On 22 November 2023, the Chancellor delivered the Government’s Autumn Statement (sometimes referred to as the autumn budget) outlining plans for the year ahead and including 110 measures designed to “help grow the economy”. Amongst these measures, there were some positive takeaways for landlords, tenants and the property market, including tax cuts for the self-employed, an increased benefit threshold for lower-income tenants, and planning incentives to encourage property development. Key measures impacting landlords, investors and tenants: Local Housing Allowance increase National Insurance ..read more

The Renters Reform Bill was introduced to parliament by the Government on 17 May 2023, bringing landmark rental reforms that (once enacted) will impact landlords and tenants throughout England. Originally proposed back in 2019 and fleshed out in the 2022 fairer private rented sector white paper, the Renters Reform Bill contains sweeping changes, aimed at improving the rental system for both the 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords in England. Why is the Renters Reform Bill being introduced? The new Bill is designed to “bring in a better deal for renters”, including abolis ..read more

As the cost of living in the UK continues to rise, everyone is feeling the pinch. Rent increases are becoming increasingly common across the country, with many landlords opting to raise their monthly rent in order to keep up with inflation and other market forces. In this article, we look at the rules regarding increasing the rent, including the correct processes during a tenancy and differing rules across England Scotland and Wales, plus what tenants can do if they disagree with a proposed increase. What is a rent increase? Why do landlords increase rent? How often can landlords increase th ..read more

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations are changing. The regulations, originally enforced in 2015, will be amended from 1 October 2022 and apply to both private and social rental properties. What are the new rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? What type of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm do I need? Where should I put my smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? What is a fixed fuel appliance? What properties and tenancies fall under the regulations? What are the rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Wales? Who’s responsible for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? Wha ..read more

This article provides guidance on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, in force from 1 December 2022. What’s changing under the Renting Homes Wales Act? Renting Homes Wales and occupation contracts What terms are allowed under Renting Homes Wales? What are the rules for sharers and joint-contract holders in Wales? Do rental properties in Wales need deposits? What are the repair and safety obligations for landlords in Wales? What rights do contract-holders have in Wales? What are the rules for subletting in Wales? How do I convert my AST to a standard occupation contract? What are the rules fo ..read more

Furnished or unfurnished? When advertising your rental property, will you provide furniture or let tenants kit it out themselves? Maybe you’ve made up your mind. Or perhaps you haven’t thought much about it. But which one is better? And what does furnished really mean? What is a furnished rental property? What do furnished properties include? Are white goods considered furniture? What do unfurnished properties include? What do part-furnished properties include? Do tenants want furnished or unfurnished properties? Can I charge more rent if my property is furnished? Can tenants bring their own ..read more

This article provides guidance on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, in force from December 1st 2022. What’s changing under the Renting Homes Wales Act? Renting Homes Wales and occupation contracts What terms are allowed under Renting Homes Wales? What are the rules for shares and joint-contract holders in Wales? Do rental properties in Wales need deposits? What are the repair and safety obligations for landlords in Wales? What rights do contract-holders have in Wales? What are the rules for subletting in Wales? How do I convert my AST to a standard occupation contract? What are the rules f ..read more

Furnished or unfurnished? When advertising your rental property, are you gonna provide furniture, or let the tenant kit it out themselves? Maybe you get to this point and realise you haven’t thought much about it. But which one is better? And what does furnished really mean? What is a furnished rental property? What do furnished properties include? Are white goods considered furniture? What do unfurnished properties include? What about part-furnished? Do tenants want furnished or unfurnished properties? Can I charge more rent if my property is furnished? Can I bring my own furniture to a fur ..read more

Most landlords aren’t asking for much. They want a professional service, from competent people, for a reasonable price. Delivering what’s promised is the least a person should expect from any service they pay for – so why are so many landlords being let down by their agents? The average UK tenancy is just over four years. This is a long time – and could be even longer if you have a good tenant in place – so choosing the right agent is very important. Have you felt frustrated with your letting agency recently? Or heard a friend of yours moaning about their agent? When you think about it ..read more

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations are changing. The regulations, originally enforced in 2015, will be amended from 1 October 2022 and apply to both private and social rental properties. What are the new rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? What type of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm do I need? Where should I put my smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? What is a fixed fuel appliance? What properties and tenancies fall under the regulations? What are the rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Wales? Who’s responsible for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? Wha ..read more