Have you ever wondered how some landlords seem to run successful portfolios and others don’t seem to crack the rental property puzzle? In our experience, we’ve seen what the best do that the rest don’t. And the answer is surprisingly simple; they do the basics brilliantly. The best landlords have

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a big news story in the property rental world right now.  And there are lots of myths and inaccurate information being punted around.  In this article, we’ll give you straight answers to three of the most common questions landlords are asking us. Will I be

After months of fevered speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her autumn Budget next week (Wednesday 30 October). As the announcement could have important implications for landlords, let’s consider what might be included in it. But first, a caveat Leaks and rumours accompany the lead-up to any major fiscal event,

Cuckooing is a crime that puts your tenant’s well-being at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues.If you own a rental, here’s what you need to know. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁? ‘Cuckooing’ is when a gang moves into someone’s home and uses it as a

Welcoming a new tenant can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition.Here are five steps landlords should take before handing over the keys. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 Conduct a thorough inspection and address any minor issues that you pick up. Also, consider a

When considering the purchase of a ‘doer-upper’ – a property that requires refurbishment – landlords are often faced with a Shakespearean (ish) question: “To buy, or not to buy?” It’s an important decision where you must weigh up several important factors before choosing to invest or not.  Below are five

If you’re new to the buy-to-let market, here are six property pitfalls to avoid. 𝟭) 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 It’s important to have a contingency fund to cover repairs, safety inspections, void periods and emergencies. 𝟮) 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 A problematic tenant can cause endless headaches, so always conduct background, credit and

First-time buyers might be getting older, but when it comes to landlords, it’s a different story. Back in 2014, the average age for a landlord purchasing a rental with a buy-to-let mortgage was 46.4. According to a new survey*, by 2023, that figure was down to 42.9. 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻The survey

Are landlords leaving the rental sector en masse, as some have claimed? We’ve crunched the latest numbers, and there is some movement. But is it an ‘exodus’? Not quite. Zoopla’s July data showed one in eight properties for sale was previously a rental. However, 40% of these homes are expected

Is the rental market running hot or cold, and what can we expect in the coming year?  Let’s dig into the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and property portal Zoopla to find out. Taking stock Unless you spent 2023 hiding under a rock, you’ll know that

Over the last few months, there have been lots of scare stories in the popular media claiming that Section 21 no-fault evictions will soon be banned – and that landlords will not be able to evict their tenants if they need to. In this article, we put the story straight

Property experts often advise sellers to style their home before they put it on the market. Go the extra mile with presentation, and buyers will be impressed by what they see and smell, or so the theory goes. But do the same styling rules apply to landlords hoping to attract

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