Entries by Joanna Plane

The prospect of rent pressure zones

If you’re still working on the assumption that you’ll always be able to set the rent for your property, you might want to keep a close eye on the situation in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation which will enable local authorities to establish ‘Rent Pressure Zones’. The effect of these zones would be […]

Letting agent regulation: it’s time to have your say

A few days ago, we posted a blog about reforms affecting the Scottish property rental sector. Similar changes are likely to be enforced across the whole of the UK in the future. The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation, calling for evidence to help develop plans to protect the consumer in […]

Defaulting tenants? It’s time to get your skates on.

We’re rapidly heading towards that time of year when everything stops working for the Christmas and New Year break. Although it’s not widely known or publicised, the courts generally operate an amnesty on evictions over the festive period. The exact dates vary, but can be as much as a fortnight either side of Christmas Day. […]

Scotland paves the way with housing reform

Very soon, new legislation comes into force in Scotland that will be a big shake-up for the private rental sector. Amongst the provisions of the housing bill are a new single form of tenancy and the introduction of a new tribunal which will handle all disputes.  A further change is to be brought in in […]

If a tenant sub-lets, what should you do?

Tenants who break the terms of their agreement and sub-let their home face tough penalties – if they’re renting social housing. Social housing and council tenants who sub-let face being charged with a criminal offence, a hefty fine and the threat of a prison sentence. Not so for tenants who rent from private landlords. The […]

Housing affordability and private landlords

Now the Government has promised a fund of £2bn to build affordable housing, who should rejoice? People on lower incomes would welcome rented housing at a price they can afford. But not everyone will get the opportunity. Housing shortage in the UK £2bn will fund the building of an extra 5,000 homes per year. Shelter […]

Landlords and universal credit

Despite warnings from councils, charities and backbenchers, the Government is forging ahead with the Universal Credit scheme. Widely feared a social policy disaster, it changes the way people receive benefits. Six benefits now become one in the boroughs where it’s been adopted. A sound idea in principle: the idea is to simplify the system and […]

Simply the best

The UK culture values reserve and modesty. If you shout your achievements too loudly you soon get branded big-headed. Similarly, British consumers like to make their own judgements about the companies they buy from. They’d rather see a quirky ad that positions the brand than listen to a salesman tell them how brilliant the product […]

Housing standards as a political issue

The tragic events at Grenfell Tower have pushed the issue of housing standards to the top of the agenda. It is an emotive issue, but it’s also becoming a political one. As arguments continue about who is going to foot the bill for essential works to other tower blocks which have used the same cladding […]

We are delighted to be a finalist at this years Negotiator Awards!

LegalforLandlords are delighted to be shortlisted for this years Negotiator Awards. The awards are the most prestigious and popular awards scheme in residential property and with more entrants and more winners than any other scheme in this sector. They are the most inclusive and therefore the most valued and meaningful accolades you can be awarded […]

Making plans for 2018? What about student accommodation?

Anyone whose personal experience of student housing dates back to the days before student loans will probably remember a breeze-block cell, a dingy bedsit or a house share reminiscent of a scene from The Young Ones. Accommodation for students was cheap, but it was rarely cheerful. But there has been a revolution in the financing […]

Underwriting standards and the buy-to-let business

Recently there have been several announcements in the press about buy-to-let mortgage providers tightening up their lending criteria. Skipton and Leeds Buildings Societies, Santander and New Street have all announced changes. NatWest has just released details of changes to its underwriting processes while stressing that it will continue to support investors. If you’re wondering what’s […]

Better protection for landlord’s income

In the current climate, the focus is often on the protection of tenant’s rights, and it can be easy to forget that landlords get a raw deal when a tenant defaults on rental payments. Expenses are still incurred and there are legal costs to regain possession. If the property is not owned outright, mortgages still […]

LegalforLandlords WINS “Professional Firm of the Year”

LegalforLandlords WINS “Professional Firm of the Year” IN E3 BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 Warrington based tenant referencing, insurance and legal service provider, LegalforLandlords has been named “Professional Firm of the Year” at the 2017 E3 Business Awards. The event was held on 13th July at the Macron Stadium in Bolton. The company, who offer referencing, insurance […]

Landlords – stick to the rules to keep your income

In April, the system for fining landlords in breach of housing regulations changed. There’s now a maximum penalty of £30,000 which can be imposed without court proceedings. What’s more, local authorities have the right to recover up to 12 months’ rent from those landlords who have harassed their tenants or let properties which are in […]

More landlords are serious about growing their property portfolio

Despite increasing rules, regs and tax changes, the numbers would suggest that plenty of landlords are still looking to grow their property business. A recent survey by brokers Mortgages for Business suggests 48 per cent of landlords want to expand, and that’s a big climb from the 41 per cent figure recorded in May 2016. […]

Choosing the bargain buy? Think again

Everyone is familiar with the advice that it’s worth paying a little extra for a quality product. We hear it in so many guises – buy cheap, buy twice; false economy; you get what you pay for. We’re certain you could add other sayings to the list, but we’d like to warn you of another […]