Category: Landlord & Tenant
Changes to EPC rules could be expensive for landlords
Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, give an energy performance rating for properties, with the most energy efficient properties being awarded an A rating while the least efficient are rated as a G. Current legislation requires landlords to achieve a minimum of an E rating in order to legally rent out a property. A new government...
Tax tips and information for landlords
Making a profit from being a landlord needs careful management. The income received from renting out property UK property will be subject to tax, meaning landlords will need to complete a self-assessment tax return. As well as income tax on the rental profits, landlords will also be required to pay capital gains tax on any...
Landlord safety obligations
Landlords are required by law to carry out certain safety checks and ensure that their properties comply with health and safety regulations. Failure to do this is not only a breach of the law, it could invalidate landlord insurance. Full details of a landlord’s responsibilities are set out in the government’s Housing Health and Safety...
Rents in UK ‘rising at fastest pace in 13 years’
Private sector rents in the UK are rising at the fastest pace since 2008 according to property portal Zoopla. With strong demand and limited supply, rents in September reached 4.6% higher than the previous year, with average monthly rent standing at £968. Not including London, UK rents rose 6% in the year, a 14-year high...
Service charges and dealing with your landlord
If you own a flat or apartment, you will be required to pay service charges to your landlord. We take a look at what can be included and what to do if you are not happy with the amount requested. Your lease will include a provision that you must reimburse your landlord for the costs...
Rental market red hot
As landlords sell up to take advantage of sky-high house prices or rent their properties on a short-term basis to those looking to holiday in the UK, a reduction in available rental homes has meant fierce competition among tenants. Potential tenants are finding themselves in bidding wars and are being gazumped at the last minute...
Landlords selling private rental properties
Recent figures have revealed an increase in landlords selling their properties in the private home rental sector. Online property company Zoopla’s House Price Index report shows that the number of homes for sale that were previously rented has steadily increased throughout the past year. The south east and London show the biggest increase, with 13...
What happens if my landlord passes away?
If a landlord dies, then the person who takes the role of administering their estate becomes the new landlord. This is known as being an ‘accidental landlord’ When your landlord passes away, you may then have to deal with someone who has never been a landlord before and isn’t familiar with the obligations it entails....
Rents expected to rise as letting fees ban comes into effect
A government ban on letting fees has taken effect, with agencies no longer permitted to charge for setting up a tenancy, giving viewings, checking credit, drafting inventories, obtaining references and carrying out other administrative tasks. Citizens Advice estimated that private renters have been paying £13m per month in agency fees, while landlord and tenant website...
