How renters can make effective housing disrepair complaints to their landlords
Sophie Bell and Farzana Chowdhury, experienced Housing Law Partners at Hodge Jones & Allen outline the many worries tenants face when thinking about complaining to their landlord about a disrepair issue and list the most effective steps to follow when making a complaint. Damp, water leaks and no hot water are among many housing disrepair issues that […]
Millions worried they will not be able to afford rent in 2023
Despite a majority of landlords indicating that they would remain flexible on rental payments, half of UK tenants are worried that they will not be able to afford to pay their rent in 2023. The stark figures come from new research by specialist lender, Market Financial Solutions, who commissioned an independent survey among a nationally-representative […]
Guarantors needed for growing number of tenancies – claim
The cost of living crisis combined with a logjam in the courts means landlords are now “very unlikely” to rent properties without guarantors being in place, according to an outspoken industry figure. Jonathan Rolande of the National Association of Property Buyers says the rental market currently remains “so hot” that any tenant not willing to […]
Significant number of part-time landlords eyeing exit from market
Over a quarter (26%) of part-time landlords are worried about the future and considering leaving the rented sector, according to a new report from mortgage lender OSB Group. However, while the study revealed concerns among landlords earning money from letting property in addition to a main income derived from other means, sentiment among professional landlords […]
Capital Gains Tax changes – which landlords are hit hardest?
Changes to capital gains tax announced in Jeremy Hunt’s recent Autumn Statement will see the average landlord pay as much as £1,764 more if they do decide to exit the buy-to-let sector next year. Lettings agency Benham and Reeves analysed the capital gains seen on a buy-to-let investment across each county of England over the […]
Are landlords ready for the Renting Homes (Wales) Act?
Landlords in both the private and social sectors will have new procedures to follow once the Act comes into force. These relate to everything from issuing contracts and serving notice, to property safety and maintenance. Jonathan Daines, Founder and CEO, lettingaproperty.com, said: “Landlords in Wales are understandably concerned about the new Act and what it […]
Agents and Labour back Gove’s clampdown on private rental sector
Propertymark has given its backing to a clampdown by Housing Secretary Michael Gove on private landlords – although landlords themselves appear distinctly unenthusiastic. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has revealed overnight that £14m is to be given to seven areas with high numbers of poor privately rented homes “to crack down on […]
Landlord sentiment on a high as the PRS becomes more professional
The PRS is fundamentally changing and becoming more tenant-focussed with the vast majority of landlords operating within it saying that they are confident about the future, according to a new report released by OSB Group. The report finds that 92% of professional landlords are confident about the future, with 64% agreeing, or acknowledging, that the […]
HMO Council Tax Reform – government pledge to consider change
The government has made a general commitment to work with those who want council tax reforms for Homes in Multiple Occupation. Earlier this week Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage moved an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill currently going through the House of Commons to stop the Valuation Office Agency splitting HMO properties into multiple […]
Shelter claims dramatic rise in Section 21 evictions
Shelter claims government figures show 5,940 households were “threatened with homelessness” in England as a result of Section 21 evictions between April and June this year. This figure has risen by 76 per cent in a year following the end of the eviction ban in May 2021. To be classified as ‘threatened with homelessness’ by their […]