Lettings

Private landlords are alive and well – and they are younger than you think. In 2024, analysis completed by the national accountancy group, UHY Hacker Young, found more than 3,000 landlords in the UK were aged 21 or younger. Collectively, they earned more than £66 million from their rental income.

Landlords have a duty of care to keep buy-to-lets in a fit and habitable state, as detailed in the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Act 2004. Responsibilities include preventing mice and rats from entering the property and addressing an infestation that is a result of sub-standard living conditions.

Keeping tenants safe is of paramount importance and there is legislation that ensures the UK’s privately rented homes are fit for habitation. An important milestone in England has brought one area of safety back into the spotlight.

Younger Millennials (born between 1991 and 1996) and those in Generation Z (1997-2012) still see a future in property investment. That was the surprising finding of a new survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

The Renters’ Rights Bill has taken another step towards becoming law. With no major amendments expected, it’s now that tenants should take notice of the Bill’s contents.

When you become a renter, you’re expected to behave in a ‘tenant like manner’ and that extends to outside spaces as much as inside the home. If in any doubt as to what that means, you can refer to your tenancy agreement. It should list the specific garden jobs you’re responsible for, and what your landlord should maintain. If there’s scant detail, contact us and we can obtain written clarification for you.

You may have heard people talk about second-charge mortgages and wondered what they are. If you’re a landlord, they can be a beneficial way of accessing a lump sum of money. Here’s our Q&A guide to second-charge mortgages for owners of buy-to-let properties.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is Labour’s push to reform the private rental sector and the proposals are expected to pass into law this year. In fact, if progress keeps up its current pace, we could see new legislation introduced as early as April 2025.

As we head towards one of the most expensive periods of the year – Christmas - Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap would rise at the start of 2025.

Did you know 21% of private renters were asked to provide a guarantor when they applied to rent their current property? This finding was part of the latest English Housing Survey, which revealed almost 1 million tenants needed a backup financial plan.

When a property is listed for rent, there is currently no shortage of tenants vying to hopefully secure the home. The demand has been quantified by Rightmove, who says the number of enquiries each available rental property is receiving is 17.

Are you never happier than when your home is spotless or are you a tad on the slovenly side? If you own your home, this question is elementary but if you live in a rented property, the level of dirt you’re comfortable with can affect whether you get your full deposit back.