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Challenor Property dream turned to investors’ cash nightmare (York Press)

30-Dec-11 10:01
Mike Laycock (York Press) reports on how Challenor Property Developments lured its victims to York and then persuaded them to part with tens of thousands of pounds for nothing. .. Read More


Mixed outlook for PRS, but challenging conditions may spark improvement in standards

30-Dec-11 09:58
This year has been challenging for the housing market, but things may be set to get worse before they improve in the Private Rented Sector (PRS)... Read More


Down letting - tips for utilising your family home in retirement (ARLA)

30-Dec-11 09:52
Downsizing has become common practice in freeing up capital, but selling off the family home may not be the only way to subsidise hard-hit pensions... Read More


UK property market will see ‘gradual’ recovery in 2012 – (NAEA)

30-Dec-11 09:50
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) today revealed its predictions for the UK property market over the next 12 months. .. Read More


Landlords seek support for private renting growth – (Landlord Zone)

30-Dec-11 09:48
One of the country’s leading bodies representing landlords in the private rented sector has today called on Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone to do more to stimulate the supply of private rented housing across London... Read More


New site to launch Facebook property app in January – (Landlord Zone)

30-Dec-11 09:43
For the first time home owners and landlords will be able to advertise property for sale, rent and room-share via their Facebook profile with the launch of Property Place later in January 2012... Read More


Top 5 Landlord Questions & Answers from the NLA

30-Dec-11 09:28
Top 5 Landlord Questions & Answers from the NLA.. Read More


Landlords urged to report rents to local Valuation Office (NLA)

30-Dec-11 09:24
Landlords are being encouraged to report the level of rent on their properties to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to help local authorities determine average market rents in their area... Read More


Some good news on deposits for landlords and agents (my deposits.co.uk)

30-Dec-11 09:12
My Deposits has found some interesting statistics regarding disputes that are raised with them by tenants, which are sure to make landlords and agents happy... Read More


TDS workshop coming to Newcastle in January

30-Dec-11 08:58
This course is for TDS members and is intended to help people gain a better understanding of tenancy deposit dispute adjudication... Read More


Private rental sector is ripe for investment – ARLA

23-Nov-11 11:12
Increased demand for rental property is sparking a renewed interest in the PRS from landlords in some parts of the UK... Read More


Landlord Liability for Water Bills - ARLA

23-Nov-11 11:10
The Water Industry Act 1999 banned water suppliers from disconnecting water supplies from consumers, even if they were failing to pay their bills. This has led to a growing problem of unpaid water bills that far outstrips the outstanding debts owed for other types of utility... Read More


Top tips for homeowners moving to a smaller property - NAEA

23-Nov-11 11:08
"Downsizing is also an opportunity to boost the money you'll save on energy bills by improving the energy efficiency of your home, for example by ensuring it's properly insulated". .. Read More


Landlords – Are you keeping a tenant journal? (by Amer Siddiq)

23-Nov-11 11:04
Ever had a conversation with a tenant and not made a note of when it took place and what was said but then later wished you had?.. Read More


Local Authorities don’t understand landlords’ needs! (by David Lawrenson)

23-Nov-11 11:01
The Private Rented Sector Will Not Entertain Void Periods and Local Authorities and Housing Associations Need to Understand This... Read More


Water Damage Costs Flat Owners Dear

23-Nov-11 10:59
Recent research, conducted by Cadogan Keelan Westall, the UK’s leading property insurance specialists, has revealed that a quarter of claims made on flats are for damage caused by escape of water. An estimated 9.7 billion litres of water a year is lost through residential properties and it is costing £2 million every day*. (*Source: ABI, August 2011)... Read More


Tenant Checks are not an optional extra

23-Nov-11 10:56
The National Landlords Association (NLA) is reminding landlords to carry out background checks on potential tenants before letting their properties... Read More


Housing benefit cuts to affect three quarters of landlords

23-Nov-11 10:54
A survey* by the National Landlords Association (NLA) has found that Government caps on housing benefit payments could force over three quarters of landlords out of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) market... Read More


Landlords - Look out for your tenants this winter

23-Nov-11 10:52
The National Landlords Association (NLA) is reminding landlords to ensure their properties and tenants are prepared for the winter months... Read More


York RLA's Response to Article 4 Direction (by Niall S McTurk, Chair York RLA)

23-Nov-11 10:47
The decision made on 1st November by CYC is discriminatory to our student population and will be particularly damaging to young people, the unemployed and those on low incomes who wish to live in York... Read More


Average tenancy deposit up by £125 in a year

23-Nov-11 10:42
my|deposits has found the average protected tenancy deposit taken in England and Wales has increased by £125 in the past year, from £985 to £1110.. Read More


TDS – Why self regulation just won’t work (by Steve Harriott)

23-Nov-11 10:38
"In an era when young kids get sent to jail for stealing a t-shirt and MPs get imprisoned for fiddling their expenses what makes fraudulent lettings agents get away with a smack on the hand? Self regulation just won't work.".. Read More


York builder recommendation

23-Nov-11 10:20
Richard carried out some roofing repairs – highly recommend, details below..... Read More


Festive opening hours

16-Nov-11 11:45
It’s not long now to Christmas, and we’ve had a few enquiries regarding our opening hours over the festive period... Read More


The Private Rental Sector is nearing capacity

30-Oct-11 17:11
The number of new tenancies has been at record levels for the past year but the PRS may finally be running out of space to cater for tenant demand... Read More


Politicians and NLA predict a move towards ‘flexible’ renting

30-Oct-11 17:08
But is that what ‘Generation Rent’ want? The National Landlords Association (NLA) fringe event at this year’s political party conferences expressed itself troubled by ‘the disproportionate attention given to virtually inaccessible social renting and owner occupation’ .. Read More


EPCs Too Hot to Handle for Landlords

30-Oct-11 17:06
More than a third (35%) of UK landlords are unaware of the energy performance of their properties, according to the latest ARLA research... Read More


Damage to Unfurnished Properties Costing Landlords Thousands

30-Oct-11 17:04
Landlords with unfurnished properties often fall into the trap of thinking that as there are no actual ‘loose’ contents, there will be nothing to worry about at the end of a tenancy. .. Read More


Tenants are wary to move in case they cannot find a new flat

30-Oct-11 17:02
The number of new tenancies has been at record levels for the past year but the PRS may finally be running out of space to cater for tenant demand... Read More


LandlordZONE – Cold Weather Precautions in Rental Property

30-Oct-11 16:45
Landlords and Tenants need to be aware of problems that can occur during cold weather, frost damage being one of the biggest risks to your property. A burst pipe can wreak havoc on your residential or business premises and its contents. .. Read More


Rentals Booming but Tenant Eviction Up

30-Oct-11 16:38
The number of households choosing to rent in the UK is now double that of those who own their own home, according to new research. And the findings do not simply reflect difficulties getting onto the housing ladder: 92% of respondents said they preferred the relative flexibility of renting... Read More


Increasing number of tenants defending eviction cases

30-Oct-11 16:36
Landlord Action, a company specialising in tenant eviction, says a rise in rent arrears cases has been followed by an increasing number of tenants defending eviction cases at court and appealing judges’ decisions, with figures of defended cases rising from 9% last year to an all time high of 13%, so far this year... Read More


Buy to let to expand in 2012

30-Oct-11 16:34
Demand for rental properties will remain strong and continue well into 2012 says Landlord Assist, the nationwide tenant eviction and referencing firm... Read More


Landlords keen to go Green

30-Oct-11 16:32
Two-thirds of private landlords would consider taking advantage of the Government’s Green Deal scheme to improve energy efficiency in their properties, according to a survey by the National Landlords Association (NLA)... Read More


Landlords make yourselves “dispute-proof”

30-Oct-11 16:30
When a new tenant moves in to a property and a new tenancy agreement is signed, the last thing on anybody’s mind is a possible dispute over the deposit when it is time to move out... Read More


The Colourful World of Deposit Disputes - TDS Lifts the Curtain

30-Oct-11 16:26
From smashed antique vases to missing washing machines, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, has heard it all and this month has published some of the stories behind deposit disputes in a new set of case studies... Read More


ARLA: Renting a home as a student – the right way

24-Aug-11 09:58
With the start of the academic year approaching, and rental rates across the country on the increase, we are advising students on how to navigate the challenges of the rental market when they sign for a flat or house... Read More


ARLA: Rental Overheating Spreading Beyond the Capital

24-Aug-11 09:55
Research has shown that the renascent boom in buy-to-let is reaching other parts of the UK According to our latest survey of UK landlords, conducted by us and the Residential Landlords Association, (RLA), the regions with the highest number of landlords buying property in the last 12 months were the North East (30%), the Midlands (26%) and the Rest of London (26%)*. .. Read More


NAEA: SUMMER SPIKE IN DEMAND FOR PROPERTY

24-Aug-11 09:52
There was a surge in enquiries for property to purchase during July, according to estate agents... Read More


Trashed! Landlord battles to evict nightmare tenants for six months

24-Aug-11 09:46
A landlord who battled for months to evict his nightmare tenants discovered his house had been completely trashed when he finally kicked them out of the property... Read More


Student Rents Continue to Rise in 2011

24-Aug-11 09:32
* Latest accommodationforstudents.com research shows increase of 3% on last year *London reaches all-time high weekly rent of £108, up 5% on 2010 *Exeter now second-most expensive city in UK *Several cities experience double-digit increases: Leamington Spa, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sunderland, Manchester and Bangor .. Read More


Landlords report good tenant relations as rental demand continues to rise

24-Aug-11 09:30
An overwhelming majority of landlords say they have a good relationship with their tenants, according to a survey* by the National Landlords Association (NLA). .. Read More


Private landlords concerned by potential rise in buy-to-let mortgages rates

24-Aug-11 09:28
A survey* by the National Landlords Association (NLA) has shown that the majority of private landlords will be affected by a rise in buy-to-let interest rates. .. Read More


Revealed: Leading causes of deposit deductions

24-Aug-11 09:25
Cleaning costs and unpaid rent are the top reasons why deposit money is withheld when a tenant moves out of a rented property, my|deposits has found... Read More


Government Support for TDS Member Letting Agents over use of Client Money Protection Insurance

24-Aug-11 09:23
Although Housing Minister Grant Shapps has ruled out compulsory Clients’ Money Protection for letting agents in the foreseeable future, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) has welcomed government support for its members... Read More


Limited appointment availability in September

24-Aug-11 09:20
Please note that the following dates will have limited appointment availability: Wednesday 21st September to Wednesday 28th September... Read More


First Signs That Lettings Market Is Rebalancing

29-Jul-11 15:41
The Lettings market is beginning to rebalance, with stock levels increasing and supply and demand stabilising for the first time this year, according to the latest figures from Hamptons International... Read More


Call for standardised tenant referencing

29-Jul-11 15:39
TENANT referencing needs stronger regulation, according to a lettings expert... Read More


RICS advises members on government plans for energy efficiency regulations

29-Jul-11 15:38
The Westminster government recently announced that it would not be possible to let residential or commercial properties with an EPC lower than an E from 2018 in England and Wales. .. Read More


The broker tenant, the bank and the £3m con

29-Jul-11 15:34
A broker tenant who stole homeowners’ identities in an attempt to defraud banks out of £3 million has been jailed for five years... Read More


Deposit Protection – First Line of Defence Against Rogue Landlords and Cowboy Agents

29-Jul-11 15:33
Reports of a rise in bad landlords along with soaring rental demand and the return of buy to let investors have all led to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to remind tenants to be careful and protect themselves. Asking for evidence of tenancy deposit protection is a first line of defence against rogue landlords and cowboy agents... Read More


NLA scheme helps local authorities target rogue landlords

29-Jul-11 15:29
The National Landlords Association (NLA) has reported that the NLA Accreditation Scheme for private landlords is now being used by 28 local authorities, just one year on from its launch. .. Read More


Rental Undersupply Issue Persisting

29-Jul-11 15:24
An undersupply of good quality property is threatening the UK rental market according to ARLA, as its research reveals that the imbalance of supply and demand is continuing... Read More


Top Tips for Letting a Property when Moving Abroad

29-Jul-11 14:32
As the latest downpour reminds us just what we can expect from the British summer, it's little wonder thousands of people each year decide to move to sunnier climes. For many that raises questions about what to with their homes in the UK - often it's comforting to retain a base in the homeland, especially if the move abroad is likely to be temporary. .. Read More


Advice on the Trend for Short-term Lets

29-Jul-11 14:30
Top tips for landlords who are aiming to let their properties out on a short-term basis. Short-term lets usually last between one week and one month and can be useful for filling rental voids, or making use of vacant property. .. Read More


ARLA: Advice on Inventories

25-May-11 10:32
Rental deposits have reached new highs, and based on a deposit of six weeks' rent, the average figure now stands at £2,172*, according to our latest data... Read More


Summer Projects 2011 – Staff required

25-May-11 10:29
This is a short-term project based in York dealing with a mixture of student properties (all furnished, variety of sizes), checking out tenants and checking in new tenants. .. Read More


Landlords to face minimum energy standards

25-May-11 08:06
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne has announced plans to ensure all landlords meet minimum energy efficiency standards under the Green Deal... Read More


Serial bad tenants continue to plague landlords

25-May-11 08:04
Landlord Action has successfully gained possession of a property after one landlady’s six month battle against a serial offending tenant, which had severe consequences... Read More


New Holiday Let EPC Legislation

25-May-11 08:02
The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has announced that all holiday let properties will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as from 30th June 2011... Read More


Dispute Resolution guidelines released under TDP scheme co-operation

25-May-11 07:56
A new 'Guide to Tenancy Deposits, Disputes and Damages' has been jointly published by all three government authorised tenancy deposit protection schemes... Read More


Pull Down the Barriers to Investment in Residential Housing

25-May-11 07:53
The barriers for investor entry to the UK residential housing market are still too great to ensure that future demand will be met, according to Mill Group a UK-based property and finance group... Read More


Tenants are paying more as demand outstrips supply

27-Apr-11 09:32
The cost of being a tenant increased for the second consecutive month during March as demand for rental property continued to outstrip supply, research indicated today... Read More


Universities face sharp decline in undergraduate numbers

27-Apr-11 09:30
Student numbers at York’s two universities will fall sharply over the coming decade because of soaring tuition fees, researchers claim... Read More


York landlords vow to resist restriction plans for student lets

27-Apr-11 09:28
Proposals to restrict the growth of student lets and other houses of multiple occupation across York will be launched shortly – with landlords promising a campaign of “almighty resistance”. .. Read More


Landlords Ignore Health and Safety Rules

27-Apr-11 09:24
Many landlords are still unaware of even basic health and safety rules when leaving their properties for rental, according to The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC)... Read More


Lenders flocking back to buy-to-let

27-Apr-11 09:19
One lender has returned to the buy-to-let market, with a handful of others promising to launch this year. Why are they so keen?.. Read More


Tenants from hell to be caught out with iPhone App

27-Apr-11 09:13
BAD tenants beware. An iPhone App has been launched for landlords to find out if they’re on a tenant blacklist for property damage or unpaid rent... Read More


Energy Performance Certificates Set For Change

27-Apr-11 09:08
News has travelled fast regarding the government’s plans to set new rules regarding the requirement of Energy Performance Certificates on properties on the market whether they be to let or for sale... Read More


Renters rise by one million people!

23-Mar-11 09:23
Landlords have the chance to cash in, as the number of people renting rockets... Read More


Cold homes should be illegal says Green party leader

23-Mar-11 09:19
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party opened a major housing event in Brighton last week by calling for a street-by street programme of energy efficiency improvements to ensure an affordably heated home for everyone... Read More


Changes to housing benefit to make a third of England unaffordable

23-Mar-11 09:17
Changes to housing benefit to make a third of England unaffordable for low income households in a decade.. Read More


Rate the tenant – and the estate agent

23-Mar-11 09:14
TripAdvisor has a lot to answer for. Rating services has never been more popular as we all rush to our computer to check the quality of hotels, airlines, restaurants… and now landlords and estate agents. Whether you approve or not the worldwide grumble system can only get worse, with the facility to rave about a service or commend it to the grave at your fingertips 24/7... Read More


Help at hand for Letting Agents In Deposit Protection Disputes

23-Mar-11 09:07
Help is at hand for letting agents driven to distraction by the deposit protection schemes. A deposit protection adjudicator has set up an online service to help save agents the time and expense of a failed claim... Read More


Consumer watchdog barks at letting agents

23-Mar-11 09:05
The knives are out for the private rented sector once again as it apparently “generates more complaints than almost any other”. According to a new report issued by Consumer Focus, the consumer watchdog, one of the biggest issues is that private renters often know very little about their landlords before signing a tenancy agreement. Now the watchdog has written to some of the largest letting agents and deposit schemes in England calling on them to explore how online feedback could empower tenants by giving them a better insight into their potential landlords. .. Read More


Common damage could cost landlords dear

23-Mar-11 09:03
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) is warning all landlords and management companies to check each rental property thoroughly for signs of common damage, which can often be missed at check out, costing landlords hundreds of pounds... Read More


Two day property event in Hull - 12th/13th March, Hull City Hall

19-Feb-11 20:43
Mail News & Media in association with Lynne Hope Communications have partnered with Gateway to bring a new and unique property event to the local Hull area in March 2011... Read More


Buy-to-Let Market Grows

19-Feb-11 20:41
The buy-to-let market grew by 7% in 2010, according to the latest data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders. .. Read More


ARLA: Top Tips For “Greening” Rented Properties

19-Feb-11 20:38
Landlords overseeing residential properties should consider measures to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)... Read More


Rightmove is UK’s No 8 busiest website

19-Feb-11 20:36
A record-breaking month of traffic in January has moved Rightmove up to be the 8th busiest website for UK users. Rightmove ended the month sandwiched between Microsoft MSN in 7th place and BBC News in 9th in terms of share of web pages viewed by UK users, according to independent data compiled by Experian Hitwise... Read More


Independent inventory - Case studies

19-Feb-11 20:33
Under the revised terms of the Housing Act 2004 it is stipulated that all deposits taken by Landlords on an a Assured Shorthold Tenancy must be protected by a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme, was set up to protect the tenants deposit from both unscrupulous Landlords and Agents. .. Read More


Landlords miss out as supply fails to satisfy demand

19-Feb-11 20:31
Demand for rental property is significantly outweighing supply according to figures released by Sequence. Based on its recent data, the number of rental properties coming onto the market nationally would only satisfy 16 per cent of would-be tenants registering their interest in moving home... Read More


Professional Property Show, 10th/11th May, London Olympia

23-Jan-11 17:15
The Property Professional Show (PPS) will take place at London’s Olympia on the 10th- 11th May 2011. .. Read More


ARLA Conference 2011 - Tues 1st March, Novotel London West, Hammersmith, London

23-Jan-11 17:12
The ARLA Conference is the annual event for letting industry professionals and one that you cannot afford to miss! .. Read More


York Landlords Fair 2011 – Thurs 17th March, Priory Street Centre

23-Jan-11 17:09
This year’s annual York Landlords Fair, run by City of York Council, is due to take place on Thurs 17th March at the Priory Street Centre in York. .. Read More


The boom in rental growth may be at an end

23-Jan-11 17:07
Property economist Paul Diggle says the boom is on its last legs and warned that if its unemployment forecasts are correct, more tenants will be struggling to pay rents... Read More


UK Changing Attitude to Renting

23-Jan-11 17:05
Renting is becoming increasingly popular, according to research by the Association of Residential Letting Agents. .. Read More


Rise in Tenant Problems Paying Rent

23-Jan-11 17:03
Increasing numbers of tenants appear to be struggling to make rental payments, according to letting agents... Read More


More councils take on selective licensing for HMOs

23-Jan-11 17:00
Two more councils have joined the queue to crackdown on property investors letting shared houses, reports the MoneyCentre. Preston and York are both ready to announce ‘article 4’ selective licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). .. Read More



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