The government has announced the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021 in England and Wales, which will apply from 23 January 2023. The Act clarifies which parts of multi-occupied residential buildings (such as blocks of flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation – HMOs) apply under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), and who is responsible for maintaining fire safety for these areas.
Continue reading YOUR GUIDE TO THE FIRE SAFETY ACT 2021Category: News
Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses
Through a new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers
Continue reading Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businessesMaking Tax Digital
Changes are being made to the process for filing taxes which landlords need to be aware of. From 1 November, all VAT-registered businesses will only be allowed to us Making Tax Digital (MTD) software to complete their VAT returns.
Continue reading Making Tax DigitalThe Queen and Her Properties
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II very sadly passed away on 8th September at the age of 96. On her passing, she was staying at what was widely recognized as one of her favourite places, Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Continue reading The Queen and Her PropertiesInterest rate rising yet again
The Monetary Policy Committee last met on August 4 when it voted to raise the base rate from 1.25 to 1.75 per cent – the sixth consecutive rise in a row as the Bank grappled to curb the rising inflation rate.
Continue reading Interest rate rising yet againLandlords having to deal with shortfall between their housing benefit and their monthly rents
A new survey by the NRLA, indicates that more than half – 57% – of private renting households in Britain in receipt of benefits – that’s some 820,000 private rented households – routinely experience a shortfall between their housing benefit and their monthly rents.
Continue reading Landlords having to deal with shortfall between their housing benefit and their monthly rentsPause for thought: Risks in Using A ‘Guaranteed Rent’ Arrangement
So called ‘Rent-to-Rent’ schemes are an attractive property strategy for both existing and new property investors for different reasons. For existing investors, who may have been hands on landlords and now perhaps want to take a bit more of a back seat, the promise of a guaranteed rent and a totally hands off approach can be very attractive.
Continue reading Pause for thought: Risks in Using A ‘Guaranteed Rent’ ArrangementNew tax rules for short-term lets and second homes announced
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 announcedThe 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 relevant
