Protecting Hedgehogs a priority?

22nd July 2019

Developers have been ordered to do more to protect Britain’s cherished wildlife, Communities Secretary Brokenshire announced Sunday 21 July. For the first time the government has set out its expectations on how developers can protect specific species, including using ‘hedgehog highways’ and hollow swift bricks, which are installed into the walls of new build homes, […]

Brokenshire to stamp out ‘poor doors’

22nd July 2019

New measures to tackle stigma and help end the segregation of social housing residents in mixed-tenure developments have been unveiled by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire. The move aims to stamp out so-called “poor doors” where entrances for social housing residents stigmatise and divide them from other residents in the development and other forms of segregation, […]

‘A new deal for renting’ – Section 21 consultation

22nd July 2019

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government have now published details of its consultation into views on implementing the highly controversial decision to ban Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 and improving section 8 eviction grounds. The consultation closes 11:45pm on 12/10/19. Details of the Consultation:  “The government is committed to modernising the […]

Tenants are not evicted for no reason

22nd July 2019

The RLA has conducted its most wide ranging landlord research yet concerning government announced plans to ban Section 21 so called ‘no fault’ evictions. The research included feedback from over 6000 Private Landlords and strongly contradicts the Government, Press and Shelter assumption that the majority of tenants evicted under section 21 are for no fault. […]

Sadiq Khan slated by NLA

22nd July 2019

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has slated London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s blueprint for private renting. The blueprint calls for the Mayor to be given the power to introduce: Rent controls in London through a London Private Rent Commission  A universal register of landlords Sadiq Khan also claims to have been a major influence towards the […]

London Rent controls meaningless without more homes

22nd July 2019

Last week the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for powers to implement rent controls. Responding to this call, RLA policy director David Smith said: “Rent controls are meaningless if Londoners can’t find a home to live in. Rent controls will lead to a drop in investment and increasing supply should be the Mayor’s priority. […]

Pointless Rogue Landlords Database

22nd July 2019

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a consultation, proposing to allow tenants to view the Rogue Landlords Database and extend the list of offences qualifying a landlord for inclusion on the list. Chris Norris, Director of Policy and Practice at the NLA, says: “It’s all well and good to open […]

Section 8 and consultation on abolishing Section 21 – ARLA

22nd July 2019

David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark comments on the amendments to the Section 8 eviction process and consultation on abolishing Section 21: “At a time when the industry is facing many challenges and changes the Government cannot underestimate the impact the removal of Section 21 will have on landlord confidence. Strengthening Section 8 is essential, and it […]

Kate Faulkner discusses topical BTL issues with Brooklands Commercial Finance

20th July 2019

The discussions revolved around a number of key issues impacting the BTL market and a common thread that kept appearing was the need for landlords to get good quality tax advice. This article covers the first of a series of 4 discussions around today’s BTL market. Withdrawal of Interest relief Up until 2016/17 tax year […]

84% of private renters satisfied or very satisfied

18th July 2019

The Office of National Statistics has released the English Housing Survey 2017 to 2018: private rented sector. Report on the characteristics and circumstances of private renters in England. Click here to download the full report. The Finding of the report concluded: The majority of private renters are satisfied with their accommodation and tenure, though not […]

Insurance loophole – illegal activities

18th July 2019

There is a potential loophole on landlords insurance. This is that most, perhaps all, policies now available exclude cover for any damage caused by illegal activities. This leaves an uncomfortable situation where if, for example, your buy-to-let house was burned down by a tenant and it was discovered that some form of illegal activity had […]

Let to buy from sadly deceased tenant?

18th July 2019

Arranged this loan over a year ago and have rented the property until recently, but sadly our elderly tenant died. The property was found to be in excellent condition, so much so, that we are thinking of taking it over as a second home and to cease any future rentals. We have always kept all […]

Magnifying glass highlighting tax inspection in relation to HMRC scrutiny of landlord incorporation strategies

Airbnb sublet rental treatment by HMRC

18th July 2019

We just moved out of our flat in London owned by my partner. I suggested I could Airbnb it for him through my Ltd company as his agent as he does not want to rent it out permanently to strangers. As we are not married, how would HMRC view this arrangement of me doing all […]

NLA welcomes Regulation of Property Agents report

18th July 2019

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has welcomed the report by the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group. The report, released today, makes recommendations to the Government on the practical implementation of formal independent regulation of property agents, with the view to improving consumers’ experiences. The report covers letting, managing and sales agents, along with residential […]

Couldn’t make it up – Unless you work for the Guardian!

18th July 2019

Has anyone read this? ‘Poor tenants pay for landlords to live like kings‘ I guess not, as you will all be too busy stuffing your faces with caviar whilst spilling champagne in the back of your Bentley. I need to get in touch with this guy to find out where the tax breaks are because […]

Smart Meters – Beware and advice needed?

18th July 2019

I have just received a letter from Eon saying they have “issued a safety warning notice stating that the boiler is unsafe to use” in a house I rent out. They wanted to shut the boiler down, but the tenant (a very good one) refused to accept the notice or allow them to shut it […]

Debt collector nonsense – Get your time at £19 per hour

18th July 2019

II was recently speaking to a Debt Collector. He was a nice chap, but there was one flaw. The Debt Collector had not put the subject property on the letter and I did not have a clue which address it was. He was pursuing a Utility Bill. I asked him which property it was and […]

Solicitor incorrectly defined lease terms?

18th July 2019

When buying a shared ownership property, the lease I thought I was buying into was 125 years. This was the paperwork received from the solicitor. The property was purchased in 2008. 11 years down the line and having recently decided to sell the property it now appears the housing association are saying there is only […]

Government release final ROPA Report

18th July 2019

Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark and David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark comment on the final report from the Regulation of Property Agents (ROPA) working group: “This is a significant moment for those in the property industry and a huge leap forward in stamping out bad practice. We have long called for Government intervention […]

Fantastic yields for 2 bedroom houses in Leeds

17th July 2019

Property Investor Partnership is delighted to have secured four, 2 bedroom houses in Leeds, for the discounted price of £152,995. These properties have been discounted by 10% off current list prices and also include flooring, turf and white goods in our discounted price. According to our rental partner, Leef Property Management, these properties will achieve fantastic rental […]