Monthly Archives: January 2012

New Tenancy Deposit Scheme

A new tenancy deposit protection scheme for private sector landlords is being launched this week by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, in association with the Residential Landlords Association.

The TDS, which protects more deposits than any other scheme, has been primarily available to regulated letting agents.

The new scheme, DepositGuard, is being marketed by the RLA, and will be a competitor with mydeposits, a deposit protection scheme launched by the National Landlords Association.

DepositGuard is an insurance-backed scheme. It permits landlords to hold deposits throughout a tenancy and to use the dispute resolution service.  RLA members can register with the scheme for free and protect deposits from £15.

The Online Letting Agents are able to protect your deposit in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, for a fee of just £10 per deposit.  Please click here to find out more.

Peterborough has Best Rental Yields

A recent study by Haart estate agents shows that Peterborough is the best place in England to invest in rental property. Their research investigated the average price of a property in different areas of England, both in terms of sales and lettings.  The best rental yields are achieved from 2 bedroom apartments in Peterborough, where… Continue Reading

Landlords’ Responsibility for Gas Safety

As a landlord, you are legally responsible for the safety of your tenants in relation to gas safety. By law you must: Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in safe condition Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue (CP12) Keep a record of each safety check (for 2 years)… Continue Reading

Buy to Let Property Advice

Purchasing a property as a buy-to-let investment is not about making a quick buck, and there are a few things you should bear in mind before making the leap. Before purchasing any property, check with local letting agents about local demand – buying something that there is constant demand for will increase your rent yield… Continue Reading

Number of Young People in Rented Accommodation Has Tripled

Our current economic situation has left young people “increasingly stuck in rented accommodation”, according to the Resolution Foundation. A number of factors have caused this, including the lack of mortgages available for first time buyers, high house prices, and stagnating wages. The number of low and middle income (LMI) earners aged 35 and below who… Continue Reading

Great New Property Listed in Sought After Location

We have a great new property listed. This beautiful four bedroom detached house in Eye, Suffolk, is within walking distance of both the primary and secondary school.  Finished to a high standard, this property is definitely worth a look, and is a snip at just £775 pcm. Contact us now on 0845 803 403 to… Continue Reading

How to Conduct Tenant Viewings

There are two different ways to conduct viewings, the first is on an individual basis, and the second is to do an “open house”. Meeting the tenant yourself is a really great way to get an initial feel of what you think of them. Instant likes or dislikes can be powerful and should not be… Continue Reading

Rental Prices Down for 2nd Month in a Row

According to LSL Property Services which owns lettings agents including Your Move and Reeds Rains, rental prices fell by 0.8% in December, having also fallen in November. Although this may seem bad news for landlords, annual figures suggest that rents this December were some 4% higher than the same period the previous year.  Indeed, the… Continue Reading