DWP could deduct up to 40% of benefits to settle rent arrears

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could deduct money from benefit claimants’ payments if they owe money to their landlords.

In a committee meeting on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill), Labour Minister Andrew Western reveals that up to 40% of benefits could be deducted to settle arrears owed to landlords

View Full Article: DWP could deduct up to 40% of benefits to settle rent arrears

Landlord Justice: Where Common Sense Goes to Die?

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Ah, the joys of the British legal system — a place where logic takes a back seat, and bureaucratic chaos reigns supreme. If you thought following the law would lead to a smooth resolution, allow me to disabuse you of such optimism.

View Full Article: Landlord Justice: Where Common Sense Goes to Die?

Furnished Holiday Let changes for those on the Flat Rate Vat Scheme

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The Flat Rate VAT Scheme (FRS) is a simplified option for paying VAT for businesses with lower turnover.

At an annual turnover of £90k of vatable supplies, a business must become VAT registered and pay VAT on sales.

View Full Article: Furnished Holiday Let changes for those on the Flat Rate Vat Scheme

Scottish Conservatives slam SNP over cladding delays

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The Scottish Conservatives blast the SNP for failing to remove dangerous cladding from buildings in Scotland.

The SNP recently announced a £10 million fund to assess cladding on buildings, with funding available regardless of whether the property is privately owned or social housing.

View Full Article: Scottish Conservatives slam SNP over cladding delays

Inside the Property Training Debate: Samuel Leeds & Adam Lawrence Face Off

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A recent debate between well-known property trainer Samuel Leeds and investor-commentator Adam Lawrence has sparked renewed interest—and controversy—across the landlord community.

In a wide-ranging and candid exchange, the two clash on everything from the ethics of property training to the role of social media in shaping public perception of the sector.

View Full Article: Inside the Property Training Debate: Samuel Leeds & Adam Lawrence Face Off

Spring Budget Statement 2025 – Landlord Reactions

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s under pressure (definitely not an emergency budget) Spring Statement alleviated concerns among private landlords by avoiding an increase in Stamp Duty rates for second-home purchases.

Despite pre-statement criticism labelling it an ‘Emergency Budget’, the address largely echoed prior announcements

View Full Article: Spring Budget Statement 2025 – Landlord Reactions

Have landlords tried dealing with mould the German way?

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Although I’ve been a landlord for over twenty years, I only recently came across luften, the German way of dealing with mould.

Briefly, the householder opens all the doors and windows in the morning. They are left open for five minutes in the winter

View Full Article: Have landlords tried dealing with mould the German way?

New EPC rules could lead to higher fines for landlords without valid EPCs in Scotland

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The Scottish government could impose fines on landlords for failing to have a valid EPC.

A technical consultation is underway on proposed changes to lodgement fees and penalty charges as part of its ongoing reform of the EPC system in Scotland.

View Full Article: New EPC rules could lead to higher fines for landlords without valid EPCs in Scotland

Fears that landlords could face another stamp duty hike

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There are fears that Chancellor Rachel Reeves might unveil an additional increase to the stamp duty surcharge for second home purchases during her Spring Statement tomorrow (26 March).

Property specialists, including television icon Phil Spencer, are bracing for what could be another blow to the buy to let sector.

View Full Article: Fears that landlords could face another stamp duty hike

Tenant awareness of Renters’ Rights Bill remains low

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Despite the media coverage and calls from tenant activist groups, research reveals that 43% of tenants admit to being ‘slightly aware’ or completely in the dark about the Renters’ Rights Bill.

And 5% of renters say they haven’t heard of it.

View Full Article: Tenant awareness of Renters’ Rights Bill remains low