Insights - Letting

Renting furnished or unfurnished

Renting Property: To Furnish, or Not to Furnish?

19th January 2021

One of the key questions for landlords when preparing to rent out a property has to be, to furnish, or not to furnish? It is certainly an important consideration, as it will have a direct impact on the type of tenant you attract, and the amount of rent you can charge. Let’s explore the pros and cons of renting furnished or unfurnished so that you feel ready to make the ultimate choice for yourself.

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Tenant not paying rent

How to Deal with Tenant Rent Arrears

18th January 2021

Tenants not paying rent is an all too common issue, especially during challenging economic times. But there are some simple steps to follow that will help you navigate your way through the problem, and there are even some strategies that are designed to prevent unpaid rent in the first place.

Leasehold reform

Government Confirms Major Leasehold Changes on the Horizon

11th January 2021

Significant changes to English property law and specifically leasehold legislation are set to be introduced as the Government is poised to radically overhaul the system, making it easier and less costly for landlords and property owners to extend leases or convert them to freehold or commonhold in the future.

Landlord right of entry

A Landlord’s Guide to Right of Entry

5th January 2021

A lot of landlords are of the opinion that because they own a property, they have an automatic right of entry without first gaining permission from the tenant. There are however clear rules and regulations that dictate when a landlord is allowed, and not allowed, to enter a property, and when tenant permission is required to do so.

Deposit replacement scheme

Deposit Replacement Schemes Explained

3rd January 2021

It is often challenging for prospective tenants to find the necessary deposit to secure a property. Even though the Tenant Fees Act 2019 capped deposits at five weeks’ rent, it can still be a considerable sum to gather together. It is no wonder then that the deposit replacement scheme has become a viable alternative for tenants. But how do these schemes work, and should you be relying on them as a landlord?

How to winter proof your rental property

Landlords: How to Winter Proof Your Rental Property

29th December 2020

With temperatures plummeting, so the risk to property damage increases. Winter is therefore a vital time for landlords to put measures in place to safeguard their investment. Let’s take a look at some of the most essential steps you should be taking to protect your rental property during the harshest months of the year.

Landlord insurance

The Lowdown on Landlord Insurance

23rd December 2020

Landlord insurance is designed to cover the specific risks faced when renting buy-to-let property. There are different types of cover that address the various types and levels of risks. It’s important as a landlord to know what’s available in terms of insurance, and to ensure you know what you are, and more importantly what you are not, covered for.

How to claim landlord expenses

What Expenses can a Landlord Offset Against Tax?

16th December 2020

As a landlord, there are ways of reducing your tax bill by deducting some of the expenses incurred as a result of letting property. Read on to learn what these allowable landlord expenses are, what you can claim, and how to go about it.

Increase rental yield with a guaranteed rent scheme

6 Ways to Maximise Rental Yield

24th November 2020

Capital appreciation and rental yield dictate success as a property investor, and form a vital factor for lenders when making a decision about affordability for a buy-to-let mortgage. If you are investing with a view to long term gains through letting, you will want to look closely at how you can maximise your rental yield. Read on as we share our top tips on how this can be achieved.

Lockdown advice for landlords

Lockdown Latest: Rental Market Open for Business

5th November 2020

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that the rental market in England will stay open during the new four-week lockdown starting 5th November. Renters remain able to move, letting agents and removal firms can continue to do their jobs, and property maintenance and repair contractors, cleaners and inventory clerks can enter properties, providing they adhere to COVID-secure guidelines.