End of an AST: Questions: What happens when an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) comes to an end? Will the tenant have to leave or does she need to sign a new agreement? What if a tenant wants to leave early? How long can a periodic tenancy last?When the fixed term (minimum of
Landlords often buy flats which are either Leasehold or Shared Freehold. What are these tenures and what should landlords look out for in these different forms of ownership?Leasehold is one of three forms of tenure (property/land ownership) almost exclusively peculiar to the United Kingdom, thoug
Landlord's Access to Property: Many landlords will have experienced a tenant denying them access to a property - whether for an inspection, viewings or legal duties. Its easy to understand the view of Its my property, I can enter when I want, but unfortunately th
New Rules for Section 21 :Landlords and Agents need to be aware of the changes affecting Section 21 rules and Notices and other changes for the letting of residential properties in England (and in many cases Wales) introduced during 2015 . This article explains the new rules
Many landlords have long suspected that the DCLG approved national calculation methodologies and software programs were seriously flawed when they produced EPC ratings for buildings following energy assessments.So news that new software is being introduced which is claimed to be more accurate is
Serving Notices: Landlords and agents often get confused as to how they should serve Notices on their tenants.Ordinarily it wouldnt matter what method is used, but if you end up in court with a possession or money claim, or some such court action, then what and how you se
Tenant are Consumers: The UK Consumer Protection law applies to letting agents and landlords alike when they advertise a property to let or create a new tenancy. It also applies to most private landlords when they deal with letting agents, unless they operate as a company.
Obtaining Possession Using Section 21 Notices Updated October 2016This article explains how to gain possession of your residential rental property in the most efficient way possible. You may just want your property back for your own use, or to sell, or you may be having prob
Winter Condensation: Its that time of year again, a time when tenants are most likely to complain about the mould appearing in those corners of the property where the walls and ceilings are really cold, and hot air with moisture always rises to the top. If its black mo
A mandatory short-lets registration scheme and tougher planning laws look set to take effect soon in England.
A landlord firm which tried to argue that its agent was responsible for failing to organise an additional HMO licence has been handed a £19,753 rent repayment order.
A holiday lets platform used by thousands of landlords to generate income has come under fire over ‘ghost’ properties.
There is some uncertainty to what it actually means in practice until the details are written down but could the proposed hardship test mean even if your tenants won’t pay their rent, you will not be able to evict them if that makes them homeless or financially disadvantaged?
North Yorkshire Council has adopted a new housing enforcement policy to ensure all private rental properties across the county are up to scratch, the first time this has happened.
A tenant accused of murdering her landlord and stabbing his cat to death has been remanded in custody.
A property raffle has just handed out another £500,000 to a lucky winner to buy their dream house.
Hackney Council has been called out for continuing to process additional and selective landlord licence applications five months after both schemes ended.
The UK commercial real estate sector has faced significant challenges recently due to changing trends, will recent signs of a turnaround continue?
Landlords and letting agents have slammed the extra BTL tax rise in the Scottish budget which they believe could backfire on the government.
Moving landlord and tenant disputes from overburdened county courts to tribunals would help clear the backlog and make evictions faster, according to a senior housing lawyer.
UK Finance has urged the government not to single out the private rented sector when updating its EPC framework.
The extra risks associated with letting following the passing of the Renters' Rights Bill later this year will mean extra vigilance if landlords are to avoid trouble
Manchester has extended selective licensing to another 1,863 rental properties across the city.
Tenants in Scotland are being targeted by a new campaign that aims to make them aware of their rental rights.
Jas Athwal, the Labour MP who was shamed for renting out mouldy and unlicensed flats, has stood down as a councillor for Redbridge Council.
DWP is expected to look at reforms that will make it harder for landlords to have money deducted from a tenant's UC benefits to repay arrears.
A landlord has revealed how increasing risk and a “lack of joy” has prompted her to start offloading half her portfolio ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
A “lackadaisical” landlord who rented out an unlicensed and cockroach-infested HMO has been told to pay £10,834 back to three tenants.
Peterborough Council is considering banning a rogue landlord who was handed a fine for housing a family in an uninhabitable property for a second time.
A “terrified” landlord has urged the government to reconsider large parts of the Renters’ Rights Bill
The Welsh private rental sector has lost a worrying 1,107 landlords in the last five years, coinciding with tougher rules around evictions and new tenancy agreements.
One of the largest gatherings of landlords under one roof is due to take place on 19th March in London.
After pursuing a £30,000 fine against one landord, his local council has vowed to go for other non-complilant BTL operators.
Our experts help landlords looking to expand to plan ahead on several fronts including legislation, financing, tax, insurance and the fast-changing rental market.
Landlords have been urged to make sure they document inspections after a tenant managed to avoid eviction by blaming the lack of a recorded carbon monoxide detector.
Rising EPC scores suggest that achieving a C rating by 2030 shouldn’t be such a cause for concern, according to landlord energy efficiency platform epIMS.
Rent arrears jumped by 44% to an average of £2,597 during the final three months of 2024, latest year-on-year figures reveal, while on a quarterly basis they increase by 26%.
Landlords know the score – it’s tough out there and hordes of Landlords are rushing to sell before Section 21 is abolished.
New data reveals that 20% of landlords across England and Wales have sold property during the last 12 months, almost three times more than the 7% who had bought new homes to rent.
One of the UK’s largest tenant referencing firms has warned that the restrictions to be placed on landlords by the looming Renters’ Rights Bill will push up rent arrears.
The new Labour Government has been busy changing the rules on EPCs for rentals and there’s ongoing consultation exercises to decide what changes are needed
