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tools on a roof

Am I being unfair turning down compensation request?

1st June 2021

Hey 118ers, My roof decided to unzip and drip through into one of the bedrooms which has caused quite severe damage to the roof, ceiling and flooded the boiler causing it to become faulty. The tenants phoned me straight away, and they did their best to save the carpets and their own belongings but unfortunately […]

Complaints not resolved on multi-home cover?

1st June 2021

Hi All, I currently have a multi premise policy with British gas to cover gas, plumbing, drainage and electric for around 10 properties (all residential). I have had multiple issues with them such as not turning up, taking months to respond to a complaint and telling me my complaint had been resolved when it hadn’t, […]

The Law Society logo representing its call for more funding to prevent tenant evictions.

Law Society unsurprisingly cautions against replacing legal advice with mediation

31st May 2021

With  the UK government ending its eviction ban today and tapering down emergency measures from June the Law Society of England and Wales president, Stephanie Boyce, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a testing time for landlords and tenants alike. As we mark the end of the eviction ban, we urge the UK government to […]

HMO vs Single Let – Which Is Best?

28th May 2021

Property Investors ponder over whether HMO or Single Let is the best strategy for Buy To Let? The answer may surprise you! Please click on the video below:

210,000 tenants may face difficulties post Covid arrears

28th May 2021

Thousands of private renters who have built arrears during the pandemic face problems finding an alternative home because of damage to their credit scores according to a new survey. With the Government refusing to support tenants and landlords in tackling COVID related arrears, this research finds that approximately 210,000 tenants may face severe difficulties in […]

Information Commissioners Office logo

Has anyone else been contacted directly by the ICO?

28th May 2021

I’ve just received a letter from the Information Commissioner’s Office, Wilmslow addressed to our Management Company informing us that most companies need to pay a fee of between £40-£60 a year. It says if you are liable and have not paid a fine of £4,000 could be issued. Apparently, they have checked our records, and […]

8% of Private Renters are behind on their rent

27th May 2021

In England, the ban on most bailiff-enforced evictions comes to an end on Monday, while the notice period landlords need to give tenants will be reduced from six to four months. Citizens Advice are reporting an increasing number of private tenants are turning to them for help. Polling conducted by ICM Unlimited for Citizens Advice […]

Landlords threaten council with Judicial Review over HMO Licensing Scheme

27th May 2021

For once, well organised Landlords are threatening to take the council to the High Court over plans to expand a housing licensing scheme. York Residential Landlords Association claim City of York Council’s proposals are “unlawful and irrational”. The council’s legal team is considering a solicitor’s letter from the landlords’ association, a spokesperson said. A consultation […]

Continued imbalance of supply and demand is a concern

25th May 2021

Propertymark’s latest Housing Market Report has indicated that a record 32% of properties sold for more than the original asking price. This smashes the previous record back in May 2014 of 19%. Propertymark Chief Policy Advisor, Mark Hayward, said: “It is phenomenal to see demand for housing breaking records, as house buyers continue to fuel […]

Right to see payslips if tenant in arrears?

25th May 2021

An elderly family member has rented a property to a council tenant for 20 years plus. My relative hasn’t managed it well and is owed £8,000 in missed rent payments. As my relative is ‘slightly’ at fault (in my view), I agreed to let the tenant repay monthly, without interest. My question is that I […]

Nuisance cherry tree?

25th May 2021

I’m in the process of buying a house and in the conveyancing process, and it has appeared that there is a dispute between a neighbour and this property on a very large cherry tree that sits in the corner of this garden, but had grown to cover theirs, too. The neighbours have insisted that it […]

Looking to purchase from deceased estate?

25th May 2021

Hi, I am looking to purchase an empty property. The owner has passed away after a number of years in a care home. The property is in a state of disrepair, and the deceased still shows as the registered owner, but a proprietorship register contains a restriction. 1, the disposition is by two or more […]

New global guidance for Land Measurement

25th May 2021

New guidance on the measurement of land for development projects such as new housing and commercial development have been published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 25 May 2021, which defines common measurements used across the built environment and associated metrics such as density. The guidance is now available and will be used by […]

Sheriff Rides in to Tackle Transfer Times of Orders for Possession

24th May 2021

As Sheriffs, we are continuing to monitor transfer times of Orders for Possession from the County Court to the High Court for landlords, and other claimants who want a faster and more effective transfer system.  So, we will be sharing our research with the Property 118 community, and naturally, we would like to hear from […]

Compensation of 60 years regulated tenant?

24th May 2021

I have inherited a property with a regulated tenant of over 60 years standing. I am aware that to gain an EICR the property will require a complete rewire. The property is immaculately maintained and decorated by the tenant. How do I stand regarding making good the damage this will cause and the cost of […]

Does it make sense to give tenants 2 years notice?

24th May 2021

I have a 2-bed flat which I have rented out to the same tenants since I bought it over nine years ago. As I am now planning to make some changes to my (small) portfolio, I want to sell the flat early in 2023. Does it make sense to give the tenants written notice of […]

New national design code being tested across 14 areas in England

24th May 2021

A new national design code meaning areas are beautiful, well-designed and locally-led is being tested across 14 areas in England, Housing Minister Christopher Pincher has announced. The code will ensure future developments are beautiful and fit in with local character. It gives local planning authorities a toolkit of design principles to consider for new developments, […]

Tenants now claim shock after causing flood?

24th May 2021

My tenants have flooded the bathroom using the hand shower in the freestanding bath. Their accident caused water to spill down through to the kitchen and into a wall socket. They now claim they suffered electric shock and say it’s my fault for not fitting a waterproof floor. Who is responsible? I don’t think l […]

Should I expect higher plumber costs in NW London?

24th May 2021

I need to replace a bathroom in a property in NW London. It is a total job involving ripping out the existing bath loo and basin, replace a radiator, flooring and some plasterboard on the ceiling, and change a tumble dryer and an airing cupboard round to occupy each other’s positions in an adjoining utility […]

BTL rates fall since start of the year

24th May 2021

Landlords considering investing or refinancing will be pleased to see the latest data from Moneyfacts.co.uk, which illustrates interest rates for investors are beginning to decrease. Since the start of this month, the average BTL two and five-year fixed rates for all loan-to-values (LTV) have fallen by 0.04% and 0.05% respectively, and since March 2021 by […]

Sad death but no agreement with daughter who was resident?

24th May 2021

Very sadly a long term tenant has died. The contract was an AST started in May 2005 and rolled ever since. As no new fixed-term tenancy or ‘renewal’ has ever been signed, and as the fixed term tenancy ended (in Oct 2005) I assume it is now a new ‘periodic’ tenancy that has been created. […]