Writings for Landlords

Landlords increased the size of their portfolio to an average of 13.2 properties in the first quarter of this year, says specialist lender Paragon Mortgages. This was up from 12.7 properties in the last quarter of last year.

For the first time in England and Wales, landlords and letting agents can now choose which deposit protection method they use – either custodial or insured – from the same supplier.

The number of tenants in the most serious rent arrears is rising again, a firm of receivers has warned. It says that the number is now 20% above the long-term average, with court orders for possession creeping up.

A new service has been set up to help residential property investors looking for repossessed properties.

Landlords have been advised to be super-vigilant about electrical products that they already have in their properties, plus any new ones they supply, such as fridge freezers, cookers and tumble dryers.

The number of people looking to rent rooms in shared houses and flats appears to be growing as more seek to save money on their living costs.

Landlords are reminded that as from this week, local authorities now have the discretion to charge full Council Tax on empty properties.

The council which has been the first in the country to force all private landlords to join a mandatory licensing scheme says it has so far registered 15,000 landlords and 28,500 properties.

A letting agent who failed to protect tenants’ deposits and did not pass rent on to landlords has been jailed.

The Prudential is to enter the UK private rented sector and is close to finalising a deal to buy over 500 homes from the Berkeley Group.