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 […]
The importance of inventories in deposit dispute
It is encouraging to note that the number of deposit disputes has dropped, but with the average tenancy deposit now at over £1,000 this still means that around £27m of deposits is being held in disputes. I thought it would be useful to take a look at how important inventories are in managing deposit disputes. […]
Warning to landlords to ensure money protection
Mandatory money protection is in place to protect landlords and tenants, so it is saddening to see another local case going through the courts where an agent closed their business, with £80,000 owing to their clients As reported in this paper, the owner of Smart Residential Letting Agents in Newmarket recently pleaded guilty to two […]
Renters’ Reform Bill in focus
Despite the initial negative focus, the Renters’ Reform Bill received in some media, where some put landlords under the spotlight, there are proposals that bring good news too. It had been uncertain how the removal of Section 21 would be dealt with, but proposals to ease the process of tenants in repeated arrears and further […]