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Right to rent check
Right to Rent Must check all occupiers have the right to remain:- Before allowing an adult to live in your property, check that they have document(s) that show they have the right to be in the UK. – Where a person’s right to be in the UK will...
Tenancy agreements
The majority of lets will conform to the requirements of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Some will not and will be Common Law Tenancies. A few old ones (before 15 Jan 1989) are Regulated Tenancies. AST An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST is...
Documents to be served before occupation
Documents that must be served on all tenants prior to occupation:- – Energy Performance Certificate – check the register for a copy.– Right to Remain on all prospective occupants of the property;– gas inspection report – CP12;– ‘How to Rent’...
Setting the rent
When setting the initial rent it can be useful to look at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for similar properties. Go to the Valuation Officer (VOA) site (used to the Rent Officer). Put in the post code, and submit. Then click on ‘List of...
Allowable fees
Allowable Fees Since June 1st 2020 all AST’s are severely limited on the fees that can be charged to tenants. Note that this applies to landlords and agents. Summary Limit tenancy deposits to five weeks’ rent (6 weeks’ for rents > £50k) Limit...
Inventories
Inventories If you propose to charge the tenant anything at the end of the tenancy (within the terms of the Tenants Fee Act it must be stated in the AST that a charge might be made, and you must be able to prove the claim. Whether it goes to...
Permission to Let
The three required permissions are:- If a leasehold property, read the lease - it might not allow permission to let.May have to obtain the permission of freeholder. Inform any joint owners – be careful if the property has been inherited by more...
Management Options
If a landlord doesn’t want to self-manage they can use an agent. If using an agent, it is critical to ensure:- It is clear who does what. There is nothing worse than the tenant not being able to get something done because each side is assuming the...
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assesses 29 housing hazards and the effect that each may have on the health and safety of current or future occupants of the property. HHSRS is a risk assessment tool used to assess potential...
EPC / MEES
It has been a legal requirement for all rentals from Oct 2008 to have a valid EPC. They currently lasts 10 years but would only need to be renewed (on expiry) upon change of tenure – i.e. sale of property or new tenant; there is no need to get a...
Do you have an HMO?
Definition of an HMO Since April 2006, a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is: An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more occupiers who form 2 or more households and who share basic amenities – e.g. a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Note:-...
More mortgage options for first-time landlords
YourMortgage is reporting that there is a greater choice in mortgages:- If you have ambitions to become a landlord, you now have a greater choice of mortgages available to you The proportion of buy-to-let mortgages catering for first-time...
Government loans for vulnerable consumers
'Which' have been going through the Budget details and have found:- Government loans for vulnerable consumers In a section of the red book subtitled ‘supporting the most affected’, the government revealed a new pilot scheme to give no-interest...
High Street bank set to become major UK landlord by the end of 2021
A report in the Financial Times over the weekend suggests that Lloyds Bank is poised to become a major residential landlord, using new-build and existing properties to enter the private rental sector. The FT’s retail banking correspondent Nicholas...
Money available from Local Authorities for energy works
We have been advised that all Local Authorities are to be given money by the Government to help tackle energy inefficient proprieties. This is being overseen by Greater South East Energy Hub and Local Authorities will be seeking any property in the...
Landlords beware – pets are coming to the private rental sector
An inventory supplier to the lettings industry is advising landlords to make sure they spot early signs of pet damage in properties - and to prepare for pets to be a bigger part of the private rental landscape in future. No Letting Go, the UK's...
Money available from Local Authorities for energy works
We have been advised that all Local Authorities are to be given money by the Government to help tackle energy inefficient proprieties. This is being overseen by Greater South East Energy Hub and Local Authorities will be seeking any property in the...
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LATEST NEWS
Charity claims Renters Reform Bill will reduce homelessness
Crisis has seized on figures issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which shows that...
Large landlord announces merger talks with London-based association
Origin Housing and Places for People are pleased to announce that they have entered merger discussions. Origin owns...
Empty Houses – new report
The House of Commons has published a report on the impact of empty homes on communities. The summary can be seen here,...
Will rising mortgage rates cause a landlord sell off?
According to Hamptons, mortgage interest amount is 40% higher than it was a year ago – and 58% higher than November...
All HMOs must have a fire risk assessment
There will be changes to fire safety regulations, commencing October 23rd 2023. Whilst it has always been necessary...
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