Advice for landlords self-managing their property
Managing your buy to let property yourself is a big decision and for many it is dependent on where they live in relation to their rental property. How much time a landlord can dedicate to it is also a major factor – both in terms of managing the property and the time needed to keep […]
Preparing for Winter and Carbon Monoxide Awareness
As the weather gets colder and more people start to use their heating, many of these heat sources will be those that produce carbon monoxide (CO). With Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week starting on 21st November, it is a useful time to raise awareness of the dangers of this potentially deadly gas and what can be […]
Why you don’t want an empty property this winter
According to the Government’s latest statistics on empty properties, there are just over 653,000 empty properties in England. 66,269 of these are in the East of England, with just over 3,000 in East Suffolk authority and 1,539 in Ipswich Borough. Obviously, those who let out a property want to avoid having it empty for any […]
Protecting your property during the darker nights
With the recent clock change and the days becoming shorter, does your mind turn to the security of your property? Sadly, burglary rates can rise when the nights get longer as the darkness provides natural cover. So, what can you do to make sure you protect your home? For tenants, it can be measures like […]
Winter-proofing your rental property
Despite the sunny, mild weather we have been enjoying recently it is important to plan for the coming colder months and preparing your rental property is key in dealing with any maintenance issues that could cause problems and lead to costly repairs. There are some checks your tenants can do themselves, but there are others […]
To furnish or not to furnish
I am often asked by landlords and prospective landlords about whether it is best to furnish a rental property or to leave it unfurnished and it is an interesting question. Over the past 12 months there has been an increase in those looking for furnished properties with ‘furnished’ rental searches rising by 19%, compared to […]
Is no Section 21 such a bad thing?
There has been quite a bit of scaremongering in some media coverage on the Government’s plans to remove Section 21 notices, as part of the wider Renters Reform Bill currently being debated. Phrases such as ‘abolishing section 21’ uses pretty emotive language and I can understand why it is causing concern with private landlords. My […]
Moving away from short term lets
Just a year ago I was writing about concern in the industry that very short-term lets, such as those with Airbnb, had potential to draw private landlords away from the rented sector with the potential of quick profits, following the increase in staycation breaks. Now I am seeing more and more pieces about the move […]
Landlord organisation hits back at rent increase criticism
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has responded to recent criticism aimed at private landlords, with praise for their part in providing this much needed and relied upon housing. It comes after private landlords have taken another bashing from the homelessness charity Shelter who claim that tenants are facing such rent increases that it means […]
Regulation Changes Coming In On 1st October
From 1st October all rented properties in England must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms where there is any type of fixed combustion application. All alarms must be in proper working order at the start of a new tenancy. The new regulations form part of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 […]