I own a flat within a converted building where the above property is a house. I and the above owner have a 50% freeholding in the property. I rent my flat out and live elsewhere. I was recently contacted about a leak which would need repair. I asked for quotations to which the owner upstairs […]

Editors note: The voting form has recently been set up again so you can only cast one vote. Dr Beck would be most grateful if you could vote again if you haven’t already. Many thanks. In recent months there has been much speculation about a general election being called early. I would like to get […]

One of our excellent Buy to Let portfolio lenders, Fleet mortgages, has announced it is now offering free valuations on properties worth up to £500,000. On top of this they have reduced the rental stress testing calculations to 125% interest cover at the pay rate allowing customers to borrow extra £20,000 per every £1000 of […]

The Government recently launched a consultation on setting up a specialist Housing Court in England to try to speed up the legal process for both landlords and tenants. Since it launched there has been lively debate, but what has been largely left out is the very recent experience for tenancy deposit-related rulings of a similar […]

The Scottish government has announced in its recent budget that it will be increasing the Land and Building Transactions tax (LBTT) additional dwelling supplement to 4% from 3%. This will hit any additional landlord or second home purchases and if approved by the Scottish Parliament will be effective from the 25th January 2019. However, any […]

Since April 2018, under new measures privately rented properties in England & Wales with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of F to G (the two lowest energy ratings) must be improved by landlords before they can be put on the market for new tenants, and from 1st April 2020, all existing tenancies will require a […]

I have a 1 bed maisonette that I bought as a repossession circa 7-8 years ago. The sale of the flat collapsed due to the lease being defective, which I wasn’t aware of (a neighbouring flat has built on my outdoor space and the parking spaces have swapped). I have been advised that I will […]

Long leaseholders of residential flats across England and Wales could face significant difficulties in what they are permitted to do with their properties as a result of a controversial Court of Appeal judgment. The ruling, which has generated substantial commotion in the property world, has the potential to thwart residential flat owners in their ability […]

Three letting agents trading in Islington and surrounding areas under the name of Crestons have been convicted of carrying on business for a fraudulent purpose. These convictions were sought by Islington Council and Trading Standards after it was found £105,000 worth of rent and deposits were either not sent on to landlords or not protected […]

A few of my houses are coming to their end of term and the lenders want their money back. They knew my exit strategy was refinance or sale, but now they don’t seem to recognise any responsibility for the negative equity. When the banking crisis occurred it followed naturally that house prices dropped dramatically as […]

The Manchester Evening News recently published an article on the cost – and dire state – of temporary accommodation provided by the council. Click here “Lauren Edwards, team leader at Shelter’s Manchester branch, has seen her family casework double in 12 months, to just under 700 last year. She says ‘section 13’ notices, when landlords […]

Responding to reports that the Mayor of London is wanting to introduce forms of rent controls in the capital, David Smith, Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association said: “It is curious that the Mayor is considering introducing rent controls at a time when rents in London are falling according to official data. “The Labour […]

We received the following from a tenant – he said he would move in with his brother and sister in law. He had provided references: 1) Tax Return 2) Bank Statements 3) Landlord Contract 4) ID of him and his brother/sister in law who currently overseas Verified his unique tax reference number which was incorrect. […]

Hello. What is your experience with Rubber Roofing system? Anything to bear in mind with insurers and BTL lenders? I had to demolish and need to redo a single storey rear extension. Normally I use slates/tiles (flat roof on the extension, most & rest of the house is pitched). But builder suggested considering rubber roofing […]

Caridon Landlord Solutions and Caridon Property understands that setting up Alternative Payment Arrangements can help tenants claiming Universal Credit if they are experiencing difficulties. Find out how you can support your tenants today. Help with paying housing costs In most cases Universal Credit is paid to the claimant, and it’s up to them to pay […]

North West and Liverpool are hotspots for property investors and amongst the places where Buy to Let still pays off. A recent article on thisismoney.co.uk discusses how the North West’s comparatively strong rents, coupled by low house prices, makes it a buy-to-let hotspot right now. As capital gains forecasts dampen in London and house price growth […]

I had a tenant whose tenancy ends at the end of Nov, who actually left, checked out and handed back keys at the end of Oct, one month earlier. I then had my letting agent find a new tenant and started her tenancy at mid Nov, two weeks before the previous tenant’s tenancy ends. Therefore […]

I sent an email to Veronique Laury, head of the financially beleaguered B&Q telling her we would not use them for the repair and renovation of our property portfolio whilst they supported Shelter Here is her reply sent by her Customer care manager make of it what you will, but I think they need more […]

I previously registered and paid a leaseholder flat’s management company and freeholder called Y and Y management for a “consent to let” last year where I stated the tenancy was for 60 months. They have now come back to charge for this again and intend to charge for this every single year. I know most […]

I am preparing a summary of the 68 page report ‘ A qualitative research investigation of the factors influencing the progress, timescales and outcomes of Housing cases in County courts. ‘ published November 2018. Access will be provided to readers of this forum and to MHCLG ! However, to counter some of the myths in […]

The 22nd November 2018 saw the launch of Hamilton Fraser Academy’s first ‘Legal update & compliance’ course. The SOLD OUT course, led by Susie Crolla of the Lettings Training Centre, provided a comprehensive look into the rules and regulations experienced throughout the changing lettings industry. Now more than ever it is important for letting agents […]