As the UK residential sales market continues to remain static, the rental market is continuing to surge. This positive buy to let market is encouraging an increasing number of first time landlords to enter the market and they’re coming to us for landlord services. In many parts of the country, tenants are finding it’s more […]
It’s been reported the strict criteria of some tenant referencing companies is squeezing some tenants out of the rental market as they struggle to meet income and deposit requirements. Here at Legal 4 Landlords we’re calling for stronger regulation of tenant referencing. This protects both the landlord and the tenants and helps avoid evictions further […]
Additional licensing schemes have been brought in by many local authorities. Cardiff Council introduced the scheme last year, for example, to raise the standards of properties in a popular student area of the city. It has just been reported that in its first year the scheme raised £300,000. On one hand, it’s a nice earner […]
It seems pets are posing problems in the booming rental market, as landlords are refusing to allow them in their properties. It’s hardly surprising as they fear they will damage furniture, fixtures and even bring fleas. Times are hard enough as it is for those searching for homes, with difficulties securing mortgages and repossessions on […]
The Lincolnshire Echo has reported a tenant that caused £13k worth of damage to a home in Lincoln has finally been evicted from the property she destroyed. The landlady had a battle on her hands but an eviction notice secured in May put an end to five years of misery. A smashed bath, smashed windows […]
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 […]
The 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 […]
At 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 […]
Government 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 […]
Energy 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 […]
The 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 […]
A 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 […]
It 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 […]
It’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 […]
With 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 […]
A 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 […]
A 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 […]
The 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. […]
This 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 […]
The 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 […]
*All prices listed are subject to change
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