Book Review – "Tenants’ Guide to Successful Renting" by David Lawrenson

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It might seem a bit odd, reviewing a book advising tenant’s on how to be successful at renting, not at first sight a perfect match for a landlord site like this. But if you think about it, renting is just the opposite side of the coin, a mirror image, sorry to mix metaphors, to letting, which gives insights into the thinking on both sides – not that we should be taking sides or seeing this as a, “us and them” game.

In letting property there’s no substitute for experience; letting to multiple tenants over many years gives this in spades, so an experienced landlord and author like David Lawrenson has a mine of information and insights to share, and his ideas of what makes a perfect tenant is something worth learning about, especially if you are prospective tenant, seeking to secure a tenancy against a lot of competition, plus the book gives some useful insights for landlords as well.

In a landlords’ market, just like an employers’ market, tenants just like employees must shine through if they are to be successful in securing that desirable well located tenancy. Tenants should approach getting a tenancy just like a job interview, doing some research, putting themselves in the landlord’s shoes, and thinking carefully about how to present themselves to respectable landlords and letting agents.

Most tenants are totally unaware of what’s involved in being a landlord, the effort that goes into preparing the property, the documentation and the marketing of a rental each time there’s a change of tenancy. They are also usually unfamiliar with the concept of what a tenancy actually means in law, their rights and responsibilities under it, and those of their landlord.

The ideal tenant is one that looks after the property, pays rent on time, and has a good relationship with the landlord: this mean being courteous and only reporting genuine repairs. The ideal landlord presents the property in excellent condition, provides good facilities, leaves the tenant alone to enjoy the property, deals with repairs requests promptly and is courteous at all times.

Mr Lawrenson starts his book with a nice summary of the history of the private rented sector in the UK, “…so you can appreciate why things are perhaps as they are”. The book continues with a section on selecting the right type of property, spelling out the characteristics of different types of rentals, the need for careful financial planning and making sure the running costs such as heating and energy efficiency meet the budget.

An important section on credit checks gives the lowdown on what these mean, and how tenants can manage their finances so that they keep a good score. This is followed by important sections on viewing etiquette and the important things to look for when viewing, even down to tips on taking care of your personal safety on viewings.

Most important of all, for a tenant, is getting “under the skin” of landlords and letting agents, understanding perfectly what they are looking for and what attracts them to a particular tenant. Just as important perhaps, is knowing how to avoid the “fakes and flakes” as Lawrenson puts it. Scams are common these days in lettings, especially on the Internet, so knowing about these in advance is a bonus.

Important information on Letting Fees, Inventories, Deposit Schemes, a good summary of the ins and outs of tenancy laws and Letting Agreements, plus details about Housing Benefit, all important points of information essential to a smooth letting experience are provided in easy to follow and understandable – to the layperson – language.

Lots more information is provided on the important points to be aware of about the management aspects of the property; safety checks, the tenant’s responsibilities in looking after the property, plus how to deal with the end of a tenancy. A section dealing specifically with multiple housing and student tenant’s needs will be especially appreciated by new students and their parents.

All-in-all this book covers a surprising amount of material, all very relevant to tenants of all stripes, in an easily digested 250 pages, and accompanied by its own website: http://www.Tenants-Renting-Guide.com

Tom Entwistle

… LandlordZONE.

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National Show: Midlands

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Date: Wednesday 21st September 2016

Doors Open – 9am – Close – 3.30pm – FREE ENTRY – FREE PARKING!

Location: West Bromwich Albion Football Club, The Hawthorns, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4LF

Register and attend the show to receive a maximum of 5 CPD points towards your landlord accreditation

Book your Free Tickets

Due to the massive success The National Landlord Investment Shows in London and Manchester we are delighted to announce that we are heading to the Midlands.

The show will attract Landlords, Investors, Developers & Property Professionals.

If you are Interested in Investment Opportunities, Landlord TAX, Buying at Auction, Finance/Mortgages, Landlord Insurance plus much more…..then this is the show for you.

Seminars delivered by industry experts.

Come and meet exhibitors within buy-to-let.

Industries exhibiting include:

• Legal Services

• Buy-to-let mortgages

• Landlord Insurance

• Referencing

• Letting Agents

• Online Agents

• Property Management

• Local Council

• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

• Landlord Tax Advice

• Landlord Associations

• Buy to let opportunities

• Local Tradesman

Register and attend the show to receive a maximum of 5 CPD points towards your landlord accreditation.

This is a MUST attend event!

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: National Show: Midlands

Next Stop: #landlordshow comes to The Barbican

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The first Landlord & Letting Show of the Autumn will be our second visit of the year to the Capital.

On Wednesday 7th (from 11am-6pm) and Thursday 8th September (from 10am to 4pm), the event will take place in Hall 2 of The Barbican, located off Golden Lane, London EC2Y 8DL.

This is perhaps the most popular event in our annual calendar, as people come along to find out what’s in store for the private rented sector throughout the remainder of the year, as well as gain insights into what the new year will hold for property professionals.

So visit the website at www.landlordshow.info to book your free tickets and make sure you keep yourself up-to-date on all the latest private rented sector developments.

There will be a wide range of seminars, workshops and panel discussions on offer, as well as one to one advice sessions, so you will certainly find the answers to any industry-related questions you may have! What’s more, the show is a great place to pick up some fantastic product and service deals in the exhibition.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to chat to and network with fellow property professionals and pick up CPD points for attendance if you are accredited!

We look forward to welcoming you to the London #landlordshow

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Next Stop: #landlordshow comes to The Barbican

Wavering landlords will push up rents

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Lack of supply of available rentals will increase the cost of renting accommodation. That’s the warning from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) as they report that landlords are hesitating due to lack of government commitment to the PRS. Figures collected by ARLA from their letting agent members show that almost half are witnessing […]

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Wavering landlords will push up rents