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WHICH COUNTS AS WHICH, AND WHAT CAN YOU CLAIM BACK?

Just like a friend you haven’t seen for a long time, your rental property will look older when you get it back at the end of a tenancy, and the difference can be jarring if you haven't visited for a while.

 

Regardless of whether they're owned or rented, all homes age, but when you see yours all the time, it's easy to miss and live with the gradual wear and tear that’s part of daily life.

 

While most tenants return their property in an excellent state, some are less considerate, and accidents also happen, so it's a smart move to arm yourself with answers to questions like:

 

  • What counts as damage?

 

  • What is considered fair wear & tear?
  • How can you minimise the risk of damage?
  • What do you need for a valid claim?

 

  • How does the claims process work?

 

It’s all covered in this week’s blog so you can boost your knowledge, protect your property and make a successful claim in the event of a dispute.

HOW WE COME TO THE RESCUE AND STOP THINGS GOING WRONG AGAIN

Hardly any landlords we meet are fully legally compliant when we first speak to them, but it’s never on purpose. In fact, most of them genuinely believe they’ve got everything handled.

Unfortunately, this often means that problems are already brewing by the time they contact us, and some of the biggest areas where landlords come unstuck include:

 

  • Leaving themselves open to fines.
  • Renewing tenancies at a rent that's too low.
  • Being unable to get their tenants out.
  • Losing disputes over damages.
  • Accidentally breaking the law.

 

Given the regular changes in legislation, it’s no wonder that so many landlords get caught out. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and a good managing agent can really save you a whole heap of hassle.

With that in mind, let’s look at the potential traps you might not be aware of and how we stop you from falling in.

WHAT CAN LANDLORDS EXPECT FROM THE RENTAL MARKET THIS YEAR?

 

There's no denying that landlords faced a pretty challenging 2023. In particular, many of those who were highly leveraged decided to simply sell up, but did they act too soon?

 

Their departure has left a large hole of opportunity for existing investors and newcomers to fill, with the chronic shortage of homes and massive demand in YOUR TOWN pushing rents to ever-new heights.

 

While 2024 has started positively and looks set to be far less turbulent, there are also some upcoming changes for landlords to consider, and in this week’s blog, we’re looking at:

 

  • The return of accidental landlords

  • Improvements in the mortgage market

  • Clarity over net zero requirements

  • Additional opportunities to expand

 

  • Changes to Capital Gains Tax

 

So wherever you're at right now in your landlord journey - thinking of selling up, planning to expand, or raring to buy your first rental investment - read on for how to make the most of this year and beyond.

OUR LANDLORD & TENANT CHECKLIST FOR WARM AND SAFE RENTALS

 

The weather has turned, and winter is on the way, bringing with it a chilling collection of potential problems at your rental property.

 

In many ways, rental homes are more at risk when they’re occupied in winter because the daily lives and concerns of tenants can sometimes be at odds with the interests of landlords.

 

So this week's blog is all about getting that balance right, with measures like:

 

  • Keeping condensation, mould and damp at bay.

  • Maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

  • Combining cost savings on bills with conscious property care.

  • Reducing the risks of water damage and ice.

  • Planning ahead in case your tenants go on holiday.

 

To ensure our landlords don't get caught out by the cold, we check these things at all the homes we manage as part of our scheduled mid-tenancy inspections.

 

However, if you're looking after things yourself, share this blog with your tenants so you can work together for a warm and safe winter all round.

OUR LANDLORD & TENANT CHECKLIST FOR WARM AND SAFE RENTALS

 

The weather has turned, and winter is on the way, bringing with it a chilling collection of potential problems at your rental property.

 

In many ways, rental homes are more at risk when they’re occupied in winter because the daily lives and concerns of tenants can sometimes be at odds with the interests of landlords.

 

So this week's blog is all about getting that balance right, with measures like:

 

  • Keeping condensation, mould and damp at bay.
  • Maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Combining cost savings on bills with conscious property care.
  • Reducing the risks of water damage and ice.
  • Planning ahead in case your tenants go on holiday.

 

To ensure our landlords don't get caught out by the cold, we check these things at all the homes we manage as part of our scheduled mid-tenancy inspections.

 

However, if you're looking after things yourself, share this blog with your tenants so you can work together for a warm and safe winter all round.

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