Insights

Property inventory

Professional vs DIY Property Inventory: Which is Best for Landlords?

16th August 2021

A property inventory is beneficial to both landlords and tenants, and is vital when it comes to preventing and resolving disputes at the end of a tenancy. But what are the differences between a landlord DIY inventory and a professional report, and what are the risks involved in self-reporting?

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Landlord and tenant mediation

Is Landlord and Tenant Mediation to Become Mandatory During Evictions?

3rd August 2021

A report published last month centring on whether people involved in litigation should be forced to take part in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation, could potentially have considerable consequences for possession cases involving landlords and tenants.

gas boiler ban

Government Gas Boiler Ban: How Should Landlords React?

27th July 2021

By 2025, gas boilers and other fossil fuel powered heating and hot water systems will be replaced by renewable heating systems in all new-build homes. This is part of a government drive to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The ‘Future Homes Standard’ is also aimed at lowering fuel bills. But how will the move affect private landlords?

Hot weather maintenance tips for landlords

Hot Weather Property Maintenance Tips for Landlords

22nd July 2021

As a nation we still tend to struggle with any form of prolonged extremes of weather. The trouble with a heatwave is that, as the mercury rises, so various property-related issues come out of the woodwork. Landlords may find themselves experiencing issues that wouldn’t usually surface. Let’s take a look at what some of these issues are, and how to tackle them.

Croydon London Borough of Culture 2023

London Borough of Culture 2023 a Boon for Croydon

20th July 2021

Introduced by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in 2017, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture award offers more than £1m of funding for boroughs to host a range of cultural events, activities and initiatives over a whole year. In spring 2019, the mayor announced that Croydon had won the award for 2023. As the celebrations draw closer, we look at how this important accolade will make a difference to the borough, and potentially make it more attractive to buy-to-let investors.

Self-isolating tenants

Landlord Advice on Moving Out Self-Isolating Tenants

16th July 2021

The government has recently made it clear as to how landlords and letting agents should deal with the issue of self-isolating tenants who are due to move out of a property. Junior Housing Minister Eddie Hughes has said that accommodation providers are ‘strongly urged’ to be flexible when it comes to extending tenancies and delaying moving tenants out if they are isolating due to COVID-19.

Right to Rent Checks

Right to Rent Checks Now Mandatory for ALL New Tenants

14th July 2021

From 1 July 2021, all landlords must check the immigration status of prospective tenants, no matter their nationality. Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and members of their families must now hold an immigration status in the UK, just the same as any foreign national. Whilst an EEA passport or national ID card was previously adequate to prove a right to rent, these can no longer be relied upon.

Making Tax Digital for landlords

Making Tax Digital for Landlords Explained

9th July 2021

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for landlords has been in the pipeline for a while, but soon the time will come for property investors turning over £10,000 a year or more to start reporting tax on a quarterly basis and filing online. The key date is 6 April 2023, which may sound a way off yet, but preparation is crucial. Here’s what you need to know as a landlord about Making Tax Digital so that when the time comes, you’re all set to comply with the new rules.

Registered key systems

A Landlord’s Solution to Preventing Duplicate Keys

30th June 2021

One of the most worrying issues for landlords has to be unauthorised key duplication. It can be a significant security risk, not just for the property owner, but also for inbound tenants. Thankfully there is a solution. Registered key systems prevent duplicates being made without an authorised signature. Let’s take a look at how they work, and how this security measure can provide peace of mind for landlords.

Disabled tenants

Letting to Disabled Tenants: A Landlord’s Guide

17th June 2021

Landlords must comply with the Equality Act 2010, and should be aware of their legal responsibilities regarding disabled tenants who may need alterations made or be provided with some form of assistance to allow them to live comfortably in the home they are renting. But just what should landlords be doing to accommodate disabled tenants and comply with the law?