Your time is precious, so choose smart access control

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Choosing the right lock for
your property is a big decision. Choose wisely and you save yourself precious
time, choose poorly and you will repeatedly waste valuable time looking for
lost keys, delivering and collecting keys or contacting the locksmith … again.

We like landlords, in fact many
of our favourite customers are landlords, so read on and we’ll share our wisdom
with you to help you find the perfect access control option for your property.

Open
the door to more tenants

Property letting specialist Lifestyle
Serviced Apartments (LSA), took on a small number of serviced
apartments in Southend-on-Sea. The rooms at Estuary House are let out to tourists
and the corporate market, with lets lasting anywhere from a few days to a few
weeks.

LSA wanted to find an access
control solution that would secure the properties without hindering the check-in
process for guests. “Initially, we looked at solutions from Yale, but when we hired
a company to help install the locks, they recommended we take a closer look at Codelocks,�
explained David Diack, director of Lifestyle Serviced Apartments.

A
smart time saving solution

LSA installed a total of 10 locks
on site. The CL2000 electronic
lock was installed on the main entrance. It was easy to install and provides
simple coded access control for all residents while allowing them to exit
freely.  

CL4510 smart
locks were fitted on each of the apartment doors. The CL4510 combines smart
technology with traditional keypad and card access options and was chosen by LSA
for its ability to generate unique access codes remotely. When a customer rents
an apartment, the LSA team can remotely issue a time sensitive code for the
requested room. Codes can be set for any desired period and are disposable,
expiring once the customer checks out of the property.

Thanks to Codelocks’ NetCode
technology, the locks offer ultimate flexibility, giving LSA new levels of
convenient access control without compromising on security. The locks can be operated
and managed from any location by downloading K3 Connect App*.

Using the Codelocks Application
Programming Interface (API), property managers, landlords and rental owners can
integrate smart locks with their own online booking systems, fully automating
the check-in process.

Happy
staff, happy customers

The CL4510 can be programmed
to use four-, five- or six-digit codes. LSA opted to use four digits, so that
guests could easily memorise their code, but longer codes are available where
even greater levels of reassurance are required.

In addition to coded access, CL4510
can also be opened using smartcards. LSA says that this capability adds an
extra layer of convenience for both its customers and staff, “We have a few
long-term guests, so rather than provide them with a code, we give them each a
smartcard, which makes access more convenient. Our cleaning team also use the
cards.�

Administrative time and costs
are kept to a minimum as codes do not need to be manually updated and there are
no keys to manage. The CL4510’s Audit Trail capability allows LSA to monitor guest
activity, ensuring that customers safely arrive and check-out on the agreed
date. It is also a valuable way to monitor maintenance and service staff and
contractors, providing a record of who is on site, when and for how long.

First-class
products, first-class support

Quality products from Codelocks are a given
and so is our customer service. Our team can:

• Help you choose the right lock before you buy
• Advise on installation and programming set up
• Provide support and advice to owners of Codelocks products
• Arrange to fix or replace a faulty lock or refund an unwanted
  lock.

We are pleased to say that Mr Diack agrees: “The Codelocks team were always very quick to respond. After our
first phone call, we had someone on site within 24 hours,� Mr Diack said. “They’re
really professional. If you need help, you can just pick up the phone. They
know what they’re talking about and rather than try to rush you, they’re happy
to spend time making sure that all of your questions have been answered. It has
definitely been worth the investment and we will certainly use Codelocks again
in our future serviced apartments.â€� 

Convenience
is key

Codelocks products come with
24-hour access to support pages including
detailed online FAQs,
instructions, videos
and templates to help you install and use your locks.

If you prefer to get some advice
from a real person, our UK-based team
have detailed knowledge of all of our products and are ready to give you as
much support as you need. Simply tell us what you need the lock for and about
any ‘must have’ features that you’re looking for. Our team can talk you
through the best options, help you consider the right features and identify the
right lock for you.

So, no need to spend hours on
the internet comparing locks or continue to waste time hunting for lost keys, a
call to Codelocks will save you valuable time now and in the long run.

www.codelocks.co.uk

* The
App is available on the Apple App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for
Android devices. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple
Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play and the
Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Your time is precious, so choose smart access control | LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Your time is precious, so choose smart access control

Nearly 50% of Landlords could sell if Section 21 abolished

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Law Change:

A survey conducted by the Residential Landlords’ Association
(RLA) indicates that nearly half of all English residential landlords would
sell some or possibly all of their rented houses if the “no-fault� eviction
process is removed.

Introduced in the 1988 Housing Act, the section 21 “no-fault�
eviction process is credited with the genesis of the growth in rental housing
provision over the last 30 years. To remove this would mean landlords being
faced with uncertainty, delays and expense when faced with having to evict a
bad tenant for legitimate reasons, landlords claim.

The landlord membership associations argue that not only
would it lead to landlords selling up, a move that this latest landlord survey
gives credence to, it would exacerbate an already undersupply of rented
property, in turn leading to rent increases for those who are lease able to afford
them.

This latest RLA survey, they claim to be biggest ever survey
yet of more than 6,500 landlords and agents, shows that over 46% of landlords plan
to sell.

Of course, section 21 is not the only reason for this, but
with what seems a targeted campaign against private landlords by the current
government, including various tax increases (section 24 in particular) and
voluminous changes to regulations, it could very well be the last straw for
many private landlords.

Some 40% of the landlords surveyed said they were holding
fire for now, to see how the planned changes by government pan out over the
coming months, before they make a decision to withdraw from providing rental
housing.

Following hard on the heels of the government’s announcement
of the legal changes, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) came
out with a stern warning: that private rents would increase by an average of 3%
per year over the next five years if landlords start to leave the market in the
face of still growing demand from prospective tenants.

Two months ago the government announced its plans to end no-fault
Section 21 repossessions, whilst strengthening the adversarial Section 8
process. However, landlords have little confidence, in the face of 30% cuts to
the Justice Departments budgets, that any improvements to this slow and cumbersome
county court system would result. Currently it takes on average over five
months from an eviction notice being served to achieving repossession.

One suggested solution has been the establishment of a
national chain of special housing courts, bringing together all housing
disputes under a single body, and supported by 91% of all respondents. However,
much scepticism has been expressed about this citing cost and resources as the
stumbling blocks, given the current public sector economic climate.  

David Smith, RLA policy director, had said that landlord
confidence is vital, stating:

“Security of tenure means nothing unless the homes to rent
are there in the first place. 

“With the demand for private rented housing showing no signs
of slowing down it is vital that landlords are confident that they can quickly
and easily get back their property in legitimate circumstances.  

“Whilst the system should clearly be fair to tenants, it
needs also to support and encourage good landlords.

“Our survey shows how complex it will be to ensure that the
grounds on which landlords can repossess properties are both clear and
comprehensive.

“This needs to be underpinned by a court system that is fit
for purpose and properly resourced. At present it is neither.

“It is vital that the government’s planned reforms are
carefully considered to avoid finding ourselves needing to reopen this whole
issue later down the line.�

Meanwhile, Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, has
written to Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler, inviting her to gain a greater
understanding of the possession process before making drastic reforms. He
implores here to “work together� with landlords on changes to possession
process as landlords will consider selling up if government scraps Section 21.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Nearly 50% of Landlords could sell if Section 21 abolished | LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Nearly 50% of Landlords could sell if Section 21 abolished

Will the new gas boiler ban impact buy-to-let landlords?

admin    Uncategorized     agents

In response to the rising impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the Chancellor recently announced a ban on gas boilers in new build homes from 2025. Gas boilers are commonplace in many homes throughout the UK, with 85% of homes in the UK having access to mainline gas.

As the government aims to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources, gas and oil boilers used to provide hot water and heating to our homes are in the firing line.

Current government targets are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2025. At the moment, 14% of these emissions come from households so this ban could go a long way to help the UK reach its targets.

How will this ban impact landlords?

Existing properties won’t be affected by this ban, so landlords won’t have to replace gas boilers in their current homes. However, any property developer or landlord planning to build new homes after 2025 will have to find alternative renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy heating and hot water installations generally cost more up-front so this will lead to higher building costs. Developers will then pass these higher costs on to buy-to-let landlords, and the landlord could, in turn, pass these costs on to tenants.

However, with renewable energy heating systems offering free energy, this cost could easily be absorbed by the removal of certain utility bills.

Could this be a positive thing?

While higher costs aren’t something that any landlord or developer wants to hear about, renewable energy heating could be beneficial in the long-term.

Renewable heating is also a positive selling point for attracting new tenants. With no energy costs, there is justification for increasing monthly rental value.

What types of renewable heating systems are available?

Air source heat pumps

This type of heating system will cost around £9,000 to £13,000 to install. It works by capturing heat from the air outside for space heating (air-to-air heat pump). They can also be used for heating water (air-to-water heat pump). In the summer the system can be reversed to take the hot air outside and keep the inside cool.

Ground source heat pumps

A ground source heat pump takes heat from deep underground and transfers this to a hot water cylinder in your home. A network of pipes buried underground circulates a mixture of anti-freeze and water. The heat from the ground is absorbed in the liquid and then passes into a heat exchanger. This heat can be used for central heating, underfloor heating or hot water. This type of system will cost around £10,000 to £18,000 to install.

Solar thermal panels

Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a house where they absorb heat from the sun. They can be used to heat water in your home which can then be used for central heating or the domestic water supply. It will cost around £3,000 to £5,000 to install solar panels.

Electric boilers

It’s much cheaper to install an electric boiler than a gas boiler. It usually costs around £1,000 to £2,500 to install an electric boiler, but tenants will still have to pay the associated energy charges. To make this a renewable option, landlords could consider installing solar panels to power the boiler.

Which is best?

When making plans for the future, buy-to-let landlords will have to consider the cost-benefit analysis for each heating system. While the electric boiler is cheaper, this isn’t truly renewable without the addition of a solar panel system.

Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps might be the most expensive options, but tenants might soon expect this as standard from modern, high-value developments. Some tenants may be willing to pay a premium in order to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and to effectively eliminate their energy costs.
This post has been brought to you from YourRepair. Offering specialist boiler & central heating cover, for landlords.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Will the new gas boiler ban impact buy-to-let landlords? | LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Will the new gas boiler ban impact buy-to-let landlords?

Reneging on purchase deal after mortage has been paid?

admin    Uncategorized     agents

A friend of mine agreed with his landlord/owner (a relative) 2007 to pay the mortgage on the verbal agreement that the property would be transferred into his name. Every mortgage payment has been made on time and directly to the bank

The post Reneging on purchase deal after mortage has been paid? appeared first on Property118.

View Full Article: Reneging on purchase deal after mortage has been paid?

Foxtons reports record low sales in Q1

admin    Uncategorized     agents

London Property Sales:

London based estate and lettings agency group, Foxton’s, has
reported first quarter property sales at record lows, blaming the uncertainty
surrounding Brexit.

The high profile publicly quoted property group scrapped its
2018 dividend payment to shareholders as earning fell and costs rose in the
period.

A sluggish property market in London is a result of declining
consumer confidence over the past year, exacerbated by uncertainly over Brexit.
Foxton’s is not the only large agency group to be hit: Countrywide has suffered
a drastic share price fall amid a major reorganisation, while online market
disrupter Purplebricks has lost its founder and CEO amid a major change of
strategy, reining in its international expansion.

London’s previously bullish property market has been hit by a
stamp duty increase and the traditional high street agents like Foxtons and
Countrywide have seen a much more challenging environment with the advent of
online agents such as Purplebricks.

Foxtons’ group revenue dropped only slightly to 23.8 million
pounds for the quarter ended March 31, from the 24.5 million pounds achieved
the previous year. The company reported the results were in-line with its
expectations.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that housing
markets in some of the leading world economies could be overvalued by up to
12%, leading to fears that a rapid correction could lead to another property
slump and a recession.

USB forecasts that achieving a gradual slowdown will depend
on market conditions remaining, and borrowing costs low, but there are no
guarantees as central banks have already warned of higher interest rates.  

According to USB, Britain has some of the most expensive
property in the world, so predicts there is little room for growth, and indeed
there will most likely be a fall by “low single digits� in coming months,
unless there is a breakthrough with a Brexit solution.

Although undoubtedly property prices have been pushed to
unprecedented highs following the financial crises, due to ultra-low interest
rates and quantitative easing, cheap money has supported the market until now.
Also, says USB, debt levels secured on property, compared to total bank debt,
and pre-crisis levels, is at its lowest level for 17 years.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Foxtons reports record low sales in Q1 | LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Foxtons reports record low sales in Q1

46% of RLA landlords intend to sell post Section 21 scrapping plans

admin    Uncategorized     agents

The RLA has surveyed more than 6,500 landlords and agents finding more than 46% now plan to sell some or all of their rental property following government announced plans to scrap Section 21 repossessions.

The research also found an additional 40% of landlords were waiting to make a decision based on it becoming clearer in the consultations to follow how new procedures and amendment to section 8 will affect possession rights.

The post 46% of RLA landlords intend to sell post Section 21 scrapping plans appeared first on Property118.

View Full Article: 46% of RLA landlords intend to sell post Section 21 scrapping plans

Watch those pennies or it could cost you dear!

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Landlords and agents will need to be especially careful taking holding deposits when the Tenant Fees Act 2019 comes in to force on June 1st. No more than “one week’s rent� may be taken. That is defined as “the amount of the annual rent payable in respect of the tenancy immediately after its grant

The post Watch those pennies or it could cost you dear! appeared first on Property118.

View Full Article: Watch those pennies or it could cost you dear!

Landlords are calling for housing courts…

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Evictions:

With the government’s commitment to abolishing the section
21 no-fault eviction process comes the necessity to improve the alternative
eviction process – section 8 and its existing 17 grounds for possession.

Whereas section 21 allows landlords to evict without giving
a reason, and often with no need to attend a court hearing, section 8 does not.
This is an adversarial system where the onus is on the landlord to prove, in
court, that the reason for their possession claim is a legitimate one which falls
within the scope of one of the 17 grounds.

It often results in a degree of contention and argument,
which invariably leads to excessive delay and expense.  

Recently released official data shows that it is now taking even
longer than previously for landlords to repossess properties through the courts
– 17.3 weeks on average for a claim to result in a repossession. This is not
surprising given that county courts have been closing their doors and reducing
capacity right across the country.

The Government’s plans to scrap Section 21. This means that if landlords are not to be driven out of the rental market completely, some effective alternative to these long delays, and the minefield of section 8, has got to be found.

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire has promised to speed-up the eviction process through the courts, but what exactly does this mean? Will there ever be the resources to provide a really effective improvement to court processes? Anyone who has experienced the county court process could certainly be forgiven for being very sceptical about that.

Landlord groups are calling for a complete overhaul of the system, with the provision of specialist “housing courts�. This is something that has worked very well in Australia for many years, but again, does the Government have the commitment for this, and if it has, does the Ministry of Justice have the resources to implement it?

David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords
Association (RLA) has said the latest data on evictions shows that the courts
are unable to manage repossession claims within any timescale which landlords
would consider acceptable. And that’s before
section 21 is abolished. What are the prospects after it’s abolished?

He said: “The courts are simply unable to cope when
landlords seek to repossess property for legitimate reasons.

“The processes must first be fixed to ensure landlords are
not unduly frustrated when wanting to reclaim their property in the face of
tenants failing to pay their rents or committing anti-social behaviour.

“Before seeking to scrap Section 21 repossessions ministers
urgently need to give confidence to landlords and tenants that the courts will
first be substantially improved to speed up access to justice. That means
establishing a full and proper housing court.�

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Landlords are calling for housing courts… | LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Landlords are calling for housing courts…

Landlords Alliance – Emergency Euro Elections Statement

admin    Uncategorized     agents

The Landlords Alliance was set up to represent and fight for private landlords. We never planned or envisaged getting into politics; yet events have forced us to confront reality.

May’s failed administration wants to scrap Section 21s, which will create potential lifetime tenancies and prevent landlords from having control over their own property.

The post Landlords Alliance – Emergency Euro Elections Statement appeared first on Property118.

View Full Article: Landlords Alliance – Emergency Euro Elections Statement

Three ways to avoid 3% SDLT surcharge on BTL property purchases

admin    Uncategorized     agents

Ranjan Bhattacharya – Baker Street Property Meet

In 2016, Chancellor George Osborne introduced a 3% SDLT surcharge on all investment property purchases. Many buy to let investors stopped buying in high value areas like London and the South East because the SDLT surcharge made the purchase uneconomic.

The post Three ways to avoid 3% SDLT surcharge on BTL property purchases appeared first on Property118.

View Full Article: Three ways to avoid 3% SDLT surcharge on BTL property purchases