An all-party committee of MPs has condemned local councils for failing to maintain adequate housing standards, impacting social tenants across the UK. This scrutiny highlights the urgent need for reforms in social housing management and compliance.
Landlords operating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) face specific council tax responsibilities, particularly when tenants are receiving benefits. This article explores the complexities surrounding council tax and Universal Credit, shedding light on crucial considerations for landlords.
HM Revenue & Customs has ramped up its enforcement of inheritance tax, recovering £246 million last year as property values push more estates into the tax net. Landlords are urged to reassess estate planning to avoid significant penalties.
As the UK property market faces tightening legislation, landlords are exploring the future of their investments amidst regulatory changes and evolving market dynamics.
HMRC is notifying nearly 900,000 landlords about the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements, which will revolutionise income reporting from April 2026. This initiative is crucial for landlords earning over £50,000, as they must adapt to new quarterly reporting rules.
The number of property millionaires in Great Britain has dropped significantly due to increased stamp duty and council tax, impacting landlords and property investors across the market.
In a significant shift, Shelter's new chief executive Sarah Elliott aims to foster a more collaborative relationship with private landlords, moving away from adversarial tactics. This change comes in light of pressing issues in the rental market and the need for joint efforts to improve housing conditions.
A new survey indicates that a significant number of landlords in the UK remain hesitant to introduce pet-friendly policies in their rental properties, despite increasing demand from tenants. This reluctance may have implications for the rental market as landlords navigate evolving tenant preferences and regulatory changes.
As local councils ramp up licensing initiatives, landlords must adapt to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. The proposed changes by 2026 could significantly impact the rental market landscape in England.
Rental yields in England and Wales remain firm at 7.7%, bolstered by persistent tenant demand and limited supply, providing reassurance for buy-to-let investors navigating a challenging landscape.
Private and social landlords in England will be required to comply with the new Decent Homes Standard by 2035, aiming to enhance living conditions for tenants. Critics argue the timeline is too lengthy, leaving many renters in substandard housing.
The government's recent announcement to cap ground rents at £250 for existing leases has raised concerns about potential compensation claims from landlords, signalling a significant shift in the leasehold landscape.
Telford and Wrekin Council is moving to deny landlords the right to use existing planning laws for smaller HMOs, which could significantly impact the rental market and landlord operations in the area.
The Renters Rights Act is set to complicate the landscape for student housing, raising concerns among landlords about the future availability and management of rental properties. This legislation could hinder students' access to accommodation, impacting both landlords and educational institutions.
New waste recycling regulations set to take effect in March 2026 may create compliance challenges for HMO landlords in England. These changes require landlords to adapt their waste management practices to meet the demands of the new legislation.
Recent commentary highlights the inadequacy of current illegal eviction laws in the UK, raising alarms about potential criminal activity and landlord accountability within the private rental sector.
The Autumn Budget raises taxes on rental profits and high-value homes while giving local authorities new powers to levy charges on short-term lets. Energy bill relief and long-term housing supply plans offer some offset, but the overall direction is a clear shift towards higher taxation of property income.
The Autumn Budget is where the mask slips and Reeves et al. admit they sees landlords as a captive revenue stream to be drained at will. The next 12 months won’t bring reform, they’ll mark the opening act of a long, deliberate squeeze.
The departure of a prominent rent control advocate from the Labour Party to the Green Party signals a potential shift in housing policy that may impact landlords across the UK, particularly as calls for increased regulations and rent controls grow.
Landlord-tenant law continues to evolve, with landmark cases still influencing current disputes. Understanding these cases is crucial for landlords navigating their responsibilities and rights.
A fraudster has been sentenced to prison for scamming investors through fraudulent property sourcing deals, highlighting the risks landlords face in an increasingly complex property market. This case serves as a cautionary tale for landlords and investors regarding due diligence and the importance of safeguarding against fraudulent practices.
The upcoming Autumn Budget 2025 proposes the inclusion of rental income in National Insurance, raising concerns among landlords about increased costs and market stability. This comes as the sector grapples with the implications of the Renters’ Rights Act.