Will buy-to-let landlords drive up house prices ahead of stamp duty hike You might be aware that in April an increase in stamp duty tax will come into effect, which could potentially add 3% to the price of a property. A hike in stamp duty tax,...
How many tenant removals is too many? We were carrying out some market research and came across an interesting article regarding tenant evictions and the increase in removing tenants from their homes. According to the Ministry for justice, it seems that more than 170 tenants were...
We have received a few phone calls this month from Landlords concerned about protecting a tenants’ deposit and the potential consequences of failing to do this correctly. We thought we would do a little digging and it seems that despite all the information about securing...
Why are local authorities advising tenants to ignore eviction notices that are being served to remove them from a private property? It seems that local authorities are advising tenants to wait until the bailiff turns up to remove them because then the tenant qualifies for...
One of the most common requests we receive is about recovering costs for damage done by tenants when they have suddenly left a property or once they have been removed. It seems it is a national problem we found some data that stated it cost...
It was with disbelief that over Christmas I read that a landlord had illegally evicted their tenant and left their belongings in the garden. The landlord who is based in Birmingham, carried out a threat of changing the locks at the rental property. The tenant...
Could a tenant delay their removal? Although I have yet to come across this particular situation I do wonder how long before enterprising tenants test the new legislation to avoid or delay being removed from a property. A tenant could try to avoid eviction by deliberately damaging...
The current legislative system which deals with rogue landlords, I believe is current inadequate and failing to deter those landlords who choose to prey on the less fortunate. One of the suggestions I have seen mentioned is a national database covering all housing-related convictions. Not quite...
Issues with renting As a landlord, you have certain rights and responsibilities. If you are buying a property for a second/holiday home or buy-to-let, you will need to know your obligations in law, and also how you are protected. Disputes can easily arise with tenants and you...
Changes in buy-to-let stamp duty The Treasury’s Spending Review and Autumn Statement released today, informs us of a new set of rates for buyers of residential property for rent and for second homes. As from April next year, stamp duty rates will increase by 3% for buy-to-let...