In a case that could have implications for landlords across the country, Leicester City Council is appealing against a First-tier Tribunal decision that substantially reduced a civil financial penalty they had imposed for an HMO licensing offence. The case concerns a small two-storey HMO on the outskirts of Leicester which was let to four individual […]

Hello, In today’s unusual economic climate we (and many other landlords) have started having guarantors for every lease, as tenants may either lose a job, become ill and unable to work, or otherwise be unable to pay a rent that was previously no trouble for them. Whilst this can be done for new tenancies, what […]

Hello to All, I’m hoping that the clever clogs amongst the community might be able to offer a view on whether I can legally obligate my tenant – by means of a clause in an AST – that they HAVE to communicate with me as the landlord via the web and app based management portal […]

Nearly two in three student tenants in the UK are struggling to pay rent and two in five say that they have considered dropping out of university due to high rents, a survey reveals. According to the research from the money advice site Save the Student, the proportion of students struggling to keep up with […]

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed reform recommendations in a report from MPs for the private rented sector (PRS). Among the recommendations, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee’s report calls for the development of a specialist housing court to tackle anti-social behaviour and rent arrears cases. Other recommendations include introducing tax […]

Hello, I issued a Section 21 Notice to my tenant in December 2021. A consistently bad payer, he had until February 2022 to vacate. He chose not to, knowing full well he could appeal. The appeal was heard at Willesden County Court. I, foolishly as it turned out, thought I could represent myself. It was […]

MPs will tell you that their constituents ALL want to own their own house with a garden. This concept is entirely utopian and completely beyond viable. Local Government and housing associations simply do not have the firepower. They are dependent on the Government for money and we all know what state the Public sector Borrowing […]

The Financial Reporter asked a number of mortgage experts what they expect in the buy-to-let sector in 2023. It’s no surprise they unanimously predict financial difficulties ahead for most landlords as increased costs cause incomes to shrink but some also believe there will be an opportunity for cash-rich landlords to snap up bargain property later […]

Hello forum, I would like some advice on section 13 notices and the correct procedure. I have 2 flats rented to tenants who moved in six years ago currently paying £850 rent in West London, the tenants are great never had any issues with payment and they have looked after the property very well. The issue […]

The latest report from RICS makes for grim reading for landlords and homeowners with news that sales and house prices continued to decline across the residential market in January. In addition, landlords continue to flee the sector for the tenth consecutive month, while tenant demand continues growing. On top of that, house prices fell with […]

Hi, I have two questions as a tenant. After my contract expired 18 months ago the landlord refused to give me a new one even though I was still living in his house and still paying. Is it his duty to provide me with a new contract after the old one ends? The second question […]

The Property Investors Awards, organised by the Property Investors Bureau, returned to hosting a physical ceremony for its 10th year anniversary. The illustrious event took place at the spectacular Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in Mayfair consisting of a wonderful evening of fine dining and entertainment to announce the 2022 Winners. Shortly following the event, which […]

Seven out of 10 buy-to-let landlords do not intend to sell any of their properties in the next 12 months, according to a new survey. The lender Landbay has revealed that landlords with smaller property portfolios of between one and three (78%) and four and 10 rentals (76%) are least likely to sell their properties. […]

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle this week has seen the housing minister Lucy Frazer being promoted to culture secretary after just 104 days in the role – but she still managed to rack up one of the longest stints in the job. She has been replaced in the housing hot seat at the Department […]

Hi, I wonder if someone could advise me on the very hefty increase in maintenance charges with very little discussion on affordability for the residents. I own a purpose built flat in a seafront block and towards the end of last year the residents were notified that the maintenance charges would increase from the already […]

Hi, I wondered if anyone has had any experience of legally evicting a tenant and how long it usually takes? My tenant has been served a section 21 and was given three months. On the weekend she was due to move out she emailed the letting agent to say she was not moving out and […]

Hello, I let a stand-alone garage to an individual and am trying to end the agreement and get the garage back but have been unable to contact him. I gave him notice via email but he did not reply. Then I phoned the number I have for him but it sounded like it was ringing […]

Following a surge in the availability of alternative banking products, safeagent has written to all of its agents in England urging them to check the legal requirements when setting up or operating a client account. It says that as a Government-approved provider of Client Money Protection (CMP), it must ensure that as a scheme it […]

The City of London has the highest number of landlords per capita in the country, according to a new survey. Research by lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that 23,555 people in the City of London earn an income through property. Kingston Upon Hull is home to the lowest number of landlords per […]

Hi, This is my 2nd post since I joined this forum. It’s still related to the same issue where I purchased a property with sitting tenants, where I had no choice on the tenancy agreement being created by the previous landlord for 12 months despite him knowing that he was selling the following week! He […]

Students in Scotland are being forced to live in unsafe purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and a rent freeze should be reintroduced, a new report reveals. The National Union of Students in Scotland (NUS) claims that students are being forced to live in unsafe, unfinished buildings and some student tenants could not access water for up […]