Page 697 – Property118

Old Deposit?

10th May 2016

I was wondering where I stand on this. I have a long standing tenant who’s tenancy agreement started in October 2004 and was originally for 6 months and than after just reverted to periodic tenancy at the end of the 6 months. I have never protected the deposit. What sort of issues could this cause […]

Bank base rate cut possible?

9th May 2016

Amid what looks likely to be slowing growth figures for April, the Bank of England is predicted in the inflation report due this week to produce its most detailed analysis on the risks of Brexit and the continued uncertainty that this is causing in the economy. The economy looks like slowing quickly before the June […]

Advice on buying investment property in Australia

9th May 2016

A friend of mine is looking to buy one or two investment properties in Australia (Sunshine Coast area). They are wondering what is the most comprehensive and reputable equivalent of Rightmove/Zoopla and similarly are there any other impartial resources or forums they could draw upon? Hopefully someone out there on property118 can point me in […]

Potential Spanish tenant difficult to reference?

9th May 2016

I recently showed my vacant property to a family consisting of an English father and Spanish mother with 2 children. After a series of strokes, the father is now on disability benefit and his wife is his carer. They want to rent the house. The Spanish lady said she had not been in the country […]

Freeholders being taken for a ride?

9th May 2016

I own a buy to let flat. I am one of 18 freeholders. The new Manager, who was not elected, took over and increased our management fee by 70% because he wants £9000 per year for his pocket, plus the £12000 per year for maintenance costs we were paying previously (the complex of 18 flats […]

I am being sublet to and didn’t realise?

9th May 2016

I am currently renting a room in a flat, and to start it all seems genuine, deposit etc, there was just no contract. A few months in, I was asked to pay cash rather than standing order. I never thought anymore of it. Then after a few more months, the neighbours have been asking me […]

Let down badly by letting agents

9th May 2016

We feel we have been badly let down by our letting agents. Despite engaging letting agents to manage our home, our house has been left in the most appalling condition. The tenants left owing arrears (which, having paid an insurance to the agents, we have recouped) and we don’t know where they have gone. The […]

Recoup costs from tenants owing arrears and caused damage?

9th May 2016

We would be interested in knowing how to go about recouping costs from tenants regarding the damage they have caused. Our tenants left owing arrears and having caused significant damage to our property. We do not know where they are (although we do know where one of them worked/still may work). We have received payment […]

Management company incompetence has cost me!

6th May 2016

I purchased a leasehold flat managed by a Housing Association in 2014, the property is on a development with housing association and privately owned property. The private properties receive 6 monthly service charges from a management company. The HA manages the property and levies a monthly charge on their managed properties. After 6 months, I […]

Should I buy in a selective licensing area

6th May 2016

Hello friends, I would be grateful for your opinion about something urgently. I have done my research, but it would be really helpful if some landlords with experience can give me any advice. I am planning to buy a BTL property just a standard 2 or three bed terrace in Middlesbrough, a decent home as […]

Councils told to stop telling tenants to stay till the eviction date

6th May 2016

In case you’re not on their mailing list and no doubt David Carter Of The Sheriffs Office fame will be along shortly to let you all know this, but I’m giving you all the heads-up anyway (we landlords need all the advantage we can get). Housing minister, Brandon Lewis has told all local authorities to […]

Permit the tenant to sub let or break the contract?

4th May 2016

I have a tenant who signed a two year lease and a month later was asked by his firm to work overseas for 6 months. It is a two bedroom house and the tenant proposed to put all of his personal things in one bedroom and sub let the other bedroom and remainder of the […]

Do I have to disclose my Contractor Invoices?

4th May 2016

A client, who I manage a property for, has requested a copy of my contractors direct invoices to me for her accountant. I advised her the statements I provide are sufficient for her accountant and for tax purposes as they detail the cost she has been charged for the repairs. They are given from my […]

Can I file an N5b with an unprotected deposit?

4th May 2016

Its the first time I’ve ever rented my flat, and at the time didn’t know about the government rental scheme, I just took the deposit and kept in a safe account separate to others until the time came when I had to give it back. Unluckily for me, my first tenants haven’t paid a penny […]

Can I reclaim property after 4 months?

4th May 2016

My tenant moved out at least 4 months ago, according to neighbours but has paid rent up till March. April’s rent has not been paid and we have been unable to contact tenant by phone. We visited the property and peering through windows can see some bags, ornaments, papers left behind. There is a large […]

Over 50% of target achieved in just 6 days

4th May 2016

A second round of shares in LettingSupermarket.com went live to members of the Seedrs Crowdfunding Platform just six days ago and has already achieved over 50% of the target fund raising level. Interest from Property118 Members has been particularly high as anticipated given that a large number of our members already utilise their services , i.e. […]

Buying Now Costs Less Than Renting in Over Half of UK Cities

4th May 2016

A Press Release submitted to me by a PR agency yesterday really annoyed me, and that was just the headline.  Before you read the press release you might enjoy reading my response ……. “Hi Zoe If this is correct it is absolute proof that the Government tax attack on private landlords is utter lunacy. The private rented […]

Property118 Landlords Association – should we?

3rd May 2016

Having raised over £500,000 to take West Bromwich Mortgage Company to the Court of Appeal it has been suggested by numerous Property118 members that we should become a Landlords Association. Sentiment appears to be that a group with courage to take legal action against rogue mortgage lenders and poor decisions made by Government is seriously needed […]

Agent or Solicitor negligence missing stamp duty deadline?

3rd May 2016

Just wondering if anyone can give me some legal advice please? It centres around a property purchase which was due to complete by March 31st, but never completed as it missed the deadline for the 3% stamp duty surcharge. The time line is as follows. Purchase agreed at the end of January. Shortly after I […]

Tenant blackmail at end of tenancy!

1st May 2016

I currently have a couple who have been tenants for the past 3 years, in my 2 bed flat. They have been ideal tenants paying rent on time, the flat is always clean and tidy and there have been no issues with the neighbors. They have had a couple of children whilst in the property. […]

Moth Infestation – HELP please

1st May 2016

Our town house in London has been invaded by moths. It has woolen carpets throughout and the tenants have some woolen garments, but the place is always immaculately clean. When Moths appeared our Agents had a local pest control Company fumigate the property on two occasions, but the moths remained! A national Company will solve […]