Call of the week – the problem with licensing

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The implementation of selective licensing has caused a massive headache for many landlords across the country, but few areas have had more migraines than London. This week’s case is a perfect example of how it can all go wrong for the landlord.
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RLA victory on Immigration Bill

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Members of Parliament have approved measures that will give greater protection to landlords wanting to evict illegal immigrants.
Changes to the Immigration Bill proposed by the Government and approved yesterday will provide protection for landlords who take reasonable steps in an appropriate time frame to terminate tenancies of tenants in the country illegally.
View Full Article: RLA victory on Immigration Bill

Government denies trying to “kill-off” Buy-to-Let

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Housing Minister Brandon Lewis denies claims that the Government is trying to “kill-off” buy-to-let (BTL) but on the contrary wants to “create a more professional private rental sector and eliminate rogue landlords.” The Minister was responding to claims from ex-Conservative MP and Minister Michael Portillo. Speaking Speaking at the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) […]

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Government denies trying to “kill-off” Buy-to-Let

Right to Rent Guidelines to be amended

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The Government is to review its guidance on Right to Rent and the immigration status checks that landlords and agents must now by law carry out on all prospective tenants. The necessity for a review follows a mention in the House of Lords, and is an indication of just how complex legislating is on Right […]

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Right to Rent Guidelines to be amended

Have your tenants advertised your property on Airbnb?

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The popularity of short term rentals is increasing, and here at the RLA we are becoming more and more aware of tenants subletting their property on short term rental sites such as Airbnb.
View Full Article: Have your tenants advertised your property on Airbnb?

Rents to rise after landlord tax increases

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According to the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) landlords are likely to raise their rents in the coming months after the tax changes introduced by the Chancellor in his recent budgets. The RLA thinks “almost all landlords” are considering increasing rents to pay for the higher taxes they now face. The follows a survey by the […]

… LandlordZONE.

View Full Article: Rents to rise after landlord tax increases

The Smart Tenant: Questions To Ask Landlords

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As a tenant, when you are out trying to find a property to rent, you will come across a few options that will pique your interest. It may be the perfect white picket fence home you always dreamed of, and the rent may be right too. But take a step back and use this moment to evaluate. Making a rental decision is no easy choice, and a hasty decision could be a pricey one, not just in monetary terms, but also time invested.

A month down the road, and turns out you have no allocated parking space, you have to get rid of your poor adorable Retriever and your utility bills have skyrocketed.

To ensure that you avoid such unpleasant surprises, you need to interview your landlord well. Here are a few questions you should ask:

Question # 1: How old is the property?

Some houses in the UK have been constructed over a hundred years ago. While some of them have strong structural foundations, others may be subjected to dampness and other issues. Therefore, when you visit the house for inspection, make sure to ask your landlord specifications of the construction and if you need to be aware of any pressing maintenance issues.

Question # 2: How Many Tenants Have Lived In The Property?

Generally, if the house or apartment has been lived in by the landlord or other tenants, it bears a testament to the property’s worthiness. On the other hand, if the past tenants have moved in and out often, this may indicate some issues with the house, perhaps pertaining to the location or the unit billing charges. Ask questions about the history of the tenants.

Question # 3: What are the policies on maintenance and upgrades?

This is perhaps the most significant question. Ideally, it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that all necessary maintenance costs are covered to ensure the safety of the tenants. Make sure you ask questions about the painting, flooring, kitchen, landscaping, and other aspects that you may need to upgrade over the years. Who will pick up the cost? Are you allowed the freedom to make minor changes?

Letting Links is a social networking platform specifically designed to help tenants find houses for rent in the UK and assist landlords to get connected with tenants. Furthermore, individuals can also make use of the directory to register their businesses.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer services department at sales@lettinglinks.com. We would be happy to oblige you.

Rental Scams: Protect Yourself

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With the help of online listings of rental properties, whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, you have yourself an infinite source of information just a click away. With this surge in information come some risks as well- some individuals who use the anonymity of the internet to orchestrate and execute scams. While we take the credibility and security of our site seriously, many unreliable online rental information sources do not. To avoid such scams, our experts have put together a guide for you:

Scam # 1: The Rent Is Way Lower Than The House Rent Trend in UK

You know the saying, ‘if it’s too good to be true, it most probably is’. If the advertisement states a price significantly lower than other similar houses in the vicinity, something is clearly amiss. There is a possibility that the house is in need of major maintenance or the utility bills are extremely high.

Scam # 2: The Landlord Is Overseas

This is perhaps one of the oldest rental scam tricks in the book. If you are looking to rent a property, always ask to meet the landlord or at least an agent who will represent the owner.

Scam # 3: You Can’t View The Property Until You Pay Up The Deposit

This is another indication for the red light to go off in your head. No legitimate landlord will ask for a deposit fee or any other form of security fee before you visit the property. As a potential tenant, you need to inspect the look of the house before you come to any decision.

Scam # 4: Desperation To Rent Out

Some landlords may even appeal to charity by narrating a loss in the family or an urgent need for funds. They may be desperate to give out the property for rent. Beware of such a situation. It is generally encouraged that a cordial yet professional relationship be maintained between all parties, the tenant and the landlord. Being swayed by appealing to emotion could place you in a challenging position when you get hit by a massive utility bill later on.

Final Words…

When you’re searching for flats to rent in Leeds City Centre or any other part of UK, always perform a thorough background check, and keep an eye out for all of the abovementioned scams. Visit Letting Links to find yourself the right landlord.

Letting Links is a social networking platform specifically designed to help tenants find houses for rent in the UK and assist landlords to get connected with tenants. Furthermore, individuals can also make use of the directory to register their businesses.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer services department at sales@lettinglinks.com. We would be happy to oblige you.

Mixing Business & Pleasure: Should You Rent Out To Family & Friends?

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If you are in the property management business, you probably often come across individuals who will expect some extra benefits and perks when renting. What if these individuals are your very own family members or close family friends? If you have an available private flat to rent out, can you really say no? Most importantly, SHOULD you say no? This can be quite a complicated situation to handle. Here are some tips on handling it.

Gaining A Deeper Understanding Of The Changed Relationship

Ideally, rental properties should be treated as a formal agreement between landlords and tenant. With the involvement of friend and families however, essential elements of the contract such as lease agreement, term of stay and security deposits become somewhat of a taboo topic. It is assumed that the level of relationship will resolve the disputes.

This relationship will be used as means to make several concessions on the requirements for a rental application and necessary background check. This could place both parties in the risk, without any contractual agreement to dictate the terms of the stay.

Avoiding Difficult Situations Later

1.     Be Honest About Expectations

It is important to understand that, unless you’re willingly making discounts and concessions, rental industry is after all a business and should be viewed as such. Try to make it clear in the beginning that the relationship, though personal, has now transformed into a business partnership as well, and that it is imperative that the terms of the agreement must be honoured under any circumstances.

2.     Make Sure They Have A Good Rental History

If the relative that you are considering to enter in a rental agreement with has an impeccable history and is known to be a regular payee who will maintain your property, then this should not be a problem in the least! You can also continue to enjoy a personal relationship with them without the fear of them taking advantage of the situation.

3.     Prepare To Deal With Inevitable Ramifications

A lease contract is after all a contract, and it will come to an end. Ensure that when the time arrives, no hard feelings remain on part of the property owner and tenant. Throughout the time of this arrangement though, it is essential you retain a sense of professionalism and courtesy.

With Letting Links, get houses for rent in Stockport or anywhere else in UK!

Letting Links is a social networking platform specifically designed to help tenants and landlords, anywhere in the UK, connect. With the help of our ever growing and progressive website, you can find a tenant or property. Furthermore, individuals can also make use of the directory to register their businesses.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer services department at sales@lettinglinks.com. We would be happy to oblige you.

How To Be A Happy Tenant

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Congratulations! You were successful in finding a property to rent. Becoming a tenant sure comes with some perks, but it is also accompanied with certain responsibilities. In the midst of all these tasks and daily errands, what can you do to make your stay stress-free?

Here is a checklist of considerations to ensure you are a happy tenant!

1.     Ask Your Landlord On How Your Deposit Will Be Protected

As of 2007, the governments in England and Wales have sanctioned that letting agents and private landlords are to use government-approved tenancy deposit protection theme for the safeguarding of the tenant’s cash. There is a similar system implemented in Scotland as well. Your landlord is under obligation to secure your deposit in a scheme and inform you of the one he is using.

2.     When You Move In, Ensure The Inventory Is Up To Expectations

It is the responsibility of your landlord to provide you with the listings of all items in the property, like furniture, carpets, curtains, appliances, etc. This is referred to as the inventory, and in addition to a catalogue, must also contain the current condition of every item. If you are not provided with one, you may create it, get it signed by a witness, and send a copy of the report to your property owner.

3.     Security Comes First!

Are you living in a large place with multiple tenants? Make sure your landlord has an HMO license for the property. As per that, he is obligated by law to some additional safety responsibilities. Furthermore, also check if the gas and electrical appliance are relatively new and do not pose a safety hazard.

4.     Keep A Record Of Everything

It is essential to understand that, even if you enjoy a good, healthy or even a personal relationship with your landlord, you must keep a written record of all documents pertaining to the living arrangement. This includes the rental agreement, photographs you’d taken of the house prior to moving in, any proof of damage to the property, payment receipts for maintenance over time, and copies of all utility bills. This may not seem important right now, but this documentation and records will assist you if you ever end up in a dispute with your landlord. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

Finally, to have a happy stay, always maintain and vie for a pleasant relationship with your private landlord. To find one, get check some of their properties right here.

Letting Links is a social networking platform specifically designed to help tenants find houses for rent in the UK and assist landlords to get connected with tenants. Furthermore, individuals can also make use of the directory to register their businesses.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer services department at sales@lettinglinks.com. We would be happy to oblige you.