The Second Reading of the Energy Bill was delivered on 10 May, and it contains some interesting bits for landlords, and yes, even small landlords.The Energy Bill is intended to be a change in the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes, and to encourage improvements to enable low carbon energy supplies.In the second reading new proposals included amongst other … [Read more...] about Who would have thought that the Energy Bill would impact landlords
Buy to Let Mortgages
What is a (HMO)?
On 6 April 2006 mandatory HMO licensing came into force across England. If you let a property which is occupied by three or more tenants, who form two or more households, and they share a bathroom, kitchen or toilet, then it is likely that you are venturing into HMO territory.The www.propertylicence.gov.uk (update 2010: site has been taken down) site give a full breakdown of … [Read more...] about What is a (HMO)?
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
The relationship between landlord and tenant is rarely put under more pressure than when the issue of deposits is discussed. Unscrupulous landlords have left many tenants feeling deeply suspicious of the whole question of repairs and deductions.Under pressure from Citizens Advice the government has introduced legislation which aims to solve many of these issues. The … [Read more...] about The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Paragon to start Buy to Let lending again.
Paragon have announced that they are entering the buy-to-let lending market again. It seems that the new range of buy-to-let products will be targeted at professional landlord investors. Paragon will apparently commence lending with immediate effect through a panel of brokers and will widen distribution over time. Paragon says it will also accept direct business.If the … [Read more...] about Paragon to start Buy to Let lending again.
New Tenancy Deposit Scheme
For some time the government has been trying to introduce legislation to help protect tenant's deposits from landlords who retain money unfairly. In the past there was no central scheme specifically set up to arbitrate a dispute between a tenant and landlord where damage to the property is alleged to have occurred.Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) comes into effect on 6th … [Read more...] about New Tenancy Deposit Scheme
Look out, a Buy-to-Let Price War Has Started!
Buy to Let lenders have started adjusting their lending criteria as the long awaited buy-to-let price war hots up. Lenders, including The Coventry Building Society, have recently announced changes to their rental calculations. A few short years ago rental cover of between 130% to 150% was the norm, now The Coventry have reduced theirs to 120% with some lenders dropping cover to … [Read more...] about Look out, a Buy-to-Let Price War Has Started!
Lettings Review Sites
A letting salesperson is more than just a "sales person." A good lettings agent will act on your behalf and offer suggestions and guidance making sure that you get the best rent for your property.From the point of view of the prospective tenant the lettings agent will help fine tune the search process and select the most suitable properties to view. They can also offer … [Read more...] about Lettings Review Sites
Latest News About Housing Benefit For Landlords
Housing Benefit has often been criticised as an overly complex benefit that does not promote self responsibility and can even act as a deterrent to working. So with a view to improving the current system the government is introducing some major changes.The Local Housing Allowance is a new way of working out how much Housing Benefit private tenants will receive and has been … [Read more...] about Latest News About Housing Benefit For Landlords
Landlords Warned About Housing Benefit
Although the majority of landlords will not accept tenants on Housing Benefit there are many landlords who will. This situation has the potential to change when the new rules affecting housing benefit take effect from April 2008.There is concern within housing charities such as Citizens Advice and Shelter that the new scheme could result in fewer landlords being prepared to … [Read more...] about Landlords Warned About Housing Benefit