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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

My gas boiler was recently classified “at risk” by gas engineer because following new 2013 ruling the flue cannot be visibly inspected. Property bought in 2008 is one of a number in a Georgian mansion ,conversion completed 2001. I currently live in the property as an Owner but plan to revert to renting the property […]

I have been the main funder of some student properties with a business partner. We have a share of profits from both income and capital appreciation. I put up the deposits for the mortgage, and I paid all the up-front refurbishment costs prior to letting. For the last few years I have been charging each […]

Hello, I’m a landlord due to the fact I’m working abroad so renting out my house whilst I’m not there! So not a professional! I have 3 single male tenants who have rented the house since September lat year. They have always seemed responsible, honest and have looked after the house well so I am […]

HMRC have developed an online e-learning package/guide that professes to help landlords understand what they need to do to meet their tax obligations. I had a quick squizz at some pages and it looked reasonably user-friendly, although judging by the test page on claiming expenses a tad over simplified and possibly patronising (i.e. who would […]