Buy-to-let landlords blamed for decline in DIY among under-30s

Figures suggesting spending on DIY among ‘generation rent’ has fallen by third since 1996 coincide with report showing age of first-time buyers still rising. Britain’s young adults are no longer putting up shelves, hanging wallpaper or retiling bathrooms, according to figures that reveal DIY is in steep decline among the so-called “generation rent” who cannot […]

Landlords warned they could be hit by new energy efficiency regulations

LANDLORDS are being warned that some of their properties could be rendered unlettable by new energy efficiency regulations coming into force. The new lawns will bring significant changes and possible heavy fines, according to Ashley Gurr, commercial property partner at county law firm Kerwoods. “The changes are so far reaching that some properties may become […]

Responsible landlords to get protection from Immigration Bill

Members of parliament have approved measures that will give greater protection to responsible landlords wanting to evict illegal immigrants. Changes to the Immigration Bill, proposed by the government and approved on 25th April, will provide protection for landlords who take reasonable steps in an appropriate time frame to terminate tenancies of tenants in the country […]

Housing Bill should also include rogue tenants list

According to the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks, the Housing and Planning Bill, which includes measures to tackle criminal landlords and letting agents, should also address the issue of problem tenants. Included in the Bill are proposals to ban and fine criminal landlords and letting agents, introduce rent repayment orders and establish a database of […]

Is there still money to be made in BTL?

In the aftermath of new tax rules that have hit landlords recently, a new report reveals that just one in five believes that there is still money to be made in buy-to-let. The research also shows that over half of landlords purchased buy-to-let property in the last three months to beat the Chancellor’s stamp duty […]

Can landlords evict their tenants?

What rights do landlords have if their tenants stop paying the rent? Janet Waine, a legal expert, and Moneywise offer some advice. “I own a two-bedroomed flat that I’ve been renting out to a couple for the past eight months. They were both made redundant two months ago, and since then have not paid any […]

Right to Rent guidance to change

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) understands the Government is planning to update its Right to Rent guidance following the roll out of the scheme across the country. The controversial checks came into force in February this year for landlords in England and require them to check that all new tenants have a right to rent […]

Industry body warns of Universal Credit ‘disaster’ for private rental sector

A trade body is warning that the government’s new Universal Credit payments could have a disastrous impact on private lettings with increasing numbers of landlords saying they will refuse to rent to tenants on benefits. Research carried out by the Residential Landlords Association shows that landlords are frustrated with the new system, which sees benefits […]

Landlords step up legal challenge over buy-to-let tax

Buy-to-let investors are looking to raise a further £250,000 in their bid to fight the cuts to mortgage interest relief set to be phased in from next year. The Telegraph reports campaigners plan a summit in central London to add to the £50,000 already raised as part of plans to launch a judicial review against […]

Buy-to-let landlord surge ignites chain reaction in housing market

Rightmove claims landlord rush to beat stamp duty surcharge fuelled rise in homeowners selling up and trading up. The average asking price of homes coming on to the market has risen to a new high, increasing by 1.3% over the past month to an average of £307,033 as landlords raced to buy properties ahead of […]