BLOGS

Our Spring maintenance checklist suggests that should be being performed and there’s definitely something about the satisfaction of a good spring clean!

The Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the default tenancy for most dwellings...

Whilst most tenancies end smoothly, some unfortunately result in deposit...

You have found the perfect tenant and are looking forward to getting them...

Tax is always a hot topic for landlords, it's safe to say that it can...

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’, but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It is often referred to as a ‘house share’

When renting out a property you will need a Tenancy Agreement which is, essentially, a document setting out rules and responsibilities that provides both the landlord and the tenant with security and peace of mind for the duration of the tenancy.

An Agreement will give specific rights to both parties, which can include the rights of the tenant to live in a property and for the landlord to receive a regular payment of rent in exchange.

Letting property is an increasingly complicated business.  Here is our brief Landlord Guide with the main legal, financial, and practical issues you need to consider before a tenancy begins.

Winter cold snaps can cause temperatures to plummet dramatically, so it’s...

The pandemic has shown us how cash flow positions can change almost in an instant, and for reasons often outside of the control of Landlords themselves. Although it’s important to remember that cash flow isn’t always the same month to month, here are our tips for keeping it positive.

Furnished or unfurnished? If you are a landlord and weighing up the pros...

The LACORS fire safety guide prescribes the appropriate levels of fire protection for private rented property and should be the first port of call for any landlord or agent unsure of what precautions they need to install.

Have you heard about the debt respite (breathing space) Scheme?

It came into effect in May this year and gives someone in problem debt the right to legal protections from their creditors.

The question of letting a tenant decorate their rental property can be a dilemma for landlords.

On the one hand, you want them to feel at home and personalise the property in the hope they will stay longer and look after the condition. But on the other hand, you don’t want to be stuck trying to re-let a property that has been decorated with questionable taste after they have left.

You can take steps to protect your property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged.

What are you looking for?

Buy-to-let property has two strong benefits: the monthly income and the profit you can make when you decide to sell. As you begin your portfolio, it is best to consider which one of these you value more for your personal situation.

Knowing your goals will help you focus your search for the right property.

So, you have moved in your new property, unloaded your items, and are busy getting settled… But who’s responsibility is it to make sure the garden stays looking nice?

The tenants are responsible for the upkeep of both outdoors as well as indoors unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise.

While there is no set approach to how a landlord should manage a property portfolio, if you want to optimise your growth here are five top tips from Horizon on how you can boost your rental income.

There will be times when you will need to find this out, for example, if the tenants have changed the supplier without telling you. This is quite easy to do as every property in the UK has a unique reference number, which can tell you the name of the utility supplier.

The UK property investment market is one of the most lucrative asset classes out there. With affordable property prices in many cities, strong capital growth prospects and growing city centre populations boosting rental demand, it is evident that the UK offers some promising investment opportunities.

The easiest way to survive a tax investigation is to avoid one occurring in the first place!

A small percentage of individuals are selected for a random investigation, but most cases are because something has triggered HMRC’s risk assessment system.

People are often surprised by the length of tenancy agreements. Are they even really necessary?!

The answer is YES if you want to be protected for the duration of your tenancy it is completely necessary.

Over the years there has been several strategies developed for saving tax which Landlords should follow to make the most out of their investment and ensure as much money is coming to them rather than being out in tax.

Now that the cold months are in full swing, we are very aware of the threats this can cause to your property. From frost which can damage pipes to storms which can cause flooding and other damage. As landlords ourselves we feel it is important to make sure your property is as well protected as possible by ensuring it is in the best order possible to withstand the elements.

White goods in rental properties, not the most exciting read, however, the reality is, it’s a subject all landlords (and tenants) need to consider when renting out their property. Most importantly, what white goods should landlords supply, and what are they required to supply?

It would be a safe assumption that most landlords and letting agents have...

As the months change from beautiful sunshine to the gloomy weather we are...

Buy to let properties can be a very attractive investment but you need to understand exactly what is involved before you go ahead. Having a good property portfolio allows for a good monthly income as well as the growth your property value could have over time. Here at Horizon, we have put together some useful ideas to help you start your investment portfolio.

Investing in buy-to-let is a huge responsibility and as the number of people living in rented accommodation is set to rise further, demand for new landlords has never been higher. Due to ever-changing landlord legislation, it is vital that those entering the industry for the first time are up to speed on the latest regulations. To help new landlords understand what is required, we have put together some top tips to set you on the right track.

An inventory is an essential document that provides a written record that...

It’s human nature to place a high value on something to which we have an investment in. But you need to step into the shoes of a potential tenant. They will view several properties so you need to think about how yours will stack up? Be realistic with your rental price, decorate the property nicely and imagine what you would expect if you were moving into a home.

Tip 1 : Get a basic understanding of landlord and tenant law

You can get all sorts of problems if you don’t understand the legal side of letting. You may have difficulties claiming against your tenants if they damage your property, or you may find you have used the wrong paperwork and therefore cant evict your tenants, you could even be prosecuted by the authorities for failing to comply with regulations.

Many landlords specialise in letting to students – they’re a huge market...

Did you know that both landlords and letting agents are legally required...

As the cold weather rolls around each year, landlords and letting agents...

When letting out a property it falls on the Landlord to decide if they’re are happy with allowing pets or not. This comes with both positives and negatives; sometimes it can be hard to judge what is the best option.

As a landlord you may have experienced rent arrears. Here’s our four-step guide to solving the problem before it goes too far.

If a property has sat on the rental market for a while it can be bad news and if not managed correctly, an old property advert will make the property look even less appealing!

Being a landlord can be a profitable and rewarding enterprise, but it...

With interest rates remaining low, house prices growing and the changes...