Did you know that a blaze is seven times more likely to start in a rental property than in a home occupied by the owner?* It’s a shocking statistic that underlines the need for landlords to prioritise fire safety. So, let’s look at how to keep your tenants and property

Great letting agents make a world of difference to their clients. They’re star performers who keep tenancies running smoothly, properties well-maintained and landlords on the right side of the law.  But not all letting agents are equal. Unfortunately, a small minority are rogue operators with ulterior motives. So how can

A good letting agent can make a world of difference for both landlords and tenants.  Here are ten things a top-notch letting agent does to provide outstanding service: 1. Tenant Vetting and Screening A reliable letting agent conducts tenant screening (often called referencing) to ensure potential tenants are compatible with

Lettings terminology can be confusing, especially if you’re new to renting. So, here’s a jargon-busting list of commonly used rental terms to help you navigate the lettings market*.   Agent An agent is a person who acts on behalf of the property owner (i.e. the landlord). Agents can be involved

Property abandonment is a rare but complex issue that, if mishandled, can get a landlord in legal trouble. So, let’s look at the key things to consider if a tenant abandons your rental without notice. What is abandonment? When a tenant leaves a rental before the end of their contract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making tsunami-like waves across various industries, and the UK rental sector is no exception.  For landlords, understanding how AI might shape the future of property management is important for maximising their investment and protecting their assets. Here’s a glimpse into the potential changes AI could bring

When it comes to being a successful landlord, it pays to heed the words of Forrest Gump. The slow-witted, kind-hearted fictional character played by Tom Hanks on the big screen uttered a phrase that should serve as a guiding motto for all landlords. “Life is like a box of chocolates;

When a tenancy ends, there’s often confusion – and sometimes disputes – over what a landlord can claim as a deposit deduction. So, let’s look at what’s reasonable to claim and how to avoid deposit disputes in the first place. A landlord can deduct funds from a tenant’s deposit to

As we all know, moving home can be a stressful business. But you can avoid a frantic panic on the big day by starting your end-of-tenancy preparations sooner rather than later. With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can streamline the process and avoid a last-minute scramble. Once

If you’re a landlord, you can probably think of nothing worse than your rental sitting empty. The prospect of covering the mortgage and utility bills in between tenancies may keep you awake at night. And there are security implications too: a lengthy void period may invalidate your landlord insurance and

When summer arrives, the issue of property security becomes even more relevant for landlords.  The summer months provide more opportunity for thieves to take advantage of longer days, open windows and doors, and vacant properties. As a landlord, you need to protect your investment, but it’s also good practice to

When summer arrives, the issue of property security becomes even more relevant for landlords.  The summer months provide more opportunity for thieves to take advantage of longer days, open windows and doors, and vacant properties. As a landlord, you need to protect your investment, but it’s also good practice to

The Renters (Reform) Bill was a proposed new law that would have meant some big changes for landlords – with new rules on tenancies, possession grounds and evictions. With the general election coming on 4 July, let’s take a look at what this could mean for the reform of rental

Setting the correct rental price for your property is essential to attract the best tenants and maximise the return on your investment.  Too high, and you won’t get that all-important awareness and interest.  Too low, and you’ll be out of pocket. Here are five key considerations every landlord should keep

One issue, above all else, causes landlords sleepless nights. Can you guess what it is? Could it be maintenance and repairs? Or maybe it’s worrying about the rent being paid on time? If you answered one of the above, thanks for playing, but you’re mistaken. The biggest challenge landlords currently

Gardens can boost a rental property’s appeal, often making it more attractive to potential tenants – especially during May, as spring is here and summer is around the corner. But, as beneficial as they may be, gardens can also be a source of friction between landlords and tenants, particularly when

Investing in a buy-to-let abroad can be a tempting prospect. Owning your own little piece of paradise while earning a rental income can seem like a win-win scenario. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the challenges landlords face when managing a property overseas. Here are five things to

Some landlords, actually many, have an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to their rental property’s upkeep. But by proactively refurbishing and modernising your rental properties, you can realise a host of benefits that will attract premium tenants and add long-term value to your investment. Here are seven

If you’re a landlord looking to save time and money (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), a good letting agent can be a game-changer. They’ll manage your rental property day to day (so you’re free to focus on your other responsibilities), regularly check in with your tenants (to ensure there

Did you know that HMRC plans to introduce new rules on how landlords file their tax returns? Here’s an update on what these changes involve and a timeline for when they’ll come into force. Making Tax Digital (MTD) is an initiative designed to streamline the tax system by fully digitising

Owning a rental property isn’t just about what happens while tenants are in place; effectively managing periods when your property is unoccupied is equally important.  Every landlord faces void periods as a natural part of property letting, making it essential to prepare financially and strategically to manage its impact. Void

What’s the most common reason for landlords finding themselves in hot water and needing to make an insurance claim? The answer, according to one insurance company* at least, is ‘escape of water’. This term covers everything from burst pipes and defective washing machines to leaky loos and dripping taps. In

If you’ve just inherited a rental property, then you may be wondering what your options are. While you won’t need to make any decisions on the spot (it usually takes many months to settle an estate), it’s good to start thinking about the issues you’ll have to address in time.

Maintaining a rental property in Leicester isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about safeguarding your investment and keeping your tenants happy and safe.  That’s why regular property inspections are so crucial.  They help you spot potential issues before they become costly repairs and ensure your property remains a place people

Planning to renovate your rental? There’s one thing you should know before you start pulling up carpets or ripping out cabinets. It will help you avoid a costly and avoidable mistake that many landlords make, and it’s this. Don’t let your emotions cloud your decision-making. It sounds simple, but you’d

Being a landlord is rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Over the years, we’ve seen and helped solve most of the mistakes landlords can make. To help you navigate this complex terrain, here are the five most common mistakes we’ve encountered and how to