Section 8 eviction notices: Tenants’ most common defences and counterclaims
In 2019, the government declared private landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants from their homes at short notice and without good reason.” With this, they made clear their intention to scrap Section 21 notices, and they are likely to be...
A plain English guide to affordable housing in the UK
Affordable housing in the UK is a confusing topic. With overlapping programmes playing out over the last decade and a lack of clarity on exactly what has been achieved, published figures can seem...
HMO property licences: What are the penalties?
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) play a central role in meeting the country's housing needs. They offer accommodation that is typically cheaper than other private rental options and is an...
Andrew Marshall and AMRP: A Fixflo success story
Embracing the latest technology is one of the more effective ways to get ahead in the property industry. North-Eastern letting agent, AMRP, is a prime example of how the right software can help take...
Hiring a contractor checklist: 6 things to keep in mind
Whether you’re hiring a contractor for planned property maintenance, or a tenant has reported an emergency repair, the key is to find someone reputable who can efficiently meet the needs of your...
Avoid fines and keep your license: 24/7 emergency contacts
Mandatory rental licenses often include a legally enforceable clause giving tenants the right to emergency contact details that must be available 24/7.
Landlord responsibility: damp and mould in social housing
The tragic death of 2 year-old Awaab Ishak in his social home in Rochdale Borough has led to a prominent ongoing discussion and reassessment of landlord responsibility in dealing with damp and mould...
How dangerous is your property in snow and ice?
Freezing weather and snowy conditions have come to the UK this week, with a cold front from the Arctic causing temperatures to plummet to -10C in some areas.
Icy conditions can be very dangerous, so...
EPCs: Where we are, where we're going and how to get ready
Although it’s not law yet, it seems almost certain that the English Government will press ahead with its plans for a minimum EPC rating of ‘C’ for all homes in England and Wales by 2035 as part of...
Have you protected your properties from power cuts this winter?
The government has ruled out the possibility of power cuts this winter as a response to the growing energy crisis in Europe. But the National Grid has suggested a possible worst-case scenario where...
Energy cap increase: How to help your residents this winter
The latest rise in energy prices has put increased pressure on renters across the UK. Combining astronomical energy bills with a nationwide cost of living crisis has made for a precarious situation...
3 ways to maintain great contractor relationships
As lettings regulations are only set to intensify (for example, the forthcoming extension of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations), agents are relying on their contractors more and more.
As we...
Landlord compliance - Are landlords following legal and best...
Analysis of data from the Government’s English Private Landlords Survey 2022 has revealed some interesting results about landlord behaviour which could help to formulate policy to encourage...