Joint tenancies can be a great way for friends and couples to share costs and a steady source of income for landlords – but they’re not without their challenges.   Friends can fall out, couples can split up, and rows about who used all the loo roll or spilt red wine on the carpet can escalate into toxic disputes.   Sadly, the current cost of living crisis, which is causing much anxiety among renters, may further complicate things.   According to a recent survey*, three in five people living in shared accommodation say rising energy bills are a source of [...]

Want to get your new tenancy off to a good start and safeguard against future disputes? Then here are some important things you should tell your tenants on moving-in day.   Let’s face it, finding good tenants and getting all the relevant paperwork ready for a new tenancy is hard work.   As well as arranging viewings and reference checks, landlords have to finalise the contract, compile an inventory and take meter readings.   By the time all this is done, most landlords are itching to get the moving-in formalities over with quickly and leave their tenants to unpack.   [...]

A property portfolio is a great way to generate income and build yourself a tidy retirement nest egg. But there’s more to it than shaking hands with new tenants and waiting for the rent to roll in.   You need robust systems and a professional attitude to protect your investment and ensure you don’t wind up out of pocket or on the wrong side of the law.   To find out what it takes to manage several rental properties, read our guide, the Five Rs of Making the Most of Your Property Portfolio.   Responsibilities As a landlord, it’s important [...]

Don’t let fraudsters swindle you out of your hard-earned money. Read on to discover what the ‘fake landlord’ scam is and how to protect yourself.   The fake landlord ruse has been around for years, but current market conditions mean that some renters are particularly vulnerable to this con right now.   Here’s how it works A fraudster posts a property for rent online, complete with photos (usually stolen from a legit website). Often, they advertise on online community noticeboards so they can take advantage of free listings. However, some fraudsters go so far as to create an authentic-looking lettings [...]

This two-minute read looks at some simple steps landlords and tenants can take to reduce the risk of condensation causing mould, damp and disputes.   What causes condensation? When moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, AKA: condensation. This can often cause unsightly mould and, in extreme cases, be unhealthy. Not just in terms of physical health but because it’s a common breeding ground for disputes between landlords and tenants.   Why should landlords take it seriously? Condensation is more likely to strike when the [...]