Renters’ Rights Hub
Get the latest news from us on the Renters’ Rights Bill including Government updates, blogs, podcasts, e-guides, infosheets and more!
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Your Essential Guide to Repairs For Lettings | Infosheet
In this Infosheet we look at both the landlords and tenants responsibilities, plus how platforms like Fixflo streamline repair management by allowing tenants to report issues in real-time and receive updates. Regular inspections, clear documentation, and open dialogue with tenants are essential for smooth property management and long-term success.
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What We Learned At Conference | Infosheet
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
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Getting Renters’ Rights Ready | E-Guide
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
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Bill to Law | Infosheet
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
Read moreWebinars
Infosheet – Renters’ Rights Bill
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
Read moreInfosheet – 14-day Free Trial with Security Everywhere
14-day Free Trial with Security Everywhere | Exclusive The Lettings Hub Offer The property industry is among the highest-risk sectors for cyber threats, with 94% of attacks arriving via email. Security Everywhere offers many cybersecurity solutions, including ransom warranty protection, on a flexible, rolling monthly basis, making advanced solutions accessible and affordable for smaller businesses. Which is why we’re excited to announce a new partnership offering – a 14-day free trial of a comprehensive auto scan provided by Francis West with Security Everywhere. With this offer, your business can benefit from a no-obligation, detailed assessment of the specific cyber risks in your business. All you need to do is register your interest using the form, and we will be in touch shortly with more information! Download Now!
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Infosheet – Stay Compliant When It Comes to Protecting Deposits
At The Lettings Hub, our specialist insurance products provide a vital safety net for your tenants, and help to protect your landlords, all whilst effortlessly generating income for you. So we have put together a guide to make protecting your tenants as easy as possible.
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BOX Spring & Summer Release Notes 2024 | For Users
Here is what’s new in BOX. Today we share our latest release notes with you, highlight the newest features and upgrades to land in BOX May-August 2024. Plus, we have a forward look at the future, with more news of the Tenant Pre-qualification feature which is the next major release on the roadmap this autumn.
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Infosheet – Tenants Home Insurance
At The Lettings Hub, our specialist insurance products provide a vital safety net for your tenants, and help to protect your landlords, all whilst effortlessly generating income for you. So we have put together a guide to make protecting your tenants as easy as possible.
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Common Mistakes when Serving a Section 21 Notice
ough it is expected that the Rental Reforms will eventually see the phasing out of so called ‘no-fault’ evictions, until any changes are implemented, Section 21 Notices remain the most common possession notices used. But what are the common mistakes people make when serving a notice, and what do you need to have in order at all times throughout the tenancy? ough it is expected that the Rental Reforms will eventually see the phasing out of so called ‘no-fault’ evictions, until any changes are implemented, Section 21 Notices remain the most common possession notices used. But what are the common mistakes people make when serving a notice, and what do you need to have in order at all times throughout the tenancy?
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Woodstock blog: Authorised and Unauthorised occupiers
Managing authorised and unauthorised occupiers in rental properties can present complex challenges for landlords and letting agents. In this blog, our legal services providers, Woodstock, share their experiences of two cases where unauthorised occupiers needed to be removed from the property.
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E-Book – A General Election has been called, now what?
In this E-Guide we are exploring what the upcoming General Election may mean for landlords and renters, and what could happen with rent reform next. Working alongside our legal partners Woodstock Legal Services, we consider potential outcomes when the voters hit the polls on 4th July and the impact they could have on the lettings sector.
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Can you access your rental property if your tenants haven’t authorised it?
Landlords have a legal requirement to arrange gas and electrical safety inspections. They must ensure that the property is in good condition, and if necessary, make arrangements for repairs or any other required work to be done, if there are any problems.
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Landlord and Tenant – Housing Conditions
It is a landlords obligation to keep a property in a good state and stems from various legislation including Section 11. This sets out the responsibility to keep the structure and exterior, as well as boilers, pipes and electrics in a safe working order.
Read moreFind & Retain the tenants your agency want
In the perfect lettings world, all tenants would pay on time, stay in the property for a long time, protect and maintain the property, and feel happy in their home. But how does a letting agent attract and keep tenants like that? In our latest E-Guide we talk you through how you can stand out in the current market and create value for everyone.
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Rent Act Tenancies and Protected Shorthold Tenancies
When taking over management of a tenancy, or working with a landlord to buy a house with a tenant in situ, one thing to always find out is when the tenant first occupied the property. This is to ensure you are fully covered, and know the full story if a problem were to arise. In this weeks blog we explore a case study from our partners at Woodstock Legal Services as well as look at what rights the tenants have in regards to a protected shorthold tenancy and a Rent Act tenancy.
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Eviction Delays
Reports are being received that some courts in London are experiencing delays, with landlords finding it challenging to secure eviction dates. As a result, some are waiting up to nine months for a bailiff appointment. While last year’s delays were attributed to shortages of bailiffs and PPE equipment, the reasons behind this year’s delays remain unclear.
Read moreGuide to Evictions | Regaining Possession
As any letting agent who has had problematic tenant knows, there are a multitude of pieces of legislation to adhere to throughout a tenancy, and any errors made can slow down your ability to regain vacant possession of your landlord’s property. This guide is here to help you to get it right, first time.
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Renters (Reform) Bill developments
In March, a letter was sent by Michael Gove to Conservative MPs setting out further plans for the Renter’s Reform Bill in response to concerns. This letter was leaked on X , so in this blog we look at those improvements outlines in the letter and what this could mean for the bill moving forward.
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Statutory Information – Protecting your Tenant’s Deposit
Every letting agent knows that when a tenant pays a deposit for their rental home, it must be protected in a recognised deposit scheme, and the appropriate information provided to the tenant. The tenant has a right to know where the money is being held, as well as when and why their landlord may seek to make deductions from the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
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Is the Renters Reform Bill at risk of collapse?
Almost five years since the first announcement, the Rental Reform bill has not yet come into effect and is still going through the House of Commons. In November 2023, it was scrutinised at the ‘Committee’ stage which involved a group of MPs examining the bill’s clauses.
Read moreLegal
Gas Safety Certificates – the implications of failing to comply
Landlords are required to make sure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are maintained in a safe condition to ensure the safety of a tenant. But this week we look at a case study of then the tenant had their supply cut off and the landlord was fined.
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Awaab’s Law, and the impact on the housing sector
Awaab’s Law has been initiated by the housing sector following a tragic accident involving a two-year-old due to a poor standard of living from a negligent landlord. But how will this law protect future tenants, and how will the effect the Private Rented Sector and landlords?
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What rights to tenants have after their fixed term ends?
When an agreement ends, the agent and landlord have three options. Renew the agreement, leave the tenancy to become periodic or take possession of the property. But what rights do tenants have? We explore different scenarios and give some of our top tips for property managers and landlords.
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A Guide to the Pre Action-Protocol for Disrepair Claims
Situations can arise where tenants and landlords may point the finger at each other when it comes to who’s obligations a repair falls under. This can lead to frustration and tenants taking steps to make a disrepair claim against the landlord. These steps begin with what is known as “Pre Action-Protocol for disrepair”.
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Pragmatic Amendments Proposed to Rental Reform Bill
The Renters (Reform) Bill is facing proposed changes from landlords and agents who want MPs to support them and make the Bill fairer for the whole private rented sector. In this blog we look at what Conservative MP Anthony Mangall has to say.
Read moreLegal
Right to Rent – Increased Fines Announced
From January 22nd the government will impose significantly higher fines on landlords who fail to complete Right to Rent checks. To help you comply with the checks, The Lettings Hub offers a stress-free solution with Know Your Customer checks including facial biometrics and Identity Document Validation Technology.
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Case Study: When a court makes an example of poor behaviour
Landlords who rent out a property must comply with a range of regulations, procedures, and legislation. Some would suggest that being a landlord in the UK is like a full-time job with so many rules and regulations to navigate, however, the regulations exist to safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants.
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Gas Safety Rulings all Landlords and Letting Agents Should Know
If a landlord wants to evict a tenant using a Section 21 notice, they must ensure they have complied with all the legal requirements before serving the notice. Otherwise, they could end up losing the case and paying the tenants’ legal costs, as one landlord recently found out.
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Landlords and Renters to Save on Council Tax Bills
The government recently announced that it would stop requiring tenants of shared dwellings to pay hefty council tax bills by banding individual rooms in shared households individually for council tax reasons. The NRLA projects that this change will save landlords and their tenants up to £1,000 annually.
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Update: Right to Rent Check
On the 18th October 2023 the government updated the landlord’s guide to Right to Rent Checks. It is vital that both letting agents and landlords understand what is needed, and in this blog we look at the change that has been made and recap why a Right to Rent Check is so important.
Read moreLegal
A Guide to Enforcement Methods
If a landlord is owed money from an ex-tenant who refuses to pay, they may have to resort to legal action to recover the debt. However, getting a court judgment is not the end of the story; the judgement still needs to be enforced and the debtor made to pay. In this blog we look at the different options a landlord has including a third-party debt order and attachment of earning order.
Read moreNick and Amy – Hubster Birthdays!
We take great joy in celebrating Hubster Birthdays! This week marked the celebration of two significant milestones. Nick, our Finance Director, celebrated his 1st anniversary last week, while Amy, our UX Designer and BOX Owner, marked a remarkable 10-year journey over the weekend!
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Late Deposit Protection | Could your landlords be at risk of committing multiple breaches
Most landlords know that the tenant’s deposit must be protected in an approved deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt. However, many landlords and agents may not be aware that the tenant can make a claim for each individual tenancy agreement.
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Let’s Talk Lets – Referencing and Tech
Welcome back to Let’s Talk Lets, the podcast where we discuss thought-provoking insights and big topics in the lettings industry. On this episode we are talking to Cameron Azhasemi from Hooyu, who are experts in identity verification across multiple sectors. We talk about the rise in fraud in the lettings industry, the trends we are seeing and the solutions that there are avalible.
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Easy to Read How to Rent Guide – Understanding the Grey Area
The How to Rent guide is one of the key documents that a landlord must serve on their tenant regularly during a tenancy. But there is a grey area you need to be aware of when serving the July 2021 version that we are here to explain.
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Let’s Talk Lets – Hooyu
Welcome back to Let’s Talk Lets, the podcast where we discuss thought-provoking insights and big topics in the lettings industry. On this episode we are talking to Cameron Azhasemi from Hooyu, who are experts in identity verification across multiple sectors. We talk about the rise in fraud in the lettings industry, the trends we are seeing and the solutions that there are avalible.
Read moreBusiness
E-Guide – How does a bill become an act of parliament?
RENTERS REFORM BILL UPDATE
The Financial Times have reported that the Renters Reform bill is set to get it’s second reading on Monday 23rd October, after PM Rishi Sunak is said to have given his personal blessing to resume the progress of the bill. We will be keeping you updated throughout the process, so make sure to follow all the news via our Rent Reform Hub for more information.
And take a look at our newly released E-Book that will walk you through the stages this bill will go through on its journey through the parliamentary process!
Read moreLegal
Is a new tenancy required when a landlord changes hands?
Properties are usually purchased with vacant possession, however in some transactions the buyer will purchase the property with a tenant in situ, especially in the buy-to-let market. In this weeks blog we look at everything the new landlord would need to know if the property is bought with a tenant in situ.
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The Renter Reform Bill – the latest updates on progress
It is all we see in the headlines, but what is actually happening with the Renters Reform? This week we are looking at where the journey the bill has been on so far and where it is going next, including the second reading announcement.
Read moreLegal
Further delays at court due to strike action by security staff
Court delays have already caused issues in the market with landlords waiting longer to gain possession of their property. Further delays are now expected as agency staff at over 30 civil courts have taken part in industrial action this month. Make sure to read this weeks blog with a list of courts dealing with possession claims that are likely to be impacted as well as advice for landlords.
Read moreLegal
Possession claims on the rise
The Ministry of Justice has recently published figures for property possessions across both mortgage and rentals. Possession claims have increased across the board. However, thankfully, our Legal Providers – Woodstock – have also seen a decrease in the time it is taking for possession orders to be granted by the courts recently.
Read moreLegal
Tenants and Signing Tenancy Agreements – Can my tenant owe rent if they did not sign the tenancy agreement?
If you have a tenant who owes you rent arrears, but you discover that the tenancy agreement was not signed by the tenant, what can you do? Are your landlords still entitled to claim the money back? The answer – maybe! There are multiple factors that go into a decision by a judge if this is the case and this week we are here to let you know what options you have.
Read moreLegal
Abandonment Notice | An alternative to a Possession Order?
There are many ways in which a landlord can obtain possession of their property including an Abandonment Notice. In this blog we look at this method in more detail, explaining what it is and how you can use it alongside implied surrender.
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Labour’s Rayner to shadow Gove on the Housing Brief – what can we expect?
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, has been appointed Shadow Levelling Up Secretary by Sir Keir Starmer. With this role, she will oppose the Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP in taking on issues such as the reform of the private rented sector, so in this blog we look at what this could mean.
Read moreLegal
Standard vs accelerated court proceedings – choosing which possession notice to serve
What is the difference between standard court proceedings and accelerated? The obvious difference is the time it takes, however there are many reasons landlords can use either so it is important to understand how they work to choose the possession notice you may serve.
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Why preparation is vital for possession hearings
How do you avoid additional costs and potential delays in a possession case? Preparation! Every case is different and will individually require careful consideration to prepare for the hearing, but in this weeks blog we look at the steps for you and your landlord to prepare, to give you the best chance in court.
Read moreLegal
Utility bills: who is liable to pay?
Bills included has become one of the most searched terms from tenants following the cost of living increase, however landlords are moving away from including bills in the Tenancy Agreement. But why? In this weeks blog we look at why landlords are staying away from the idea, and if landlords are including bills the things they need to look out for.
Read moreLegal
County Court Bailiff or High Court Enforcement?
Gaining possession consists of multiple stages but for those who reach the final step, it means it is time to enforce a possession order via a bailiff appointment or high court enforcement officer. But which option is better? In this weeks blog we look at the difference between a bailiff and a high court enforcement officer and what the benefits of each of the services are.
Read moreLegal
Why Settlement Agreements Matter
For tenancies where a landlord or letting agent hasn’t opted for a Rent Protection product, then it isn’t unusual for a legal team to be instructed to recover a debt from a tenant who has defaulted on their rent. In this blog we look at why Settlement Agreements shouldn’t be overlooked with an example of a recent case study from Woodstock Legal Services.
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Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service – New free service for tenants
From the 1st August the new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) commenced in England and Wales providing legal advice on housing, debt, welfare and more. This is a free service for tenants who are going to loose their home. But why could this be concerning for landlords?
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Section 156 of the Building Safety Act: Elevating Fire Safety and Landlords’ Responsibilities in October 2023
This week’s blog unveils the core of Section 156, reshaping fire safety and landlords’ roles. So how can you support landlords with the changes? First it is understanding what those changes are! Don’t worry – we have you covered…
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What do you need to ensure you can get Possession of a Deceased Relative’s Property?
Unfortunately, we can at times find ourselves in the difficult situation where a loved one has passed and left us to deal with their affairs. In this weeks blog we look at what an executors responsibilities are when gaining possession of the property, and their rights when a tenant is in the property.
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“Think Before You Settle: Protecting the Deposit on Time”
Deposit disputes can be complicated and if they reach court proceedings they can be expensive and timely. So, as a letting agent, ensuring the deposit is protected correctly is essential. Even an honest mistake can cost the landlord up to three times the deposit amount as well as the return of the deposit.
Read moreLegal
Navigating the Eviction Process: The Vital Importance of Legal Compliance
Navigating the eviction process can be difficult, and ensuing landlords have follow the correct steps from referencing to bailiffs is vital. So we look at how to avoid an unlawful eviction and a case study in which a tenant wanted to move back in after they had been evicted.
Read moreLegal
Navigating Tenant Access Denials: What Letting Agents and Landlords Need to Know
There are many reasons a tenant may not grant access to a property to a letting agent or landlord including the tenant being in arrears, subletting, or they are neglecting the upkeep of the property. So how do you navigate this?
Read moreLegal
Student Let Management Under the Renters Reform Bill
An area of uncertainty amongst the proposals for the Renters (Reform) Bill is the student lets sector. Landlords biggest worry is the proposal to end fixed term tenancies, leaving them uncertain as to when they will get the property back to re-let to the next year of students.
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The High Stakes of Neglecting Deposit Rules: Lessons from a Recent Case
As many landlords know, when entering into a tenancy agreement they must provide the tenant with deposit-prescribed information within 30 days – as well as protecting the deposit. But with so much to remember and do, what happens if this gets missed?
Read moreLegal
The Deregulation Act 2015: Essential Knowledge for Landlords on Section 21 Evictions
After the Deregulation Act 2015 came into effect, the biggest defence in possession claims has been the key documents not being received. So, this week we talk through what these documents are, what they need to include and how to issue them.
Read moreLegal
How long does it take to gain possession?
Gaining possession of a property involves several stages and procedures that must be followed. The process can be divided into three main steps: giving notice, court proceedings, and enforcement. It is important for Letting Agents and Landlords to understand what they involve and how long they may take.
Read moreLegal
From Draft to Law: Unveiling the Timeline of the Renters Reform Bill’s Journey to Implementation
The whole industry has been following the Rental Reform bill, trying to understand how to talk to their landlords and tenants about the changes. In this week’s blog we are focusing on the timeline of the bill and our predictions on how it will move forward.
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RENTER’S REFORM BILL
The Government has published the first draft of the Renters Reform Bill which has been much anticipated across the Residential Landlord and Tenant Sector for the past 5 years. The Bill has only just started its Parliamentary journey and it will undoubtedly undergo revision of terms or amendments and additions but where do we stand currently?
Read moreLegal
Effective use of section 21 notices – whilst we still have them
As we know in the Renters’ Reform, the use of Section 21 has been scrapped. However, while landlords are still able to use them – they need to be as effective as possible. This week we are looking at what documentation is needed and how important it is to ensure it is correct.
Read moreLegal
A Landlord’s Dilemma: The Case Study of a Landlord Accepting a Reduced Settlement for Rent Arrears
Our legal partners Woodstock are currently working with a client who is owed over £20,000 in rent arrears. So, in this week’s blog we follow this case study looking at what options this particular client had throughout the process, and how it could have played out very differently.
Read moreLegal
Setting up the perfect tenancy
How do landlords create the perfect tenancy? This weeks blog is for landlords, guiding them through the process and a checklist of what they need to do to ensure they are covered from start to finish. Share this with prospective landlords and let them know how you can save them time by taking the hassle out of their hands!
Read moreLegal
How to tackle the start of a damages claim
Once a tenancy ends, a check-out report should be completed to capture any damages or repairs needed to the property. If this report details repairs are needed, a claim on the deposit is the first resort. However, what are the next steps if the tenant is not willing to pay? In this blog we look at what happens next and our top tips to avoiding a claim all together!
Read moreLegal
Navigating the Legal System: Understanding the Difference Between Section 21 and Section 8 Notices
Step 1 of gaining possession of a property is serving a notice, giving the tenant a chance to leave before action takes place. So, in this weeks blog we look at the difference between a section 21 and section 8 notice and how to serve them to your tenant to avoid any further issues.
Read moreLegal
Tenancy Agreements: What You Need To Know
A tenancy document is a legal binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that states the terms of the rental agreement. In this week’s blog we take you through our perfect recipe of a tenancy agreement, and why certain information needs to be included!
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Negotiating settlement of rent arrears
When faced with debt, Woodstock Legal Services always encourage creditors to look at options for settlement before taking the matter to court. More often than not you are able to negotiate a settlement, saving money on further legal costs as well as saving time going through the process.
Read moreBusiness
How Agents are Providing Landlords Peace of Mind on Challenging Right to Rent Checks
The frequent changes to Right to Rent Legislation over the last few years have caused confusion among many. Find out how agencies can provide peace of mind to their landlords with The Lettings Hub’s smart tech solutions.
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Reviewing Your Tenant Referencing. Download our E-Guide Today
This guide will review the key areas to consider when looking at your referencing process, how tenants and technology have changed over the years, and what referencing looks like in modern times. As well as exploring industry insights, we provide a checklist of what you need to consider when referencing.
Read moreTechnology
How You Can Save 50% on Your Current Referencing Costs with BUZZ
What is BUZZ referencing?
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How Can Agents Boost Their Reputation with Tenants at the Close of a Tenancy?
Good tenant reviews are essential to boosting a letting agency’s reputation. Therefore, it’s important to part ways with tenants on the best terms possible. Here are The Lettings Hubs tips on how to close a tenancy without conflict.
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Download Our Energy Price Increase Checklist
As the cost of energy rose to £2,500 last October the Government intervened by putting in place the Energy Support Scheme, which comes to an end on 31st March. So to make sure your tenants are ready, we have put together a checklist for you to check off for new and existing tenancies.
Read moreThe Lettings Hub: Supporting Women in Tech on International Women’s Day
It’s International Women’s Day. A day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In this article, The Lettings Hub take a look at the women within their team, and discuss the immense value of their contributions.
Read moreShining the Hubster Spotlight on… Daniel Burge, Accountant
Meet another member of the friendly team at The Lettings Hub, and find out the day-to-day work life of our Assistant Management Accountant.
Read moreTechnology
Your Questions Answered on the Unofficial ID Checking Providers Duping UK Agents and Landlords
UK Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Landlords have been duped into signing up with an uncertified IDSP to complete ID checks. But how can they check the certifications of their provider?
Read moreLooking Back on 10 Years of The Lettings Hub
Marking the end of the months celebrations for The Lettings Hub’s 10th Birthday, here’s a detailed history of the company and some fond memories shared by employees.
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Tenant Fraud is on the up. Download our E-Guide Today
This guide will review the key areas in which tenant fraud is occurring within the industry, delve into industry expert insights and real life case studies. We explore what fraud looks like in a number of forms including affordability, identification, money laundering as well as strategies to help you avoid falling victim to a fraudulent tenant.
Read moreTechnology
Discover how Open Banking has revolutionised referencing, making it quicker, easier and eliminating the risk of fraud.
Open Banking has revolutionised the way we validate tenants’ data, offering a much faster solution compared to the past. Here’s how…
Read moreShining the Hubster Spotlight on… Sarah Wayman, Workflow and Process Manager
Meet one of the friendly team at The Lettings Hub, and find out the day-to-day work life of our Workflow and Process Manager.
Read moreLegal
Food for Thought for Landlords Before Renting to Students
In a lot of cases, it can be more profitable renting to a group of students than to individual tenants. Which makes the prospect quite inviting! However, as with most areas of residential landlord and tenant law, there are a few things we would recommend considering before you rush down to the local university.
Read moreBusiness Legal
The Rising Cost of Mortgages and the Impact on Landlords
Demand and supply has been an issue within our industry for some time now, with more and more landlords exiting the market. The bank of England are now squeezing the landlord market even harder as they have increased the base interest rate to the highest we have seen since 2008. In this article we have a look at what landlords can do to protect themselves as well as what the future may hold.
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Guarantor Agreement – Safety in Numbers
A guarantor agreement and a deposit are often considered an important safety-net for landlords to recover costs owed under the tenancy agreement. If a guarantor is linked to the tenancy, the landlord may wish to pursue the tenant and guarantor or only the guarantor for the outstanding costs and this could potentially reduce delays and loss.
Read moreTechnology
How Does BOX Really Work? …A Behind the Scenes Insight
BOX is award-winning technology that certainly holds its place at the top of the industry for pre-tenancy platforms. But how does it really work?
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Rising Rent, Tenants in Arrears and Landlords Reducing Portfolios in 2023 – What Can You Do as an Agent?
UKALA conducted a survey of Letting Agents in late November and early December 2022, to forecast what the Private Rented Sector might look like in 2023. We discuss the findings, and how agents can have effective solutions for the year’s challenges ahead.
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Have I Got Possession of the Property? – What to do when items have been left at the property, but the tenant has vacated
Although items left at the property is an indication that the tenant still lives at the property, the tenant may have vacated the property and left the items intentionally. The next steps for the landlord are not always straightforward and it’s important to get it right.
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Decent Homes Standard: Are Homes in the Private Rented Sector Meeting it?
In 2020 as high as 15% of the homes in England did not meet the requirements for the Decent Homes Standard. Woodstock discuss the outlines of the standard and explain how landlords can review their portfolios to ensure their properties meet the requirements.
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Paying the Price: Minor Mistakes with Deposit Protection
Legislation introduced by government in April 2007 gives strict rules for landlords. They’re to protect the deposit in an authorised deposit scheme. Sadly, the residential landlord and tenant team at Woodstock still see landlords and agents getting it wrong.
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Blanket Ban on Benefits go Against the Equality Act
For years both Landlords and Letting Agents have implemented ‘No DSS’ or ‘No benefits’ policies in which agents would refuse to accept applicants in receipt of benefits. Previously, there was no direct law preventing Landlords from doing so, but that is set to change with the introduction of rental reform.
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A County Court Judgement (CCJ) Has Been Granted – But is it All Over?
Creditor landlords often breathe a sigh of relief once they have received a County Court Judgment (CCJ) with absolute confirmation that the debt is owed to them by their former tenants (debtors). But is it all over?
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Successful Property Possession – A Case Study
Read a recent case study of a successful property possession for one of Woodstock Legal Services clients. Find out how the landlord was able recoup arrears and regain the property without the need for a separate claim for a money judgement.
Read moreLegal
High Court Enforcement – ‘Can’t pay, we’ll take it away’ myths dispelled.
High Court Enforcement (HCE) is the preferred method of enforcement used upon obtaining a Writ of Control from the Court.
Many of us are familiar with this type of Enforcement through the TV series ‘Can’t pay, we’ll take it away’. This article dispels the myths about HCE.
Legal
What Happens if the Tenant Refuses to Vacate the Property After Agreeing a Surrender?
A surrender is an agreement between the landlord and tenant (and possibly also a guarantor) to bring the tenancy to an end. But what happens when a tenant refuses to vacate after agreeing a surrender? Woodstock Legal Services explain.
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Wales – No Licence? No Section 8 Notice!
Unlike England, if you are a landlord of a residential tenancy in Wales you must have an appointed licensed agent to be able to serve notice to terminate a tenancy. In this article we look at a landlord who did not obtain a licence and what happened when their tenants fell into arrears.
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Disability Discrimination Defences in Possession Proceedings: Understanding the Law
Landlords mustn’t unlawfully discriminate against disabled tenants. If it is proven that they have, it may be enough to constitute full defence in possession proceedings. This article explains the law surrounding Disability Discrimination.
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Unlawful Evictions: All You Need to Know
Most landlords understand that the interest to occupy the property passes to their tenants for the duration of the tenancy. Unfortunately, there are still a few rogue landlords that believe it is their property outright. But what amounts to an unlawful eviction?
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How to Issue an Eviction Notice – Common Mistakes to Avoid
There has been a lot of discussion around Section 21 & Section 8 and what they mean now and going forward. Because of this there is added confusion on what to do when advising a landlord who needs to evict a tenant. In this article we have our 6 top tips on how to issue a notice correctly and what the common mistakes are.
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Interest Rates hold steady for now: what should landlords and agents make of the decision?
After an underwhelming budget from Rishi Sunak, all eyes turned to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to see whether an interest rate hike would have any significant effect on the property industry.
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The digital lettings agent – is it all it’s cracked up to be?
It’s estimated the pandemic has accelerated our digital advancement by up to 10 years. Has it been the catalyst of a digital renaissance for lettings?
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Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) – Impact on lettings
As of 4th May 2021, the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) comes into force, affording those with problem debt the right to legal protections from their creditors. In this article we outline the different types of Debt Respite Scheme and how they will affect the ability of letting agents and landlords to pursue tenants in rent arrears.
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5 things landlords DON’T want lettings agents to do
The top reported problems between landlords and letting agents were management, communication and record keeping. Considering landlord confidence is at an all-time low it’s more important than ever to build solid relationships with landlords based on trust and support.
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Impact Of Brexit On Lettings Market
With 31st December 2020 marking the end of the transition period for Brexit, we are all still very much in a period of uncertainty as a nation. Without question, large numbers of EU nationals will be affected by Brexit; but how will this impact the rental sector?
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How to make landlords more confident 2021
There’s been a steady decline in the landlord population in the PRS over the last few years. Previously the split was fairly even between accidental landlords, career landlords and buy-to-let investors. This is starting to change as the attraction to investment properties dwindles.
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5 ways to assess the efficiency of your lettings agency
Did you know, the typical time it took to let a property in April 2020 was 29 days? This was up from 24 days in April 2019. While some of these delays may have been attributed to the pandemic, the fact still remains that landlords..
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Automation and information sharing
As humans, we rely on constant communication. It’s visible in every aspect of our lives. Imagine if we didn’t have internet during the pandemic. How would we work? How would we shop, or pay bills? How would we keep in touch with loved ones?
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Renters Reform Bill Kicked into the long grass?
The launch of the Renters Reform Bill in England has been delayed, 15 months after its first mention in December 2019. It has left landlords and letting agents sweating about current and future tenancies, with no promises for when the Bill will come into action.
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