It had previously been announced by the government that second homes will need to be rented out for a minimum of 70 days per year to be liable for business rates (and small business relief) rather than be liable for council tax.
Continue reading New tax rules for short-term lets and second homes announcedAuthor: Richard Poynter
The Energy price cap rises
We are all aware that energy prices have been increasing rapidly this year as the cost-of-living crisis continues. Landlords should be doubly concerned due to the impact on their tenants.
Continue reading The Energy price cap risesEPC reports needing upgrade to be relevant
According to a report by the UK’s largest accreditation scheme for energy assessors, a long-overdue shake up of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) calculation process is required. Any new approach to EPCs, should focus equally on energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions to make them more relevant.
Continue reading EPC reports needing upgrade to be relevantA survey reveals the latest views on Lettings agency services
According to a new poll conducted by a leading industry insurance provider, landlords have given their views on the service received by letting agents; revealing mixed views on the levels of satisfaction, fees and charges.
Continue reading A survey reveals the latest views on Lettings agency servicesBank of England raises base rate to 1.25%
The Bank of England has upped the base rate for the fifth time since December as it attempts to suppress soaring inflation. The base rate has risen by 0.25 percentage points from 1 per cent to 1.25 per cent, having been previously increased from 0.1 to 1 per cent during the previous four successive rises.
Continue reading Bank of England raises base rate to 1.25%Private Rented Sector White Paper Explained
More detail on the long-awaited Renters Reform Bill has recently been announced by the government in a white paper entitled ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’. Issued by the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, the full proposal issued on the .GOV site, is a huge document covering a range of proposals. Read on to find a summary of the main points:
Continue reading Private Rented Sector White Paper ExplainedWe are hiring
Are you a ‘people person’ who can confidently work independently and remotely?
Due to expansion, we are looking for a Property Manager in Maidstone to join our Lettings Agency team.
Full training will be given for this self-employed part time role (around 4 hours/week to start with) which has the potential to grow throughout the year.
Continue reading We are hiringGarden maintenance remains one of the most common reasons behind deposit disputes.
It is the time of the year when the outdoor areas need some attention, so make sure you and your tenants know who is responsible for which part.
A recent poll instigated by the NRLA, indicated that lack of upkeep of the garden was still one of the commonest causes of tenancy deposit disputes between landlords and tenants at the end of a tenancy.
Continue reading Garden maintenance remains one of the most common reasons behind deposit disputes.Section 21: What now for landlords after crucial Supreme Court ruling?
The Supreme Court has refused to grant permission-to-appeal to the tenant in the important ongoing Section 21 notice case, Trecarrell House Limited v Rouncefield.
Continue reading Section 21: What now for landlords after crucial Supreme Court ruling?Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms mandatory from October 2022
As expected, the government is toughening the requirements for carbon monoxide detectors in all rented properties in England. They are also levelling the playing field between private and social landlords. These changes are slated to come in, in October this year.
Continue reading Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms mandatory from October 2022
