Page 169 – Property118
debate speech bubbles illustrating discussion around renters’ deposit scheme proposals

More protection for landlords and tenants alike?

18th September 2024

DEBATE: We have a tenancy deposit scheme (GREAT) However I believe there should be a renters’ deposit scheme. If a tenant has repairs and the landlord fails to amend these repairs, the tenant could pay the rent into a renters’ deposit scheme rather than withholding rent. If the repairs are done in good time then […]

Man holding a “Renters Rights Bill” document against an aerial view backdrop, highlighting concerns over loopholes in the legislation

Revealed: Renters’ Rights Bill’s Hidden Loopholes

17th September 2024

Unlock the secrets of the property market with our latest video: Dive into the the intricate world of property investment, uncovering the loopholes in the new Renters’ Rights Bill that could shift the balance in favor of tenants. You’ll gain insight into property trends, understand the implications for landlords, and explore the strategies rogue tenants […]

Property expert warns landlords rushing Section 21 evictions before ban

Landlords face tougher eviction rules and long wait times

17th September 2024

A property expert warns of “bad news for landlords” as Labour reforms could see tenants who don’t pay rent stay for three months. Paul Shamplina from Landlord Action told the Daily Telegraph that under the Renters’ Rights Bill, tenants can miss up to three months of rent before a landlord can start the process of […]

Rent increase notice with piggy bank showing financial strain

Evicting a protected tenant for not paying rent increase?

17th September 2024

Hi, I’ve had a protected tenant living in the same property for over 20 years, part of that time as a widow. I’m allowed to apply to the Valuation Office for a rent increase every two years, but occasionally, it’s been after three years, meaning the rent is significantly below the current market rate. Earlier […]

Fraud checks on passports and documents displayed on a computer screen during tenant screening

London rental market faces surge in fraud

17th September 2024

The London rental market has become a hub of fraudulent activity, according to one estate agent. Benham and Reeves report that many London letting agents face significant challenges with tenant screening. Last month the estate agent encountered issues such as forged passports, digitally altered documents, and undeclared CCJs. Landlords must be on guard The firm […]

Residents-only parking bay markings on a shared residential car park

Can a director give visitor parking to their tenant?

17th September 2024

Hi, we are a block of 15 flats, each flat has either one parking bay or a garage. There are also three designated visitor bays, which are clearly marked with a ‘V’ and, according to the lease, are strictly for visitors. One of the directors, who owns a flat here, has given his tenant access […]

Scottish flag above colourful raised hands and a house symbol highlighting Scotland’s housing emergency

12th Scottish council declares a housing emergency

17th September 2024

Another Scottish council has declared a ‘housing emergency’ making it the 12th local authority in Scotland to declare a housing crisis. East Renfrewshire council says challenges in the local housing market have made it difficult to keep up with demand. East Renfrewshire has the lowest percentage of social housing in mainland Scotland, with only 11.4% […]

Legal document labeled “Limited Liability” with a judge’s gavel representing landlord legal protection

Do we need Limited Liability?

17th September 2024

We have recently heard that landlords should set themselves up as a Limited Liability Partnership in case they should ever have someone claim against them, which could lead to bankruptcy and we would lose everything we have? While we have landlord insurance and maintain our properties well, there is always the risk that if a […]

Keys being handed over beside a model house and insurance symbols representing tenant rehousing responsibilities

Landlord’s obligation to re-house tenants

16th September 2024

A common question I get asked after a disaster like a fire or flood is whether a landlord is obligated to re-house a tenant. The straightforward answer is “no.” However, a related question is whether the landlord must “pay” for alternative accommodation. This is a distinct issue, but first, let’s address the duty to re-house. […]

Model house balanced on an unstable wooden block tower to illustrate property investment risk.

10 Properties New Investors Should Avoid to Ensure a Safe Start in Property Investment

16th September 2024

As a new or inexperienced investor, it’s crucial to avoid certain types of properties that may seem appealing at first glance but could present significant risks. Here are ten types of properties you might want to steer clear of to ensure your first investment is solid, sound, and secure. Non-Standard Construction Properties Non-standard construction refers […]

Together’s director of intermediaries promoting flexible commercial finance options

Together and Landbay lower BTL mortgage rates

16th September 2024

Two specialist lenders, Together and Landbay, have announced rate cuts on their mortgage products, offering relief to landlords and investors. Together has lowered rates on its unregulated bridging loans, designed to help borrowers buy or renovate residential property. The new rates apply to loans of more than £100,000, with variable rates on first charge loans […]

Multiple estate agent boards showing properties for sale, sold, and to let in a UK street.

Property market sees increased activity – Rightmove

16th September 2024

The traditionally busier autumn property market appears to have started early, Rightmove reveals. The property platform says that many buyers and sellers have spotted a window of opportunity to act as mortgage rates trend downwards and property choice increases. The number of sales being agreed is up by 27% year on year, a strong rebound […]

Colourful row of house icons representing Section 8 grounds for possession in the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024

Section 8 Renters’ Rights Bill 2024?

16th September 2024

Proposed Section 8 Grounds for possession (Interestingly there is no Ground 16! Personally I think Landlords should be writing to their MPs stating that Grounds 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 17 should be made mandatory grounds for possession) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/82ffc7fb-64b0-4af5-a72e-c24701a5f12a Mandatory grounds 1 Occupation by landlord or family The landlord or their close family member […]

Professional woman standing outdoors, illustrating commentary on pressures facing renters and landlords

Renters hit hardest as landlords sell up ahead of potential capital gains tax hike

16th September 2024

Renters are paying the price as demand becomes scarce and costs rise, says Hargreaves Lansdown. The firm reveals that many landlords are selling off properties due to fears of a potential capital gains tax increase in the upcoming October budget, while tenants are now spending a significantly larger portion of their income on rent. The […]

Couple arguing on a sofa during a tense relationship breakdown relevant to tenancy issues

What are a landlord’s responsibilities when a tenant couple splits up?

16th September 2024

Hi, I’m sure this isn’t a unique situation as it happens all the time, but could anyone kindly shed some light on my situation? I have a tenant couple with two young children. Sadly, they are now no longer in a relationship and it has turned rather bitter. They have been exemplary tenants over the […]

Woman in red dress smiling while seated in an office chair.

North-South rent gap narrows to lowest point in a decade

16th September 2024

The gap between rents in the North and South of England has narrowed to its closest point in more than a decade, research from Hamptons reveals. Last month, the average rent in the South cost 37% or £357 per month more than in the North, the lowest figure since records began in 2013. This gap […]

Line of stylised figures rushing toward an exit, symbolising landlords leaving the market

Landlord Exodus: Tough New Rules spark mass Sell-Off

13th September 2024

A mass sell-off is currently underway in the landlord sector, and it only looks set to increase. EPC requirements, The Renters Rights Bill, mounting financial pressures, the list of reasons goes on. No doubt you’ve seen the recent headlines, and if you’re a landlord yourself you’ll be forgiven for thinking that the worst is yet […]

Renters’ Rights Bill guide text on colourful wooden blocks

A landlord’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

13th September 2024

The Labour government’s announcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill is proposing the biggest shake-up of England’s private rented sector in England for 36 years. The Bill, which Labour claims is aimed at improving security and stability for tenants, introduces a raft of changes that landlords need to be aware of. Among the most controversial are […]

Knight-themed Landlord Crusader logo symbolizing landlord advocacy

Renter’s Rights Bill: A disaster for tenants?

13th September 2024

Have you recovered yet? As a landlord, the Renters’ Rights Bill is NOT designed to help renters – it is clearly designed to damage the private rented sector. Potentially, fatally. If you are a tenant, a politician or work for the likes of Shelter or Generation Rent, then you’ll need to start polishing your excuses […]

Property expert promoting training on acquiring property without mortgages

How to profit whilst everyone else is sitting back and waiting

13th September 2024

There is massive uncertainty about what the new Labour government might do in the private rental sector, and so many landlords are selling up, but at the same time, many investors are sitting back and waiting to see what happens. This means that, right now, there is a huge opportunity for you because there are […]