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 2021Tag: Landlords
Landlords 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 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%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?Legislation Update
As with every year, the recent Queen’s Speech set out the government’s agenda for the next parliamentary session. This included outlining its plans to grow the economy and cut the cost of living, among other initiatives.
Traditionally, this has also been an opportunity for the government to update the property sector on the status of existing legislation and proposals for new legislation. The only deviation from tradition was that this year it was delivered by Prince Charles!
Continue reading Legislation Update