Although most landlords are aware they must protect tenants’ deposits, it is all too common for them to be overlooked. This month, Kris Little explains why ignoring the law can have expensive repercussions further down the line… Lodging my tenants’ deposit with the prescribed schemes is a pain in the Read more…
Pets are often unwelcome house guests in rented property. This month, Anna Pettinger discusses how landlords can protect themselves against the potential damage dogs can inflict… I have just discovered my tenants have purchased a dog without my consent. Can I raise their rent to cover any damage it causes Read more…
I advertised my property for let and a potential tenant was found. Unfortunately, my personal circumstances changed and I had to sell the house. Can the tenant make a claim against me? It is always prudent to ensure a rental property is vacant and fit for human habitation prior to Read more…
What is an Authorised Guarantee Agreement (AGA)? When a tenant assigns its lease to a new tenant (assignee), the landlord may require the tenant to enter into an AGA with the landlord, as a condition of giving its consent to the assignment of the lease. An AGA is a form Read more…
Rent payments will soon be much easier to come by if your tenant receives Universal Credit. This month, Anna Pettinger explains how landlords can avoid onerous arrears… My tenant is two months behind with her rent. As she receives Universal Credit, can I request her benefits are paid directly to Read more…
The government introduced a wide-reaching ban on tenant fees at the beginning of this month. Sabrina Rahman highlights how landlords must respond to the changes… I understand tenants can no longer be charged for various services, such as referencing. How will this affect me as a landlord? Back in February Read more…
Are Section 21 notices evictions ‘on a whim’ as reported in the Independent or vital legislation for landlords? As a landlord, should I be concerned about recent reports suggesting Section 21 notices are to be scrapped? The government’s housing secretary said recently that Section 21 evictions are one of the Read more…
A recent high court ruling has thrown the Right-to-Rent scheme into confusion. This month, Anna Pettinger explains your current legal position… How do I ensure my tenant is entitled to rent in the UK? Am I allowed to request ID documents as evidence? Under section 22 of the Immigration Act Read more…
Forward planning is the key to staying on the right side of private tenancy laws. I thought I’d begin the new year with a review of my responsibilities as a landlord. What changes lie ahead and what preparations do I need to make? I’m sure most private landlords would agree Read more…
Can I use social media to carry out checks on a potential tenant? A recent study conducted by Foundation Home Loans revealed increasing numbers of landlords are turning to social media platforms, such as Facebook, to find out more about potential tenants. Whilst this is not a new method of Read more…