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Top tips to keep your home protected in winter
This article highlights the best ways to reduce the risk of future problems and unnecessary expenses with some handy advice for protecting your home in these colder months.
What are Landlords Obligations for Legionnaires Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It can be contracted in various settings, including domestic premises.
Landlords have specific obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of their tenants. In this blog, we will explore the responsibilities of landlords concerning Legionnaires’ disease and how it impacts on them providing a safe living environment for their tenants.
Your tenants e-bike batteries could cause serious Fires!
E-bikes and e-scooters have been associated with more than a hundred fires already this year, some of which have been fatal.
The Guardian reported in May 2023 that there had been 102 fires associated with e-bikes and scooters so far, with at least 190 injured and eight people killed.
Charging Tenants For Cleaning At The End Of Their Tenancy
You cannot charge tenants for cleaning in all situations – as this would be a fee and would be in breach of the Tenants Fees legislation.
However, the tenant fees legislation does not prevent you from claiming damages for losses suffered by you due to tenants’ breach of the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Are Flats or Houses the Smarter Investment Choice?
Investing in property has long been regarded as a solid strategy for generating passive income and building long-term wealth.
One of the fundamental decisions an aspiring property investor faces though, is whether to buy an apartment or a house as a rental property.
Pests in Rented Property: Who Takes Charge?
It’s a fact of life that pests and vermin can sometimes invade your living space – whether this be annoying insects, rodents scurrying around, or other unwanted creatures. But who bears the responsibility for tackling these unwelcome guests in a rented property?
The Renters Reform Bill, What do Landlords Need to Know?
It’s been a long time coming, but the biggest legal change in a generation is finally before Parliament. Originally proposed back in 2019, the Renters Reform Bill contains sweeping and landmark reforms, aimed at improving the rental system in England.
The Rising Tide… Rents Still Increasing
The cost of renting a home in the UK has long been a hot topic. With each passing year, rent prices keep rising, and it looks like 2023 will be no exception as the rental market shows no signs of slowing down.
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...
What Is An Assured Shorthold Tenancy?
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy is the default tenancy for most dwellings...
Preventing End Of Tenancy Cleaning Disputes
Whilst most tenancies end smoothly, some unfortunately result in deposit...
Our Top Tips for Setting Up a Tenancy
You have found the perfect tenant and are looking forward to getting them...
What Taxes Should Landlords Consider in 2022?
Tax is always a hot topic for landlords, it's safe to say that it can...
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’
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.
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.
Should You Furnish Your Rental Property?
Furnished or unfurnished? If you are a landlord and weighing up the pros...
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.
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.
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.
Protect Yourself From Fraud
You can take steps to protect your property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Tips for The Winter from Horizon Lets
As the months change from beautiful sunshine to the gloomy weather we are...
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.
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.
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.
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...