Lettings

Tenants have a duty of care to look after gardens, roof terraces, courtyards and balconies. This covers what grows outside, what is added – or taken away – and what happens in the outside space. Failure to look after the great outdoors could result in deductions from the deposit, so it’s vital to know what is expected of tenants.

May was the month when the Renter’s Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Government has a deadline to keep as it wants the contents to become law before the next general election, which has to happen by 28thJanuary 2025.

Life has got more expensive for the majority of us and a review of finances is frequently needed to ensure we’re balancing the books. This is especially true for landlords who, for the first time in many years, will find mortgage rates have doubled since they last looked at home loans.

Making a ‘house a home’ is a saying that applies to everyone, including tenants, but there is often confusion over what a renter can do to a property in terms of DIY and decorating. In this blog, we explain how a tenancy agreement will provide clarity, and we’ll suggest a number of ways to personalise a rental property without making permanent changes.

The new year has certainly started on an upbeat note for the lettings sector. A survey by Finbri found more than 50% of UK property investors intend to expand their property portfolios in 2023. 

There is no shortage of online energy guides detailing how to reduce energy consumption and lower fuel bills but much of the advice is aimed at homeowners. While installing solar panels, air source heat pumps and cavity wall insulation are good ideas, they aren’t the sort of home improvements tenants are always able to make.

Any letting agent worth their salt will undertake reference checks on potential tenants. Referencing is a vetting process to ensure only the most genuine, trustworthy and financially-sound renters can reserve a property.

The latest Statistical Briefing from The Dispute Service – which uses data from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, SafeDeposits Scotland and TDS Northern Ireland – has highlighted the top three reasons for deposit disputes across the UK during 2021-2022.

From the 1st October in England and the 1st December in Wales, there are regulatory changes around smoke detectors and fire alarms that all landlords will need to implement with immediate effect, as there will be no ‘grace’ period and fines can be issued from day one.

Lending experts have noted that landlords are increasingly considering new build homes for their next buy-to-let, as they tick so many boxes when it comes to changing regulations. Here are three reasons why buy-to-let and new build can go hand in hand:-

In 2025, house builders and property developers will be banned from installing conventional gas boilers in the new properties they build. In 2035, the sale of conventional gas boilers will also be banned. 

There is a gentle murmur that rent controls could be on the cards but is it time to panic? History shows us that rent controls have rarely had the desired effect those in charge want, so despite a few rumbles in the press about a possible introduction, landlords should read with passing interest but it’s definitely not time to worry.