Does anyone know what the legal position is as far as security lights and cameras are concerned, when it comes to landlords allowing private tenants to set up these things? First a few logistical comments. The rental properties in question comprise of two semi-detached cottages; at the front there is a communal path to allow […]

The average price of homes in the UK fell by 0.5% in March, marking a sharper decline compared to the 0.2% drop seen in February, Halifax reports. It says that the average property value is £296,699, a drop of £1,575 from £298,274 the previous month. Despite the monthly downturn, the annual increase in house prices […]

The lettings sector in London’s most sought-after areas is experiencing big upheaval as landlords abandon the market in response to the impending Renters’ Rights Bill, an analysis reveals. The findings from Knight Frank says the Bill’s aim to bring in stricter eviction rules and heighten risks for rent collection is not going down well. The […]

Fleet Mortgages has published a helpful guide to HMOs for landlords to address the growing demand for these investments. The lender also says that the guide reinforces its commitment to educating and supporting buy to let customers with enhanced product offerings. The publication, ‘A Guide to HMOs: Licencing, Planning & Article 4’ will also help […]

An industry body is urging the government to provide greater support for disabled people to access accessible housing in the private rented sector. According to Propertymark, 62% of letting agents said it was difficult or very difficult for people with disabilities to secure accessible or adapted homes. The government has responded to a report on […]

Hi Everyone, We have 13 apartments for people over 45 years old. I have tried to increase my lease that only has 62 years left. The cost to get a quote was £500. The quote came back £35,000 to increase it to 99 years. Would it be better and cheaper to wait for part 2 […]

You’d think that landlords would have had enough of hearing about selling. With many of us recovering from incorporation and downsizing, it’s easy to understand why we might have taken our foot off the gas. Are we really in as much trouble as they say we are? Or do we have time to recoup and […]

The Renters’ Rights Bill and its mission to abolish Section 21 so called ‘no-fault’ evictions isn’t just a slap in the face of landlords everywhere – it’s a ticking time bomb that will blow up the private rented sector (PRS) and leave landlords and tenants in the rubble. The government, cheered on by anti-landlord loons […]

Ready for a 29.8% cost increase? After detailed analysis, the government has decided to: Introduce legislation to increase the data protection fees across all tiers by 29.8%, as set out below in the table; Retain the existing three-tier structure, including the applicable criteria for determining fees payable; retain the £5 discount applicable to Direct Debit […]

Only a small number of tenants believe the Renters’ Rights Bill will improve their rights and some haven’t even heard of it, claims a new report. According to a survey by estate agent group LRG, only 22% of tenants believe the Bill will improve their rights, and more than 37% said they were unfamiliar with […]

An industry body is calling for energy performance certificates (EPCs) to be abolished to measure fuel poverty. Currently, fuel poverty is defined by a property’s energy efficiency rather than a household’s ability to afford its energy bills. Propertymark argues the government should instead focus on affordability to define fuel poverty. One-size-fits-all approach does not work […]

A private landlord has had the management of his eight properties taken over by a council after they were described as ‘disgusting’. Property118 readers will be horrified by the photographs from the council published on this page – and they do little to promote the effort and work being done by good landlords. Newcastle City […]

Hi, I recently had a tenant who refused to handover the keys after the check out unless I agreed, in writing, to return the entire deposit (held in a government approved scheme). He insisted on an email confirmation before handing over the keys. There was damage to the property and appliances, other than normal wear […]

An industry body is warning over rent spikes in Scotland due to the end of rent control measures. The news comes after rules that allowed tenants to challenge rent hikes and capped increases at 12% if they appealed to a rent officer were ended this week. However, Propertymark members operating in Scotland warn that this […]

With the new warm home £30,000 grants it’s difficult to imagine a more inefficient way of improving energy efficiency,when so much can be done with much less. The government say they are looking for growth yet are implementing a policy of cash burn and waste? This new system may put huge amounts of money into […]

Foundation Home Loans, Market Financial Solutions and ModaMortgages have unveiled updates to their buy to let property finance offerings. The changes cater to a range of borrowers, from first-time landlords to those managing complex portfolios. Foundation Home Loans has boosted its BTL product line, raising the maximum loan amount to £3 million for most 65% […]

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has issued a stark warning to ministers, demanding clear communication on when the Renters’ Rights Bill measures will come into force. It says reassurance is needed since the delays continue to create worry for both landlords and tenants. Last year, the government committed to abolishing Section 21 ‘no explanation’ […]

A build-to-rent (BTR) developer is offering free mental health checks, as Generation Rent studies claim private renting negatively impacts tenants’ mental health. BTR developer Moda claims offering mental health services would mean “that tenants would not be as stressed as private renters who have to deal with absent landlords.” Despite claiming private renters are not […]

The average rental yield in England and Wales stands at 7.4%, reflecting an annual rise of 0.3% compared to the same period last year and matches the previous quarter’s figure, one index reveals. The data from Fleet Mortgages shows that nearly every region delivered positive annual growth, with only Yorkshire and Humber experiencing a minor […]

The number of renters challenging rent rises in Scotland when a temporary rent cap was in place rocketed, research reveals. Tenant campaign group Generation Rent says that the introduction of the cap saw 899 applications to a tribunal being lodged. Of those, 290 households (32%) had their rent rise capped at the highest allowable rate […]

Landlords in Northern Ireland are now subject to stringent new regulations aimed at enhancing electrical safety in private rented properties. Non-compliance could potentially lead to significant penalties. The measures, which are effective from 1 April, mandate that all rented homes undergo thorough electrical installation safety inspection. The initiative aims to safeguard more than 100,000 PRS […]