Rob Crawford

Really, where are those legal access rights stated in law?... Read More

What was the renewal fee? Was it just to cover the cost of obtaining updated references/ affordability checks? If so I fail to see how you can complain, other than you should have been kept informed. As no new AST was issued, there should be no charge for this. What you have to decide is, are you happy to accept no increase in rent with the current tenants? The fact that the agent conducted updated ref checks 8s admirable, most don't bother and you eventually end up with tenants in arrears because they can't afford the new rent during the fixed term.... Read More

I would suggest research and convers as suggested by Mark but also serve a section 21 as suggested by Susan asap. A section 21 can always be withdrawn! You may find a general statement in the AST regarding you visiting rights etc. But the tenant is also governed by law that may not be written in the AST specifically, where you have permitted access (by the tenant with 24 hours, that should not be reasonably denied) into the property to conduct essential routine safety checks and maintenance. I would not tolerate obstructive behaviours when conducting my legal obligations.... Read More

No clues on reducing immigration? This has to be tackled at the same time as building new homes.... Read More

This thread will soon go cold! Personally, I would defrost and examine the seals, replacing as necessary. Maybe consider replacing with frost free type. I wouldnt bother charging the tenant, especially if not specifically stated in the AST.... Read More

Not all landlords are evil - but just incase we will treat you all as though you are!!... Read More

How did you get a copy of the letter? Assuming the tenants have broken the terms of the AST, you could also serve a section 8 where the notice period could be as short as 2 weeks, depending on which terms they’ve broken. You could say, your only serving the section 8 because of the line taken by the council. The section 21 would still run alongside the section 8 as a fall back in case the judge doesn't award possession with the section 8.... Read More

Property management software is not necessarily a time saver especiallyif you have a small portfolio. For instance, you will still need to identify and input costs appropriately. However, with digital tax reporting (DTR) introduction your wise in exploring your options. Make sure the software is recognised by HMRC as compatible for DTR. Negotiate a trial period of any chosen software (the full package) not just elements as is often offered. HMRC has a list of compliant software. If your portfolio is small, you may find using HMRC compliant "bridging software" to link with your existing spreadsheet a better option. Good luck!... Read More

If you don't have the time / confidence to manage the property yourself, do your homework on deciding what agent will suit you best. Ask yourself: are the agents employees qualified? (they are often students or low paid with no experience, these depend on software prompts rather than real knowledge and experience), seek recommendations from the agents existing landlord clients (and tenants), ask questions ref possible changes in regulations (they should be on the ball), do they have a passion and show respect in what they do and in the manner they address you), how big is their client portfolio (is it too big to be managed effectively and correctly)? What are their fees? Is their complaints process and terms of business acceptable? How much do they charge and does this fee correlate to the labour / materials required to manage your property correctly / efficiently? I personally believe that most agents fees are too low, hence you get a poor service (with low fees they need more properties to balance the books, too many to effectively manage!). It sounds like, in your case, you have been quite specific in some requirements and that these have been accepted by your agent but not acted on. If so this is unacceptable and hence I agree you need to change agent. Good luck. I add, I have yet to find an agent that I'm happy with!... Read More

Not sure I would be for my energy inclusive HMO's. Is there a pay as you go supply charging unit available for residential properties?... Read More

Agreed, and it makes a mockery of Labour's intent to "immediately" abolish section 21. How does this reflect on labour's other manifesto intent!... Read More

Farage admitted, "Labour will win this election". He explained, "this election is about getting UK Reform into position to win the 2029 election". So the debate should now be about who we want to be the opposition party to Labour, Sunak or Farage?... Read More

Serve a section 21 (whilst you still can!) and start planning a refurb. Aim to leave on good terms and say you will arrange the redecoration.... Read More

An idea ref the estimated time it will take for Labour to "immediately" abolish Section 21 ? Unless a Bill is rushed through as emergency legislation (pretty sure this doesn't qualify), it could take several months! Am I right?... Read More

Yes, there will be in increase in demand and like any industry it will drive up rents. But let's be clear. The reason for this relative increase in rent is because Government and Local Authority high risk policies are driving landlords out of the PRS. The only way to fix this surge in rents is to retract the threatened introduction of these unnecessary policies. This will dampen the mass exodus of landlords leaving and ensure rental property availability increases.... Read More

Homelessness against a landlord's need to sell! Tenant wins everytime! It plays into the local authority's hands and reduces their current need for more social housing!... Read More

Surely there is a lengthy process to go through before section 21 can be removed from legislation. It would not be emergency amendment so will have to go through the same procedure that the Conservatives Tenant Reform Bill went through. Am I correct? Any legal experts out there that can advise?... Read More

As I said, even so, they are still the lesser of the two evils!... Read More

My thoughts are, we must vote Conservative, if only an attempt to keep Labour out! Vote for any other party, and Labour gets in. Conservative the lesser of the two evils and maybe now they will value a landlords vote. The election provides the Conservatives with the opportunity to scrape the renters reform Bill (currently full of Labour ideas!) and introduce a "PRS reform bill" that is based more on "Conservatism", they've lost tenant votes, so why not. I do feel that Sunak will out wit any face off against Starmer - so don't give up yet!... Read More

There are various ways used to calculate rent yields. I would like to see the math behind this!... Read More