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House prices are rising but increase in supply should see prices stabilise

House prices still on rise but more supply will flatten growth

UK residential property prices rose for a seventh consecutive month in January, increasing by 0.6% but the outlook for the year is flat, according to the latest index to be published...
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  • Electrical Safety Legislation

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    There is no statutory requirement to have rented property formally inspected for electrical safety at set periods but a landlord is required to provide a dwelling that is safe...
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  • Health & Safety Issues

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    By supplying accommodation, furnishings, appliances and equipment to tenants, you are required by law to observe the health and safety issues that may affect them...
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Deposit scheme
I have just read on here that if the deposit is not held in a deposit scheme my tenant could claim 3 times the amount, ...
Tenant has pets
My tenant has 3 dogs which I did not know about. I would rather the tenancy not have pets so is there a law against ...
Maintenance issues
My agent has just carried out an interim inspection and reported to us that there is issues with the guttering, which has led to the ...
Tenant Deposit Dispute
I have been abroad for the last year so have sporadically checked my rent payments which seemed up to date. When my tenant left I have noticed 2 missing payments (one payment she says should be there which she is checking with her bank) and other she did not pay as it covers Rentokil which had to called to exterminate bed bugs she brought into the flat. She has produced 2 further receipts for a hostel (as she says the flat was uninhabitable) and a receipt for a plumber due to a leaky washing machine. I have only just been made aware of these issues, I cannot validate the receipts and the other tenant was unaware of her moving out or the leak. Further to this my new kitchen work surface has been damaged with knife marks. I am witholding her deposit due to lapsed rent and damaged property but now she is telling me that I owe her 3 times the deposit as I didnt put it in a tenant deposit scheme. I held the deposit in another account of mine. What are my rights on this matter and how should I proceed?...
Deposit paid by tenant but cancelled contract. Where do I stand?
A prospective renant has paid his deposit and although the agreement has not yet been signed he wishes to back out. After receiving his deposit I immediately had the gas safety check done and have also given away wardrobes that he did not wish to keep in the house. We have spent quite a number of hours of our time and visit's to the propert to meet him. How much of his deposit can I keep back inoder to cover my costs Regards...
MANAGEMENT - SOLE AGREEMENT
Management Company. Hi all I am new to being a Landlord and am due to rent my property out in Feb. I have taken it out of the hands of the management Co. as they have had it 4 months, have had only 1 viewer. How do I stand if I refuse/ask for a reduction in paying their sole agreement fee. THANKS IN ADVANCE...
Non payment of rent for no hot water for a week
Hot water unavailable for a week & tennant refusing to pay that week's rent. Is this reasonable?...
Agent not paying Rent on time
My tennant was placed in my property by the Home Office. The Home Office pays our Agent but for the last 4 months this ...
Absent tenant
I have a tenant who informed me he would be working in America for eight days - he has now been gone for nearly five weeks and cannot be contacted. Have tried to call him but his phone is going straight through to voicemail and have also sent him text messages. He is now 6 weeks in rent arrears. How long do you have to leave it before you start to take action and also what action do we take i.e. do we apply for possession through the courts?...
short rental payment
dear sirs, my tenant is on housing benefit and cannot pay the total rent due to her entitlement falling short of the rental contract. Last year ...
Electrical safety inspection
I rent out my victorian terraced cottage to tenants via a lettings agent. They've begun to have issues with the wiring (a ...
Mr S.Beese
In march 09 we found a tenant for a property we lett, on drawing up the law pack contact we asked the lady what ...
notice re fixed term tenancy
Dear Sirs, I had an agreement with my tenant for 6 months and it was stated that she would have to movr out on ...
rent arrrears when the tenants are housing benefit?
How can i collect rental arrears from my tenants now that the council have started to pay there housing benefit directly to me?...
Can I specify if my tenant can have pets?
Can I state in the tenancy agreement that my tenant does not have any pets in the property??...
What notice period must I give my tenant?
You must give the following amount of notice: · For grounds 3, 4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15 or 17 - at least 2 weeks · For ...
Can I repossess my property if the tenant appears to have left?
This letter should state that you believe they have left and ask them to contact you within 14 days or you will repossess the property. ...
Can I evict a tenant if they have been there a long time?
Yes, if the tenant moved in before 15th January 1989, then the tenancy is probably a ‘regulated’ or ‘statutory’ tenancy and the rules relating to ...
What is landlord insurance?
‘Residential Landlord Insurance’ commonly known as ‘Buy to Let Insurance’ are terms used when describing a specific policy designed to cover a property owner who receives remuneration for providing residential accommodation. Alternatively, if the property is occupied for commercial use a ‘Commercial Property Owners policy’ will be required instead....
How do I serve a Section 21 Notice?
A section 21 notice may be served by post or in person.  The courts will recognise the day of postal service as the day on ...
How does a Section 21 Notice apply to periodic tenancies?
S.21(4)(a) of the Housing Act 1988 applies to assured shorthold tenancies that have become periodic and states: Without prejudice to any such right as is referred ...
How does a section 21 apply to fixed term tenancies?
The notice must be served before possession action can be started.  In the case of joint landlords the notice can be given by any one ...
What is a Section 21 Notice?
Under the Housing Act 1988, a landlord who has granted an assured shorthold tenancy has a legal right to get his property back at the end of the tenancy....
Does a Section 8 notice guarantee guarantee a possession order?
Issuing a section 8 notice to quit on a tenant does not guarantee that the court will grant a possession order. It depends largely on which grounds are relied upon as well as the strength of the the landlord’s argument....
What are the grounds for issuing a Section 8 - Notice to Quit?
Under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 there are 17 separate grounds on which a landlord can seek possession of a property....
What is a Section 8 - Notice to Quit?
A 'section 8 - notice to quit', also known as a 'section 8 possession notice', is so called because it operates under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988....
Can I change the tenancy agreement?
A tenancy agreement can normally only be changed if both the landlord and tenant agree. If both agree, the change should be recorded in writing, ...
When is a tenancy agreement adjudged to be 'sham'?
Sham tenancy agreements   The rights laid down by law always override those which are stated in a written or oral agreement. An agreement which suggests that ...
What documents and information must the tenant receive?
  By law, as a landlord, you must provide the following information:-  ·         if the tenant has a weekly tenancy (not a fixed term or monthly tenure), ...
What are the 'Implied terms' of tenancy agreements?
There are obligations the landlord and tenant have which may not be set down in the agreement but which are given by law and are implied into all tenancy agreements. These terms form part of the contract, even though they have not been specifically agreed between your landlord and you....
What are the express terms of a tenancy agreement?
In England and Wales, most tenants do not have a right in law to a written tenancy agreement. However, public sector landlords such as local authorities and housing associations should provide a written tenancy agreement. If a tenant is visually impaired, the tenancy agreement must be written in a format they can use, for example, in large print or Braille....
What is a tenancy agreement?
The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord. It may be written or oral.The tenancy agreement gives certain rights to both you and your landlord, for example, your right to occupy the accommodation and the your landlord’s right to receive rent for letting the accommodation....
Can a 17yr old sign a AST Rental agreement?
Can a 17yr old sign a AST Rental agreement? ...
Tenants want to leave early - what do I do?
This is a case for individual consideration. If your tenant wants to leave because his circumstances have changed, he can no longer afford the rent, then ...
What can I do with tenants from hell?
The good news is that the law protects you against tenants who don’t pay their rent, cause a nuisance or use the property for illegal ...
How can I attract good tenants?
This is basically common sense and market savvy. Of paramount importance is to offer a property in a good area. It’s still all about location, location, ...
Will the court automatically give me possession of my property?
This depends on the nature of the tenancy. There are a number of mandatory grounds for possession. Some cover situations which do not apply to most ...
Can I reposes my property if the tenant appears to have left?
If you are unable to contact the tenant and suspect that they may have left, you should leave a dated letter. This letter should state that ...
Can I just change the locks?
No, you must not attempt to evict the tenant by changing the locks or by physically ejecting them or their belongings nor must you ask ...
What if it is assured but tenant has broken the terms of the tenancy agreement?
A tenancy which started before 28th February 1997 and after 14th January 1989 will be an assured tenancy unless you informed your tenant in writing ...
What if the shorthold tenant has broken the terms of the tenancy agreement?
You can end the tenancy for a breach of the tenancy agreement e.g. non-payment of rent. However you must serve an appropriate notice and give the ...
What is the accelerated possession procedure?
This is a procedure for getting possession of your property without going to court. This is only available where there is a written short hold contract. ...
How do i get a shorthold tenant to leave?
You would normally serve them notice to leave any time after the end of the fixed term. Give 2 months’ notice in writing. The notice cannot ask ...
How can i get my tenant to leave if we share accomodation?
If you share one or more rooms with the tenant (an excluded’ tenancy), you do not need a Court Order if reasonable notice is given. This ...
If the tenants rent is 14 days in arrears can I repossess the property?
The Tenancy Agreement may have a clause which states that the landlord has a right to repossess the property after 7 or 14 days of ...
What can I do if my tenant goes into rent arrears?
Your first step should be to write to the tenant asking them to contact you to discuss the situation. You could suggest to them that they ...
What if the tenant damages my property?
As soon as you are aware of the problem you should speak to the tenant and try to resolve the matter with them. If there is ...
What if my tenant creates a nuisance?
Always discuss this with the tenant as well as the person making the complaint. There may be a problem of different life styles such as an ...
What notice must tenants give?
We at Landlord Assist are often asked why, if the tenant has failed to pay the rent, the landlord cannot simply attend the property and change the locks. Here is the answer....Section 1(2) of the 1977 Protection from Eviction Act prevents a party from unlawfully depriving a residential occupier of his occupation of premises and makes it a criminal offence to do so....
Tenant not paid - What can I do?
Landlord Assist are often asked why, if the tenant has failed to pay the rent, the landlord cannot simply attend the property and change the locks. Here is the answer....Section 1(2) of the 1977 Protection from Eviction Act prevents a party from unlawfully depriving a residential occupier of his occupation of premises and makes it a criminal offence to do so....
Tenant wants to terminate contract after 2 months. What do I do?
Dear Sir/Madam,   You can insist that they honour the 12 month agreement as this is the purpose of the contract in place. It safe guards your ...
We have been advised to fit fire doors in our property. Can we alter the existing doors to make them compliant? Can you suggest any firms who could help?
Awaiting Reply ...
what is the best way to work out the tax payable on the property i am renting and when to pay the tax?
Dear Sir/Madam, Tax is an increasingly complex area and it is essential that landlords seek advice from a specialist taxation and accountancy advisor. This will ensure ...
If your rental property is empty, are you still liable for Council tax?
Dear pauline, Empty properties, second homes and job-related accommodation information as requested. If a property is not anyone's main home, the bill will be reduced by 10%. ...
My tenant is proposing to leave the property. What are the proceedures?
Dear Mr Clee   Further to your email I understand that your tenant is proposing to vacate the property.   I would ensure that the tenant submits not less ...
What can I do about my tenant who is in rent arrears?
Dear Karen,   Thank you for your question.   In the event that the tenant is in at least two months of arrears then we are immediately entitled to ...
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Landlord insurance is more popular now than ever before. With more and more tenants falling into arrears due to the credit crunch, the best way to ensure a landlord does not lose any money is by having an insurance policy in place. Landlord insurance is usually very low in cost and The Landlord Association recommends every landlord should consider having this type of cover.

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Press Releases

The Bank of England has kept base rates on hold at 0.50% for the eighth successive month.

The Bank has decided to extend its quantitative easing programme by £25 billion to £200 billion. The move was anticipated, given the unexpected contraction of third quarter GDP figure by -0.4%

Landlords in ‘water’ fight over bill review

Landlord Assist upset about proposed water bill changes
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Buy-to-let conditions to remain difficult in 2010

But rental yields may rise, says eviction specialist

Landlord Assist and KLP solicitors join forces

Collaboration will benefit clients with tenancy matters

Illegal tenant evictions on the increase

Landlords should seek professional help, says Landlord Assist