BLOGS
View our blog categories
Spring Maintenance Tips for Rental Properties
Our Spring maintenance checklist suggests that should be being performed and there’s definitely something about the satisfaction of a good spring clean!
What To Do If Your Tenant Wants to Leave Early
If your tenants have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), they are legally...
Right to Rent Checks The Complete Guide
Landlords must stay on the right side of the law on all manner of issues...
How to Buy a Property at Auction
Buying property at auction is usually a quicker process than the...
Rental Voids Hit All Time Low
A 'rental void' is what agents call an empty or unoccupied period in a...
What Is An Assured Shorthold Tenancy?
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the default tenancy for most dwellings...
What are the Electrical Legal Requirements for Landlords?
Legal standards for electrical safety in private rented property have...
Preventing End Of Tenancy Cleaning Disputes
Whilst most tenancies end smoothly, some unfortunately result in deposit...
New Rules for Property Listings
As of May 2022 Letting Agents must now comply with changes made by the...
Our Top Tips for Setting Up a Tenancy
You have found the perfect tenant and are looking forward to getting them...
Letting & Renting Glossary
Letting & Renting Glossary is a list of definitions commonly used when...
New Rules for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The government has now released draft legislation to amend the Smoke and...
What Taxes Should Landlords Consider in 2022?
Tax is always a hot topic for landlords, it's safe to say that it can...
Our Top Tips for First Time Renters
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’
Creating a HMO… What do Landlords Need to Consider?
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’
Renters Reform Bill What Does it Mean for Investors?
The buy-to-let sector is highly competitive and, not surprisingly, the landlords who are most successful are the ones who appreciate the importance of making their properties attractive to their desired tenant market.
Our Top Tips To Attract (and Keep) Tenants
The buy-to-let sector is highly competitive and, not surprisingly, the landlords who are most successful are the ones who appreciate the importance of making their properties attractive to their desired tenant market.
Our Guide To Getting Started as a Property Investor
If you’re interested in getting started in the Buy To Let market and want some tips on how to start investing in property… then read on! This guide is aimed at the beginner property investor who wants to know how to make their first steps.
Self-Manage or Use a Letting Agent?
So you've bought your first buy to let property or have become an...
What To Do If A Tenant Leaves Behind Belongings
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.
What Are A Landlords Gas Obligations
Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 all gas appliances and flues in rented accommodation must be checked for safety within 12 months of being installed, and thereafter at least every 12 months by a competent engineer.
Right To Rent Checks Procedure
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.
Different Types Of Tenancy Explained
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.
Can You Have A Tenant Who Is Under 18 years old?
Under land law, a minor (someone under the age of 18) cannot hold a ‘legal’ interest in land and can only hold an ‘equitable’ interest.
New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws Introduced
This amendment to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 will see all rental properties within England needing a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in any room that is used as living accommodation that has a ‘fixed combustion appliance’ of any fuel type (excluding gas cookers).
All About Boiler Pressure
Our guide runs through everything you need to know about boiler pressure, plus our recommendations for diagnosing and fixing low or high pressure
How To Save Money On Your Energy Bills
Follow our tips and advice for straightforward ways to save energy, lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. It is a topic at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now and we at the Horizon Lets office have already started following these tips in our own homes:
Landlord Company Directors What Expenses Can You Claim?
It used to be the case that only a tiny minority of property investors would buy a house through a limited company. With various changes, especially in regards to mortgage tax relief over the past few years though, that number has grown substantially.
What You Need To Know About Ground Rent Reform
What is Ground Rent?
In order to enforce the terms of a lease a ground rent must be set. Ground rent is usually an annual amount stated in the lease payable to the Freeholder for the “renting” of an apartment above the Freeholder’s land.
Condensation and How To Beat It
‘Condensation dampness’ is a condition that affects millions of homes in the UK. Whether you are a Landlord or a Tenant this guide should help you control and prevent condensation and mould within your property.
Get Prepared For Making Tax Digital
Some major changes are being made to the way HMRC collects information about income from UK property from 2024 with the implementation of Making Tax Digital. This will have a huge impact on landlords – read our guide to start getting prepared.
Landlord’s Guide to Letting Property
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.
Our Guide to Frozen Pipes
Winter cold snaps can cause temperatures to plummet dramatically, so it’s...
Our Top Tips for Landlord Cashflow Management
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.
Sheffield is a BUY-TO-LET HOTSPOT
Property experts have put Sheffield in the spotlight as a Buy-to-Let...
Get Ready for Right to Rent Check Changes
Landlords and letting agents managing properties are required to undertake Right to Rent checks. There have been recent updates to this legislation and further changes are on the horizon.
What is Right to Rent?
Should You Furnish Your Rental Property?
Furnished or unfurnished? If you are a landlord and weighing up the pros...
Managing a Rental Property From Abroad
Buy to let property in the UK can be an excellent investment, whether...
Improvements Coming for Universal Credit Arrears Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just confirmed that they...
Tenants with Covid Rent Debts See Arrears Increase
Average rent debts still owed by renters as a result of the pandemic have...
What is a Listed Building?
There are around 400,000 listed buildings in England. Historic England...
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Will Soon be REQUIRED in all Rental Properties
Carbon monoxide alarms???? will soon be REQUIRED in all rental properties...
What are Smart Meters?
Smart meters provide real time updates to energy suppliers and users in...
Do You Have Property Grand Plans for 2022?
It seems our clients are already looking to the future and creating...
No Let – No Fee Agent in Sheffield
Did you know that we are a NO LET NOT FEE agent! Put simply if we do not...
Tenants Are Returning to City Life!
Many young professionals during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic...
A Landlords Guide To Smoke Alarms
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.
Did You Know We Offer PAT Tests to Landlords
DID YOU KNOW………
HMRC Extends Time for Landlords to Comply to New ‘Making Tax Digital’ Rules Until April 2024
HMRC extends time for landlords to comply to new ‘Making Tax Digital’ rules until April 2024
This will give landlords further time to prepare for the changes as the government say that they understand that with all the issues that the pandemic has caused the deadline has to be extended.
Eviction Notice Rules for Landlords in England Switch Back to Two Months from 1st October
Eviction notice rules for landlords in England switch back to two months from 1st October.
As it currently stands landlords in England must provide four months notice to tenants to evict them from a rented home under section 21 Housing Act 1988. But from 1st October 2021 this reverts back to a two months notice period which was the pre-COVID deadline.
Have You Heard About the SNUG Scheme?
Have you heard about the SNUG scheme?
It is a scheme run by Sheffield City Council to approve and inspect student accommodation it launched in 2014.
Have You Heard About the Debt Respite (Breathing Space) Scheme?
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.
Property Prices … Boom or Bubble?
It can’t be denied, it’s clear, Britain’s property market isn’t just...
Government Scraps Green Homes Grants
The Green Homes Grant deadline is now 31st March 2021, following the...
12 Months of Covid
In the 12 months since Covid reared its head Landlords have faced 47 changes!
The past 12 months are a period that many landlords may want to forget about and completely delete from their buy-to-let memory banks.
Sheffield is The Latest City to Consider City–Wide Selective Licensing
Sheffield is considering a city-wide selective licensing scheme, and...
Legislation Update: EICR
All Rented Property in England needs an EICR by 1st April 2021
SDLT Surcharge For Non-UK Buyers
There will be a new sur-charge on stamp duty land tax (SDLT) for non-UK buyers of residential property in England and Northern Ireland
Japanese Knotweed
If Japanese Knotweed can be treated, why is it still such a problem?
Here are 21 reasons:
Landlords Guide to Water Supply & Your Responsibilities
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) is designed to crack down on properties in the private rented sector that are not fit for human habitation.
Incorporating the Human Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), it covers 29 hazards, such as damp and mould, electrical hazards and asbestos, that all properties must avoid in order to be labelled safe for tenants to live in.
Advice About Bills During Coronavirus
For those worried about paying utility bills or credit cards, loans, or mortgages due to the impact of coronavirus, this article sets out the steps you can take to get the support you need.
Rent Reductions During Covid-19
Are rent reductions an option?
Many tenants are struggling with financial problems during the Covid-19 crisis and therefore, they are asking their landlords for a rent reduction.
Every case is different – some landlords are better placed than others to be generous, and while some tenants have lost most of their income, others will have felt little if any financial impact.
Suspending or reducing the rent will be a matter for negotiation, but when landlords have decided they are going to offer financial help to their tenants there are some traps they should avoid such as:
Breaching the Tenant Fees Act 2019 or permanently reducing the rent
Rent Arrears & Debt Extension
A new scheme will commence in England and Wales on the 4th of May under...
The Corona Virus; Our Thoughts for Landlords
The last year has been crazy – starting with Chinese bats; toilet roll queuing and hand washing guidance to happy birthday (twice)…
Then escalating in the property world to heated debates about mortgage holidays and, very extreme legislation changes such as no evictions for 3 months… Although everybody is sick of the word now – it has certainly been unprecedented.
This virus has had a dramatic effect in not only the property industry, but every single industry and it is now a truly global worry.
How An Agent Can Help You During Lockdown
We may be in lockdown again, but the Government is allowing the property market to continue operating, albeit with lots of new rules for everyone to comply with to keep people safe and avoid hefty fines. The situation is often so fast moving that DIY landlords can find the stress of trying to remain legally compliant extremely challenging.
Should I Let My Tenant Decorate?
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.
Property Investment Strategies; The Pros & Cons
At its simplest, there are only two property investment strategies:
• Buy a property and rent it out
• Buy a property then sell it on for a profit
The Vibrant City of Sheffield
Sheffield is the 5th largest city in the UK, undergoing major transition from being the centre of steel manufacturing to being well renowned for its fabulous parks and access to the beautiful Peak District.
In fact, a third of the city lies within the Peak District itself!
Lawful and Unlawful Discrimination – Tenants & Landlords
The discrimination laws apply when choosing and dealing with tenants moving in properties, so this is something which is important to know about. However, it is only unlawful discrimination which is forbidden. Some types of discrimination are acceptable and are actually advisable in certain circumstances.
This article gives a quick overview of what is and what is not unlawful… make sure you don’t fall into any of these pitfalls!
Key Dates & New Rules For Landlords In 2021
As the new year begins, we think it is important that our Landlords are aware of these FIVE key dates in 2021.
This year ahead promises big changes in the way landlords pay tax, evict tenants and pass safety criteria. Whether you’re a self-managing hands on landlord or a hands off remote property investor, it’s getting more and more important to know the legislation in the property industry.
Protect Yourself From Fraud
You can take steps to protect your property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged.
Further Rules for Evictions & Rent Arrears
With the announcement that the country would be entering into a third lockdown, the inevitable question has been asked about the status of possession claims and evictions during this time.
The Importance Of Building A Good Relationship With Your Tenants
In this post, we are going to discuss the benefits of building a good relationship with your tenant.
It is a well-known fact that Landlords and Agents are not on the list of highly liked people. Most of the time people think that all landlords are simply wanting to rent out rubbish properties at high prices, simply to make profit and line their pockets – hopefully once you have read this you will realise that this is not the correct assumption.
Unfair Terms in Tenancy Agreements
It is probably safe to say that almost everybody finds legal documents confusing. Even lawyers find them difficult to understand sometimes!
Standard terms and conditions are even more confusing. Written in small writing making them difficult to read, and usually involve long words and unusual phrases, it is not surprising that some people don’t even read them.
Will Covid-19 Put A Halt on The Housing Market?
The government has faced requests to tighten restrictions to help reduce Covid-19 infections.
They have warned that the government may have to do more if current lockdown rules are not enough to stem the spike in coronavirus cases. Unfortunately, if this is the case, it would include putting a stop house moves in England – this would apply to owners and private renters.
Starting your Property Portfolio
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.
How To Be A Successful Property Investor
The property industry is full of opportunities. Whether you are planning for the future with a buy-to-let to add to your retirement fund or as a path to financial freedom, property is seen as the most secure way to protect and grow your wealth.
Hopefully these points below will help you to understand property as a route to building financial wealth through investment.
Data Protection – Our Guidance for Landlords
Data protection is something that is becoming more important as the years go on. We all know the dangers of data theft and how someone with your personal details can use this fraudulently.
The Data Protection Legislation is designed to protect data by requiring everyone who holds personal information to look after it properly.
Buy Your First Buy To Let Property
Buy to let properties can be an extremely attractive investment but you need to understand exactly what is involved. Use our top tips to provide you with essential information before you buy.
Landlords Obligations – Legionnaires Disease
Legionnaire’s Disease is a disease which is caught by inhaling droplets of water containing the Legionella bacteria. People with weaker immune systems are particularly at risk.
Garden Maintenance in Rented 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.
Landlord Responsibilities – Gas Regulations
Landlords must have the gas installations inspected annually by an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register. Tenants must be given a certificate provided by the engineer, both when they go into the property and on an annual basis once the tenancy has started.
Biggest House Price Growth Since 2004
In the latest quarter (September to November) house prices were 3.8% higher than in the quarter before (June to August) meaning that the housing market is certainly still moving despite so many other things being different this year. In comparison to 2019 the house prices in November were 7.6% higher than in the same month – this is the strongest price growth that the market has seen since June 2016.
Grow Your Property Portfolio
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.
Commitment to A Safer Future
Homes England, the Government’s housing delivery agency, has become a Registered Signatory of the Building Safety Charter.
This Charter, developed by leaders within the industry and supported by Government, responds to recommendations by seeking to create positive change in the industry’s approach to safety. The registered Signatories commit to putting people’s safety first during the construction and occupation of residential buildings.
How Can I Find My Utility Company?
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.
Will The Housing Market Survive Brexit?
How much can the economy, and the UK housing market, be expected to take? Covid-19 has delivered the deepest UK recession for more than 300 years, albeit one that mainly happened several months ago. Now, while we should not make any assumptions until the clock has struck midnight, the warnings of a no-deal Brexit have grown further.
How To Be A Successful Overseas Buyer
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.
Right To Rent Checks
According to the 2014 Immigration Act, Section 22, a landlord is not legally allowed to let somebody have a tenancy agreement entitling them to live in a rental property as their main or sole residence unless they are a UK citizen, from Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA) unless they have a Right to Rent in this country. All landlords renting out private accommodation in England must conduct right-to-rent checks on new tenancy agreements to confirm that renters are legally able to rent in the UK.
Green Homes Grant Extension
The Energy Performance (EPC) ratings are due to change on privately rented homes from a minimum of an E to a C rating. This will apply to all new tenancies from April 2025 and any existing tenancies from April 2028.
New How to Rent Guides Released
A new ‘How to Rent’ guide has been released by the Government this week – This must be served to the tenants at the start of any new tenancy or renewal and it also must be the newest version.
What Will 2021 Bring?
The end of COVID-19 could be closer than we think with the vaccine now being distributed so there is good reason to believe we may be able to return to almost normality in 2021.
Surviving A Tax Investigation
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.
Tenancy Agreements Explained
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.
10 Tax Saving Tips for Landlords
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.
Landlords Obligations For Furniture & Furnishings
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended, have an impact on furniture supplied as part of a part furnished or furnished let, and needs to comply with certain safety standards.
Preparing Your Property For Winter
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.
Do I Need Landlord Insurance?
Landlord insurance can be expensive and difficult to understand… So, do...
Covid-19… The Affect On Property Valuations
Property valuation is often overlooked as one of the key pillars of the property sector. In many respects, this is not surprising; assessing the value of a property can, to the untrained eye, seem like a straightforward process. The reality is very different!
What Landlords Should Know About ‘White Goods’
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?
Condensation vs Damp Info for Landlords
It would be a safe assumption that most landlords and letting agents have...
Horizon Lets Top 10 Tips for Fire Safety
Having smoke alarms fitted and testing these regularly. It could be a good idea to set yourself a weekly reminder to test the alarms and ensure that you never take out the batteries, even if it were to go off unintentionally!
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
What Does This Act Mean? Under this Act, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985...
Noisy Neighbours Tenant Advice
If your neighbour is making a noise that is causing you distress you are...
Tips for The Winter from Horizon Lets
As the months change from beautiful sunshine to the gloomy weather we are...
Getting the Most Out Of Your Viewings
It is not always easy but when you are hunting for a house, whether it be as a potential landlord or tenant looking for a new home but try not to get too attached early on. Horizon Lets have some top tips to help you get the most out of any visit so that your heart doesn’t overrule your head and cause you to overlook any problems. The way to ensure you make the right decision is to view as many properties as possible, gain experience in viewing and understand what information you should be gathering. You can also use the tools which you have before you physically view the property such as Street View and Google Earth which can give you a good insight.
Buying a Buy To Let Property
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.
Are You a New Landlord?
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.
Tenant Moving Out Information
As tenants your responsibility doesn’t end when you decide to leave the...
What Is an Inventory?
An inventory is an essential document that provides a written record that...
Five-Step Plan to Help Marketing Your Rental Property
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.
The Housing Market & Second Wave
After the last few months, you might have thought that the uncertainty was over – how wrong we were, especially after the introduction of new tier-based restrictions and the potential of a 2-3 week circuit breaker lockdown. There is no sign, as yet, of any further closures within the housing market that we saw from March to May thankfully, however it does not mean this will not happen. From its low point in April, the economy has bounced back a lot, more than 20%. People have been spending, so retail sales are not only growing again but they are higher than they were a year ago.
Horizon Lets Tips for Landlords
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.
Why We Love The City Of Steel
Sheffield is a hive of excitement, culture and expansion. Forever growing and improving, this is the place to be in Yorkshire. With over 575,000 residents, not only is it the fourth biggest city in England but it is also known as the “green city” as it is one of the greenest in Europe.
Sheffield has so much to offer a property investor, a thriving city centre, green suburbs and the picturesque rolling hills of the Peak District. All on your door step.
Repairs: A Guide for Landlord & Tenants
This article is designed to tell Landlords and Tenants about the responsibilities for repairs under shorthold tenancy agreements in residential properties. Shorthold tenancy agreements are for any lease under seven years long and can include periodic tenancies where the tenant has not got a fixed term agreement and occupies the property from month to month or week to week.
Things to Know About Student Lets
Many landlords specialise in letting to students – they’re a huge market...
Quick Guide to Legionella & Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Did you know that both landlords and letting agents are legally required...
Damp, Mould, and How To Avoid It In Your Home
As the cold weather rolls around each year, landlords and letting agents...
Pros and Cons of Being a Pet-Friendly Landlord
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.
Dealing with Rent Arrears
As a landlord you may have experienced rent arrears. Here’s our four-step guide to solving the problem before it goes too far.
Five Ways to Minimise Tenant Voids
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!
15 Mistakes Landlords Make & How To Avoid Them
Being a landlord can be a profitable and rewarding enterprise, but it...
Five Things to Consider Before Investing in a Buy-to-Let Property
With interest rates remaining low, house prices growing and the changes...
10 Steps to Choosing The Right Tenants: A Landlord’s Perspective
Picking the right tenants can mean the difference between an...