Lettings

Would it surprise you to know, the younger you are, the more likely it is you want to become a landlord? The desire was confirmed by a new survey, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

Despite it being the biggest shake up of the private rental sector since the Housing Act 1988, it’s a case of blissful ignorance for many tenants. The lack of awareness was uncovered by research consultancy, Pegasus Insight, who found just 32% of tenants were ‘fully aware’ or ‘mostly aware’ of the contents of the Renter's Rights Bill.

If you’re moving from one rental property to another to gain a garden, there is a code of outdoor conduct that tenants should abide by. From weeding to watering, balconies and barbecues, here’s our essential do’s and don’ts advice for renters.

Paying a tenancy deposit is part and parcel of being a renter but it’s usually the biggest upfront expense. Worrying research recently revealed 1 in 5 tenants get into debt trying to fund their tenancy, with the average UK deposit now in the region of £1,470.

It’s almost impossible to talk about the buy-to-let market without talking about mortgages. Figures from money.co.uk estimate around 60% of landlords fund part or all of their property investment activity using a buy-to-let mortgage.

If you have a landlord or tenant insurance policy, you may have been contacted by the provider announcing the launch of a new product. Pet insurance is the next big thing in the private rental market and its arrival marks significant progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Although winter has us firmly in its icy grip, the energy price cap will rise on 1st January 2025. As a result, many of us will want to reduce how much fuel we use. For renters, the challenge can be greater as they don’t always have the means or money to make significant energy-saving alterations, such as installing cavity wall insulation, solar panels or air source heat pumps.

Rental guarantors used to be the preserve of student lets, with landlords wanting financial reassurance to cover those with no rental track record, no regular wage or rental history.

The latest Rightmove Rental Price Tracker revealed that every ‘to let’ listing on its portal was receiving an average of 17 enquiries. Such demand can translate into multiple offers and a bidding situation* where the rent that tenants are willing to pay creeps up.

How much will dirt cost you at the end of a tenancy? If new research by SpareRoom is accurate, UK renters are forfeiting £724 million every year thanks to poor levels of cleanliness. In fact, the data showed an average of £250 of cleaning-related deductions per tenancy.

It was back in October 2008 that EPC certificates became a compulsory requirement for privately rented properties and since then, their standing among landlords and tenants has grown.

We all know gardens were the feature of choice among tenants moving home during the pandemic but a new survey shows how our love for the great outdoors hasn’t dimmed.