Page 221 – Property118
pic of blocks showing a rent rise for a tenant property118

Rent increase paperwork dilemma?

2nd April 2024

Hi, I want to make a 5% rent increase for tenants who are on assured shorthold periodic tenancies. I have never increased rent but have a clause in the tenancy agreements which states: “If the tenancy continues beyond one year and is an Assured Periodic Tenancy then the rent will be reviewed annually on or […]

confused

Can’t get building insurance certificate from freeholder?

2nd April 2024

Hi, despite my repeated emails to my block managing agent, my freeholder is not providing the block’s building insurance certificate. I am entitled to a copy by law. But what law? How do I identify the individuals who own the freehold (I have the company name) and their addresses in order to write to them […]

tenants’ fear becoming homeless agents landlords property118.com

Is legislation forcing people to live on the streets?

2nd April 2024

I am exasperated by my situation and navigating the never ending legislation forcing landlords to evict, sell or face a criminal conviction. The great majority of landlords, to my knowledge, are normal caring people. We want to help others by providing accommodation for a fair price. We want to treat tenants fairly and we want […]

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UK house prices edge up despite monthly seasonal dip – Nationwide

2nd April 2024

The UK’s house prices rose by 1.6% in March compared to the same period last year, following a 1.2% growth in February, according to Nationwide. This represents a modest increase but there was a 0.2% dip in prices on a monthly basis when adjusted for seasonal variations. The lender’s chief economist, Robert Gardner, said: “Activity […]

rabbits

Rabbits and bird running loose in property!

2nd April 2024

After the trauma of my first section 8 eviction, I finally enter the house to find the tenant, has let rabbits and a bird run loose in the house. As a pensioner I am left with clearing up this disgusting mess and trying to repair the property, gnawed balustrades, doors, gas fire insulation, scratched carpets […]

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

First-time buyer numbers surge in 2024

2nd April 2024

First-time buyers are a driving force in the housing market this year, making up a record one-third (33%) of all purchases in Great Britain during the first quarter, Hamptons reveals. This marks a significant jump from 29% in 2023, the previous high point. Lower mortgage rates compared to last year have improved affordability, enticing many […]

landlord question water leak property118.com

Need for repairs hindered by a challenging tenant?

2nd April 2024

Hi, I have a block of 10 small studios, all long term and lovely tenants – one of my lovely tenants has become tricky since his girlfriend moved in – his shower leaks into the studio downstairs, a couple of repairs have been made over the last couple of years as there was nowhere for […]

A landlord’s stark warning to tenants on legislation impact

28th March 2024

A landlord has warned that “tenants will suffer the most” if new legislation and regulations get the green light. Mick Roberts, one of Nottingham’s largest landlords told Property118 about the harsh realities facing both sides of the rental divide. He also says selective licensing is causing chaos for landlords in Nottingham. Help tenants find a […]

Landbay's sales and distribution director, Rob Stanton wearing a light blue suit and white shirt

Landbay, YBS and Foundation unveil new BTL products

28th March 2024

Landbay has introduced new five-year fixed-rate offerings at an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, catering to both standard properties and small houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and is the latest among several BTL lenders announcing product changes. In addition, the lender has implemented numerous rate reductions. Its new 80% LTV five-year offering for standard properties is […]

Have we got possession after death of tenant?

28th March 2024

Hi, I’m very much an accidental joint landlord with my brother. The flat we had was rented through a letting agent however at the beginning of the year our tenant sadly passed away. The church acting on behalf of the tenant’s estate has now cleared the flat and handed back the keys. I was told […]

Leasehold rights from freeholder property118.com

Non-Qualifying Leaseholders push for reform

28th March 2024

Following the Non-Qualifying Leaseholders Campaign Groups member representations including correspondence to their MPs and case studies reported by media, the government are considering an amendment to the Leaseholder Protections in the Building Safety Bill to give parity to those holding properties jointly. Currently the act deems innocent leaseholders to be liable for some remediation costs […]

Keep Portfolio or buy into a REIT?

28th March 2024

Hello all, my father is a portfolio landlord who wants to retire. He doesn’t want the hassle of managing property anymore, but has very little interest in the stock market as to him it’s not a tangible option. My suggestion to him for his peace of mind if he were to sell up would be […]

Property expert outdoors discussing rising UK rent prices

UK rents rocket by 46% in a decade

28th March 2024

The average UK rent has climbed by 46% in the past decade thanks to surging tenant demand and limited rented home supply, research reveals. According to Zero Deposit, it is the lack of available rental properties that is a key driver of this surge. While the total number of rental homes reached an estimated 5.22 […]

Yorkshire Building Society launches £5,000 deposit mortgage

28th March 2024

Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) has unveiled a groundbreaking £5,000 deposit mortgage specifically designed for first-time buyers. The unique product allows potential homeowners with the deposit to buy a property valued up to £500,000. The building society’s research has identified £5,000 as the crucial amount that could dramatically reduce the time needed to save for a […]

Modern Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh with Calton Hill in the background

Concerns over proposed rent controls in Scottish housing bill

28th March 2024

The Scottish government has published its new housing bill which claims to prevent homelessness and strengthen tenants’ rights. Proposals in the new bill include bringing in long-term rent controls for private tenancies and new rights to keep pets. The Scottish Association of Landlords warns the proposals will “exacerbate Scotland’s housing crisis”. Create rent control areas […]

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UK housing market gets early sales boost

28th March 2024

The UK’s housing market has shown positive signs in the first quarter of 2024 with sales activity up 9% compared to the same period last year, according to Zoopla’s latest House Price Index. New listings have also increased by 20%. Zoopla says this growth is down to rising buyer confidence and helped by falling mortgage […]

pic of electrician testing a fuse board property118

EICR and Build Regulations Certificate confusion

28th March 2024

Hi, I had an EICR booked and carried out at a small commercial property as the 5 years certificate was due to expire. The check identified a new fuse board was needed. I have now been issued with the EICR cert from a NICEIC registered tradesman along with the invoice, but don’t I also need […]

Why can’t the media understand how inflation affects rent rises?

27th March 2024

Hello, I am a big fan of the Times and Financial Times as these newspapers are usually reliable and have high quality journalists. However, I have written to the Times to explain why I am upset about one journalist and her story on why renting in the UK is so expensive. She – and most […]

The Property Ombudsman logo

Landlord complaint leads to letting agent expulsion from Ombudsman scheme

27th March 2024

A letting agent has been expelled from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme for failing to address a landlord’s complaint and pay a £3,100 compensation award. The expulsion of Key Lettings and Property Management follows a series of issues including failing to register deposits, withholding rent payments, neglecting to provide crucial documents and ignoring the landlord’s […]

Paragon Bank and Foundation unveil new BTL products

27th March 2024

Paragon Bank has introduced new mortgage options for experienced landlords looking to expand their buy to let portfolios with a range of five-year fixed-rate products with both low fees and competitive rates. These new BTL deals are specifically designed for landlords who already own four or more BTL properties. Borrowers can choose between a fee […]

Most tenants haven’t heard of the Renters (Reform) Bill – survey

27th March 2024

Despite calls for more regulation of landlords in the private rented sector (PRS), most tenants haven’t heard of the Renters (Reform) Bill which is currently going through Parliament. The Bill, which is the biggest change to the rental market in more than 30 years, proposes to end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and create a new […]