smooth resolution, allow me to disabuse you of such optimism. Let me walk you through my latest adventure in the court system, where […]

The Flat Rate VAT Scheme (FRS) is a simplified option for paying VAT for businesses with lower turnover. At an annual turnover of £90k of vatable supplies, a business must become VAT registered and pay VAT on sales. Businesses with a gross turnover of less than £180k can opt for the FRS. The FRS rate […]

Landbay, United Trust Bank (UTB) Mortgages, Molo Finance, and CHL Mortgages for Intermediaries are rolling out reductions and partnerships to bolster affordability and choice for landlords. Landbay has trimmed rates by 0.10% on its limited edition small HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and MUFB (Multi-Unit Freehold Block) offerings. Five-year fixed rates now begin at 4.99% […]

The Scottish Conservatives blast the SNP for failing to remove dangerous cladding from buildings in Scotland. The SNP recently announced a £10 million fund to assess cladding on buildings, with funding available regardless of whether the property is privately owned or social housing. An extension of this scheme is also planned to support mitigation and […]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling on landlords to join its HSE residents panel to improve safety in high-rise buildings. The HSE say landlords play a key role in helping residents feel safe and improve communication around building safety. The HSE are seeking applications from private landlords who currently let units in high-rise […]

The cost of renting in the UK grew by 8.1%, reaching an average of £1,326 in the 12 months to the end of February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals. However, that’s a slowdown from the 8.7% increase recorded in the 12 months to January. Meanwhile, house prices have also risen, climbing 4.9% to […]

The Scottish Greens claim that 82% of people in Scotland support rent controls, as they try to prevent the removal of the temporary rent cap. From 1 April, the rent adjudication scheme, which allowed tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes and capped increases at 12% if they appealed to a rent officer, will be scrapped. […]

A recent debate between well-known property trainer Samuel Leeds and investor-commentator Adam Lawrence has sparked renewed interest—and controversy—across the landlord community. In a wide-ranging and candid exchange, the two clash on everything from the ethics of property training to the role of social media in shaping public perception of the sector. The discussion covers some […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s under pressure (definitely not an emergency budget) Spring Statement alleviated concerns among private landlords by avoiding an increase in Stamp Duty rates for second-home purchases. Despite pre-statement criticism labelling it an ‘Emergency Budget’, the address largely echoed prior announcements, offering little in the way of surprises. Reeves opened her speech with confidence, […]

Although I’ve been a landlord for over twenty years, I only recently came across luften, the German way of dealing with mould. Briefly, the householder opens all the doors and windows in the morning. They are left open for five minutes in the winter, ten minutes in spring and autumn, and fifteen minutes in summer. […]

The Scottish government could impose fines on landlords for failing to have a valid EPC. A technical consultation is underway on proposed changes to lodgement fees and penalty charges as part of its ongoing reform of the EPC system in Scotland. However, Propertymark warns that increased fees and penalties could harm remote areas in Scotland, […]

A council is encouraging landlords to participate in a final digital session concerning its selective licensing consultation. The new scheme will cover East Marsh in Lincolnshire and the event is on Tuesday, 1 April between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. The event is not only for landlords but also tenants, local enterprises and others who will be […]

Despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan praising ULEZ, new research suggests it is damaging property prices in London. According to estate agents Benham and Reeves, houses in ULEZ boroughs have been hardest hit. London Mayor Sadiq Khan introduced the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to improve air quality in London. It was first introduced to cover […]