Is it legal to create AST contracts whilst the landlord lives in the same property using the same kitchen etc, reason being I have lodgers at present but am selling the house with lodgers in situ , I would like to change the contracts over to AST before I sell the business? Regards Alison

I am considering evicting a tenant of 2.5 years as they are really hard work, and not looking after my property as it should be. My last inspection was 2 weeks ago an I found the place is becoming a tip and there is damp and mould starting in some rooms due to lack of […]

There is significant anecdotal evidence that most landlords outside London do not increase rents until there is a change of tenancy. Property118 would like to investigate this. With upward pressure on costs of compliance as well as the new tax changes it is likely that landlords will abandon this practice , but we would like to hear from landlords […]

I have several families who are potential tenants for me on housing benefit and was wondering if anyone knows about freelance housing benefit consultants. Would it be best for me to use one to help me do a pre-assesment of the maximum benefit they would be entitled to? My house is a 3 bed EX […]

I am 20 year old student with no prior experience in property. I know the very basics through reading some books. I am very keen to get into the buy to let business and my goal is to become a full time landlord when I am older. My granddad owns several houses and has offered […]

The winter is fast approaching and the cold weather could have an adverse effect on your buy to let property. To avoid expensive repair bills, it is important to take preventative action. A few simple checks on your property prior to the cold really settling in will help you stay stress free and keep your […]

Here is my exchange of emails to date with Rob Marris, Labour MP and Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury and also Sir Roger Gale, Conservative Chair of the Finance Committee. See if you can spot any ways in which Rob Marris’ approach differs from that of David Gauke, actual Financial Secretary to the Treasury. […]

Experts were anticipating Royal Assent for the Summer Finance Bill 2015 in the week commencing 19th October but this is now more likely to occur towards the end of November.. Here’s a link showing the current position >>> click here. It now seems highly unlikely that landlords will see any amendments to the Bill’s proposals to restrict […]

One of our flats was let via an agent on AST to 2 singles. One left and a new sharer was found referenced etc and added. They too subsequently left and tenant decided to allow a friend of a friend to move in without advising us or the agency. A deposit was taken and a […]

My two properties are on rent guarantee and have been for the last few years. The contract has run out and I gave them notice. I’ve asked them to give my property back and evict the tenants, but the agent is not cooperating at all. In contract it states that when the contract is ended […]

This IMPORTANT article is not only applicable to landlords in Scotland, it could also be a glimpse into future regulation to follow in England and Wales.  The Bill was released around three weeks ago and is still being poured over by lawyers and advisers. Before it becomes an Act in Scotland there will be some […]

We are in the process of selling our flat which is in a block of 4 purpose built. We bought the land and created a managing company registered on companies house to run it ourselves, but pay an accountant to oversee the books and forward them to companies house. The problem is the purchaser’s solicitor […]

Dear Mr Marris, I am writing to you in connection with Clause 24 of the Finance Bill which will restrict finance cost relief for individual landlords. I am aware that you will have received a number of representations from landlords like me expressing their concerns about the Clause, a Clause which I know Labour is […]

I am having a little dispute with my local council where my properties are rented out. For many years I have dealt predominantly with the lower end of the market. Due to a recent clerical error I forgot to notify the council when a tenant moved from one of my properties to another. For reasons […]

Written submissions are invited by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee for its ‘Economics of the United Kingdom housing market inquiry’ Scope of the inquiry The Committee is to investigate the economics of the UK housing market. Buying a house is becoming increasingly unaffordable for first time buyers. The cost of private rented accommodation […]

Victoria House is a new low entry level residential investment opportunity in Leeds. It provides investors with an excellent opportunity to own a contemporary apartment within the city centre. With over 124,000 people working in the financial and business services in Leeds, it makes it the largest of any UK city outside London. Offered at […]

I am the owner of a flat in a block of 10 flats each with a leasehold interest. The freeholder has obtained planning permission to construct a rooftop development of two penthouse apartments. The current tenants did object but without success. Are they entitled to some form of compensation for disruption, disturbance etc.? If so […]

This is the transcript from the anti-landlord speech made by Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP, on the 2nd of November in the House of Commons, with regard to the Housing and Planning Bill. The transcript is followed by a reply from the Property118 member, Dr Rosalind Beck. Siobhain McDonagh said: “We know that the first-time buyer, […]

I am having car park problems at a 6 flat property I own. Recently we have started having difficulties with non-residents parking in this car park as it does not have a gate or barrier. We have issued tenants with permits and displayed signs stating that only residents with written permission from the landlord may […]

I own a flat in a block of flat and recently I have received the following email from managing agents: “I understand you have carried out internal alterations to this flat without obtaining the Commissioners’ approval which included removing an internal partition and laying timber flooring. If this has happened, the works carried out will […]

One of my 3 bed houses that I lease out as an HMO (Scotland) to 3 student girls caught on fire on Friday past. The bathroom fan stopped working and overheated and burnt out. The girls had told me about it a couple of weeks previous and I had purchased a replacement to fit on […]