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Paragon Bank, PRS,

Tenant demand is soaring in the UK – Paragon

24th May 2024

Tenant demand across the UK’s private rented sector (PRS) is soaring but there’s a huge imbalance between supply and demand, a survey reveals. According to Paragon Bank, there are very few landlords experiencing weak interest currently. Nearly 800 landlords were questioned and a staggering 83% of them reported strong tenant demand in the first quarter […]

Conveyancing Solicitors missed simple basic checks?

24th May 2024

I have been made aware during the proposed sale of the building I own, that planning permission was granted for conversion to form 5 flats and 2 shops in 1995. However, in reality, there are only 4 flats and 2 shops, after the works Mr A sold the building to Mr B in 2001, and […]

Allison Thompson of LRG discussing rising demand for accessible rental housing

Landlords call for tenant credit checks and faster evictions

24th May 2024

Landlords want to see stricter measures to ensure tenants meet their financial obligations as 70% support linking rent arrears to credit ratings to deter late payments, a survey reveals. The findings from Leaders Romans Group (LRG) found that financial concerns are a major landlord worry in England with rising mortgage rates, increased taxes and maintenance […]

Snap Election – YIKES!

23rd May 2024

So – many of us thought that we were nailed on for a late 2024 election. Sunak hanging on by the fingernails. Polling is terrible (things can change, of course). There are a few theories why: He fancies a long summer holiday (only half joking, but who could blame him if this were true). Things […]

Renters Reform Bill 2024: Key Changes and Impact on Landlords and Property Investors

23rd May 2024

In this video, Ranjan Bhattacharya provide a comprehensive overview of the Renters Reform Bill 2024 and its potential effects on landlords and property investors. We discuss the major changes announced, including the abolition of ‘no-fault’ evictions, new minimum standards for rental properties, and increased tenant rights. Learn what these reforms mean for your rental business […]

Charity calls for stronger protections in Renters (Reform) Bill as renter costs soar

23rd May 2024

The Renters (Reform) Bill, currently making its way through the House of Lords, doesn’t go far enough to address the growing financial strain on private renters, the debt charity StepChange warns. It says the cost of renting in the UK has become increasingly unaffordable and points to new figures from the Office for National Statistics […]

pic of a to let board as tenants face higher rents when challenging a rent rise property118

Landlords see a surge in demand as less choice pushes up rents

23rd May 2024

Landlords have seen a surge in tenant demand with tenants chasing fewer properties in the private rented sector (PRS), a survey reveals. The research by bridging broker Finbri found that 71% of landlords saw higher demand last year. Tenant demand is outstripping supply and landlords with two-bed rental properties are on the market for 10 […]

Landlord and agent General Election votes are still ‘up for grabs’

22nd May 2024

There’s a large proportion of property professionals who say they are yet to decide their political vote for the upcoming General Election, a survey reveals. The research from Goodlord and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) of more than 1,000 participants, comes as the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced there would be an election on […]

Legal Eagle required for council approved rent to rent contract?

22nd May 2024

I am looking for a solicitor well versed in looking at commercial contracts with a property owner and a rent to rent company. Due to Selective Licensing (SL) occupancy restrictions, I am finding it increasingly difficult to find tenants required (one family-sized unit) for a large property that has recently been fully renovated. The council […]

Rental property sign outside a house highlighting UK housing supply shortage and rent rise concerns

UK rent growth slows after reaching record high – ONS

22nd May 2024

The UK’s rent inflation is slowing down as average private rents grew by 8.9% in the year to April – down from a record high of 9.2% in March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports. This is the first time the annual rent inflation rate has eased since December 2023. Despite the slowdown, rents […]

landlord insurance

Why comparison websites might not be your best bet for landlord insurance

22nd May 2024

When you are looking for a landlord insurance policy, you may look at one of the big-name comparison websites. While these can be a good starting point, they may not be the best way to find the right insurance policy. Saving a couple of pounds may be a false economy if you ever need to […]

Man reviewing tenant issue at desk with documents and laptop

Adult son left in property after tenant moved out?

22nd May 2024

Hello, I am looking for advice from Property118 readers, I issued a Section 8 notice to my tenant, who has since vacated the property. However, the tenant’s adult son, who is not listed on the tenancy agreement, still remains in the property which is causing me huge amounts of stress. I am struggling with options […]

Landlords Boiler Cover and Gas Safety Certificates Package

Do I need to provide a gas safety certificate after my lease ends?

22nd May 2024

Hi, I decided to rent my property through one of these guarantee rent agencies (who have contracts with the local council). I entered into a lease agreement with them for one year with the end date being the 5th of June. I also provided them with a gas safety certificate that ends on the 5th […]

professional headshot of a man representing commentary on UK tenants facing upfront rent pressures

Tenants struggle to find new homes as rents rise

22nd May 2024

Half of all tenants who moved in the past year say they faced difficulties finding a new property to rent which is an 8% increase from the previous year, research reveals. According to The Deposit Protection Service (DPS), the research suggests a tough market for renters, particularly younger tenants and those who are unemployed. It […]

Soaring service charges drive a rise in RTM companies

22nd May 2024

Landlords in England and Wales are taking a stand against rising service charges, with a study revealing a 20% increase in applications to form ‘Right to Manage’ (RTM) or flat management companies.  The research by Direct Line found that service charges for leasehold flats are increasing by an average of 10% per year, with 7% […]

Propertymark representative discusses rent control concerns in Scotland

Propertymark questions Labour’s controversial PRS review

22nd May 2024

Propertymark is calling for more information from the Labour Party on its recent review of the private rented sector (PRS), which was published last week. The controversial review, led by the Labour Housing Group, proposed five key objectives, including rent controls, a big increase in social housing and the establishment of a compulsory National Landlords […]

Portrait of a business leader in suit and tie

Scottish property taxes top £623m

22nd May 2024

Property taxes in Scotland surpassed £623 million over the past year – a slight increase of £3 million over the previous year, one lettings agency says. The analysis by DJ Alexander reveals that the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) generated the bulk of this revenue. The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), which is a tax […]

Lambeth Council logo representing the borough’s selective licensing scheme expansion

Lambeth, Islington and Lewisham unveil new selective licensing schemes

22nd May 2024

Despite the council’s cabinet member for housing recognising that most landlords offer good quality housing, a selective licensing scheme will be implemented in Lambeth. And it will cost landlords a whopping £923 per property. Lambeth says its new scheme will target private rented properties to improve living conditions and tackle criminal landlords. It will also, […]

Fed-up landlord responds to Generation Rent criticism with video message

21st May 2024

In a pointed one minute video message, Nottingham landlord Mick Roberts has responded to Ben Twomey, the chief executive of Generation Rent, who has criticised landlords and the Renters (Reform) Bill. Mr Twomey argues that the bill does not deliver on the government’s promise to end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. He said: “Everyone deserves to […]

deposit protection

Tenant won’t provide bank details for us to refund deposit!

21st May 2024

Hi, we have a problem that we are hoping others can advise on please. We are using an eviction specialist to gain possession of our property (tenant has an AST dated 1999). The S21 was served and now we are going for a possession order. When we purchased the property (owned by a corporation) we […]

London Councils slam the government’s short-term and holiday let reforms

21st May 2024

London boroughs have warned that the government’s plans for regulating short-term and holiday lets could worsen the capital’s housing crisis. The councils, from all political parties, say the government’s proposal could see a new planning ‘C5’ use class being created for properties that are already used as short-term lets. Now London Councils fear that automatically […]