Writings for Landlords

Welcome along to the next in our interview series where we capture insights from notable property people.

Today, our spotlight is turned on Peter Littlewood, of landlord association iHowz (formerly known as the Southern Landlords Association).

Has your landlord asked you to provide a guarantor? Or have you already moved into a property and aren’t sure what your guarantor’s responsibilities are? Maybe you’re not sure what a guarantor is or why you may need one? In this article we’ll answer any questions you may have.

A recent study revealed that rent rises are set to overtake house price growth in the next five years, with tenants facing a 15.9% increase in rents, in comparison to 4.5% growth in house prices.

As it stands the UK will leave the EU on March 30. Though given the current political turmoil that could conceivably change. But how can private landlords prepare for life after Brexit? Assuming it goes ahead.

Very often the tenant won’t even inform you they’ve done this. But what do you do if you discover another person in your property? Should you do anything? Where do you stand legally and what are the implications of your tenant moving someone else into your property?

The Government have announced that the Tenant Fees Bill will come into force on June 1st 2019. This piece of legislation will place a ban on letting agents and private landlords charging fees to tenants in order to set up a new tenancy or renew an existing tenancy.

For any private landlord picking the right buy to let property is essential. When you’re investing such a large sum in your business you need to know you’re picking the right property to make a profit. You’ll look at location, the local market and of course the purchase price.

Whether you have a portfolio of properties or are a reluctant landlord you’re running a business. And if you’re running a business you need to be filing a tax return. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get everything in order. Whether you file your own return or use an accountant the deadline is looming.

The tenancy has come to an end and you have determined that there are some costs to recover from the tenants deposit. Unfortunately your tenant does not agree with you…how do you deal with this?

In the UK owning your own home has always been an aspiration. It’s seen as an achievement to buy your own home. But is that an outdated view? Do young people still have the desire to buy their own home?
Many no doubt still do aspire to buy a house. But many people of all ages now prefer to rent. Indeed, the private rental sector has never been so strong. This is great news for private landlords of course. But why do some tenants prefer to rent rather than buy?