To my surprise I find that one of my units is currently without a shower. So I need to get one fitted. The question is – should I go for an electric one (given the possibly considerable expense and inconvenience of running a new cable) or would a direct from the (combi) boiler one be […]

The Landlords Union intends to carry out research in the form of a survey into the public’s awareness for the causes of Rent increases. Don’t all shout out at once, because landlords already know the answer:  “It’s the Extra Tax burden of Section 24 along with Licensing and all the other costs that the government […]

Citizens Advice are calling the government to tighten the default fees clause which is part of the Tenant Fees Bill passing through through Parliament. The Tenant Fees Bill unanimously  passed after a three-hour debate its second reading in the House of Commons. David Cox, chief executive of ARLA Propertymark, said: “There is clearly overwhelming support in […]

This is a super quick member survey to help us to decide which Section 24 campaign billboard design you think will be most effective going forwards (scroll down to voting) The existing billboard design is pictured below. This is the new design …. The billboard campaign, which was started by David Heard, has already raised […]

I just saw that the Liberal Democrat Voice site are calling for landlords to receive the rent direct for tenants in receipt of UC. At least someone has realised that this could be one way to reduce evictions and homelessness. I am so, so tired of landlords being blamed for the current housing crisis. We […]

Barry’s story was written by the Mark Alexander back in December 2010. It has since been updated and re-published several times. The dates, times and people are fictional but the story is based on real life events. It’s a modern update of the classic “A Widow’s story”, this time written as a cautionary tale for […]

My brother and I are joint landlords of a few properties. One of our tenants recently gave 30 days written notice to vacate his flat. His deposit had been protected through the DPS and was provided Information how the DPS scheme works etc within the 30 day period when the tenancy commenced around 2 years […]

Hello all, I am in the process of remortgaging a fully licensed HMO flat, that is in my name only and I am adding my Spouse’s name on to the mortgage/title. The Council is the Freeholder of the property. My question is: 1) has any one done this before ? 2) and if so was […]

Mark Homer’s online petition has attracted over 10,000 signatures, which is the point where the government must respond top the point raised. If over 100,000 signatures are achieved before November 14 it must then be considered for a debate in Parliament. Petition: Reintroduce full mortgage interest relief and drop the 3% stamp duty surcharge Created […]

My sister returned to the UK after separating from her husband in which I agreed to rent one of my properties to her which is done through a letting agent. She is not on any benefits and works part time. I have enquired with the RBS over the phone to re new my buy to […]

Any landlords out there who have an apartment in Canary Gateway / Bywater Square, E14. The Management Company / Freeholder is Y&Y Management. They have increased the service charge dramatically (on a brand new development) and are attempting to levy an annual notice of sub-letting fee…….without any obvious contractual reasoning as far as I can […]

I have owned a leasehold property since 1995. After I bought it I rented it out having received permission from the freeholder. I then lived in the property for many years, but more recently I have rented it out again. The freehold was sold at some point and now I have received a letter from […]

Whoever thought we would see landlords funding a campaign to save tenants from rent hikes and eviction? It’s happening though! Bournemouth is the latest City to see the erection of Section 24 campaign billboards. The first in Bournemouth is located just off 549 Wimbourne Road, Winton BH9 2HP, and traffic data shows that 578,635 motorists will pass it […]

The first question to ask is do you have a clause in your tenancy agreement prohibiting pet ownership at the property? Why have a clause? Landlords commonly will have a clause prohibiting pet ownership for the following reasons: Potential damage to the property Problems for future tenants due to pet allergies Noise and disturbances Fleas […]

In addition to the government lettings fee ban Shelter are calling for a ban or limit on what they term ‘backdoor’ or default fees. Default fees are a charge written into the tenancy contract when an agreed term has been broken or a service has to be provided. Shelter listed some extreme examples of default […]

Public perception of private landlords is often that they are a tight fisted bunch looking for any opportunity to hike up rents or make tenants homeless. However, a recent Just Giving campaign goes at least some way to dispelling this myth. A group of landlords has raised funds to pay for the billboard pictured below to be erected at Radford […]

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has today released its 2017 annual report. Property Ombudsman Katrine Sporle confirms the number of complaints received rose by 3% to 3,658.  TPO made financial awards to consumers in 2,408 instances which totaled £1.36 million, an increase of 11% on the previous year. The report reveals the top causes of sales […]

Long gone are the days when you could approach your bank manager and they would use their discretion regarding granting a loan. Bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses has shrunk substantially since the financial crises. New regulations make it more difficult for banks to lend to companies, on top of which customers have lost […]

Poole is the latest City to see the erection of a Section 24 campaign billboard. It is located just off Old Wareham Road, Poole BH12 4QS and traffic data shows that 928,000 motorists will pass it every month. A second billboard will appear in Poole any day now. That one will be located at 182 […]

A significant number of homes suitable for first time buyers could flood the market in the coming year as new figures show approximately 380,000 landlords 19% intend to offload property. The figures indicate that 45% of landlords who intend to sell property in the coming year plan to sell individual flats and apartments, with a […]

I received a phone call from the Council Disrepair Unit to say that one of my tenants had complained of receiving electric shocks. When my maintenance manager attended, half an hour later, it turned out that the tenant was receiving static electricity shocks from the kitchen tap, but only when she touched it with her […]