The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has released its 2019 annual report reflecting continued demand from consumers for dispute resolution services. The report reveals TPO received 30,356 enquiries in 2019, up only 4% on 2018. Of these, 5,106 went on to be formal complaints, a rise of 20%. Despite a significant increase in complaints, compensatory awards paid […]

Whilst researching for my latest article ‘Government’s destructive path‘I asked specialist litigation solicitor, and Partner at Helix Law, Alex Cook, what he thinks about the Government proposing to introduce a new ‘pre-action protocol’ to the private rented sector. I already had some knowledge of ‘post-eviction’ mediation, which led me to believe that this would be […]

On this webinar Weds 13th May at 10:45am you’ll be able to get Barrister’s thoughts on HMO issues for free. We’ll be asking the Legal Questions that landlords need answering to Julian Hunt MA (Cantab), a very experienced lawyer in the world of HMOs and author of the only book on HMO proceedings. This promises […]

Property118 TV has launched on YouTube. An 8 minute introductory video explains what the Property118 TV channel is all about and how to receive notifications whenever new programmes are released. 12 programmes have already been pre-recorded and will be released over the next few days. Each short programme ranges from 5 to 15 minutes in […]

The Government’s plans for the PRS continue on a destructive path as far as private landlords are concerned. Their ban on evictions – whilst offering landlords no recompense for having to keep on non-paying tenants (it would be very different if they underwrote the rent of non-payers and damage by rogue tenants) – is nothing […]

Once lock down ends, we will enter a recession, but recessions are times when fortunes are made. In this video I explain whats likely to happen and what strategies you should follow to maximise the market opportunity. Property Investing tips for anyone serious about investing. Register For this months FREE Livestream property networking event https://bakerstreetpropertymeet.com

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously yesterday to hold the Bank Base Rate at 0.1% . They also voted 7-2 for the Bank of England to continue with the programme of £200 billion quantitative easing. CPI inflation fell below the medium term target of 2% to 1.5% in March and is […]

ARLA Propertymark has made its submission to the inquiry for the impact of Coronavirus on homelessness and the PRS. Click here Of Particular concern to Property118 readers is the still planned introduction of mandatory electrical safety checks starting 1st July with ARLA calling for the government to suspend their introduction. ARLA said: “With the added […]

I’ve received several additional service charge demands for a walking watch where there is, as yet, uncertainty as to the fire safety compliance of the blocks in which I have flats. These are already running into the hundreds of pounds per apartment. I feel really frustrated about it as it appears the whole charges are […]

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has welcomed a new £5 million fund set up by the Scottish government offering interest-free loans to landlords whose tenants are having difficulty paying rent during the coronavirus crisis. The Private Rent Sector Landlord COVID-19 Loan Scheme will offer landlords up to 100% of lost rental income for a single […]

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) applies to buy to let landlords! In this video Andrew Roberts and I take a look at the eligibility criteria and how you can apply for up to £50,000 as an interest free loan for your buy to let property rental business. Register For this months FREE livestream property […]

My tenants have now moved on. I have had the flat refurbished and I am wondering whether to try and find a new tenant now, or leave it until the Covid-19 Lockdown measures are eased. What should I do? I can manage the flat mortgage and expenses from savings so is it best to wait […]

I rent my home to my daughter and live elsewhere. The house has been in my family’s ownership since around 2003.  On purchasing the property we had a survey completed and witnessed our deeds along with land Registered details so we knew what we were buying. However, increasingly a neighbour was instructing a workman to […]

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick faced questions from the housing select committee today on how the government will continue to support tenants after the three-month moratorium on evictions is lifted on June 25. He said a decision will be made next month on whether to extend the ban, which was introduced to prevent people losing their […]

There was a lot of heated discussion on the proposed EICR testing of all PRS homes on this forum. Earlier this year it was reported that the legislation was going through parliamentary approval and it seemed likely it would pass through without too much amendment. What is the situation seeing that for new tenant lets […]

This month I am purchasing an Industrial new Build price £200,000 + VAT. The Developer has a larger unit that I want to purchase at £340,00 + VAT within six months and has agreed to take the original purchased Unit back at full purchase price in p/x. The original unit was intended for my manufacturing […]

We had a tenant on an AST which was renewed every year for 11 years in total. The schedule of condition wasn’t updated each year and unfortunately we didn’t carry our regular inspections, although this isn’t stated in the lease. The property needed a full refurbishment and last year a notice was served to terminate […]

A specialist taskforce has been created to lead the next phase of the Government’s support for rough sleepers during the pandemic. Spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey, the taskforce will work hand-in-hand with councils across the country on plans to ensure rough sleepers can move into long-term, safe accommodation once the immediate crisis is over – […]

Well maybe my idea is daft illegal or both, but I figured you’re the guys to ask. I’m going to cash a little pension in soon and it’s not a great amount, but maybe 30k now I own a terrace outright. In the past I’ve rented a room out, because I am  not brave enough […]

Quick question please: tenant has asked to change payment date from 21st to 24th to coincide with his pay day. Checking online suggests not to put any thing in writing & don’t change contract date on AST – this should remain the same as it affects monthly upfront payments. Technically, I understand he will be […]

My daughter rented out her flat through lettings agent. The tenant subsequently left and the property was checked. The Agent used a third party to undertake the check. The flat was left with a number of faults , the main one being that the front entrance door had been jimmied open breaking the main door […]