An industry body claims while engagement in energy-efficiency ratings is on the rise, tenants rarely show much interest in a property’s EPC rating. A survey of 271 Propertymark member agents reveals only 2% of tenants always show an interest in an EPC rating of a property and 12% never show an interest at all. Though […]

Average rents in Scotland for new tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS) have soared by 11.4% – the third consecutive quarter for a double-digit increase, one lettings portal reveals. Citylets says that since the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 came into effect to protect tenants from excessive rent increases, it has […]

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When it comes to the decision of selling your rental properties, your thought process is respected. However, before taking the leap, it’s crucial to delve into some essential aspects that might influence your choice. One such critical factor is Capital Gains Tax (CGT), which can significantly impact your financial outcome. The Case for Incorporation: For […]

The average yearly returns on a rental property in the UK have fallen by more than £4,000 in June 2023, compared to the same month last year, research reveals. The data from finder.com analysed monthly average buy to let mortgage rates, house prices and rent prices to find how much a landlord would make from […]

Students looking for accommodation for the upcoming academic year are facing an increasingly tough situation, one rent guarantor firm warns. Housing Hand says there has been a 50% surge in rental guarantor applications over the last six months – and the student housing struggle could last for two years. Also, the supply of student accommodation […]

A leading industry body is warning the Justice Secretary that the removal of Section 21 will cause harm to the legal system. Propertymark has written to Alex Chalk about the level of widespread concern from landlords and letting agents about the capacity of the courts to handle possession cases. The Renters Reform Bill plans to […]

The soaring price of renting in the UK is at the highest rate since January 2016 – and is being fuelled by strong tenant demand and a decline in the number of available properties. The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that rents in July are 5.3% higher than in July 2022. […]

Hello, selective licensing is now in place in an area I have properties in. The online application process requires me to pay for the Part A fee (as they call it) of £295.00 by credit card at the end in order for the application to be sent to them. By having no choice but to […]

Hi, I have tenants that haven’t paid rent for over a year. The managing agents won’t reply to my emails or phone calls. We haven’t fallen out and I haven’t been rude, but they are just blanking me totally, although I know they are still in business. I’m living abroad so can’t visit their offices. […]

Hello, I have a tenant with a large family who has rented from me since 2019. This tenant has had a breakdown and suicide attempt and let me know she was going to stay with family an hour away to recuperate leaving her husband (joint tenant) and some of the older kids at home. The […]

An industry body is urging the chancellor to introduce tax incentives for energy improvements for PRS homes. Propertymark has written a letter to Jeremy Hunt suggesting changes to the tax system that will incentivise landlords to improve energy efficiency ratings. Around two-thirds of privately rented properties in England and Wales fall below EPC C. Measures […]

There are signs that a potentially larger-than-anticipated property sell-off among the nation’s landlords is underway, Bloomberg reports. Using an analysis based on capital gains tax receipts compiled by real estate firm Savills, the figures will prompt concerns about the UK’s rental sector. The data shows the number of rented homes being sold surged from 22,000 […]

Landlords are not convinced about how fair the proposed mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman will be if the Renters (Reform) Bill becomes law. The regulatory body will offer an impartial and efficient resolution of disputes between renters and landlords – but without costly legal proceedings. However, a survey by Landbay, found that landlords are […]

Landlords are unwittingly putting their tenants at risk of fire hazards due to a flawed approach in hiring electricians for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), one firm warns. Landlord Licensing & Defence says the current EICR regime is failing to ensure tenant safety as landlords opt for cheaper alternatives when seeking inspection services. Under the […]

Hello, I have a property which has been let on an AST for a number of years and now looking for a new tenant. I have several rent-to-rent companies interested and am keen to get feedback from learned readers on this forum. Queries as follows: 1)Presently the property is unencumbered but should I decide to […]

Property investment is an attractive avenue for building wealth and generating passive income. However, success in property requires more than just purchasing properties; it necessitates effective cash flow management. Maintaining a steady income stream is crucial to ensure your property investment endeavors remain profitable and sustainable. In this article, we will explore essential strategies for […]

Hi, We have a tenant who was served a section 21 back in April which expired on 26 June 2023. They were in arrears of over £6k. Due to the tenants’ health issues we were regularly in contact with their partner who was also the carer, so they have all copies of communication regarding rent […]

Hello, I have had a tenant for three years and since Covid, she finds it difficult to pay her rent and is now in arrears of £5,000. We have issued section 21 for her to vacate the property but she said that the council told her not to leave otherwise she will be homeless. So, […]

With A-level results due this week many students could be left facing a battle in finding accommodation. According to the Times, undergraduates at some universities could be temporarily housed in hotels or offered bunk beds in shared rooms. Low supply and high demand in the student private rented sector has seen many students left struggling […]

A consultation on EPC reform proposals is taking place in Scotland. The Scottish government say EPCs are not appropriate to drive energy-efficiency improvements and meet net-zero targets. The new proposed plans include the use of an emissions rating display along with an energy use indicator. Current metrics do not support our transition to net zero […]