Page 723 – Property118

The Property Ombudsman calls for Property Agents Act in final interim report

21st October 2015

The latest interim report released by The Property Ombudsman reveals more than half of the 9141 enquiries received related to lettings disputes, nearly double that of sales. This not only reinforces the importance of legislation introduced a year ago, making it a legal requirements for all letting agents in England to register with an approved […]

Record level for rents in England and Wales

21st October 2015

Average rents across England and Wales reached the highest level ever recorded between August and September this year, new data has found. According to the latest buy-to-let index from Your Move and Reeds Rains, average rents currently stand at £816 per month, a 1.6% month on month rise and 6.3% year on year increase. These […]

Open Letter to Campbell Robb CEO of Shelter

20th October 2015

Is Campbell Robb, CEO of Shelter arguing in favour of the tax grab against landlords and tenants! This following correspondence between Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Shelter and a member of Property118. Both letters were sent and received 20th of October 2015. Letter from Campbell Robb: Dear David, Thank you for your email. While the restriction of […]

Right to Rent Immigration checks full roll out from 1st February 2016

20th October 2015

The Home office have announced that Right to Rent checks will now be the responsibility of all Private Landlords from the 1st February 2016. This is part of a wider government scheme to make it harder for illegal immigrants to live in the UK. Landlords not making the checks could be fined up to £3,000 […]

Self completed Legionella Risk Assessments for £8.95

20th October 2015

On October 1st 2015 the House of Commons issued a briefing paper to clarify the legal requirements for landlords with regards to Legionella Risk Assessments. This gives specific clarification that all landlords operating rental properties must undertake a Legionella risk assessment on each rental property they own. To see full note click here Whilst many […]

Mark Alexander

Norfolk Property Network – Wednesday 21st October 2015

20th October 2015

I will be delivering an informal presentation at The Oaklands Hotel in Norwich tonight (Wednesday 21st October 2015) for the Norfolk Property Network.  My presentation is entitled “Constant Change Is Here To Stay”. It will be an interactive session with plenty of opportunities for group debate and Q&A’s. The key focus will be on changes to […]

HSE fine landlord for gas safety breach

20th October 2015

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have fined a landlord in Bedford £265 and costs of £845 after a defective gas hob was found at the rental property. In February this year the tenants felt unwell and called the gas helpline. when an engineer arrived the property’s gas supply was stopped after carbon monoxide was […]

Which mortgage terms and conditions – Kensington or MX?

20th October 2015

I took out my mortgage in 2006 with Kensington and that then changed to MX. We unexpectedly moved to Australia on a 4 year visa (2013) and rented out our house in the UK. I spoke to MX and they sent out the letting agreement pack which was completed and returned along with our new […]

Buy to Let in South Manchester

19th October 2015

Investors have been requesting high quality stock just outside of Manchester city centre. Arguably, Britain’s second city, a number of large corporations are based in Manchester, notably; the BBC, ITV, Google, KPMG, Deloitte and the Co-operative. Elisabeth Gardens, will be completed to a very high standard, and is unlike anything else on the market in […]

Student wanting first property and to be full time landlord by 30?

19th October 2015

I am an economics undergraduate(2nd year), 20 years old. My goal is to obtain my first BTL investment property within 1 year of graduating university. I am saving every penny(as hard as it is) of my student loan, and will have £9k of capital at my disposal when graduating. As ambitious as it is (maybe […]

Tax on rental property in Spain?

19th October 2015

Would anybody be able to advise how taxation works on a buy to let abroad (Spain). Would I have to pay tax in Spain or the UK or both? I’m a resident and tax payer in the UK. Thanks James

Bargain properties high yield but do I take plunge in sub-prime area?

19th October 2015

I’m a bit of a novice but what are everyone’s thoughts on buying properties at 35k/40k with a rental value of 350-400pcm? You might be able to guess the area from the price tag but these are post-industrial, highish unemployment etc areas. I’m going into this with open eyes – terrible tenants, damages, relatively high […]

My ex-husband has stopped paying a BTL mortgage

19th October 2015

7 years ago I put my name on a Buy to Let mortgage with what is now my ex husband (for the past 4 years). I have never had any income from this property, as we agreed that he wanted no further interest in our mortgaged family home and that I wanted nothing more to […]

Water damage in apartment block

16th October 2015

As the MD of a right-to-manage company, I’ve had the misfortune of being caught in the crossfire of a water damage incident (ie water has leaked from one flat into another causing significant damage to the ceiling) – I’m not prepared to use the buildings insurance to make a claim since the value of the […]

HMRC have organised a Twitter Q & A event for Landlords

16th October 2015

#UKLANDLORDS HM Revenue and Customs have organised a Twitter Questions and Answers event for landlords on Tuesday the 20th October 2015. HMRC on (@HMRC customers) will be answering questions for landlords on current tax rules between 18:00 and 19:00. The HMRC Twitter only event is aimed at helping landlords understand their obligations and regulations and […]

I have a business which I bought as a partnership with my late wife

15th October 2015

I bought a business 13 years ago with my wife as a partnership. A family member gave us £40,000 as a deposit to start up and we got a business mortgage for the rest. However, the family member went bankrupt 7 months later and we became liable for the £40,000 so after plenty of court […]

Mortgage Express want copies of tenancy agreements

15th October 2015

I am puzzled as to why my lender (Mortgage Express) has just sent me a letter wanting to see tenancy agreements for two of my properties which I bought back in 2008. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had this experience and also why would they be asking for these documents. Many thanks […]

Assured Shorthold Tenancies and the Deregulation Act 2015 – The new rules

15th October 2015

We recently hosted a very successful webinar for residential landlords in partnership with Tim Briggs, solicitor and founder of LegalMentor, a tenant eviction company with an impressive near 100% record in getting possession for landlords at the first hearing. Tim was able to provide an understanding of Assured Shorthold Tenancies and the Deregulation Act 2015 […]