We’ve been reading in the press that access to mortgage finance is getting better for landlords with every passing week. This is according to Property & Finance Solutions (PFS) who say the availability of higher loan-to-value buy-to-let mortgages is improving. Darren Owen, director of PFS, said “The criteria changes all the time. The lenders are […]
Read MoreThe case of a letting agency wound up for failing to protect rents and deposits shows how important it is for landlords to follow the rules. The Leamington agency, Telmark Properties, formerly Smarter Housing was wound up by the High Court for repeatedly breaching agreements with both landlords and tenants and failing to deal properly […]
Read MoreAt present there is no tenant referencing criteria and landlords, letting agents and tenant referencing companies use their own. We’re seeing tenant suitability is determined using a range of inconsistent checks. Surely tenant referencing needs stronger regulation? A nationwide poll this year found that 18 percent of landlords never trust a tenant when making a […]
Read MoreGovernment plans to make squatting a criminal offence have had a mixed reaction from landlords and charities. The proposals, announced this week, mean the most persistent offenders could be jailed and squatters’ rights, which prevent legitimate occupiers of properties from using force to re-enter occupied buildings, could be abolished. Homelessness charity Crisis said the government […]
Read MoreEnergy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne‘s dramatic plans are set to force landlords to become green, if they want to continue letting. The new regulations will force landlords to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. In a few years it will be unlawful to let a house or business premise which has less than an […]
Read MoreThe case of a letting agency wound up for failing to protect rents and deposits shows how important it is for landlords to follow the rules. The Leamington agency, Telmark Properties, formerly Smarter Housing was wound up by the High Court for repeatedly breaching agreements with both landlords and tenants and failing to deal properly […]
Read MoreA recent rejection of a claim by a disabled tenant has left landlords confused about where they stand on the Disability Discrimination Act, say solicitors. In the case of Beedles v Guinness Northern Counties Ltd, the Court of Appeal ruled that The Disability Act 1995 did not require the landlord to carry out repairs and […]
Read MoreIt happens during Wimbledon and is set to be even bigger business during London 2012. Homeowners across the capital will be entering the race to rent their properties in return for gold. Becoming a landlord during the sporting highlight is a no-brainer and is likely to attract many novices to the game. I want to […]
Read MoreIt’s great to see that private sector landlords in the UK are confident about the future, with 67 per cent feeling ‘positive’. A new survey carried out by CHL Mortgages shows UK landlords are particularly confident about rental demand with almost half (43 per cent) saying it is now better than six months ago and […]
Read MoreWith rising rent costs and growing property demand, it comes as no surprise that yesterday’s stats revealed the number of court orders to evict tenants is up nine per cent. The way the market is shaping, this trend looks set to continue. Despite this, the numbers still come as a shock to some. A staggering […]
Read MoreA solicitor was in the press recently warning of the dangers of a Facebook page aimed at organising group legal action against the owners of a letting agent. Furious landlords and tenants are claiming to be out of pocket since Thomas and Company Rentals closed its branches in Milton Keynes and Northampton. They’ve shown their […]
Read MoreA Blackpool landlord will be regretting his decision to illegally convert one of his properties into flats after the courts issued a bill of more than £6000 last week. The case acts as a warning to other landlords who choose to ignore local authority rules. Officers at Blackpool Council discovered a house owned by Brendan […]
Read MoreThe shortage of rental stocks means more and more tenants are being gazumped when they try to secure a property. This trend helped push the average rent in England and Wales to £696 in May. It’s clear that tenants are now willing to offer above the asking price to get a home they’re happy with. […]
Read MoreThis week Councillor Mark Healey, Chair of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, was appointed as a champion for fire safety in rented homes, as part of The Government’s Fire Kills campaign. This is a welcome move to encourage landlords to take responsibility and ensure their properties are as safe as possible for their […]
Read MoreThe latest figures show that rents reached a record high in May after four successive months rising. In May, the average rent rose by 0.5 per cent to £696 per month. The growth means the average rent is now higher than in May 2010. The average yield remained at 5.1 per cent in May. As […]
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