Page 498 – Property118

Court delays are causing misery for landlords

2nd January 2020

Leading tenant eviction law firm, Landlord Action, says they have numerous cases where court delays and administrative errors mean evictions are taking longer than ever, pushing landlords into further debt. One case has taken nearly a year and the landlord is still no closer to gaining possession.  Founder, Paul Shamplina, says investment in the court […]

Tax deducible costs following renting to pay for care home?

2nd January 2020

Two years ago my Nan, who had dementia, went into a care home. In order to help pay for the care home we (her family) decided to rent out her home, which she was the sole owner of. My mother had Power of Attorney so was able to act on my Nan’s behalf. The tenants […]

Permitted occupier living with me I would like vacated?

2nd January 2020

I am the named tenant on my current lease. I have a permitted occupier living with me who I would like to have vacated. What is the best way to go about vacating them from the property? Their status on the lease is merely a ‘permitted occupier’ status, can I simply give them a month’s […]

Can this be construed as damage to the carpet?

1st January 2020

Since moving into the house the washing machine has been leaking. The tenant has used a large number of bath towels to save the carpet, but can any related over-spill be construed as damage to the carpet caused by the tenant? None of the above electrical items seems to have been PAT tested, although the […]

I’m on the brink?

1st January 2020

Hello Everybody, I’m new here so excuse any errors. I ran into some financial difficulties and decided to let my flat out (6 months tenancy) to a couple who deceived me by their lies. I admit I am a bit gullible and new to this. They moved into the Essex flat and now telling all […]

Rent guarantor’s liability beyond fixed term?

31st December 2019

I would welcome advice on the following. I issued a tenant with a 6 months short hold tenancy agreement and obtained a letter from a guarantor for any non payment of rent by the tenant. The tenancy has rolled over into a periodic tenancy. Is the guarantor still liable for any non payment? My query […]

2020 – The Year of NO Excuses!

31st December 2019

As we rapidly approach the end of the year, and the end of this Decade, I would like to help you to get a flying start to 2020, because I believe it is going to be a great year to invest in property, as long as you know what you are doing. There is still […]

How do I get the CCJ registered with the Registry Trust?

30th December 2019

We managed to evict a tenant after getting a CCJ, but the Court did not register it with the Registry Trust. We have discovered she is a serial offender with multiple CCJs, but none are registered so she can keep conning new landlords who will be unaware of her evictions or CCJs. It is not […]

Petition against Shelter CEO receiving CBE

30th December 2019

A petition has been started on Change.org, click here, ‘Charity ‘ – Shelter CEO’s on £125 K – Year, should NOT receive Honours. Polly Neate, Chief Executive of the so called housing charity Shelter, has been honoured with a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list. This will be particularly controversial with Landlords and Lettings […]

Jenrick spends Christmas evening at Birmingham Shelter

29th December 2019

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick spent the evening volunteering on Christmas Day at Birmingham Christmas Shelter, which was open throughout the day and night during Christmas week and welcomes up to 150 guests daily. The team at the shelter provide hot food and drinks as well as entertainment, services, clothing and a safe and warm place for […]

Responsibility after sale?

29th December 2019

A year ago I sold a property that was used loosely as self contained units/bedsits. The new owner knew that it did not have full planning consent for this use – it had previously been a hostel, then HMO (I had an HMO license) when licensing came in and a few were altered further. The […]

No second reading date yet for Renters’ Reform Bill 2019-20

27th December 2019

Considering how long it took for the Tenant Fees Act to come into force, it is probably best not to hold your breath for the Renters’ Reform Bill 2019-20 announced before Christmas in the Queen’s Speech. It has been confirmed that no date is yet available for the second reading. The Bill will includes policies […]

Universal Credit payment period dates?

27th December 2019

I have heard about landlords coming unstuck with UC payment periods for tenants. What’s the best way to ensure you get all your rent paid? Start a tenancy a day before or on the day of payment period date, or during it? I have already found out to my cost that UC won’t backdate any […]

Universal Credit and possible tenancy questions?

27th December 2019

Possible Tenant X has incomings of £737.36 in total (£419.94 per month housing element, £317.82 other benefits). UC are deducting total of £95.35 per month for 3 various ongoing unpaid debts/fines. Take out the rent of £450, and his total left per month is £192.41 I have spoken to UC direct (tenant gave full permission) […]

The 5 Golden Rules of Property Investing

24th December 2019

When I first wrote my book “Property Magic” I wanted to come up with some simple guidelines which would help investors to minimise the risks of investing and maximise their returns. I observed that most investors, myself included, made some common mistakes which could easily be avoided by following these principles: Always Buy from Motivated […]

Lodger claiming that I am harassing?

24th December 2019

I am recently having problems with my lodger whom I lived with two years and a quarter. I met with the person I will call “A” over one of room advertising website and after A moved in we gradually became good friends and had lots of family occasions together. Time to time A had work […]

Boris pledges £260m to eliminate homelessness and rough sleeping

23rd December 2019

As part of his drive to tackle homelessness, over £260 million has been committed for local authorities to support people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes. The funding will empower councils across England to provide the best services for local needs, helping those experiencing homelessness in their area to improve their […]

Housing Forecast 2020 highlights need for Government to prioritise housing policy

23rd December 2019

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Housing Forecast 2020 highlights the need for Government to prioritise housing policy, in order to inject activity into the market and create a favourable environment for developers to help address the housing crisis. The 2020 forecast predicts that there will be little change in sales volumes for the […]

First Home Fund launched in Scotland

23rd December 2019

Last week the Scottish Government launched The First Home Fund. This is a £150 million shared equity pilot scheme that will provide first-time buyers with up to £25,000 to help them buy a property. The scheme is open to all first-time buyers in Scotland and can be used to help buy new build and existing […]

Tax changes forcing landlords into more efficient structures for their business

20th December 2019

The increase in portfolio and complex buy-to-let business seen over the past two years is set to continue in 2020, according to Paragon’s Director of Sales, Moray Hulme. Recent tax changes have forced landlords to look for more efficient ways to structure their business, driving an increase in demand for mortgage products for incorporated and […]

BTL mortgage costs still being driven down

20th December 2019

New December figures released from Mortgage Brain’s quarterly product data analysis reveal that mortgage costs in the Buy to Let market have continued to fall over the last three months. This reflects the 2019 trend of a continued decrease in costs for the majority of BTL mortgages. The cost of a 60% LTV two year […]