Who’s Responsible for Insurance? Landlord or Tenant?

Less than half (46%) of tenants have contents insurance, according to a new report*. Which begs the question: Is your rental property properly insured? Here’s what landlords need to know.

Who’s responsible for insurance in a buy-to-let?

In a buy-to-let, the responsibility for insurance is split between the landlord and the tenant.

Insurance is based on the principle of insurable interest. You insure what you own (and what you stand to lose if things go wrong). You don’t insure what you don’t own.

But … Continue Reading…

Finding the Best Letting Agent – Advice for Landlords

Owning a buy-to-let can be a challenge, especially in the current market.

If you’re looking for a letting agent to help you let or manage your property successfully, here’s how to find the very best one.

Firstly, do they work in your area? Are they the local experts?

It may seem obvious, but there’s no point in using a letting agent who doesn’t specialise in the area where your property is located. Or one who doesn’t know it well.

Do a little searching for … Continue Reading…

Is Your Buy-to-Let at Risk of Flooding? Here’s What You Need to Know

Over a third of home insurance flood claims occur between June and August, according to insurer Aviva.* Here’s how landlords can prepare for the risk of flooding.

Many people associate flooding with the colder seasons, but changing weather patterns mean it’s time to think again.

Jason Storah, CEO of UK and Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, explains: “Traditionally, we think of floods happening in the autumn and winter, when rainfall occurs over a period of time and rivers reach capacity.

“However, analysis shows … Continue Reading…

Warning: Don’t Let Rogue Tenants Outsmart You With AI

Tech experts have warned that fraudsters are using Artificial Intelligence to create fake documents. Here’s what landlords need to know.

The news is currently awash with stories about the marvels of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Unfortunately, however, there is a downside to this technological tsunami – one that will concern landlords.

Some of the earliest adopters of AI are fraudsters who are utilising its capabilities for illegitimate purposes.

A recent article by Forbes raised the alarm. It cited cybersecurity experts who say criminals are using … Continue Reading…

How to Plan for a Stress-free Check-out (and Avoid Moving Out Day Drama)

With a bit of planning, moving out of your rental can be smooth-running and stress-free. Here’s how.

The date is set; it’s all agreed.

You’ve spoken to your landlord or letting agent and know exactly when you’ll be vacating your current rental and moving to new digs.

So what happens next?

Well, if you like to fly by the seat of your pants, probably not a lot.

You’ll put your feet up and (mistakenly) assume that you can pull everything together at the last minute.

As … Continue Reading…

The Important Demographic Shift Landlords Need to Know About

Old stereotypes about tenants are going out the window as the number of renters aged over 55 continues to grow.

When you think of a ‘typical renter’, what comes to mind?

A young professional, a university student – or how about someone in their 50s, 60s or 70s?

The latter demographic – older renters – is an often overlooked but growing phenomenon in the rental market.

In the past decade, the number of rental properties headed by someone aged between 55 and 64 grew … Continue Reading…

Summer Maintenance Checklist for Savvy Landlords

Take advantage of the summer weather and get ahead with maintenance on your rental property.

Summer isn’t just the perfect time for lazy picnics in the park and trips to the seaside.

The long, sunny days also make it an ideal opportunity for landlords to undertake important maintenance and safety checks.

So don’t wait until winter to discover that there’s an issue with your roof, boiler or gutters.

Be proactive and follow this checklist.

Roof and gutter inspection

Inspect the roof for problems such as broken … Continue Reading…

This is Personal: Key Frustrations of Renters Revealed

What do tenants really want in a rental? The answer is surprisingly personal.

When tenants feel happy in a rental, they’re more likely to stay put and look after the property.

For landlords, this can mean a long-running, trouble-free tenancy (and who doesn’t want that?).

So what elevates a rental from being a roof over one’s head to a home?

A recent survey* of 2,000 tenants gives us an insight. It looked at renters’ attitudes to the interior living spaces of where they live.

Meeting … Continue Reading…

Rentvesting: What Is It? Can It Pay Off?

Rentvesting is an arrangement where you rent a home to live in yourself, but buy a property elsewhere and rent it out.

Rentvesting has received a lot of attention in Australia, New Zealand and the USA in recent years. Here we’ll look at whether it might work for you.

The pros of rentvesting

Rentvesting might appeal to people who live and work in one area but don’t want to actually buy a home there.

It might also suit people who currently can’t afford to … Continue Reading…

Could an HMO Be Your Ideal Investment Opportunity?

Shared houses or HMOs are often thought of as being a very lucrative type of property investment. Here’s what you must know before investing in an HMO or converting your existing property into one.

What is an HMO?

An HMO (house in multiple occupation) is a property where the rooms are let individually to different people. Tenants have their own bedroom and may share communal amenities like bathrooms and kitchens.

In law, a property let to three or more people forming more than … Continue Reading…