Top 10 cities searched by prospective tenants

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Rightmove have released figures for the most popular cities that prospective tenants search for new homes to rent in 2017.

Number 1 searched city was Bristol

Followed by:

2. Birmingham

3. Leeds

4.

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Add value to your rental property with a compact mini kitchen

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With the growing demand for affordable properties continuing to rise, landlords must consider the most cost effective ways in which homes can be fitted out.  Upon review of their properties, landlords may find that the kitchen has taken a few knocks during the last tenancy, they have been subject to wear-and-tear and, in the worst case, it might be time for a complete kitchen replacement.

In smaller dwellings like apartments, studio flats, bedsits and homes of multiple occupancy, where it is also about increasing the lettable floor space, why don’t you  consider a compact kitchen as they are significantly easier to maintain and can free up much-needed space. As such, landlords should look at the possibility of installing affordable compact kitchens, which can include, hotplates, fridge and microwave.

Elfin Kitchens’ Economy kitchen range is designed to meet such needs, providing an affordable, compact kitchen solution.  They are ideal for installation in properties where space is limited.  Comprising an A++ rated fridge with freezer compartment, sink with monobloc mixer tap, two hotplates and a microwave, the kitchen delivers everything needed by the tenant to prepare and cook food.

Manufactured from hard wearing white powder coated steel, the economy kitchen is tough enough to withstand knock scrapes and general misuse, something which can prove to be a problem in rented accommodation.  Similarly due to the non-absorbent nature of steel, spills can be easily wiped from the unit ensuring no marks are left on the surface.

Delivered as one complete unit, the kitchen is ready to be fitted and plumbed directly to the service pipes.  Installation can take less than half an hour so labour costs are dramatically reduced as a result.  Each kitchen comes with quality branded appliances, available in left-hand or right-handed versions, providing each user with all the cooking facilities they need in a stylish compact unit.

The economy kitchen model is ideal for landlords looking to install a low cost, yet durable kitchen solution.  Owing to the way in which it is manufactured, the economy kitchen is resilient against the effects of general wear and tear ensuring the kitchen will look good for many years.

Drop in. plug in. elfin.

The benefit of a pre-built kitchen is just this, it arrives ready to install and can simply be plugged into the existing services.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Add value to your rental property with a compact mini kitchen | LandlordZONE.

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Time for Government to step up support landlords

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This year has been a frustrating one for UK landlords.

The long-awaited housing white paper – which promised radical changes for PRS landlords – failed to offer much by way of positive news, and November’s budget, welfare announcements aside, had little for landlords to get excited about.

Without a crystal ball, we already know the next round of MIR changes will come into force in April, along with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and the new banning orders and rogue landlord database.

The ban on letting agents’ fees is also likely to be introduced with the draft bill announced last month.

On top of this the Government is running 15 consultations on issues affecting the PRS on issues from Right to Rent to Client Money Protection Schemes, Universal Credit and Redress schemes for tenants.

But has it bitten off more than it can chew?

While landlords are frustrated with the lack of action so far, to boost supply and encourage investment, the RLA has warned the Government in a meeting only last week, that looking at individual PRS issues in isolation is a mistake.

What’s more, when coupled with recent tax changes, more regulations could end up forcing landlords out of the market altogether.

RLA chairman Alan Ward has already written to Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, to say he is he is ‘deeply concerned’ about the ‘sporadic and uncoordinated’ way in which policy is being proposed.

The RLA has told the Government the sector does not need more consultations but a co-ordinated and consistent effort to boost the supply of homes.

Mr Ward said: “It is not obvious how any of these consultations and the proposals contained within them achieve what we need which is more homes to rent alongside all other tenures.

“While it is right and proper that the government consults on its plans, these exercises are, quite simply not enough.

“As we have said time and time again, tenants cannot live in consultations.”

The RLA came up with a wish-list of positive changes ahead of last month’s budget, including calls for tax changes to incentivise longer tenancies, capital gains tax reform and a commitment from the government to redevelop small plots of land as rental homes.

Mr Ward said: “Landlords need incentives to invest including pro-growth taxation and most of all need to have confidence in the system if they are going to continue to provide vital homes to rent at this time of housing crisis.

“Let’s make 2018 the year we see some joined-up thinking from the Government and recognition of the contribution made by private landlords.”

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Time for Government to step up support landlords | LandlordZONE.

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Five Warnings for 2018 – #4 Pre-October 2015 Tenancies

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A short series from landlord & tenant lawyer Tessa Shepperson on things you need to watch out for.

On 1 October 2015 new rules came in which affected landlords use of the all-important section 21 notices for properties let on assured shorthold tenancies in England (the new rules do not apply in Wales).

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Five Warnings for 2018 – #3 Banning Orders

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A short series from landlord & tenant lawyer Tessa Shepperson on things you need to watch out for.

Banning Orders were set out in the Housing and Planning Act 2016, but could not come into force until the relevant secondary legislation had been drafted.

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New Chairman for NLA

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Landlords’ Association:

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has appointed a new Chairman Adrian Jeakings who replaces Carolyn Uphill, Chairman since July 2013.

Mr Jeakings, who joined the Board of Directors in June 2016 as a Non-Executive Director, has more than 25 years’ experience at board level in executive and non-executive roles.

Jeakings previous roles include Non-Executive Audit Advisory Chair at the Norse Group and a Member of the Appointments Panel at the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Prior to this he had three years as President of the Newspaper Society and Chairman of the News Media Association. During his professional career he spent six years as Chief Executive Officer of Archant, and has 20 years’ experience in Chief Financial Officer/ Director roles at various organisations.

During Carolyn Uphill’s time as Chairman she oversaw the growth of the organisation, increasing membership to 16,000 paying subscribers. In total the NLA says to now works with 81,000 landlords, up from 39,000 from 2013.

On taking on the role as Chairman, Mr Jeakings said he is keen to continue to build the NLA’s voice and authority.

“Carolyn has been a fantastic Chairman, and the growth of the NLA during her tenure has been great to see. I’d like to thank her for the all her hard work, and to praise her for the dedication and passion she has shown in standing up for landlords and championing the important role they play in providing much needed homes.

“I too want to put our members at the heart of everything we do and my focus will be to ensure that they have the support they need to make a success of renting homes.

“I look forward to helping the organisation continue to grow our membership and to improve our strength in numbers, which I believe is crucial if we want to enhance our authority and better assert the landlord’s perspective to policy makers and in public debate.”

Carolyn Uphill, outgoing Chairman, said:

“The private rented sector has witnessed a lot of change over the last 5 years. Chairing the organisation and watching it grow and develop in such turbulent circumstances has had its challenges, but has been a privilege and an honour.

“There will continue to be many challenges ahead, but I’m certain that under Adrian’s leadership, the NLA will continue to grow to support the needs of landlords across the UK.”

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – New Chairman for NLA | LandlordZONE.

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Landlord’s furniture in unfurnished letting?

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I’ve been renting an unfurnished flat from through a lettings agent for over three months now. Our term is twelve months.

From the day we moved in there has been allot of furniture inside the flat belonging to the landlord.

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Budget changes to Universal Credit

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It was announced in the Chancellor of Exchequer autumn budget that there would be some changes to the Welfare Reform.

Universal Credit replaces legacy payments with a single monthly payment – merging six benefits into one, although, Universal Credit is being introduced gradually.

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Data Protection and the GDPR

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Personal Data:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a Europe (EU) initiative, a new legal framework in the EU, and of course this along with other EU legislation this will be ported across to the UK, post Brexit.

GDPR has similarities with the existing UK Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), but it goes deeper into what constitutes personal data. For example, even an IP address can be classed as personal data under this new definition. The more expansive GDPR definition provides for a wider range of personal identifiers to constitute personal data, reflecting changes in technology and the way organisations collect information about people.

The GDPR applies to ‘controllers’ and ‘processors’. The definitions are broadly the same as under the DPA – i.e. the controller says how and why personal data is processed and the processor acts on the controller’s behalf. If you are currently subject to the DPA, and landlords, agents and reference agencies will be, it is likely that you will also be subject to the GDPR.

The GDPR will apply in the UK from 25 May 2018. The government has confirmed that the UK’s decision to leave the EU will not affect the commencement of the GDPR.

Currently the Information Commissioners Office under DPA Schedule 1 lays down these basic Data Protection Principles for handling data, but the GDPR will go further:

1. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully
2. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes.
3. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed.
4. Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.
5. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes.
6. Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act.
7. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.
8. Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data.

There are two types of data:

• Personal data – such as things that will identify someone, and
• Sensitive personal data – which tells you something personal about the individual, for example, sexual preference.

What is Sensitive Personal Data?

Sensitive personal data includes information on an individual which contains details of their:

• racial or ethnic origin;
• political opinions;
• religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature;
• membership of a trade union;
• physical or mental health and conditions;
• sexual life;
• commission or alleged commission of an offence;
• proceedings for any offence committed or alleged to have been committed;
• disposal of such proceedings or the sentence of any court in such proceedings.

Again, landlords, agents and reference agencies will be involved in collecting at least some of this sensitive personal data. Details of ethnic origin, financial data, personal references, payment histories, credit scores, bank accounts, National Insurance numbers, passports and drivers’ licenses, personal photos, telephone numbers, debt records (CCJs) and sensitive information on a range of medical, welfare or social service issues and possibly even criminal records will almost certainly be involved if tenants are being checked out properly.

Is it legal to hold this data? 

Yes, it is not illegal per se to hold this data, so long legitimately required for the purpose and as it is dealt with in a proper and lawful way. For example, these instances would be unlawful:

• Posting data on public forums, blogs, facebook etc, about an individual
• Refusing to give it to those lawfully entitled to it, e.g. Local Authorities*
• Losing it through leaving laptops in taxis or being hacked (where prevention was possible)

*Obtaining Data on Individuals

Sections 29 35(2) of the DPA, allow others to apply for personal information on an individual in some circumstances. For example, a landlord may request personal information about a subject from a local authority. If you are asked for personal information in this way about a tenant you should seek legal advice before supplying it.

Section 29 allows for the disclosure of personal data if this disclosure is necessary for:

• the prevention of crime
• the apprehension or prosecution of offenders
• the assessment or collection of any tax or duty or similar
• and where not disclosing the information would be likely to prejudice any of these purposes in the particular circumstances of the case.

Section 35(2) allows for the disclosure of personal data if that disclosure is:

• necessary for the purpose of or in connection with any legal proceedings of any nature (including prospective legal proceedings)
• necessary for the purpose of obtaining legal advice
• necessary in order to establish, exercise or defend any legal right.

Landlords and Data Protection

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about data protection.

For example, landlords are entitled to be shown references obtained on their behalf by agents, though the tenant must have agreed to this sharing of data with relevant persons when they signed the tenancy application form (electronic signatures are now legal).

You can retain data when asked to delete it if you have a lawful reason for keeping it. For example, landlords are entitled to keep data about tenancies for up to six years in case they are sued and therefore tenants cannot destroy a landlord’s defence to a claim by requiring that their defence data be deleted.

All landlords will be covered by the Data Protection rules both under DPA and GDPR.

The fact that you may only have one rented property is irrelevant. However, if you are a genuine “not for profit” you could be exempt?

The GDPR is coming!

You should already know and be complying with the rules above. However, from 25 May 2018 the new rules are in force.

There are massively increased fines for non-compliance which can be up to the greater of 4% of turnover or 20 million Euros, obviously the latter for very large organisations, but well worth taking seriously.

The main effect of these new rules is that if you keep information it needs to be used only for the specific purpose it was provided by the individual. So if you obtain information about someone because they are a tenant this does not mean you can send them mailings trying to sell them something else.

All this is perhaps not hugely significant for landlords provided they do not hang on to data too long. However, it is going to be very significant for agents who may no longer be able to rely on, for example, purchased mailing lists.

Preparing for GDPR

• If you use mailing lists, you need to use the time we have before 25 May next year to ensure that everyone on your list has opted into the type of mailings you are sending to them.
• You need to make sure that you are not retaining information inappropriately and have a proper privacy notice.
• You need to ensure, if your data is held by another organisation, that where appropriate they delete their data also.

If you are involved with large amounts of personal data, the best way to deal with all this is to carry out a Privacy Impact Assessment – there is guidance on the ICO website on how to do this.

Thanks to Tessa Shepperson’s Newsletter for some of this content: www.landlordlaw.co.uk

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Data Protection and the GDPR | LandlordZONE.

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Five Warnings for 2018 – #2 The GDPR

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A short series from landlord & tenant lawyer Tessa Shepperson on things you need to watch out for.

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation and is a new set of considerably more onerous data protection laws which are coming into force on 25 May 2018.

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