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Clamp down on landlords with empty homes

The government has announced plans to increase the amount of council tax payable on second or empty homes. With the country desperately needing new housing, the sight of these largely unoccupied properties has been a slap in the face for all those struggling to find a place to live. Currently it is estimated that there are around a million empty homes in this country. The proposed plan for... Read more

Posted by Simon @ Upad on December 6th, 2012 in Finding a Home, Property Rental

Quizzical

Vetting tenants

Finding a long-term responsible tenant who respects your property and pays promptly isn’t all about luck. There’s a science to it too. Key tips Ensure you meet tenants personally before letting to them. Professional comprehensive tenant referencing is essential. If you have any doubt about tenants, secure a guarantor. Showing tenants around your rental property is your chance... Read more

Posted by Simon @ Upad on May 11th, 2012 in Finding a Home, Property Rental, Referencing, Tips for New Landlords

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Family Home

Increase in the number of higher value homes

According to ARLA, more higher-value homes have appeared in the private rental sector. The average rental property cost is now £447,990 up 11.6% on the previous quarter. London & the South East are largely responsible for the rise with family homes having the most prominent increase. 39% of ARLA members had noticed more rental properties appearing on the market with the biggest proportion... Read more

Posted by Simon @ Upad on April 28th, 2011 in Finding a Home, Renting a Property

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Warning, as fake lettings agents are on the rise

ARLA have reported an increase in the number of fraudsters posing as lettings agents, in a bid to con tenants out of thousands of pounds. The scam artists, of whom most were based abroad, used branding that appeared legitimate along with the ARLA logo to make it appear that they were the real deal. The idea being that these sites would look as professional as possible. ARLA also urge people not... Read more

Posted by Simon @ Upad on March 4th, 2011 in Finding a Home, Renting a Property

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Avoid fake and bad landlords

There are many fake landlords and scams on the web, each with different way of taking your money with you never seeing it again. A good way to avoid this is to get to know the landlord and scrutinise the advert. Here are some things to keep in mind: Check where the advert is listed. If it is on one of the free sites then it’s unlikely to have been vetted and could be a scam. Ask for the... Read more

Posted by Simon @ Upad on February 23rd, 2011 in Finding a Home, Legal, Renting a Property

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