Lettings

After a four-year wait and lots of speculation, a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the rental sector was finally presented to Parliament this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes changes to eviction laws, the creation of a Private Rental Ombudsman to resolve disputes and measures to speed up the existing court process. The bill will now be scrutinised by MPs and members of the House of Lords, so...

This lettings piece looks at how to combat condensation and mould. How can landlords and tenants combat condensation and mould? Read on to find out. Condensation and mould The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces or by lots of...

What should a landlord be prioritising? In this week’s lettings article, we look at five areas landlords need to prioritise to improve their management of a property and a tenant’s experience. As a landlord in 2023, it’s fair to say there are a lot of challenges on the horizon. From changes to rental rules, tax upheaval, mortgage mayhem… it’s all going on. But the first thing to...

Why squirrels aren’t cute… In this week’s lettings article, we explore the rise in squirrel infestations and how to prevent them. What’s cute, has a bushy tail and could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a rental property? Unfortunately, as sweet as they may seem, squirrels and their nests can be a nightmare for landlords and tenants. Once those little grey beasts make...

Why are landlords increasing rent? In this week’s lettings article, we explore some reasons behind rent increases and the costs landlords are facing. You can’t open a newspaper (or app) without seeing something about the UK rental market. Whether it’s the increase in demand for property, changes to rent rules or landlords selling up – rentals are getting a lot of attention. And one matter...

Success as a landlord doesn’t just centre around what you do when your property is tenanted. How you manage your rental when it’s empty is also crucial. All landlords have to contend with void periods – they’re an inevitable part of having a buy-to-let. So, it’s wise to budget for the costs associated with void periods and take precautions to stop them dragging on. That’s because when...

In this week’s lettings article, we look at four ways landlords can reduce the stress of renting out properties. Stress-Busting Tips for Rayleigh Landlords Being a landlord is one of those jobs where there’s no middle ground. It’s either low stress with great tenants and affordable mortgage rates, or it’s the total opposite: high stress, broken appliances, tenancy challenges and...

What can landlords do to capitalise on the rising number of older tenants? This week’s lettings article looks at ways to adapt a property for older tenants. Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and...

Should you be friends with your tenants? In this week’s lettings article, we look at how to maintain a professional relationship with tenants. As a landlord, it’s important to build a good relationship with tenants. You want them to feel comfortable in their new home and to care for it, pay rent on time and generally have a successful tenancy period. But what makes a good relationship? Unless...