LANDLORD NEWS AND ADVICE FROM UK'S LARGEST ONLINE LETTING AGENT
The latest from the world of lettings and written for landlords. Top stories, advice, commentary and analysis...
Keep the discussion lively, if you read an article and have some thoughts, please comment. We’re always looking for new landlord tips and stories so if you have something you’d like to share please let me know, simon@upad.co.uk (editor).
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Archive for the ‘Property Management’ Category
Top 5 rules you could be breaking without knowing it
Boilers You must carry out a gas safety check on a property’s boiler once a year using a Gas Safe Registered engineer, and if you’ve just installed a new boiler then the safety check must be completed within 12 months of putting it in – again by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Landlords must keep a record of these checks for two years and give the tenant a copy of it within 28 days of... Read more
Top five rental problems and how to solve them
Tenants who don’t pay their rent Two recent surveys revealed that 12% off all rents are paid late or not at all and that some 200,000 tenants are in arrears of more than two months, so to avoid becoming a part of this statistic it’s essential landlords obtain references from prospective tenants before they move in. But if a tenant does get into arrears and informal channels fail to work then... Read more
What to do if: there’s water leaking in from a neighbouring property
It’s every landlord’s nightmare – water seeping into your buy-to-let flat from an adjacent property making tenants unhappy, wallpaper peel and plaster go soggy and discoloured. The problem is getting the owner of the other property to admit liability for the water leak and, more importantly, doing something to remedy the problem. But how? One strategy is to get your own plumber into... Read more
What to do about rent reduction requests
Once upon a time only agents and landlords with large portfolios knew about rental asking prices in their local area, but the rise of websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla have helped tenants be much more aware of value for money and has helped drive an increase in the number of ‘rent reduction’ requests landlords receive. But what can you do? The answer is to be better informed about the... Read more
Top ten buy-to-let maintenance tips
Every landlord dreads the moment a tenant phones up to report ‘a problem’ as it usually demands money and time being spent. So here is the Upad guide to the most frequently replaced or repaired items within rented properties and some tips on how, when they crop up, to best manage them. 1. Sofas Buy sofas that are made of durable cord material and that are either brown or dark brown.... Read more
How to reduce buy-to-let costs
There are times when a buy to let property can appear to be an endless money pit. This is particularly true before a tenancy begins when refurbishment costs and energy performance certificate expenses are front loaded - before you’ve received any income - and also as on-going bills roll in. But at Upad.co.uk we’re focused on helping self-managing agents take the unnecessary expenses out of... Read more
Guest Post: condensation – why it’s a big issue
Condensation can cause landlords numerous problems over the winter months, and if left unresolved, it can really burn a hole in your pocket. Aside from all the hassle, possible redecorating and initial costs spent on trying to find a solution - not to mention the time it can take - condensation could lead to insurance claims, a visit from environmental health and, potentially, the loss of... Read more
Diagnosing the damp
If you believe your home is suffering from damp or condensation problems (but you’re unsure of whether it’s condensation, rising damp or penetrating damp) it’s incredibly important that the problem in your home is diagnosed correctly in order to ensure a precise treatment. So, which of the three types of damp is your home undergoing? Rising damp is one of the most common problems in the... Read more
Property maintenance
The property you rent out must be “fit for occupation” and most properties, even new ones, need regular maintenance. Here are some things to bear in mind: 1. Water damage/leaks Water can do a whole heap of damage if the source of the problem isn't treated early. Ultimately it can make the property unstable, therefore unfit for occupation – costing you valuable rent. The most common... Read more
What you should know about Landlord Associations
Landlord Associations can be hugely beneficial for private landlords. The membership fees vary depending on the benefits included, but landlords typically gain access to great advice channels and discounts on landlord services. Here's a look at the National Landlords Association membership: Advice When you join the NLA, you have access to a wide-ranging set of landlord advice tools. They... Read more
Case Study: how to present your property – Greenwich, SE18
What we liked about the property… It’s a luxury new development in an up-and-coming part of London. It has great facilities such as a gym exclusive for residents, and a concierge. It has multiple transport links with easy access to the centre of London (Train/DLR 8 minutes walk). Beautiful Thames views upstream to Canary Wharf and The City. What we liked about the... Read more
Advice for landlords on condensation and mould
The onset of colder weather can trigger the first signs of condensation in many properties. The result of condensation can be streaming windows and the unwelcome appearance of black mould. What are the causes and what can be done to prevent damage by condensation? As many people seek to make their properties more energy efficient with improved features such as cavity wall insulation, double... Read more
Landlords and tenancy deposits – the current legal state of play
Following the introduction of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme under Part I of the Housing Act 2004 (‘the 2004 Act’) most landlords are aware that deposits taken from tenants in connection with a shorthold tenancy must now be registered with an authorised scheme such as The Deposit Protection Service (“DPS”), the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (“TDS”) and mydeposits. Conversely, clued-up... Read more
Are your lettings agents letting you down on viewings?
Dan works for Upad helping with writing and marketing. He's currently on the hunt for a new flat to rent: I'm one of those dreadful 'Generation Rent' people you read about in the papers. I simply can't afford to get on the property ladder, not in the South East of England anyway, or seriously compromising where I live. It doesn't bother me too much and I actually enjoy renting most of the... Read more
Ask Upad: How many tenants does it take to change a lightbulb?
Q: For years, I’ve wondered who is responsible for the light bulbs in my rental property: is it me as the landlord or the tenants? My experience differs from tenant to tenant. Sometimes they will automatically change a light bulb when it blows and other times they call me up and expect me to change it for them. Who is right? A: We’ve heard lots of stories about light bulbs, including... Read more
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Recent Comments
- David Lawrenson: Very good piece. Other issues to consider: Occupants tend to like getting you involved in...
- liz sterland: Is it legal to stipulate tenants should maintain and repair white goods?
- Anna@letting Agents Kilburn: I work for a letting Agency in London, the amount of times iv’e viewed or showed...
- David Lawrenson: Good piece Freeholds are more valuable to buy and sell (among people who did this sort of thing) if...
- David Lawrenson: James, Good piece but why do Shelter fail to mention the rather important fact that lenders’...
