The UK property landscape is evolving, and with the Renters Reform Bill having its second reading, it's crucial for landlords to stay informed. The bill aims to balance the scales, providing security for renters and assurance for landlords. Here's what you need to know: Key Changes Proposed by the Bill End of 'No Fault' Evictions: The bill proposes to abolish Section 21, ending 'no fault' evictions...
Over the last few years, landlords have faced many changes. Tax reforms, rental reforms and energy efficiency measures have meant renting out properties is more complex (and expensive) than ever. But with changes to Government plans announced last Wednesday, is good news on the horizon? Last week, controversial (and costly plans) for improved EPC targets by 2025 were scrapped by Prime Minister Rishi...
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) is an extensive piece of legislation. It includes the following provisions: Potential limitation of a flat owner’s liability towards building safety remediation costs. Requirements for the registration of all buildings more than 18 metres in height or more than seven storeys on a national register. Creation of a Building Safety Regulator with...
If you’re new to the property market, learning the lingo is essential. There are lots of legal and financial terms you need to get your head around and lots of research to be done. Two terms that you need to be familiar with are ‘freehold’ and ‘leasehold’. This quick read explains what each one means and why they are important. What is a freehold property? When you buy a freehold...
What Does the Rental Reform White Paper Mean for Landlords?A 3-minute read. And as if from nowhere, the white paper on the reform of the PRS lands. Not due until later in the year, the cynics amongst us might think the government might be trying to divert attention from other matters. All the same, the clarity the release of the white paper brings is welcome, but we are still some way from any actual...
Housing, and therefore housing policy, affects us all. We’ve witnessed another spring statement that has done nothing to address the housing crisis gripping London and the rest of the UK. I may own a central London estate agency now, but my roots are firmly in the social housing sector, having been born and raised on a council estate. So unlike those in power and many commentators discussing housing, I...
Do you know what HMO licence you need when letting your property? In the last few months, new Selective and Additional licence schemes have been launched in Southwark, Lewisham, Westminster and Lambeth, and it is likely that more local authorities will follow suit in the near future. With the licencing landscape constantly changing, and new schemes for Aditional and Selective Licences popping up all over...
In this three-minute read, we examine the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. We recently read a statistic about private landlords that left us scratching our heads. A whopping 56% of private renters say they live in a property that doesn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm*. Can such a high percentage of landlords really be ignoring safety advice and flouting regulations on carbon monoxide alarms? By law,...
In this two-minute read, we look at how renters inLondoncan take the hassle out of finding a place to live. Are you looking to move into a new rental property? Here’s a guide to finding a new home. Research Identify where you would like to live and what kind of property you’re looking for. For example, if you work from home, you might need office space. If you have children, you may want a garden....
This two-minute read includes some handy tax advice for landlords. Our tax system is often criticised for being complicated and unwieldy, but by following two simple rules you can take the stress and hassle out of filing a return. Rule Number 1: Do your homework Raise your hand if you find the subject of tax dull? You’re not alone, many people cite tax as a conversation killer (right up there with...