Insights - Letting

Pet friendly tenancies

The Lowdown on Pet Friendly Tenancies

11th March 2021

There has been much discussion recently on the subject of pet friendly tenancies, with campaigners on the case and various initiatives in the pipeline. But there is also confusion, with developments having prompted the assumption that landlords are now legally obliged to accept pets. How much truth there is in this notion, and where the whole situation is up to, is something we’ll explore in this post.

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Tenants responsibilities for repairs

What are Tenants’ Responsibilities for Repairs in a Rental Property?

24th February 2021

In the private rented sector, landlords are required to keep their buy to let property well-maintained and in a good state of home repair. On the other side of the coin, tenants must ensure they act in a ‘tenant-like manner’, avoiding causing any damage to the property other than that which can be considered ‘fair wear and tear’. Wondering what tenants’ responsibilities for repairs are? Read on to find out.

Fire regulations for rental properties

A Landlord’s Guide to Fire Regulations for Rental Properties

22nd February 2021

As a landlord, you have a legal duty to ensure measures are in place to protect your tenants against the risk of fire. There is a raft of fire regulations for rental properties to adhere to and, if anything does happen to jeopardise your tenants’ safety, you will need to make sure you can prove to your local housing officer or a court that you did everything possible to prevent it.

Rent guarantee insurance

End of Furlough Warning for Landlords – Time to Guarantee Rent?

17th February 2021

A leading lettings industry figure has warned landlords that, as the government’s furlough scheme is set to draw to a close in just a few weeks’ time, considering some form of rent guarantee insurance should feature as a priority if they want to plan ahead and avoid financial voids where tenants suddenly become unable to cover their rental payments.

Can a landlord change the locks?

In What Circumstances can a Landlord Change the Locks?

16th February 2021

When tenants fall into rent arrears or cause damage to a property, it can be tempting for landlords to change the locks to keep them out. However, taking such steps could prove to be a serious mistake, making it all the more difficult to gain the permissions necessary to legally evict a tenant and landing you in trouble with the law. Can a landlord change the locks? Let’s explore the subject in detail.

Running a business from a rented property

Can a Tenant Run a Business from a Rental Property?

9th February 2021

With so many people now working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this does of course raise the question for landlords as to whether tenants should be allowed to start running a business from a rented property. Let’s take a look at what the law says, and the important considerations every landlord needs to make when considering allowing tenants to use their home as a place of business.

Property investment in Croydon

A Guide to Property Investment in Croydon

8th February 2021

For the property investor seeking lucrative buy to let opportunities in London, one area that warrants consideration has to be Croydon. With purchase prices in some parts of the London borough lower than much of the rest of the capital, and with yields averaging a healthy 4.5 per cent, plus a host of prime location benefits, it really is worth discovering what property investment in Croydon has to offer.

Breathing space

Breathing Space: Debt Respite Scheme to Prevent Landlords From Chasing Unpaid Rent

3rd February 2021

From 4th of May 2021, a new government scheme will come into force that will give anyone with a problem debt a legal right to protection from creditors. This includes tenants who are in rent arrears with a debt owed to their landlords. The ‘Breathing Space’ arrangement, otherwise known as the Debt Respite Scheme, will allow debtors time to find a solution to their financial issues.

How much rent should I charge

A Guide to Valuing Your Buy-to-Let Property for Rent

26th January 2021

Location, property size and condition and the features of the home are all factors involved in calculating how much rent to charge. Your online calculation really is only an indication and shouldn’t be considered as a be all and end all rate. Let’s take a look at the key points to consider when setting your rental rate.

Landlord boiler breakdown cover

Boiler Breakdown Cover: A Guide for Landlords

25th January 2021

One of the most costly and time consuming issues for any landlord has to be dealing with boiler callouts. One way of avoiding surprise costs and all the hassle associated with boiler repairs is to take out landlord boiler breakdown cover. Here’s how it works, what it includes, what it doesn’t include, and what to consider when arranging cover.