Author Archives: Harriet Kirby


100225 Lettings Regulations Why AREA Landlords Can't Afford to Be Ill-Informed

Why There’s No Room for Complacency Around Lettings Laws

Landlords need to know about an important government rule change that quietly came into force late last year.

Landlords have been warned to keep a close eye out for any new regulations introduced by their local council.

The advice comes after new rules making it easier for local councils to introduce selective licensing schemes quietly came into force in December.

Due to the timing of the changes – just two days before Christmas – the move largely flew under the radar.

However, many in … Continue Reading…


030225 How to Keep Your AREA Tenants Happy Advice from Consumer Psychologists

Psychologists Reveal How to Keep Your Tenants Happy

How can you encourage tenants to settle long-term in your rental? A report compiled by consumer psychologists claims to have the answers.

 

A report on the psychology of buying and renting includes some helpful advice for landlords.

The Bricks to Belonging report* was compiled by the psychological and behavioural science firm IB.

It examines what drives renters to become first-time buyers or to move from one rental to another.

“Beyond the more obvious demographics of wealth and life stage”, the report found three important … Continue Reading…


270125 Should You Raise the Rent in 2025

Should You Raise the Rent in 2025?

Getting the rent right is a must for all landlords. Here we’ll look at how to assess if the time is right to raise the rent on your investment property. 

So let’s deal with the question: Should you raise your rent in 2025?

We believe all landlords should review the rent they charge every year.

And, if appropriate, increase it. (But there is a ‘but’ – see later.)

Here’s why.

Your landlord costs go up every year. You need the rent to keep pace so … Continue Reading…


200125 Letting Yields What Landlords Need to Know Male

Letting Yields: What Landlords Need to Know

Letting yields are the lifeblood of successful property investing. Here we’ll look at why it’s so important to understand yields.

What is meant by letting yield?

Yield is a simple way of calculating the financial return you can make on a buy-to-let.

Knowing what yield a property offers can help you decide if it’s a good investment (or not).

It allows you to compare different properties and weigh up the best one to buy.

Yields can also help you compare different types of investment. … Continue Reading…


130125 Energy Bills in 2025 A Guide for AREA Landlords

Energy Bills in 2025: A Guide for Landlords

With household heating costs still a key concern, here are some tips for landlords on managing tenant energy bills.

Let’s start this article with some timeless wisdom: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Taking inflation into account, those pennies have become pounds.

As we move into 2025, energy expenses and efficiency remain pressing concerns for landlords and tenants alike.

While energy prices are expected to stabilise, they are still projected to stay high compared to pre-2020 levels​.

Here’s a plan to help landlords navigate … Continue Reading…


060125 How AREA Landlords Can Get the Best Out of Joint Tenancies

Getting The Best Out of Joint Tenancies: Tips for Landlords

Many landlords will find themselves managing joint tenancies. Here are some tips on how to get the best out of them.

It’s easy to understand why joint tenancies are so popular with renters in the UK. Sharing a tenancy with a friend, partner or family member means you can split the bills and divide up the chores. And it’s nice (most of the time, at least) to come home to a familiar, friendly face. However, joint tenancies rely on mutual trust and good communication … Continue Reading…


301224 Six Key Questions to Ask Your Letting Agent

Six Key Questions to Ask Your Letting Agent

Don’t get just any letting agent to manage your investment property. Here are six useful questions to help you find a top professional.

Are you looking to lighten your load as a landlord in 2025?

Finding the perfect letting agent is your first step towards a New Year of hassle-free property management.

The right agent saves you time, reduces stress, maximises your income and can guide you safely (and legally) through the ever-changing maze of rental rules and regulations.

But with so many letting … Continue Reading…


231224 Burst Pipes Emergency Action Plan for Landlords Man

Burst Pipes: Emergency Action Plan for Landlords

If a pipe bursts at your rental, quick action will save you time and money. Here’s what landlords need to know. 

To steal a quote from Game of Thrones ‘Winter is Coming’. (Well, ok it’s here already.)

And the colder weather can bring different challenges for landlords, including burst pipes.

Here is some advice for landlords on dealing with (and avoiding) burst pipes at a rental property.

What causes a burst pipe?

In cold weather water in a pipe can freeze. As it freezes, it … Continue Reading…


161224 Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025

Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025?

The last few years have been challenging for some landlords. But don’t rush into a decision about the future of your buy-to-let until you’ve read this.

 

It’s fair to say that developments in recent years have made things more complicated for some landlords.

The restriction on mortgage interest tax relief and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill have prompted some investors to question staying in the buy-to-let market.

Despite these challenges, there are several positives to take on board.

Reasons to keep your rental

Demand … Continue Reading…


091224 Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Tenants can stand out in the competitive lettings market by being ‘rent ready’ before looking for a new place to live.

With an average of 21 people vying for each rental that comes on the market*, competition in the sector is fierce.

So, how can tenants avoid the frustration and disappointment of missing out on a great property?

The answer is to be ‘rent ready’.

What is rent ready?

Rent ready is a term used to describe a prospective tenant who has their documentation prepared … Continue Reading…