ARLA Propertymark have clearly announced their verdict on Selective Licensing post the government’s launch of a review into its effectiveness. David Cox, Chief Executive of ARLA Propertymark, said: “Licensing doesn’t work, and it never has done. “The Government’s aims are laudable. We’re all striving for the same end goal of improving the private rental sector […]

In addition to releasing the guide “Houses in multiple occupation and residential property licensing reform: guidance for local housing authorities” the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has today announced a review into selective licensing to find out how well it is working. The review and its finding will be released some time next […]

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has today issued the document “Houses in multiple occupation and residential property licensing reform: guidance for local housing authorities.” The guidance has been produced for local housing authorities, but is also intended to be of use for landlords. Click Here to read the full document. From 1 […]

Santander Bank have issued a widely reported press release: “Owning a home is cheaper than renting in all areas of the UK” The Bullet points of their latest research below: Average first-time buyers could save over £2,250 a year once on the property ladder compared to renting Londoners could make the biggest saving, as the […]

New findings reinforce the benefits of renting to families, by revealing that homes rented to them take up the least amount of property management time when compared to other types of tenants. The findings come from more than 1,000 responses to the latest quarterly landlord research panel from the National Landlords Association (NLA), which asked […]

Research carried out by Direct Line for Business indicates that the UK may be heading towards a more ‘German’ style of property market with a greater percentage of homes being rented. From these research figures approximately 70% of the estimated 17 million people renting in the UK do not plan to purchase a property, with […]

There has been a win for companies building student accommodation, landlords and universities reducing VAT costs on student flats rented out during holidays. HMRC appealed against a ruling that student accommodation could be treated as ‘dwellings’ for VAT purposes. The tribunal turned down the argument by HMRC that a planning condition which restricted occupation to […]

The Government have written to a Conservative and Labour MP to clarify the rules and data regarding Holding deposits and Tenancy deposits post the Tenants Fees Bill. Junior Housing Minister, Rishi Sunak, has confirmed the new position on taking these deposits in an open letter following questions raised at the first session of the Public […]

What is best for retirement income? Net rents or equity withdrawal by remortgaging? If drawing equity is the answer to what Loan to Value should I max out at? To put some meat on the bones – my wife and I are retired investors in our 70s, with a portfolio of 41 properties and living […]

Experience for yourself first-hand what Birmingham has to offer for the property investor by attending an exclusive ‘Meet the Developer’ event hosted by Property Investor Partnership on Saturday 7 July. This FREE TO ATTEND event will commence at 11am and will include a tour of Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter, together with some of Birmingham’s […]

The local Norfolk newspaper Eastern Daily Press (EDP) has reported on a story that landlords using the Swaffham letting agent eHomes have been left with rents unpaid to them and tenants’ deposits unprotected. The Property Ombudsman has already ordered eHomes to pay one landlord £10,000 including £6,600 in unpaid rent. eHomes only Director and shareholder, […]

ARLA Propertymark is delighted to welcome their new presidential team for the year ahead. Peter Savage succeeds Sally Lawson as President of ARLA Propertymark, with Phil Keddie now President Elect and Richard Selwyn becoming Vice President, as of 15th June 2018. With more than 30 years’ experience, Peter has worked across student lets, as well […]

I am seeking advice on how best to approach my mortgage provider. Under their current rules they permit two rooms being let. However, it is currently a three bedroom property and intend on making the loft into a en-suite bedroom another room on a lower ground floor extension. I will remain residing in the property. […]

The National Audit Office (NAO) has issued a report highly critical of the new government flagship welfare system, Universal Credit. The NAO assess that the new single benefit payment could cost more than the old multiple benefits system. It also said that it is possible we will never know if the stated goal of getting […]

I’m writing to draw your attention to a piece recently produced by the RLA relating to Universal Credit, Full Service. If you follow the link, click here,  you’ll find an excellent article, produced by Natalie Williamson, RLA after she and Richard Jones (RLA solicitor) visited Widnes Jobcentre Plus to view, first-hand, Universal Credit’s “Full Service” […]

Having served s21 1(b) and 21 4(a) on 8th April with an expiry for the 17th June, after seeking advice in March, I’ve started to complete the court possession form. Had been advised at the time of service not to do the s8 at the same time as not 2 months in arrears. The Letting […]

My daughter and 3 friends want to rent a 3 storey, 4 bedroom house. To avoid having to licence it as an HMO, the Landlord wants to put 2 tenants only the contract and allow sub-letting to the other 2! Is this a recipe for disaster? What should I advise her? Many thanks Jim

Right to rent checks were first introduced in February 2016 meaning before a landlord rents a property, they must have carried out checks to ensure that the tenant or tenants have the right to rent in the UK. These checks must be carried out on all tenants even if they are not named on the […]

If your tenant has damaged your property, you should be able to use the deposit to claim back the cost of the damage. The first step you should take is to negotiate with the tenant and come to an agreed amount to be deducted for the damage. If you are unable to come to an […]

What do I do? My tenant has stopped paying rent, closed curtains, moved out with most of her main items of furniture, but leaving smaller items and rubbish. She has promised, repeatedly, to move these items, end the tenancy and hand over the keys but, to date has failed to do so. Do her emails […]

ARLA Propertymark are critical of the proposed ban on tenants fees with Chief Executive, David Cox, saying “We have been awaiting the announcement of this Bill, given the scrutiny on tenant fees across the private rented sector. It’s no surprise that, as with the Tenant Fees Bill, the Welsh Assembly have decided on a total […]