The Government have released a new How to rent: the checklist for renting in England guide. The updated guide provides an overview of renting privately. Tenants can learn how to challenge poor practice and understand private landlords’ legal obligations, as well as their own. It is a legal requirement for all landlords (or their agents)…

Providing that it is stipulated in the tenancy agreement, a deposit can be withheld to cover any loss incurred by the landlord that is caused by the tenant, such as damage to the property or non-payment of rent. Since 6th April 2007, it has been a legal requirement for landlords who rent a property on an…

Many landlords believe that the property should be returned to them in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. Deductions are often claimed from the deposit for minor damage that should be expected in any normal use of the property. Similarly, some landlords might want to replace items in the property which…

Providing that it is stipulated in the tenancy agreement, a deposit can be withheld to cover any loss incurred by the landlord that is caused by the tenant, such as damage to the property or non-payment of rent. Since 6th April 2007, it has been a legal requirement for landlords who rent a property on…

“I don’t need an inventory – the flat’s not furnished” This is something we hear often, but let’s get it straight, an inventory is not a list of furnishings; it’s a detailed schedule of how the property has been provided to the tenant at the start of tenancy Yes, it includes details of any furniture,…

We are often contacted by landlords whose fixed term tenancies are coming to an end, and they’re not sure if they should sign a new contract with the tenants. Here’s a quick run down of what happens at the end of a fixed term tenancy, so you can make an informed decision about whether to…

There are so many changes coming to the lettings industry, we thought it would be useful to provide a brief overview of both the confirmed and proposed changes for 2018/2019. It’s not exhaustive and may be subject to change during the course of the year! How to Rent Guide – 17 January 2018 – England only…

We are expecting some (very!) welcome changes to the gas safety rules to come in to force in early April. Landlords will no longer have to wait until the last minute to complete their gas safety certificates, or have to shorten the annual cycle check to comply with the law. Order your gas safety certificate…

From 1st April 2018, it will become unlawful to let a property in the private rented sector if it has an energy performance rating below an E on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Does this effect me? If you let a residential property in England or Wales, then most probably, yes! The Regulations will apply…