New statistics show the number of court cases brought by private landlords increased by seven per cent last year, with cases for accelerated possession increasing by 37 per cent – back to pre recession levels. Landlords are clearly taking action to get their properties back. Of all our landlord services, our evictions service has been […]
Read MoreAs the UK residential sales market continues to remain static, the rental market is continuing to surge. This positive buy to let market is encouraging an increasing number of first time landlords to enter the market and they’re coming to us for landlord services. In many parts of the country, tenants are finding it’s more […]
Read MoreIt’s been reported the strict criteria of some tenant referencing companies is squeezing some tenants out of the rental market as they struggle to meet income and deposit requirements. Here at Legal 4 Landlords we’re calling for stronger regulation of tenant referencing. This protects both the landlord and the tenants and helps avoid evictions further […]
Read MoreAdditional licensing schemes have been brought in by many local authorities. Cardiff Council introduced the scheme last year, for example, to raise the standards of properties in a popular student area of the city. It has just been reported that in its first year the scheme raised £300,000. On one hand, it’s a nice earner […]
Read MoreIt seems pets are posing problems in the booming rental market, as landlords are refusing to allow them in their properties. It’s hardly surprising as they fear they will damage furniture, fixtures and even bring fleas. Times are hard enough as it is for those searching for homes, with difficulties securing mortgages and repossessions on […]
Read MoreThe Lincolnshire Echo has reported a tenant that caused £13k worth of damage to a home in Lincoln has finally been evicted from the property she destroyed. The landlady had a battle on her hands but an eviction notice secured in May put an end to five years of misery. A smashed bath, smashed windows […]
Read MoreWe’ve been reading in the press that access to mortgage finance is getting better for landlords with every passing week. This is according to Property & Finance Solutions (PFS) who say the availability of higher loan-to-value buy-to-let mortgages is improving. Darren Owen, director of PFS, said “The criteria changes all the time. The lenders are […]
Read MoreThe case of a letting agency wound up for failing to protect rents and deposits shows how important it is for landlords to follow the rules. The Leamington agency, Telmark Properties, formerly Smarter Housing was wound up by the High Court for repeatedly breaching agreements with both landlords and tenants and failing to deal properly […]
Read MoreAt present there is no tenant referencing criteria and landlords, letting agents and tenant referencing companies use their own. We’re seeing tenant suitability is determined using a range of inconsistent checks. Surely tenant referencing needs stronger regulation? A nationwide poll this year found that 18 percent of landlords never trust a tenant when making a […]
Read MoreGovernment plans to make squatting a criminal offence have had a mixed reaction from landlords and charities. The proposals, announced this week, mean the most persistent offenders could be jailed and squatters’ rights, which prevent legitimate occupiers of properties from using force to re-enter occupied buildings, could be abolished. Homelessness charity Crisis said the government […]
Read MoreEnergy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne‘s dramatic plans are set to force landlords to become green, if they want to continue letting. The new regulations will force landlords to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. In a few years it will be unlawful to let a house or business premise which has less than an […]
Read MoreThe case of a letting agency wound up for failing to protect rents and deposits shows how important it is for landlords to follow the rules. The Leamington agency, Telmark Properties, formerly Smarter Housing was wound up by the High Court for repeatedly breaching agreements with both landlords and tenants and failing to deal properly […]
Read MoreA recent rejection of a claim by a disabled tenant has left landlords confused about where they stand on the Disability Discrimination Act, say solicitors. In the case of Beedles v Guinness Northern Counties Ltd, the Court of Appeal ruled that The Disability Act 1995 did not require the landlord to carry out repairs and […]
Read MoreIt happens during Wimbledon and is set to be even bigger business during London 2012. Homeowners across the capital will be entering the race to rent their properties in return for gold. Becoming a landlord during the sporting highlight is a no-brainer and is likely to attract many novices to the game. I want to […]
Read MoreIt’s great to see that private sector landlords in the UK are confident about the future, with 67 per cent feeling ‘positive’. A new survey carried out by CHL Mortgages shows UK landlords are particularly confident about rental demand with almost half (43 per cent) saying it is now better than six months ago and […]
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