Historically, landlords and animals don’t have the best relationship.
The fear of damage, infestations and related costs sometimes seem too much hassle than they’re worth.
But, people love their pets!
So, landlords who ban them run the risk of putting off many potential tenants. It can feel like a catch-22!
To try and help, here’s a landlord’s guide to renting with pets.
Pros of Being a Pet Friendly Landlord
When you think of animals and rental properties, you might only conjure up negative images.
But, there are some pros!
Unconvinced?
Here’s a closer look:
Expands Your Options
By allowing pets in your property, you open the door to a far greater number of potential tenants.
To some landlords, this makes clear business sense!
Longevity
Tenants with pets know it’s not easy to find a landlord accommodating to their situation. This means they’re likely to stick around and settle in your house.
Encouraging a long term tenancy has many perks. From no rental void periods to the lack of hassle of constantly changing contracts, there are advantages to allowing tenants to lay their roots in your property!
But, this does come with its own compromises. Pets are one of these!
Higher Rent
It’s fair to up the rent of any property that accommodates pets. We recommend adding a small amount that will help to account for wear and tear later on.
Don’t forget, you can’t claim back any money from the security deposit for fair wear and tear.
Increasing the rent on a property from £600 to £650 per month, for example, is a reasonable decision. It’s not a drastic inflation that will put tenants off. But, it can help to cover any additional work needed when the property is vacated.
Higher Deposit
A pet brings a greater risk of damage to your property, especially, if it’s furnished.
We recommend adding a fair amount onto the deposit to cover any additional costs that could be caused by the animal. Your top priority should always be to protect your investment! Peace of mind should never be underrated.
Some landlords choose to do things separately, and ask for a pet deposit. This is in addition to the standard security deposit. It’s up to you!
Helps Build a Positive Relationship
The best tenancies are happy tenancies! Establishing a good relationship between landlord and tenant is key to this.
As renting a pet friendly house is so rare, you seem like a reasonable and positive landlord for allowing it. While there are no promises, this may give your tenant more respect for you.
Plus, since most tenants will be aware that landlords like you are rare, they’re more likely to respect your home in hopes of staying there.
Attracts Responsible Tenants
Tenants with pets are generally more settled in their lives. This is due to the responsibility that comes with owning an animal.
The more stable and responsible the tenant is, the more likely they are to respect your property. This is a general rule, of course, as we can’t speak for everyone.
Reduced Void Periods
A pet friendly property is likely to let out quicker than one which isn’t.
With the abundance of tenants with pets out there and lack of rental properties who allow them, demand will be high.
This means facing the prospect of a void period is far less of a concern!
Cons of Being a Pet Friendly Landlord
Of course, with the positives come some inevitable consequences.
Some of these you might already be aware of, but, let’s dig a little deeper.
Risk of Damage
Pets are renowned for causing damage to properties.
From chewing through furniture to lack of house training, there can be a number of potential causes of damage by pets.
Of course, you can claim this back through the deposit. However, for some landlords, it’s not worth the risk.
Pet Smells
Pets are notoriously smelly – even when they’re cared for properly. These smells can be difficult to shift.
The tenants often don’t notice it themselves, which makes it more frustrating.
This can also cause financial complications! Other than cleaning costs, pets can give the property a dirty feel which can lead to difficulty bringing in new tenants.
Animal Hair
Animal hair is difficult to remove from upholstery and carpets.
If you’re in the unfortunate situation of letting to a tenant who isn’t too fond of cleaning, this can be an arduous or costly process for you.
Extra Cleaning
A property which houses a pet requires an extremely thorough clean once it’s been vacated. This isn’t only costly, but time consuming too.
Allergies
There’s the potential that future tenants may have a pet allergy!
Alternatively, if you, as the landlord, have an allergy, this can cause complications when you inspect your property.
Aggressive Behaviour
If you let to an unsavoury tenant with an aggressive pet, you’re likely to face some serious difficulties.
This could be the welfare of your neighbours, the difficulty of communicating with your tenant, threatening behaviour or even being unable to inspect the property.
Of course, these are worst-case scenarios. But, it’s important to consider every possibility.
Slippery Slope
Some landlords feel that if they allow one pet into their property, tenants will take advantage of this.
Is there a danger of your investment becoming overrun with pets?
Problems With Neighbours
Will the neighbours be as accepting of the new houseguests as you?
Pets cause noise, wonder into nearby gardens or cause general annoyance.
If your tenants aren’t receptive to complaints, you’ll receive the brunt of the anger. Are you prepared for this?
Pest Infestations
How can you be sure that the pets you accept into your property won’t have fleas?
Infestations can cause lasting problems that can be costly to repair.
You may also like: How Much Rent Should I Charge My Tenants?
What Animals Will You Accept?
Now you know the pros and cons, have you decided to go ahead with allowing pets into your property?
If the answer is yes, you need to work out what you will accept.
Obviously, there’s a big difference between a dog and a fish tank. Also, just how many pets will you accept – only one, or multiple?
It’s important to be clear on this very early on.
Let’s examine what you might be up against…
Renting With a Dog
Renting a house with a dog is a big deal. For most landlords, these are the animals they’re most wary of.
Here are just some of the problems they can cause:
- Noise, such as barking, causing complaints from the neighbours
- Damage, such as chewing up furniture (particularly puppies!)
- Bringing in fleas
You’ll need to be very clear on the rules you lay down before the tenant and their four-legged friend move in. For example, explain clearly that the animal isn’t to be left alone in the house for prolonged periods of time.
If your property is a flat, you might want to think carefully about with tenants keeping a dog is appropriate. They need lots of time outside, so access to a garden is often necessary.
Also, more often than not, the older the dog – the better! They’re more likely to be well trained, quieter and well behaved.
Assistance Dogs
Whether you want to accept pets into your home or not, assistance dogs must be allowed. This is due to anti-discriminatory laws against disabled tenants.
In these circumstances, the choice of renting with pets is out of your hands.
Birds and Rental Properties
Birds might seem harmless on the surface. However, if kept in cages inside, this could lead to mess.
Also, think of noise. One bird might be manageable, but dozens of them could cause your neighbours serious disturbances.
Renting with Cats
Cats are one of Britain’s most popular pets!
Luckily for landlords, cats are relatively trouble-free. Many of them spend most of their time outside!
However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to think about. For example, will you allow a litter tray in your property? If not, be clear on this before tenants move in.
Also, there are problems concerning cat fur. Some breeds of cat shed more than others! If you say you allow cats in your rental property, will this be breed-dependent?
Small Popular Pets
Particularly if you rent to a family with children, small furry animals might be a request.
These animals could include:
- Rabbits
- Gerbils
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Pet rats
You might consider laying down rules that they must remain in cages outside, or live in rooms without carpet. Of course, the choice is entirely up to you!
Can You Let to Pet Owners?
Before you get carried away, though, you need to work out if it’s possible. Can you allow pets into your rental property?
Leasehold Properties
If your property is leasehold, you might find it tricky to rent with pets. As many leases ban pets, you’ll need to change yours.
But, this can be easier said than done.
For example, if you own a flat in a large block, other leaseholders will need to be consulted. The more property owners, the trickier this will be.
Tips for Landlords Letting to Pet Owners
Allowing pets in rentals is a big consideration.
So, if you’re going ahead with it, here are some tips to help you along the way:
Meet the Pet
It might sound strange, but meeting the pet before agreeing to let to its tenants is essential.
You’ll be able to get a feel for its temperament, noise levels, how it reacts to new people and whether it’s house trained.
Of course, you can only get so much from one meeting. But, if the pet is badly behaved, that’s all you need!
If you feel it’s necessary, ask to meet the pet more than once.
Think of this as a bit like a ‘tenancy screening’, but for an animal!
Get a Previous Landlord Reference
Asking for a pet reference may sound a bit extreme. But, when it comes to looking after your property, nothing is too far!
If the potential tenant has let with their pet before, ask for contact details for their previous landlord. Find out information such as:
- How well behaved the pet was
- Whether any damage to their property was caused
- Was the tenant responsible?
- Did the neighbours complain?
- Were there any problems relating to the pet at all throughout the tenancy?
Set Up Open Communication from the Start
All tenancies require good communication from both parties.
However, when it comes to pets, this is even more important. It’s vital to speak with the potential tenant about their pet at the very beginning.
After that, clearly explain what it is you expect and lay down the rules. Make sure these are included in the tenancy agreement.
Consider Property and Pet
Your property and the pet itself… Are they compatible?
Cats and dogs might not enjoy living in a top floor flat, for example, as outdoor access is key.
Accept pets within reason. Think about the space and neighbours – not every pet will be able to live in your property!
If you’ve decided to rent with pets, your property’s inventory will be more important than ever. You’ll want to ensure there’s no room for miscommunication. No Letting Go can help you look after your investment. Find out more about our services here.
It’s time to talk deposits…
These are a source of protection for landlords, ensuring they have a safety net should anything happen to their property.
But, this doesn’t mean they’re without their own complications!
Deposit disputes are common. If a landlord withholds money for any reason, this is an obvious conflict of interest between both parties.
Let’s ensure that doesn’t happen. Here are some important landlord deposit rules to remember.
The Government Approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme
All landlords must put deposits in a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme. SafeDeposits is Scotland’s leading tenancy deposit scheme.
These ensure a deposit is protected, and that tenants receive the full amount back if they meet the terms of their tenancy agreement and maintain the property as agreed.
TDS disputes are very uncommon, as the deposit is looked after by an unbiased, regulated third party.
Some landlords can be confused by these schemes, as in England and Wales there are two options. So, let’s straighten it out:
Insured Scheme
The Insured Scheme is where the landlord or letting agent keeps hold of the deposit throughout the tenancy, while paying a fee to the TDS.
This fee operates on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, meaning you don’t pay after the tenancy has finished!
Custodial Scheme
With the Custodial Scheme, the landlord or letting agent doesn’t have to pay a fee, as the TDS looks after the deposit.
The TDS will then release the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Both tenancy deposit protection schemes have their benefits, so it’s important to work out what works for you.
When are Tenancy Deposit Deductions Allowed?
There’s no hard and fast rule when tenants ask, ‘what can my landlord deduct from my deposit?’ as this varies depending on the individual circumstance.
However, there are some common reasons why deposits aren’t returned.
Reasons for these deductions must be stipulated in the tenancy agreement, for example cleaning deposits. If you require the property to be returned in a certain way, for example the carpets cleaned, ensure this is clearly communicated.
After the tenant leaves, landlords are allowed to make deposit deductions for the following reasons:
Unpaid Rent
There are numerous reasons why tenants may not be able to afford rent.
However, while some circumstances are out of their control, missed or withheld rent is a justifiable reason not to pay back some, or all, of their deposit.
Many landlords prefer to deduct money from the deposit rather than serve their tenant with a Section 21 eviction notice.
If your tenant owes more than the deposit amount, you can take legal action, and a court can order them to pay the full amount back. This will incur it’s own legal fees, so you’ll need to work out if it makes sense financially.
Serious Damage to the Property
Whether it’s to the property itself, such as smashed windows, or broken furniture, damaging the property contradicts the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Therefore, landlords are allowed to deduct the appropriate amount from the deposit.
Recklessness is something you can take seriously!
However, it’s important to remember that this mustn’t count as fair wear and tear.
For more information about Landlord Insurance.
Lost or Broken Items
One main reason for landlords not returning deposits is missing items. The cost of these can be deducted at the end of the tenancy!
The inventory will have set out what items were included with the property, and their condition. So, in the interest of reassurance for the landlord, a detailed inventory is essential.
Cleaning
In the world of tenancy deposit disputes, cleaning can be a huge source of disagreement between landlords and tenants, largely because we all have different definitions of what is ‘clean’.
However, it’s a common cause of deposit deductions. For example, if it was negotiated in the tenancy agreement that the tenant would pay for a professional carpet clean after keeping pets in the property, they must uphold this.
If they fail to do so, landlords can pay for the cost of the clean from the deposit. For a landlord, cleaning is the tenant’s responsibility!
General Maintenance
General maintenance can be difficult because it’s a vague term.
But, misuse can result in a deposit deduction. For example, if any appliances have been deliberately neglected, the landlord will have to pay to repair these before the start of the next tenancy.
Damage Caused By Pets
Landlords and pets have a strained relationship. However, with half the UK’s population owning a pet, and nearly 1 in 5 of us renting our home, landlords have had to make compromises.
Before the tenancy starts, those with pets often agree to pay a higher deposit or the cost of a professional clean. But, this doesn’t make any damage caused by pets acceptable!
Many tenants find it difficult to understand why their landlord has kept their deposit. But, when you consider the cost of repairing damage, it doesn’t seem so unreasonable.
Poor Redecoration
If a tenant takes it upon themselves to redecorate the property without asking you first, this may be in breach of their tenancy agreement. As a result, you might be able to deduct money from their deposit to get the room back to its prior condition.
Alternatively, if you allow a tenant to redecorate, but they do a poor job, you can claim for redecoration costs also.
When Can Tenants Dispute Deposit Deductions?
But, it’s important landlords understand what they can’t claim for. When can landlords keep deposits, and when can’t they?
Tenants have many responsibilities, such as keeping up with rent payments and taking care of the property. But, for landlords, unfair deposit deductions are simply unacceptable.
Tenants are always asking ‘can my landlord withhold my deposit?’ The answer is yes, but, within reason.
Let’s put the issue to rest. Landlords cannot refuse to return the deposit for:
General Wear and Tear
As mentioned previously, reasonable wear and tear isn’t a reason to withhold tenants’ money.
The definition of normal wear and tear is a difficult one, so it’s essential to consider the tenancy itself, such as the amount of tenants and the time of occupation.
For landlords, what is considered normal wear and tear can be a grey area. So, you’ll need to justify any deposit claims you make. Your property will have been lived in for a certain amount of time, so, while there are no rules for what is ‘reasonably acceptable’, you can’t expect it to be completely fresh at the end of the tenancy.
Redecorating the Property
You can’t charge outgoing tenants for the price of redecorating the property simply because you feel it needs a facelift.
If you’re only trying to give the place a freshen up in the hopes of charging higher rent, this must come out of your own pocket.
Preparation of the Dispute
If a deposit dispute has arisen, you can’t claim for the cost of any evidence gathered or legal paperwork drawn up.
Even if the dispute goes in the favour of the landlord, the tenant’s deposit doesn’t pay for it.
Cost of Re-Letting the Property
Costs involved with re-letting the property cannot be claimed for.
The end of an old tenancy and the start of a new one are completely separate!
Anything that Contradicts the Contract
If your property has failed to live up to the standards tenants expect and deserve, you can’t claim the cost of fixing this before the next tenancy.
For example, deposit deductions aren’t allowed for repairing appliances that have failed to work throughout the tenancy.
Just as the tenant has to keep to their contract, so do landlords!
Repair to the Structure of the Property
Structural damage, such as roof repairs, cannot be deducted from the deposit.
The tenant has a right to live in a structurally safe and well-built property, therefore any repairs are the responsibility of the landlord!
Claiming for More than the Deposit
You will have set the deposit amount at the start of the tenancy. At the end of this tenancy, it cannot be changed.
If you have grounds to ask for more money, you’ll need to go through the appropriate legal proceedings.
Giving Notice About a Tenancy Deposit Dispute
Feel you have grounds for a claim? You’ll need to provide notice of this.
So, when should a landlord return a deposit? A tenant cannot expect to receive their deposit back before the end of the tenancy. However, under normal circumstances, the landlord pays it back within 10 days.
When you need to make a claim, you must write to your tenant and explain why you’re not returning the full amount. Resolved deposit disputes don’t occur without your reasons in writing.
Previously, they’ll have needed evidence that you placed their deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days of the start of the tenancy. If you’ve failed to provide this, you may find it difficult to make a claim.
How to Make a Deposit Claim
If you’re making a claim, ensure you write to the tenant and explain exactly why. They’ll need to understand your reasons behind it. Tenancy disputes need to be clearly communicated between both parties.
If they agree with your reasoning, you won’t have to go through a dispute service. However, it’s likely that they’ll disagree.
A dispute service will be provided free of charge by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme you’ve used. It can often be difficult to find a dispute resolution, however, using a professional service ensures it will be fair.
Required Evidence for Deposit Claims
Feel you have the right to make a claim?
Evidence is key. Here’s a closer look at exactly what you’ll need:
Photographs
If you have evidence of any serious damage, ensure you have photographs to prove this.
Photos are also useful to back-up any points made in the inventory, showing the before and after state of the property and any particular items.
Inventory and Schedule of Condition
However, photographs aren’t the only piece of evidence you’ll need.
A detailed, comprehensive inventory will be invaluable when make a deposit claim against a tenant. Within this report should be photos, used to support the written details within.
Naturally, this will have needed to be compiled at the start of the tenancy. The more evidence, the better!
While many landlords choose to carry these out themselves, a professional inventory will provide more clarity than a DIY one. This is thanks to the independent, unbiased third party who compiles the report!
Tenancy Agreement
What was laid out in the tenancy agreement? How was it stated the property must be maintained?
One important landlord deposit rule to follow is to use the tenancy agreement as a piece of armour. It will protect you from any untrue claims made by the tenant, as they will have signed it.
Email Correspondence
Have you kept hold of any important emails between you and your tenant?
If you’ve visited the property during the tenancy and found it’s not being maintained as you’ve agreed, ensure you’ve followed this up in writing.
This will be valuable evidence when it comes to making your claim!
You’ll need to show you’ve communicated any issues you’ve had with your tenants, as this will prove whether or not they took action to fix them.
Original Invoices
Need to repair something, such as an appliance?
Ensure you’ve kept a receipt or invoice of its original cost, as you can use this when working out how much to deduct from the deposit.
Landlords withholding deposits isn’t a decision made lightly. But, if you feel you have grounds to make a claim, ensure you can support it with evidence.
How to Win a Dispute Between Landlord and Tenant
How can you ensure you’ll be granted your deposit deduction?
Don’t Be Unreasonable
A property will never be returned to you in a completely shiny and new condition. This needs to be allowed for.
It’s likely that, if you make an unreasonable claim, you’ll end up wasting the time and effort on the claim for no reward.
Don’t negate your claim by making unfair or ridiculous statements!
Keep Communication Open
Communication with your tenant is key.
When you inspect your rental property, keep an eye out for any damage and follow up with your tenant. This might be able to be fixed before the end of the tenancy.
However, if you do feel you need to make a claim, communication will be essential here also. Sitting down with your tenant and clearly explaining where the claim has come from will make it less likely that they’ll dispute it.
Here’s where your evidence will be vital. If you present all the facts in front of them, it will be difficult for them to dispute it.
Have a Detailed Inventory
When it comes to landlord disputes, a detailed inventory will be the most useful piece of evidence. Better still, it may even be able to prevent them completely!
Just as the tenancy protection scheme is in place to protect both parties, so are inventories. When landlords lose disputes, this often is down to a poorly put together, insufficient inventory.
The inventory should be used as comparative evidence, showing every detail of the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. This is where detail will become so important, as it will provide clarity.
Claims from tenants such as ‘my landlord won’t return my deposit’ or accusations of unfair treatment will be stamped out with the help of an inventory.
Want to protect your investment? No Letting Go provide professionally compiled, unbiased inventories that will help to provide clarity throughout the tenancy. Interested in finding out how we can help you? Browse our full range of services here.
The recent data from the Home Office highlights the significant consequences of non-compliance with the Right to Rent scheme. Since its implementation in 2016, over 400 fines have been issued, totalling £265,000. This underscores the increasing importance of conducting thorough Right to Rent checks for landlords and letting agents to avoid penalties. Ensuring compliance not only protects landlords from financial repercussions but also aligns with legal responsibilities, making it crucial to stay informed and vigilant in adhering to these regulations.
What is the Right to Rent Scheme?
The Right to Rent scheme, introduced in February 2016, mandates that landlords and letting agents verify that all occupants of their property have the legal right to reside and rent in the UK. This requirement extends to private landlords and those letting to lodgers.
Failing to comply can result in significant penalties, with fines reaching up to £3,000 per tenant if they are found to be living illegally in the UK. Ensuring compliance is essential to avoid these costly fines and legal repercussions.
The Importance of Right to Rent Checks
The Home Office has issued 405 fines for non-compliance with the Right to Rent scheme since its introduction in 2016. This highlights the critical need for landlords and letting agents to conduct thorough Right to Rent checks. While the average fine per tenant is £654, significantly lower than the maximum of £3,000, total penalties amount to £265,000. The busiest period for fines was from April to September 2017, with 151 fines issued. Ensuring compliance with Right to Rent checks is essential to avoid these costly penalties.
A Controversial Scheme
The Right to Rent scheme has faced significant backlash. Chris Norris from the National Landlord Association explains: “It’s important to remember that landlords are neither immigration experts nor border agents… The Right to Rent scheme has placed an additional cost on an already pressurised sector”.
Reports show that 11,300 Right to Rent checks are conducted daily in England, but the benefits are questionable. The scheme contributes to homelessness among refugees, who often face weeks of waiting to receive the necessary Right to Rent documents to secure a tenancy. This delay leaves many without stable housing, further complicating their situation. The costs to landlords for handling these checks amount to £4.7 million annually.
We Have the Answer
Simplify Right to Rent Checks with No Letting Go
At No Letting Go we offer a comprehensive service to handle Right to Rent documents as part of our Check-In procedures. Our team can verify that tenants’ documentation complies with the scheme, matching the documents to the tenant’s appearance.
Lisa Williamson, Business Development Director for No Letting Go adds, “we have worked successfully with both letting agents and landlords across the UK since February 2016 to ensure that Right to Rent documentation complies with this legislation. Our bespoke reports clearly confirm that the tenant’s original identification documents appear to be genuine and are a true likeness. With the tenant’s permission we also photograph them holding their photographic ID as further evidence that they are a true representation. This service has proved invaluable to agents and landlords who have not had the opportunity to personally meet the tenant/s prior to their occupation of the property.”
Explore No Letting Go’s full range of services to simplify your letting process.
Do you have a property that you are hoping to let out? If so, you might be looking to take on a letting agent.
Whether you’re new to the world of buy-to-letting or not, you may be asking yourself ‘Which letting agent should I choose?’
To try and help, we’ve put together our advice on choosing a letting agent.
Why go with a letting agent?
While some landlords choose to manage their property alone, letting agencies are still hugely popular. Whether to choose an agency or not is down to the individual situation.
What is the role of a letting agent?
The role of a letting agent varies, depending on what you’re looking for. Their role can range from simply providing a tenancy agreement to full-on maintenance of the property.
Most letting agents will offer to collect the rent and deposit on behalf of the landlord, while many letting agents also offer extra services.
These extra services can vary from tenancy vetting’s to full-on maintenance and ensuring any damage costs are reimbursed.
What are the advantages of choosing a letting agent?
While a letting agent will entail fees, there are numerous advantages alongside this.
1. Firstly, letting agents will be regulated. Ensure that the one you choose is a member of a trade association, such as NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) or ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents).
2. Secondly, a letting agent will have a full understanding of the buy-to-let market. If you’re a first-time landlord, it’s likely that you will benefit from this knowledge! This expertise should result in the process running more smoothly.
3. Finally, choosing a letting agent will mean that you won’t have to navigate the world of buy-to-let alone. An agency will have a dedicated team in place to manage any property related issues.
You may also like: Landlord Responsibilities – A Guide to Health & Safety Obligations
How to choose a letting agent
Once you’ve decided to go with a letting agent, it’s important to detail what service you’re looking for. There are many other factors that should go into your final decision.
You’re entrusting your property to a third party, so it’s not an easy choice to make!
Marketing and advertising
It’s important to remember that using a letting agent will cost you money.
Therefore, when considering the question ‘Which letting agent should I choose?’ you should look closely into their marketing strategy.
If their advertising is effective and they are proactive in their marketing, you will know they’re more likely to find you a tenant.
Enquire into which newspapers they advertise in.
Also, ask them to show you which potential tenants they have on their books. They should prove that they will make it their mission to see your property let out!
Listen to recommendations
An important factor in choosing a letting agent is their location. Our advice is to choose an agency in your property’s area, so you can take advantage of their local knowledge!
When choosing a letting agent, it’s important to ask around for recommendations. Listen to those who live in your area, for example other landlords, who can be found through a local landlord association.
Word-of-mouth can be a reliable source of information!
Understand their fees
You need to be clear on how an agent’s fees are organised. You don’t want to be caught out with any unexpected costs!
An agent’s fees tend to be organised either as a fixed fee, or as a proportion of rent. Fees are completely dependent on each agency itself.
One way to ensure that a letting agent is reputable is by checking that they have insurance. An agency should be able to prove they have CMP (Client Money Protection) in place.
Also, ensure that you have landlord insurance, to protect you in the unlikely event of the misappropriation of money.
In understanding an agency’s fees, you need to understand what is meant by ‘guaranteed rent’. While this sounds appealing at first, it has its drawbacks.
If an agency offers guaranteed rent, it’s likely you will receive a lower price. However, you will also avoid periods of no rent at all.
Make sure you fully consider your decision!
Check the contract
While this sounds obvious, it’s essential.
Checking the contract can help avoid some costly surprises.
You need to be clear on everything from cancellation periods, to whether there are any vacant property charges.
Aside from the fee for when new tenants move in, do they charge commission also?
Make sure you understand all the clauses within your contract.
Remember maintenance
Your letting agency should detail whether they will run safety checks, for example annual gas readings, or if this is down to you.
Consider routine repairs. Will there be any extra costs for the general maintenance of your property?
Being a landlord can be tough! As your property is your livelihood, we believe in protecting it. With No Letting Go inventory services, we can help you safeguard your property. Our full check-in and check-out service can ensure a hassle-free and impartial inventory check. Find out more about how we can help you here.
Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, sadly you may have experienced some form of harassment in the tenancy process before. Whether you’re a tenant being threatened with eviction by your landlord, or a landlord with a tenant from hell; this is never a great situation to be a part of. We’ve put together some helpful advice on the types of harassment you might face in the tenancy process and how to deal with them effectively.
What Counts as Harassment?
The Equality Act 2010 defines harassment as a form of discrimination “within the work place and wider society.” Both tenants and landlords are protected by this law and any action that is not in line with the Equality Act is considered unlawful behaviour – you could even be taken to court over it. The purpose of the Equality Act 2010 is to ensure fairness, improve public services and to help with performance in businesses.
My Landlord is Harassing Me
Let’s start with the most talked about form of harassment in the tenancy process – Landlord harassment of tenants.
The most common examples of this include:
- Cutting off the tenant’s utilities, like electricity or water
- Landlord Trespassing – entering the property without notice or sending in other people on their behalf
- Becoming verbally or physically abusive towards a tenant
- Discriminating against a tenant because of their disability, race, sex or gender
- Raising rent without notice
- Refusing to repair vital parts of the property
Bear in mind, harassment doesn’t have to be carried out by your landlord directly. A third party, such as a letting agency or building firm, may harass tenants on behalf of the landlord. In other words, anything that results in a tenant feeling intimidated and interferes with the quality of their living conditions could qualify as a criminal offence. Let’s have a look at the best ways to deal with this and stop harassment.
Read and Read again
Rule number one: always read over the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it, in order to get a full understanding of the landlord’s responsibilities and their expectations from you once you’ve moved in. If you disagree with anything, that’s a sure sign that things could go wrong pretty quickly. Either negotiate or leave it and have a search for other properties and landlords that will be more suited to you.
Document Everything
If you’ve moved into a property and feel like you’ve been a victim of this kind of harassment, keep regular documentation of any incident that occurs between yourself and the landlord. Take note of the date and time and ask your landlord to do the same. Make sure to keep hold of anything that could be used as supporting evidence too – like emails, voicemails, letters or photos. It may also be worthwhile talking to other tenants under the same landlord to gain a better understanding of the situation you’re facing, so that you can deal with it appropriately.
Knowledge is Power, and Communication is Key
Communication skills are a must. You need to make sure you are communicating your needs clearly and avoiding any confusion that could lead to problems later on in your tenancy.
It’s important to know your rights as a tenant, but it’s also really important to become familiar with the actions your landlord is legally allowed to carry out, that are not classed as harassment, to avoid any unnecessary disagreements. These include:
- Entering your property in an emergency – landlords are free to enter your property without notice if there is an emergency situation.
- Raising the rent with plenty of notice – if your landlord wants to raise the price of your rent, they can do so, providing they supply you with enough notice. This is usually around 30 days.
- Filing for eviction after a missed rent payment – if you fail to pay your rent and your landlord has already sent you notice to make the payment, they can legally file for eviction.
My Tenant is Harassing Me
The harassment of a landlord by a tenant is a much less covered topic, but nevertheless, equally as difficult. If a tenant is going out of their way to interfere with a landlord’s life and purposefully cause disruption, it should be classed as harassment and treated in the same way.
It could be that a tenant is unable to pay rent, or that they are continuously disrupting other neighbours in the building. Maybe you’ve given notice of a rent increase and they’ve now become verbally abusive. In any case, there are ways to work things out and avoid additional problems.
Carry Out Tenant Reference Checks
Before moving anyone in, it’s sensible to conduct background research and a tenant reference check on the potential tenant in order to ensure you are choosing the right person. Use the viewings as a way of “interviewing” them first to find out a bit of information about why they are looking to move. You could even get in contact with previous landlords to find out about their history of renting and their expectations as a tenant.
Document Everything
If you are experiencing problems with a tenant who has already moved in, remember to log every problem that occurs so they can be referred back to and collect as much evidence as possible. You should carry regular property inspections to get an accurate idea of how your property is being treated during the tenancy. Notice of eviction should only ever be given as a last resort, if all else has failed, but this evidence will help support your case if you do find yourself having to take this route.
Cool, Calm and Collected
Remaining calm and rational throughout a difficult tenancy is tough, but absolutely necessary. Make sure to show your face enough to let the tenant know you care. Keep in regular communication so they know they can trust you. Creating a mutual, respectful relationship between landlords and tenants can help to stop any future problems in their tracks and maintain the peace for the remainder of the tenancy.
Tenants Harassing Other Tenants
Problems between tenants can arise for an abundance of reasons. Regardless of any background checks carried out beforehand, sometimes people just don’t get along. Most of the time they’re harmless and can be sorted out quickly, with little interference from the landlord.
However, some tenant on tenant harassment disputes require a little more attention. Whether it be a tenant who can’t stand their neighbor’s choice of early morning dance music, or a tenant who is a secret parking space thief; it can be hard to know how to deal with these awkward situations without getting too involved.
Be the Mediator – not the Drama Queen
As a landlord, you need to act as the mediator in these types of circumstances without getting caught up in the drama yourself. Outlining your expectations in the tenancy agreement is a good start. You should make your tenants aware of what they need to do if they wish to make a complaint about a neighbouring tenant. Do they need to call you? Do they need to put a formal complaint in writing? Whatever method you choose, make sure to be quick on the mark in responding and chase up so that they know it is important to you.
Always Remain Neutral
You certainly do not want a tenant feeling as though you have taken sides – this will reflect badly on you and aggravate the situation even more. Being impartial to the argument allows you to put forward an ‘outsider’s’ opinion that could sway the disagreement towards reconciliation.
Intervening Should Be the Last Resort
You should only even intervene if you absolutely NEED to. If the argument is getting out of hand or becoming a safety concern and you’ve done all you can on your own, you will need to think about taking legal action or asking for legal advice.
If you’re a landlord or a tenant wanting to avoid getting caught up in a chaotic tenancy process, we’re here to help. Check out No Letting Go’s inventory services for more information.
No Letting Go are proud to support the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) in their bid for mandatory inventories for all private residential tenancies. An independent inventory ensures there’s no room for ambiguity during the check-in and check-out procedures – this dramatically reduces the number of deposit disputes.
Evidence of Fulfilled Landlord Obligations
We would like to go a step further. There are some health and safety requirements no landlord can ignore! We feel inventories should be combined with compliance reporting. A detailed inventory at the start and end of a tenancy can act as a crucial document which acts as evidence of a landlord fulfilling their health and safety obligations.
The report could also work as evidence of a landlord complying with:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations 2015
- Fire and furnishing safety regulations 1988
A Duty of Care
Nick Lyons, CEO of No Letting Go spoke to Landlord Today regarding the topic:
“Independent inventory providers have a duty of care to protect the interests of both landlords and tenants alike. The government has introduced legislation to protect tenants but with no real effective means to monitor it.
“The introduction of a compulsory combined inventory and compliance report for all let properties compiled by trained, independent professionals will help ensure that landlords meet their legal responsibilities and assist the government and trading standards to police the landlord’s requirement to protect tenants.”
Why Is the Petition Important?
The petition is being put forward by the AIIC. This is to encourage the government to introduce mandatory inventory reporting as part of its ongoing plans to increase regulation in the Private Rented Sector.
The AIIC sees mandatory independent inventory reporting as the next step from the 2007 introduction of compulsory tenancy deposit protection. This is because there’s not been additional legislation concerning the documents or evidence needed to resolve deposit disputes.
Danny Zane, joint chair of the AIIC explains:
“With this in mind, regulating independent inventories really is a no-brainer for the government. An independent and professionally compiled inventory offers protection to both tenants and landlord and can prove invaluable in the event of a tenancy deposit dispute.”
Irrelevant of whether mandatory independent inventory reporting becomes a legal requirement, there is still an abundance of benefits for landlords, letting agents and tenants. An independent body like No Letting Go can take the hassle and strain out of the process while dramatically cutting down on disputes. Find out more about how we can help your inventory process here.
If you fancy turning your hand to property investment but unsure where to start, we’ve got it covered. We’ve taken a look at the best place to invest in property in the UK. To work this out, we’ve looked at the average rental yield all UK cities and ranked them accordingly. We’ve worked this out by looking at the average property value and average annual rent in each city. Where does your city rank?
Ranked from bottom to top by average rental yield percentage, here are the results…
68. St Albans – 2.76%
Average property price: £581,041
Average rent: £1,336 pcm
67. Truro – 2.85%
Average property price: £320,611
Average rent: £761 pcm
66. Worcester – 2.87%
Average property price: £260,039
Average rent: £623 pcm
65. Chelmsford – 3.04%
Average property price: £387,413
Average rent: £982 pcm
64. Salisbury – 3.08%
Average property price: £341,338
Average rent: £876 pcm
63. St Asaph – 3.1%
Average property price: £225,104
Average rent: £581 pcm
62. Hereford – 3.14%
Average property price: £249,947
Average rent: £655 pcm
61. Ripon – 3.2%
Average property price: £290,495
Average rent: £774 pcm
60. Lichfield – 3.2%
Average property price: £291,353
Average rent: £777 pcm
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59. Wells – 3.31%
Average property price: £308,536
Average rent: £850 pcm
58. Cambridge – 3.34%
Average property price: £455,104
Average rent: £1,268 pcm
57. Winchester – 3.36%
Average property price: £548,755
Average rent: £1,537 pcm
56. Chichester – 3.4%
Average property price: £428,867
Average rent: £1,214 pcm
55. Wolverhampton – 3.44%
Average property price: £188,146
Average rent: £539 pcm
54. Bath – 3.44%
Average property price: £444,257
Average rent: £1,274 pcm
53. Gloucester – 3.47%
Average property price: £230,997
Average rent: £668 pcm
52. Chester – 3.5%
Average property price: £254,681
Average rent: £742 pcm
51. Perth – 3.5%
Average property price: £202,679
Average rent: £591 pcm
50. Exeter – 3.52%
Average property price: £293,069
Average rent: £860 pcm
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49. York – 3.55%
Average property price: £282,874
Average rent: £837 pcm
48. St David’s – 3.56%
Average property price: £234,104
Average rent: £695 pcm
47. Peterborough – 3.7%
Average property price: £217,668
Average rent: £672 pcm
46. Carlisle – 3.73%
Average property price: £157,070
Average rent: £488 pcm
45. Ely – 3.8%
Average property price: £295,045
Average rent: £935 pcm
44. Norwich – 3.9%
Average property price: £265,871
Average rent: £864 pcm
43. Leicester – 4.01%
Average property price: £216,421
Average rent: £724 pcm
42. Bristol – 4.03%
Average property price: £314,629
Average rent: £1,057 pcm
41. Canterbury – 4.07%
Average property price: £335,782
Average rent: £1,138 pcm
40. Lincoln – 4.07%
Average property price: £192,423
Average rent: £653 pcm
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39. Wakefield – 4.08%
Average property price: £177,810
Average rent: £605 pcm
38. Derby – 4.12%
Average property price: £194,951
Average rent: £669 pcm
37. Lancaster – 4.25%
Average property price: £191,729
Average rent: £679 pcm
36. Dundee – 4.28%
Average rental price: £156,781
Average rent: £559 pcm
35. Southampton – 4.36%
Average rental price: £289,546
Average rent: £1,053 pcm
34. Hull – 4.43%
Average rental price: £133,306
Average rent: £492 pcm
33. Newry – 4.44%
Average rental price: £146,353
Average rent: £542 pcm
32. Oxford – 4.46%
Average property price: £503,570
Average rent: £1,870 pcm
31. Stoke-on-Trent – 4.53%
Average property price: £143,358
Average rent: £541 pcm
30. Bradford – 4.53%
Average property price: £129,444
Average rent: £489 pcm
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29. Aberdeen – 4.58%
Average property price: £197,352
Average rent: £753 pcm
28. Preston – 4.6%
Average property price: £179,405
Average rent: £687 pcm
27. Inverness – 4.68%
Average property price: £177,736
Average rent: £693 pcm
26. Newport – 4.71%
Average property price: £165,970
Average rent: £651 pcm
25. Stirling – 4.78%
Average property price: £194,439
Average rent: £775 pcm
24. Brighton & Hove – 4.79%
Average property price: £385,220
Average rent: £1,537 pcm
23. London – 4.8%
Average property price: £672,390
Average rent: £2,692 pcm
22. Newcastle – 4.81%
Average property price: £203,524
Average rent: £816 pcm
21. Sheffield – 4.91%
Average property price: £187,360
Average rent: £767 pcm
20. Sunderland – 5.02%
Average property price: £139,518
Average rent: £584 pcm
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19. Derry – 5.12%
Average property price: £110,884
Average rent: £473 pcm
18. Glasgow – 5.21%
Average property price: £175,623
Average rent: £762 pcm
17. Lisburn – 5.36%
Average property price: £143,435
Average rent: £641 pcm
16. Plymouth – 5.47%
Average property price: £200,655
Average rent: £914 pcm
15. Cardiff – 5.6%
Average property price: £233,833
Average rent: £1,092 pcm
14. Belfast – 5.72%
Average property price: £153,310
Average rent: £731 pcm
13. Swansea – 5.74%
Average property price: £167,147
Average rent: £799 pcm
12. Liverpool – 5.78%
Average property price: £164,838
Average rent: £794 pcm
11. Portsmouth – 5.81%
Average property price: £227,041
Average rent: £1,100 pcm
10. Edinburgh – 5.89%
Coming in at 10th place is Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. The city is a highly desirable place to live and is a huge cultural hub north of the border. Having said this, property prices are relatively low while rent remains high. This means, Edinburgh is a great place for any landlord to build a portfolio.
Average property price: £268,989
Average rent: £1,320 pcm
9. Nottingham – 5.97%
With a popular university paired with high standard of living, property investment in Nottingham could be a money maker. With a 5.97% average rental yield, this is a serious consideration for anyone looking to make money.
Average property price: £188,609
Average rent: £939 pcm
8. Birmingham – 6.27%
Proclaimed to be the second city in the UK, Birmingham was guaranteed to feature high in this list. The property prices are in line with much of the midlands while rent is high. The popular university also prevents an opportunity for those considering student lets.
Average property price: £188,235
Average rent: £984 pcm
7. Armagh – 6.42%
The Northern Irish city is claimed to be the fifth-least-populous city in the UK. Maybe that goes some way to explaining the low property prices. Rent, at least, is in line with the surrounding area.
Average property price: £105,815
Average rent: £566 pcm
6. Manchester – 6.5%
Though Birmingham takes the title of Britain’s second city, Manchester seems to be stealing the attention. It’s a highly favourable place to live, especially among the younger generations who seek a buzzy metropolitan area. This has led to rent remaining high while property prices sit in line with much of the north of England.
Average property price: £175,872
Average rent: £952 pcm
5. Coventry – 6.64%
Coventry storms ahead into 5th position in our list. As the ninth largest city in the UK, it’s no surprise it features high. The city is the only Midlands spot to break the £1,000 average rent mark.
Average property price: £195,255
Average rent: £1,080 pcm
4. Durham – 6.71%
At the business end of the list we find north-eastern city of Durham. The location is renowned for its beauty and highly respected university. There are plenty of reasons why people are attracted to the city, an alluring potential for investment.
Average property price: £159,146
Average rent: £890 pcm
3. Leeds – 6.89%
Another city that people are naturally driven to. Leeds is metropolitan city renowned for its shopping, nightlife and culture. If you consider the high rent prices and relatively low property prices, you may find yourself building a portfolio here.
Average property price: £204,644
Average rent: £1,175 pcm
2. Salford – 7.53%
If you’re looking to invest in Manchester, you may do better by looking to neighbouring Salford. The city offers similar average rent but with a reduction in average property prices, a win-win!
Average property price: £156,118
Average rent: £979 pcm
1. Bangor – 9.42%
The best place to invest in property in the UK is Bangor – an exceptional opportunity for anyone considering property investment. The house prices are aligned with the local area and pretty low. The average rent is considerably higher, exceeding £1,300 pcm.
Average property price: £169,148
Average rent: £1,328 pcm
All figures accurate on date of publish.
If you’re considering becoming a landlord, don’t get caught up in messy deposit disputes. We can help. Find out how No Letting Go’s inventory services can remove the hassle from the situation.
When starting out as a landlord, it can be difficult to keep track of all your legal obligations. We thought we’d offer a little helping hand. We’re shedding some light on landlord responsibilities and your health & safety obligations. Don’t cut corners here, it’s important to get this right.
Gas Safety
As a landlord, you need to take gas safety seriously. Make sure all gas equipment is installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Every appliance also needs an annual gas safety check by a registered engineer. By law, you must get a Gas Safety Certificate every twelve months. You need to provide a copy of this to new and existing tenants within 28 days of the check.
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Electrical Safety
Any electrical system or appliance in your property must be safe to use. By law, you are responsible for the general electrical system as well as the safety of appliances you provide, e.g. cookers, kettles, toasters, washing machines etc. Ensure all appliances are tested by an electrician and display the PAT (portable appliance test) sticker clearly on the plug.
Fire Safety
This is another crucially important area of responsibility for landlords. You must follow fire safety regulations. You must provide smoke alarms on each storey of your house, this can be either mains or battery operated.
You also have to provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. coal fire or wood stove). There is no legislation requiring you to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in a room with a gas burning appliance (e.g. boiler or gas fire). Despite this lack of regulation, many landlords and agents are choosing to supply CO alarms in these rooms for peace of mind.
An overlooked part of legislation is that all landlords must ensure the alarms are in working order on the start date of each new tenancy. This is the case even if a new tenant doesn’t move in till after that time. You must provide evidence that an alarm is in working condition from the start date, an ideal way of doing this is via a thorough inventory check-in procedure.
You must ensure tenants have access to adequate escape routes at all time, this includes preventing obstructions. If you supply a furnished property, you must ensure that all furniture is fire safe.
If you’re letting a large house in multiple occupation (HMO), you’re required to provide adequate alarms and fire extinguishers.
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The Responsibility of Repairs
This can be a sticky topic. As a landlord, you’re responsible for the majority of repairs. Here’s a list of repairs you must carry out:
- The property’s structure and exterior
- Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings (this includes pipes and drains)
- Heating and hot water
- Gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
- Electrical wiring
- Common areas like staircases (this will usually be mentioned in the tenancy agreement)
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System
HHRS stands for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This is a risk-based evaluation which local authorities use to deem whether a property presents health and safety hazards. If your property is deemed unsafe, your local council can take action. This is something you seriously want to avoid.
How Does the HHRS Work?
Hazards are separated in categories depending on how serious they are. This system also considers the extra risk to the young and elderly.
Category 1 Hazards
Hazards which are the most dangerous and pose the most potential threat to health or safety are labelled as category 1. If your property displays any examples of a category 1 hazard, the local council is obliged to take action. Here are a few examples of category 1 hazards:
- Leaking roof
- Mould on the walls or ceilings
- Rats, pest or vermin infestations
- Broken steps at the top of a flight of stairs
- Exposed wiring or overloaded electrical sockets
- A dangerous or broken boiler
- Excessively cold bedrooms
- Poor security (as a result of lock problems or badly fitting doors, etc.)
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Sometimes it can be difficult to prove your property is in a safe condition before your tenants move in. By using No Letting Go’s inventory services, our full check-in service will be able to record exactly what condition your property is in. This not only removes the potential for deposit disputes but also assists with proving items like fire alarms meet regulations. Find out more about our inventory services for landlords here.
As a landlord, choosing a letting agent can be tough. It’s a decision which needs careful consideration. In recent years, the rise in popularity of online letting agents has presented an alternative option for your portfolio. But which are best? We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here’s our guide to the best online letting agents.
What Are Online Letting Agents?
Online letting agents work in a similar way to traditional agencies but don’t have a physical high street presence. From advertising the property to photography and reference checking, most online agencies will deliver all the services required by landlords. They’re often cheaper and don’t come with as many fees (though these do vary from agency to agency).
So, what are the best online letting agents?
Note: All prices mentioned below are for the top/premium/fully managed packages, lower cost alternatives for hands-on landlords are also offered by all agencies featured.
In alphabetical order…
EasyProperty
From the team behind EasyJet, EasyProperty offers professional letting agency services for reasonable prices. Their Complete package includes everything you’ll need, from professional advert creation to the tenancy agreement.
Price: £299 (Complete Package) + costs for additional services.
I Am the Agent
Efficient, cost-effective and straightforward, I Am The Agent offers flexibility and simplicity to landlords. Their service allows you to choose what you’d like to receive as part of their package.
Price: £249 (The Whole Shebang Package) + costs for additional service.
LettingaProperty.com
LettingaProperty.com offers all the services of a high street agency but cheaper and with a self-proclaimed ‘higher service level’. In their Platinum package, the agency offers a guarantee that rent is paid on time every month (even if the tenant doesn’t). Home emergency cover with zero excess is also included in this package.
Price: £99 set up fee & £89 per month from collected rent (Platinum Package) + costs for additional services.
Make Ur Move
Make Ur Move offers a variety of lettings services, ‘from DIY to VIP’. You can easily upgrade your package at any time, to complement the level of service you require as a landlord.
Price: Dependent on inclusions/exclusions.
Mirus
Mirus utilises the skills and expertise of their consultants to offer an ‘unrivalled professional experience’. With a real emphasis on instilling trust and confidence in landlords, this service is driven forward by a highly experienced team.
Price: £99+VAT (Mirus Two).
My Online Estate Agent
My Online Estate Agent claim to work exactly like the best high street lettings agent but charge a fraction of the price. The site claims to achieve an average of 21 enquiries from interested tenants per property.
Price: £199 (Essentials Plus) + costs for additional services.
No Agent
No Agent is a platform designed by landlords for landlords. They describe themselves as ‘the 21st Century upgrade to landlording you’ve been waiting for’. They offer full property management for a fixed fee, ideal for those seeking a low maintenance rental process.
Price: £45 per month in London, £35 per month everywhere else + costs for additional services.
OpenRent
OpenRent is an online agency designed for optimum efficiency while maintaining quality and security. With transparent and easy-to-understand packages, this is a platform designed to take the stress from a notoriously painful process.
Price: £49 (Advertising & Rent Now Package) + costs for additional services.
Pad
Pad is the UK’s first fully mobile lettings agent. Their tenants verify, offer, sign and pay with the click of a button. They claim to be the lowest cost lettings service and will make you the highest return. They pride themselves on their tech and logistics which gives them an edge on the competition. They currently operate in London, listing properties for 1 – 12 month assured tenancies.
Price: £399 (AST Viewing Package), £199 per room (HMO Viewing Package).
Portico Direct
Portico Direct is an online letting agent that enables landlords to advertise directly on Rightmove and Zoopla without using a traditional estate agent. Their newly developed service is available throughout the UK, and listing on the major portals costs from just £1.
Price: £1 to list the property on Rightmove and Zoopla. Optional extras are £20 for a tenancy agreement, £20 for referencing, £20 for deposit registration.
Purple Bricks
Whether you want to manage your portfolio hands-on or leave the fuss to the agency, Purple Bricks can help. Arguably one of the largest names in the industry right now, this is an online letting agency that’s tried and tested by landlords up and down the country.
Price: Contact for a free no-obligation valuation.
Rentround
Rentround compare letting agent fees & ratings in your area and reduce rental costs for your property. We compare insurance, energy bills, mortgages… and now letting agents.
Rentify
Rentify offers an intriguing offer to landlords. They remove any possibility of voids, arrears or repair costs. The agency will inspect your property and make a rent offer. Once this is agreed, they guarantee rent payment for three years. You leave the rest up to them. This system offers complete security and alleviation of hassle.
Price: On consultation.
Rentlord
Rentlord is an online platform designed for helping self-managing landlords. This allows landlords to manage their portfolio entirely online. This makes the admin and legal work of landlords much easier and stress-free.
Price: £14.99 per month (Premium Plan).
Rent My Home
Rent My Home looks to create a speedy and effective letting process for landlords. They put a large emphasis on transparency, creating a clear and honest package for landlords.
Price: Dependant on package inclusions.
The Online Letting Agents
The Online Letting Agents claim to work differently to other online letting agents. Before sending a lead to a landlord, they get further information from the viewer to ensure that they will be a suitable prospective tenant, saving the landlord time and effort. They also regularly review online advertisements to ensure its always performing its best. Currently, The Online Letting Agents are the highest rated online letting agent on Trustpilot in the categories of property, property leasing agent, property rental agent and estate agent categories.
Price: Tenant find from £89, Property management from £30 per month (set up fee applies)
Upad
The UK’s largest online letting agent. Upad allows landlords to pick and choose the services they want included in the package. When you work with Upad, your property will be advertised to over 10 million potential tenants through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla and prime Location.
Price: £399 (Complete Package).
Urban.co.uk
Described by The Sunday Times as ‘one of the top online agents’ and a winner at the Landlord & Letting Awards 2016/2017, Urban.co.uk comes highly recommended. The agency are proud of their reputation and consistently receive high praise from their customers.
Price: £399+VAT & £79 per month (Full Management Package).
Visum
Operating since 2004, Visum is the UK’s oldest online letting and estate agent. With a track record of working with over 30,000 properties, Visum pride themselves on their rich experience in the industry. The site has been conceived by genuine landlords and estate agents who are able to offer expert help with the process.
Price: £79 (Plus Advertising 3 Month Package) + costs for additional services.
Being a landlord can be tough and stressful. Don’t let deposit disputes add yet another burden to your job. With No Letting Go inventory services, we will safeguard your investment with a meticulously prepared, unbiased inventory at both check-in and check-out stages of the tenancy. Find out more about how our inventory services can help you.
Stop, breathe and don’t panic. If you can’t afford rent, it can feel like your whole world is about to come crashing down. Don’t stress, you’re not going to be living on the streets. There are plenty of genuine reasons why you could be short this month. How you handle this situation has a huge impact on your future in your current rental. Here’s what you need to know and how to resolve the issue.
Manage Your Budget
If you’re likely to be short of money, the first thing to do is to look at your budget. What money have you got coming in and what money do you have to pay out? Is there any possibility of offering a partial payment to your landlord?
Rent is far more important than a new haircut or the expensive steak dinner you’re planning. If there are any opportunities to cut down your expenditure, do it. Unfortunately, this can be more difficult than it sounds. Sometimes tough sacrifices have to be made. It’s important to ensure you have enough money to actually survive. Food and everyday essentials come first.
If you’ve drawn up a full budget and you definitely can’t afford to pay your rent, it’s time to talk to your landlord.
Communication is Key
The worst thing you can do is ignore the issue. It’s always unpleasant to explain to someone that you can’t make a payment. Forget your pride and be honest. Explain the situation.
When explaining to your landlord that you can’t afford rent, there is some vital information they need to know:
- Why can’t you pay the rent?
- When can the landlord expect their money?
- How can you work together to resolve the issue?
Remember, landlords are people too. They will understand if you’ve fallen on hard times, it’s better to be open and honest. Depending on the landlord, their reaction will vary. Don’t stress, they can’t immediately evict you. There is a formal process in place for this type of issue.
What Happens Next?
Depending on how your conversation with the landlord went, there may be a simple resolution already in place. No matter what happens, expect to receive a formal demand letter from the landlord. This letter will request payment from you and make it clear that legal action is a possibility. Don’t panic, this is normal. This is a formal procedure the landlord is putting in place in case you continually fail to make payment.
Guarantor Letters
If you still haven’t paid 14 days after the rent is due, the landlord can send a letter to your guarantor (if you have one). Again, communication with your guarantor is vital. You may be able to seek help from a close friend or loved one. Don’t let your guarantor be surprised by your rent arrears.
Section 8 Notice
If you’ve gone a month without paying and a second payment is due, you officially have two months of rent arrears. This means the landlord (under the Housing Act 1988) can apply to reclaim their property. They can serve a Section 8 Notice which is a formal notification that the landlord wishes to take you to court if you don’t pay the arrears within the next 14 days.
Losing Your Deposit
This may seem obvious but if you have rent arrears, the landlord can legally keep your deposit. This may not recover all the owed rent but it could be helpful if you’re entirely unable to make payment.
A Word of Advice
We know that finances can be a huge burden at times. Unpredictable situations can turn your life upside down. Debt is a hugely challenging issue for many people. Don’t struggle on your own. There are plenty of debt charities like StepChange out there who can help put you back on course. If you’re struggling to talk to your landlord about arrears, they can help.
Being open and honest with your landlord about your financial issues can make you feel a lot better about the situation. You may even be able to avoid those sleepless nights. Remember, landlords don’t want the hassle of taking you to court or evicting you. Try to come to an amicable resolution that keeps all parties happy.
No Letting Go’s Inventory Services
Have you struggled with landlords over deposit disputes? Don’t have the same issue in the future. No Letting Go’s inventory services can help. We offer a full, professional and impartial check-in and check-out procedure to ensure a hassle-free inventory process. Find out more about how we can help you.