There exists incredible opportunities to yield high rental incomes for landlords within the United Kingdom. However, one would not want huge tax rates to chew off considerable portions of the fruits of their rental property investments. There are many buy-to-let allowable expenses that you might not know but can claim to scale down your tax outflows. 

## Five fantastic tax saving tips for landlord’s earning income from rental property!

The taxation domain can be befuddling for many, but some wise recommendations from experts are surely worth a try. Due management of our rental accounts and landlord costs can go a long way in optimising our tax obligations. If you are a landlord seeking handy ways to lower your taxes, we have the top 5 ways to reduce your tax liabilities. 

**1) Avail of all rental income deductible expenses**

As property owners, there are various spendings that make up buy-to-let allowable expenses and help lower our landlord costs in the form of taxes. You must not miss out on claiming deductible expenses that you incur during a given tax period to dilute the impact of income tax. It is critical to note that only those outlays that are entirely and exclusively attributable to the buy-to-let property are eligible for deduction in the rental accounts.

***The most common buy-to-let allowable expenses that landlords can claim encompass the following:***

- Rental management agent fees
- Legal and accounting charges
- Landlord insurance costs
- Property advertising expenses 
- Property repairs, cleaning, and maintenance charges incurred
- Ground rent and council taxes 
- Administrative landlord costs
- Labour cost for employees or contractors hired for services like cleaning or plumbing


Landlords should also be wary of the spends that they undertake during the initial acquisition of the rental property. Only revenue expenditures qualify for deduction from gross rental income. Thus, the costs connected to the purchase of the buy-to-let cannot be adjusted against any eventual rental income. Such expenses include legal charges, stamp duty, and building survey fees. These expenditures are summed together with the purchase price.

Similarly, the landlord costs related to renovation of the rental property, that are capital expenses by nature, cannot be deducted as regular costs against the buy-to-let earnings.  

**2) Acquire rental property in a joint ownership**

Given the skyrocketing prices of real estate properties, making a buy-to-let purchase singlehandely can be strenuous for many.  You can elect to invest in a rental property along with another individual as a partner. It will help you share the burden of a lot of landlord costs along with the applicable taxes. Under a joint ownership, there is a possibility to allocate the rental earnings proportionately in accordance to a predefined sharing ratio. Thus, partners can also plan to distribute their rental income in a manner beneficial from the tax saving perspective. 

**3) Leverage your buy-to-let property mortgage**

Borrowing a loan does comes with the perks of offsetting your tax liabilities. The income tax regulations permit taxpayers in the UK to claim the amount of interest related to the buy-to-let mortgage as a deduction. One is qualifiable to deduct interest on loans for purchase of property as well as undertaking renovations or improvements in the buy-to-let. It is necessary to understand that the interest deduction is available for corporate deductions and not for those engaged in the financing business.  
	
**4) Establish a limited company**

If considering your overall personal income you fall in the high tax bracket, you can contemplate setting up a limited company to handle your rental properties. It is a great tactic to tax your income as per corporate tax rates than the individual tax rates if your overall income is large. It is important to note that the rental property shall be held in the name of the company you incorporate. You can draw a defined payment as salary from the company for your individual needs. Maintaining the compliances of a limited company can be tricky. Hence, you should make an informed decision about setting up a limited company after weighing the landlord costs involved in comparison to the overall earnings.

**5) Make the most of all available tax bands and carry forward losses if any**

According to the income tax laws in the UK, your rental income is taxable after summation with other incomes as per the applicable tax band. You need to your other income along with your rental earnings and deduct eligible expenses to find your taxable income. If you have a partner whose overall income falls in a lower tax band, you can transfer the property in the name of your spouse. You must also ensure that you maintain utmost accuracy while calculating your buy-to-let allowable expenses and losses that are permissible to be brought forward and adjusted against your current income as well as those losses that can be carried forward to the succeeding year. 

## Bottom Line

There are various ways for landlords in the UK to optimize their taxes on rental receipts. Depending on your personal circumstances and available resources, you can make use of the relevant strategies. It is essential to go for tax planning well in advance to adopt useful strategies. You can consult property tax professionals to manage your rental accounts and regulate your relevant tax liabilities. Stay tuned for more such resourceful information!






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If you are a landlord seeking handy ways to lower your taxes, we have the top 5 ways to reduce your tax liabilities. 

5 Ways To Reduce Tax Of The Landlord’s Income From Rental Property

The UK is known for its chilly and wet weather during the winter months. From November through to March temperatures typically drop, and sometimes cause hazards such as ice. 

Being prepared for potential downpours, ice, and snow during the winter months will put landlords in a great position. It will also ensure that tenants are safe and happy during these cold months.

After all, no tenant wants to have to deal with a leak or burst pump any time of the year, let alone during the festive season. 

Keeping a rental property safe this winter should be at the top of every landlord’s agenda. Here are the top tips landlords can follow to safeguard properties from adverse weather.

## Cold weather often causes pipe issues

Cold weather is one of the main causes of burst pipes. When the temperature drops, pipes can freeze, inflate and split. Pipes that are over 100 years old, often installed in older homes, are sometimes unable to endure the wintry weather. 

According to [Severn Trent water company](https://www.stwater.co.uk/my-supply/tap-water/my-water-pipes/water-pipe-responsibility/), the owner of the property must check with the insurer if they have suitable cover for potential leaks. In addition to this, tenants rely on landlords for guidance about potential issues with the property so landlords must be in the know. 

Landlords have a duty of care when it comes to the safety of their tenants so keeping them informed and in the know is crucial, especially during the winter months where issues are more likely to occur. 

Failure to detect pipe fixtures issues is an easy mistake to make, but as a landlord, you are accountable for any issues with pipes or plumbing fixtures. 

Getting a professional to carry out the appropriate checks will help landlords understand if pipes need changing. This is an essential preventative measure that will ensure that landlords do not breach the industry standard.

## Ventilation and boiler checks are essential

During the winter months, people are likely to spend more time at home and consume more electricity to keep their home warm. However, this is prone to cause some issues.

Condensation problems are more likely to transpire during these colder months. This can cause mould to form and result in tenants getting sick. Simply making use of bathroom vents and extractor fans will prevent mould from forming. 
 
In addition to this, boiler breakdowns can occur due to rust forming. By getting a boiler check annually, bleeding radiators or replacing an old gas boiler with a heat pump or electric boiler, landlords can keep tenants out of the cold this winter. 

## A well-informed tenant is a safe tenant

Often property maintenance takes a turn for the worst when the tenant is misinformed or there is a lack of information readily available. 

Educating tenants on how to use systems is likely to prevent issues from occurring, keep tenants safe and prevent them from panicking if mishaps do arise.

For example, a landlord who shares the location of taps could help a tenant quickly stop flooding if a leak does occur. Whereas a tenant who is not informed about this information might panic about the situation and make the leak worst.

Including key information that all tenants should know about the property in a tenant information pack will keep occupants safe if these instances do occur. [Recent figures reveal](https://hfis.co.uk/knowledge/tenant-welcome-pack/)
that two-thirds of landlords provide their tenants with this information – however, a third (33%) do not. 

Providing tenants with an information pack that can be easily accessed from any device and outlines everything they need to know will keep them safe during the winter months.  

## Home security is crucial 

Winter is the time of year that burglaries are more likely to take place in England, but the good news is there are effective measures that can be put in place to prevent this from happening. 

Making sure that windows and doors are not only properly fitted but also locking them properly whenever away from home can help to keep the property and its belongings safe. 

[In a survey](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268444817_Understanding_Decisions_to_Burglarize_from_the_Offender's_Perspective) of 422 burglars, the behaviours of burglars were analysed. Findings show that 60% of participants admitted that if a property had an alarm, it would discourage them from carrying out the crime.

In addition to this, a [Co-op survey](https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/hub/securitytips) revealed that CCTV cameras were the biggest deterrent, yet only 14% of homeowners use these in their homes.  

Investing in CCTV cameras, burglar alarms and fitting doors and windows with locks will ensure that the property is secure and help ward off burglars.

Following these top tips can help to ensure that tenants and your rental property are kept safe this winter - and will ensure you get the most from your tenancy all year round. 

By using our tools for landlords, including chat threads and rental agreements, you can improve your renting experience and relationship with your tenants. Find out more about our service here.


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Rentoncloud outlines how landlords can keep their rental properties and tenants safe this winter.


Keeping A Rental Property Safe This Winter - The Top Tips

- If you are someone new to the house renting domain, you might feel anxious about how to rent a house. Landlords also can be a bit unsure about finding the right tenant. How to choose a good tenant? What questions should landlords ask tenants? There are a multitude of factors to consider and what can prove useful is the process of tenant referencing. 

## What do you mean by tenant referencing?

Tenant referencing denotes the process that landlords or property agents utilise to discover and confirm relevant background information about a given tenant. Tenant referencing for property owners act as landlord reference checks that help determine the eligibility of a given person to become a tenant. Through this check, landlords can gain better assurance regarding the trustability of the tenants about aspects like their ability to pay on time, use of the rental property in the right way, and the probability of any criminal history.    

## What are the top tenant-referencing FAQs that you must enquire about as a landlord?

There are multiple facets about any prospective tenant that landlords need to contemplate during the tenant referencing process. Are you wondering about what questions should landlords ask tenants? Here are some of the key questions that you must enquire about from any individual as part of landlord reference checks before giving your nod to a rental agreement:

## What do you do for a living?

This question is useful to realize the employment status and income levels of anyone who wishes to rent your buy-to-let property. The details about their job or business will help you gauge their approximate income levels and their ability to fulfill the rent, maintenance fees, and deposit requirements for the rental house. You can also get insights about whether the person is not involved in doing any illegal activities. Landlords can also ask for reference letter from the employers to get an added assurance about the occupational status of the prospective tenant.

## Why are you looking for a new rental property to rent?

Getting to know the reason behind why one is seeking for a new rental property will help you understand elaborately about a person’s motive. There are might be a variety of reasons that your prospective tenant needs a rented place. He/she might be new to the place and have recently shifted there for occupational purposes. There might also be chances that the previous landlord evicted them for some undesirable cause. If there is any illicit intent involved on the side of the tenant then such an enquiry can help you uncover it. As per the reason for the person’s search for new rental place, you can inquire about aligning questions.

## Do you have any family or pets who will accompany you to live in the rental home?

Another critical inquisition needs to be about how many more people will accompany the individual to rent the home. If they shall bring their family to stay with them at the rental property, it is critical to know about the number of members, their age, and whether your property can accommodate them appropriately. It is also imperative to know whether they have any pet that will reside in your rental property. You must check into the possibility of whether the prospective tenant’s pet can cause any harm to your rental property and other furnishing items inside. It is best to ensure that there are least chances of any nuisance that can lead to troubles with the neighbors.  

## Will you be willing to permit landlord reference checks with past landlords?

In case the tenant has rented buy-to-let properties before from other landlords, you can conduct landlord reference checks. Thus, you must ask the prospective tenants about whether you have their consent to make enquiries with the past landlords. If the tenant is reluctant to allow you to contact his/her past landlord, there might be some foul play involved. Landlord reference checks can offer you elaborate insights regarding a person’s suitability to become your tenant. 

## Are you okay to oblige to the requirements of the tenancy arrangement?

As landlords, different people have different set of conditions for tenants, in line with the legal framework, that they must comply. Your tenant must be ready to follow the rental application process and related obligations. You must inform them about the dos and don’ts and the documents that they need to provide. If there are any issues or ambiguities regarding the paperwork and legal formalities, it is better to discuss and clear them beforehand.

1.  Important tips for tenants to enable them to undergo the tenant referencing process easily
2.  Organise your paperwork adequately on-time
3.  Notify the referees that you give during the landlord reference checks in advance
4.  Be as direct and truthful with your answers as possible
5.  Get in talks with suitable guarantor beforehand
6.  Take into account your financial position for the probable rental expenses appropriately
7.  Research properly about the prospective rental property and landlord 

## Choose RentOnCloud to gain incredible insights revolving rental property in the UK!

[RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) is a revolutionary platform in the virtual rental management space that can support both landlords and tenants immensely. We have a great set of functionalities to help landlords address their rental property needs and manage aspects like tenant referencing. Tenants can also land their dream rental property with our assistance in the most efficient way possible. Our team also comes with useful rental property information from time to time. Contact us today to know more!








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How to choose a good tenant? What questions should landlords ask tenants? There are a multitude of factors to consider and what can prove useful is the process of tenant referencing. 

5 Common Questions for Tenant Referencing to Ask from Rental Enquiries

## Investment property market trends, affordable houses for sale, buying house on budget

Once you resolve to tread the path to become a landlord, you start with the first step of buying a good property. Since real estate investment demands huge sums of money, we all need options of affordable houses for sale. There is not much respite when it comes to the prices of properties in the UK. As per [reports](https://www.statista.com/statistics/751619/house-price-change-uk/) by Nationwide Building Society, the average house prices in the country rose by a whopping 10 percent between November 2020 and November 2021. In April 2022, according to [Office for National Statistics](https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/housepriceindex/april2022), the average price of houses in the UK was £ 2,81,000. This figure is £ 31,000 more than that for the same time in the preceding year.  These investment property market trends point that finding affordable houses for sale can be a tough task for many. If you are planning on buying a house on a budget, you need to stay on top of such investment property market trends and seek guidance from real estate experts to streamline the task. Team RentOnCloud comes with some of the most pressing considerations that you should analyse when buying rental properties.

## Location and condition of the potential property

The topmost factors that you need to evaluate while buying a potential property are the location and current state of the property. Ideally, the property should be situated in a nice neighbourhood and must allow easy access to basic amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, schools, and hospitals. Most tenants prefer to rent properties with such accessibility. Again, when buying house on budget choose the location of the property wisely.

The condition of the property at the time of purchase is again critical to help you estimate future costs on repairs and renovations that you will have to incur. It is advisable to undertake a professional inspection of the complete property to figure out any underlying problems. A good bargain in the form of an old house may not actually be cost-effective if you end up sparing a fortune on reviving it. Find out if you can undertake the renovations on your own or you need to engage a third-party contractor for the same. There is a possibility of delay in such renovation projects that can lead to no rent periods for a prolonged time. You also need to decide between investing in a newly constructed house or opting for an existing one. New constructions tend to be costlier than acquiring a prevailing rental home. Examining a mix of all these parameters will help you find affordable houses for sale. 

## Property tax
 
Taxes are an inevitable aspect of any investment proposition. You should evaluate the applicable amount of property tax when buying house on a budget. Steep property taxes can siphon off a big chunk of your rental profits. Usually, the property taxes in prime metropolitan areas tend to be much higher than the countryside and the suburbs. You might elect to explore for rental properties in such areas than outrightly finding one in the major part of a city. It also does not mean going for houses in remote areas without a decent neighbouring circle. You must weigh the overall costs and rental requirements before the final decision.  

## Expected cash flows and return on investment

The next fundamental concern that you should consider is about the predictable cash flows you can possibly generate from the potential property. You must look into factors such as the probable rental income, the operating expenses, rise in intrinsic value with price appreciation, depreciation, and tax benefits. After accounting for all critical incomes and expenditures, you must have a positive cash flow over the long term to ensure that you can sustain your rental property endeavour.  

## Insurance costs

We all cannot do away without an insurance for our property. They are your safety net but it does entail significant spending. When buying the buy-to-let property, you should determine the amount of insurance coverage you need and the resulting insurance premium that you have to bear. You should also look into whether the region that you property is located in is prone to increased insurance premium due to more probability of natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.

## Management of the rental property

Another critical aspect to ponder when buying a rental property is the amount of administrative efforts, it shall require. You might either elect to take the rental property and tenant management responsibilities on your own shoulders or engage a property management firm. The cost of hiring such an rental administrative company also means incurring making a separate monetary allocation that can go up to 10 percent of your rental earnings. Firms also charge a distinct fee for screening and finding suitable tenants for your property. Thus, while contemplating the property you must buy, also figure out the amount of management efforts and the consequent costs that you will have to invest. 

## Switch to RentOnCloud for easing your rental property woes with a click!

We are a client-centric and innovative platform for landlords and tenants to help them with multiple property related aspects. We offer services like assistance for finding the right buy-to-let property and landing good tenants along with property tax and accounting support. Make RentOnCloud your go-to property management partner.   







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Team RentOnCloud comes with some of the most pressing considerations that you should analyse when buying rental properties.


Top 5 Considerations When Buying Rental Properties

As the dawn of a new month nears, all home renters begin to worry about paying their monthly rental costs. The steep prices of Britain’s real estate market leave no other option for many but to rent a home. Hence, a considerable chunk of the overall population lives in rented properties in the UK. As per the [English Housing Survey](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1000052/EHS_19-20_PRS_report.pdf) for 2020, conducted by the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government, about 19 percent of the English households reside in a private rental property. Also, the rental costs in most British territories are not nominal either. Many wonder why is renting an expensive proposition? Many factors contribute to making your monthly rent cost relatively high. However, there do exist some tips and tricks that can optimise your rental outflows. RentOnCloud professionals recommend the following tactics for those who want to save some bucks on their monthly rent cost. 

## Pick up an ideal location

Location is an instrumental factor in determining the rental budget for any house. You cannot expect to save much on rent if your rental home is in a plush neighbourhood. Furthermore, you cannot just become a miser and take up a house on rent in the middle of nowhere. The key is to balance the location and cost of availing of amenities like transportation. You need to weigh the cost saved on rent against the cost of commuting and getting other utilities. A bargain rental home will not be worth it if you end up sparing much more on going to work and getting other essentials. A place with decent connectivity to public transport options can prove much more cost-effective in the long run. 

## Prefer an extended lease arrangement

Most landlords favour tenants who are ready to commit to leasing their property for a reasonably long duration. Nobody wants to undergo the hassle of searching for a renter, doing background checks, completing legal formalities for the agreement, and prepping the home for the new tenant over and over again. Landlords are much more willing to negotiate for a lower monthly rental cost if they have the assurance of a lengthy lease term. A two-year lease is usually considered ideal for most rental properties. 

## Share your rental space

The more, the merrier. We cannot deny this adage when it comes to sharing our monthly rental costs. When renting a home, it is best to do it with one or more roommates, especially if you plan to stay alone. It is a great way to downsize not just your rental costs but also your other utility expenditures. You can even look for a bigger space in a better neighbourhood when you share the rental property with roommates as then the total cost gets divided, and your personal share shall be much less.

## Opt for unfurnished or partly furnished rental homes

The rent of fully-furnished properties is usually much steeper than other unfurnished or sparsely furnished properties. Rent a home that just has some basic furniture and appliances if you want actually to subside your monthly rental cost. You have the option to get some old furniture items from your family home or even rent some essential furnishing pieces. All and all, an unfurnished or partly furnished space will have notably lesser rental cost.  

## Keep a tab on your utilities

UK households spend over 11 per cent of their monthly income on utilities, suggests a [recent report](https://techround.co.uk/news/uk-households-spend-11-1-of-monthly-income-on-utilities/). Thus, it is evident that if we try to curb our utility costs holistically, we can save a lot. You can slash down your overall living expenses if you have a handle on how much you consume. Going for a utilities-included lease arrangement is also not recommended when you rent a home. It can contribute to a higher monthly rental cost. You can better monitor your usage and reduce the utilities spending if you have things under your own control. We also advise you to check all the meter readings beforehand while initiating your stay in a new rental property. 

 
## Say goodbye to all the fuss related to renting a home with RentOnCloud!

RentOnCloud is a one-of-its-kind cloud-based rental property management platform that assists both tenants and landlords in reducing their troubles related to renting properties. We help folks looking for suitable rental options to screen the best buy-to-let properties and find the upbeat deals with an intelligent viewing and booking system. Our team also offers facilities like creating online agreements and generating accounting or tax reports. Contact us now to learn more about our incredible offerings!





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Many factors contribute to making your monthly rent cost relatively high. However, there do exist some tips and tricks that can optimise your rental outflows.

5 Ways to Save on Your Monthly Rent Costs For Your Rented Home

Have you recently bought or inherited a house property that you plan to lease out? What alternative is best for a landlord when it comes to rental property management? If the DIY bug has bitten you too and you want to try being a DIY landlord, you must understand its nuances. There are surely ample advantages of overseeing your rental property requirements on your own instead of hiring a separate agency. More and more landlords in the UK are becoming “do-it-yourself” landlords. Let us find out some of the compelling benefits that one can leverage by becoming a DIY landlord.

## Being a DIY landlord enables better control over your property

When you are investing a truckload in acquiring a property, you would desire proper control over the same. Allocating the responsibility of overseeing your house to a property management entity might lead to issues with appointing the tenants and maintaining the same. Since the house is under your ownership, nobody will care for it the way you do. Any damage or mishap while handling the property at the hands of any third party will ultimately burden you with additional cost. As a DIY landlord, you can hire appropriate tenants after proper screening and adequately monitor expenditures for property maintenance. Thus, you can maximise your returns on property investment.

## A DIY landlordship is a budget-friendly alternative 

If you delegate the task of rental property management to any agency, you would have to bear the entailing commissions. There are chances that the management team might not put in as much dedicated effort as you yourself might to administer tenants and the property welfare. As a result, you may need to spend more money. On the flip side, working as a DIY landlord can help you save on commissions that the management company will charge. You can work closely on optimising your overall outlays as you stay more budget conscious. 

When you have all the control you need to manage your property as a DIY landlord, you can also leverage greater flexibility. Your decision-making is not dependent on any third-party property manager and you can easily undertake critical actions without losing much time as per your needs. 

Operating as a DIY landlord supports more leverage of favourable market opportunities
The real estate market remains one of the most lucrative avenues for investment in the UK. When you function as a DIY landlord you have increased autonomy to undertake purchase and sale decisions regarding your property. The ability to make the most out of the conducive real estate environment multiplies when you work as an informed, research-driven DIY landlord.  

## How can you maximise the benefits of being a DIY landlord?

Undertaking the role of a DIY landlord can help you reap many benefits. However, you must consider some crucial aspects to sustain the advantages and keep troubles away. Here are some recommendations to ease the process of rental property management as a DIY landlord.

### Remain updated and agile

The rental and real estate markets are constantly evolving. You have to keep pace with different regulatory requirements and trends as a landlord for effective rental property management. One cannot handle their house and tenants properly if they do not remain aware of any updates in the property laws, loan compliances, or tax requirements. As a DIY landlord, you will not have a team of professional property managers to assist you. Therefore, it is vital to keep up your agility and make time to stay updated with relevant changes in the rental and real estate landscape.  It will allow you to make the most out of your DIY arrangement.

### Stay wary of certain problems

If you have resolved to become a DIY landlord, you must also be ready for the possible troubles that might come in your way. It is always better to be prepared for any unwanted events that might come your way. There are high chances that you come face to face with problems related to bad tenants, house emergency situations, and hidden costs. Without a rental property manager, you may find it difficult to address such situations. You must understand the root causes that can trigger such issues and take actions to avoid their occurrences to ease your life as a landlord. For instance, you must inspect your property for any repairs or renovations to avoid tenant complaints or emergencies. 

### Use a good property management software

In this technology driven world, you cannot ignore the narrative of getting virtual assistance to streamline your DIY landlord tasks. There are many property management software and online platforms like RentOnCloud that deliver comprehensive support for rental property management. They allow you to screen tenants, undertake lease contracts, handle accounting activities, and solve relevant queries through a community of landlords all at once place. Property management software and cloud based platforms are indeed money and time saving alternatives for DIY landlords. 

## Lead the way towards a fruitful stint as a DIY landlord with RentOnCloud support!

Working as a DIY landlord along with your other professional commitments can prove as a backbreaking responsibility. You can make use of our trailblazing platform for both landlords and tenants to simplify the hassles associated with rental property management. Our team offers a power packed rental management software for DIY landlords to help them generate maximised returns from their assets. [Consult our RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) team for more details!





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More and more landlords in the UK are becoming “do-it-yourself” landlords. Let us find out some of the compelling benefits that one can leverage by becoming a DIY landlord.


Advantages of Being a DIY Landlord and How to Maximize Them?

## Landlord direct debit, what is the benefit of direct debit, benefits of direct debit

With multiple innovations at our disposal resulting from the availability of a digitised financial system, tenants can honour their rental commitments using various methods. Landlord direct debit option for paying off rent is one of the increasingly popular approaches for tenants. Both the landlord and tenants need a safe and efficient way to cater to the periodic transaction related to rental payments. If you are new to the rental property domain, you might not be well acquainted with the direct debit process. What do you mean by direct debit? What is the benefit of direct debit? Many such inquisitions can come to your mind. Our RentOnCloud experts are here to enlighten you with some critical aspects of the direct debit system for tenants.


## What is direct debit?

Direct debit denotes a transaction-related instruction given to your bank to allow the authorised account holder to collect payment from your account on a specified due date. It is also called a pre-authorised debit.
 
Thus, a direct debit instruction by a tenant for his rental payment will allow the immediate withdrawal of the defined rent periodically by his landlord’s bank for being credited into his account. Landlord direct debit is a hassle-free alternative for tenants to pay their rent.

## What payment options can one avail of using landlord direct debit to pay rent?

One can usually avail of the following types of payment options while using direct debit to mitigate their rent obligations. 

### Weekly

This option allows making the due payment on any given working day of the week from Monday to Friday. Usually, the banks carry out weekly payments under the direct debit service 48 times in a year. 

### Fortnightly

Under the fortnightly schedule, your landlord direct debit payment either in the first or second week of every fortnight of the rent payable on a working day between Monday to Friday. The banking entities mostly offer a fortnightly direct debit options for 24 payments annually. 

### Monthly

The monthly direct debit option authorises the rental payment once on any given date between the 1st and 28th of the month. Tenants get the facility of direct debit 12 times a year under the monthly payment choice.


### Bimonthly

While following the bimonthly schedule, banks usually clear direct debit transactions twice in a given month. These direct debits can occur on any two dates in a given month from 1st through to the 28th day as per your requirements. Bimonthly or twice monthly direct debits get cleared 24 times annually. 


## What are the benefits of direct debit?

If you are still on the fence about whether or not to opt for direct debit and what is the benefit of direct debit for rental payments, we can help you browse through six sensible pointers that indicate its utility. 

### Proves as a time-saving option

In today’s hard and fast life, we want to optimise our tasks as much as possible. Direct debit helps you in avoiding the troubles associated with going through the online payment initiation process every time or visiting your tenant with cash during each rent payment cycle. Your rent will get deposited automatically in a safe and timely manner into your landlord’s account. You save a lot of your critical time using landlord direct debit transfers.

### Helps in avoiding administrative hassles

Back in the day, both landlords and tenants often felt frustrated with the administrative issues regarding transferring and collecting rents every week or month. No landlord wants to go on knocking on their tenant’s door demanding payment each rental cycle. Direct debit assures that the rent will get deposited on the slated date without the chain of hassles that one would have to face otherwise.

### Enables to keep late rent penalties away

Most tenants dread missing out on their periodic rental payments with the possibility of penalties regarding delayed payments. If any one of the two parties is out of town traveling during the time of the due date for the rent, the conventional payment methods of cheques or cash might lead to delays and penalties. Direct debit offers you respite from the stress of missing out on your rent on the deadline. It helps minimise instances of late penalties. 

### Acts as a reliable method of payment

Are you worried about the trustworthiness of a direct debit option for your rental payments? Well, there is no need to fret. Direct debit services that recognised banks offer are quite secure and reliable. The deduction of the rental payment under direct debit will take place only as per the instructions and schedule that you specify. Furthermore, you have the option to make changes to these instructions anytime.


### Offers required flexibility as and when needed

Landlord direct debit alternative comes with added flexibility as it allows tenants to set up their payments as per their requirements in line with their rental agreement. You can change the schedule, rent amount, and account details anytime without investing considerable time according to your necessities. 

### Allows you to present a better image before your landlord

Direct debit comes with the advantages of on-time payments without any administrative troubles for the landlords. They are more likely to retain a tenant who showcases such sign of regularity in payments and do not cause much troubles. Tenants can expect to prolong your lease arrangement and even negotiate for a better terms once they create a positive image in the minds of their landlords.

## Direct your payments in the right direction with the landlord direct debit option!

Direct debit option surely comes with sizable benefits for both tenants and landlords. The setting up process for a direct debit transaction for your rent expense is also instantaneous with RentOnCloud powered by GoCardless. We are working on an integrated platform where the Landlord can set up their own GoCardless account. You should lower the headaches related to your ongoing rental transactions with direct debit. [Stay tuned to RentonCloud]https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord) for more such resourceful information!


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The setting up process for a direct debit transaction for your rent expense is also instantaneous with RentOnCloud powered by GoCardless.

6 Reasons Why Tenants Prefer To Pay Rent via Direct Debit

There are more and more people working from home, and this trend is only going to continue. If you are a landlord, it's important to be aware of your tenants' rights when it comes to working from home. In most cases, landlords do not have a problem with tenants who work from home as long as they follow the rules. If you're a tenant who works from home, you may be wondering what your landlord should know about it. You may also be wondering what to expect in terms of things like noise levels and other types of disturbances. In this post, we'll cover both of those topics and more. Keep reading to get the details!

## What are the Rights of Tenants working from home?

Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of their rental house, which includes the right to work from home without interference from their landlord.

Renters should make sure that they are not breaking any rules by working from home. For example, some rent agreements may prohibit commercial activity in the rental property. If you are unsure whether or not you are allowed to work from home, you should check your rental agreement or ask your landlord for clarification.

## Do Tenants need to take permission from the landlord to work from home?

In most cases, tenants will need to get permission from their landlord before they can start working from home. This is because landlords usually have rules about commercial activity in residential units. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the tenant is only working from home occasionally or for a short period of time, they may not need to get permission from their landlord. 

## What are the activities considered generic in nature while Work from 

There are few action items you should expect from your landlord and it is equally important that your landlord should know exactly what you are doing at home as a business activity. For starters, it's important to make sure both you and your landlord are on the same page about what working from home entails. 

Some people might consider working from home to just mean taking a few work calls or responding to emails while in their robes and slippers, while others might consider it requiring them to be in the same room as their workspace. Whatever definition you and your landlord agree on, be sure to communicate this so there are no surprises down the road. 

## Additionally, there are some logistics landlords should keep in mind when tenants work from home. 

For example, if tenants have clients coming over for meetings, landlords might want to take appropriate building insurance and tenants shall also need to be responsible for content insurance . By communicating with each other and understanding each other's needs, tenants and landlords can have a smooth experience when one of them starts working from home.

### Work environment of a Tenant

Tenants who are working from home should also be aware of the potential noise and other nuisances that they may be causing. For example, tenants should make sure that they are not making too much noise during business hours. Tenants should also be considerate of their neighbours and not allow their work to interfere with their neighbours' peace and quiet.

If you're a landlord, it's important to know the law when it comes to tenants who work from home

As a landlord, you should be aware of the law when it comes to tenants who work from home. In most cases, there is no issue with this – but there are a few things you need to be aware of.

The first thing to be aware of is that you cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant permission to work from home. If the tenant has a legitimate reason for wanting to do this, then you cannot refuse them without good reason.

There are also certain restrictions on what a tenant can do while working from home. It is best to refer to the Landlord insurance policy or Management terms (if apartment). Usually there are standard terms that the tenants cannot use the property for commercial purposes, and they must not cause any nuisance or disturbance to their neighbours.

If you have any concerns about a tenant working from home, or if you think they are violating any of the terms of their tenancy agreement, you should speak to them about it. If they are not complying with the agreement, you may be able to take action against them.

## Pros and Cons for both landlords and tenants when it comes to tenants working from home:

### For Landlords:

**1. Increased security** – when tenants are working from home, it means that there is always someone in the property at all times, which can help to deter crime.

**2. Increased wear and tear** – with someone actually living in the property and working, there is a high chance of damage or wear and tear taking place.

**3. Opportunity to Increase rent** – as the tenant is occupying the property full-time, landlords may be able to increase the rent amount if the use of the house is extended for commercial use such as; visits of customers, exhibitions or displays etc.

### For Tenants:

**1. Increased flexibility and freedom** – with no need to commute, tenants can have more flexibility in terms of their hours and working from home can be a great way to achieve a better work-life balance.

**2. Increased productivity** – many people find that they are more productive when they work from home, as they have fewer distractions.

**3. Reduced stress levels** – working from home often means less stress, as there is no need to battle through traffic or crowds in order to get to work.


## Conclusion for Landlords: what they must know and follow an action plan?

1. Make sure you have a good understanding of your tenant's work situation before signing any Rent agreement and 
2.  You have appropriate Building and Content  insurance coverage.
3.  Communicate with your tenant if there are any concerns or problems that arise.
4.  Encourage your tenant to get involved in their community and make friends with their neighbours

### Conclusion for Tenants: what are the key takeaway while working from home

1. If a tenant is working from home, they need to decide whether public liability insurance is needed for a separate office space in the house.
2. Have the content damage insurance coverage in place.
3. Check whether sufficient space is available. If it requires major alteration, then proper communication with the Landlord is needed.
4. They may need more storage for their work-related items. Tenants should be ordering and paying for their own furniture for work if needed unless agreed otherwise with the Landlord.
5. Tenants should check broadband coverage,  likely requiring high-speed internet access and plenty of bandwidth.
6. Landlords should provide them with a list of approved home businesses written on a rental agreement in case they want to start their own.
7. Renters may need to adjust their hours so that they are not too disruptive to other tenants in the building if it is shared or living in an apartment with multiple units or flats.


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Are you a tenant who works from home? Wondering what to expect and how to get started? Check out for tips and advice for both landlords and tenants!


Tenants Who Work From Home: What to Expect and Landlord Must Know

The real estate market remains one of the most lucrative investing alternatives in the UK. As per [Statistia’s report](https://www.statista.com/statistics/747000/residential-property-value-in-the-uk/), the British residential real estate property market value has surged to $7.2 trillion between 2015 to 2020. However, this investment realm can feel quite confounding for a newbie. The process of property buying is expensive and time-intensive.

Especially, as someone wanting to acquire a buy-to-let property, you need to reckon many do’s and don'ts that can help you maximise your returns. The task of looking out for properties, purchasing a good one, and then renting it out to become a landlord can seem like an uphill battle. You must consider preparing for this mission with thorough research and guidance.
    

Team RentonCloud wants to share its words of wisdom to help beginners in the buy-to-let property area to put their best foot forward. Let’s begin with some basics about buy-to-let property investment.

## Understanding the meaning of buy-to-let properties

Buy-to-let properties represent real estate properties that an entity acquires with the primary purpose of being leased out to suitable tenants under a rent agreement. 

## General types of buy-to-let properties


### Regular vanilla buy-to-let properties

These denote flats, studios, or 3-4 bedroom homes that most landlords undertake for buy-to-let purposes. Since they are the most common forms of buy-to-let properties, they get recognized as vanilla buy-to-lets.

	
### Multi-unit freehold blocks

This type of property refers to a single freehold block or building that has different, independent, and distinct residential sections with demarcated access points. The landlord rents out each of the sections separately under a model AST (Assured shorthold tenancy) agreement. Professional real estate entities prefer such multi-unit freehold blocks to generate significant cash flow in the long run.

### HMOs (Houses in multiple occupations)

HMOs represent residential units where different tenants are given exclusive access to certain areas of the property with shared living areas such as kitchen, bathroom, or the living room. The landlord has the option to lease out the HMO property with one AST agreement for all the tenants or each tenant has a distinct agreement. 

### Semi-commercial buy-to-let properties

Such buy-to-let areas properties are a mix of residential and commercial rental units. Flats with shops and office spaces, restaurants and guesthouses with a segregated owner’s residence space are some examples of semi-commercial buy-to-let properties. 

## Choosing the ideal property

### Location

The better the location, the more rent you can expect for your property. Tenants will be willing to rent a place that promises better amenities and proximity to essential services like public transportation, schools, and hotels, and supermarket stores. A decent neighbourhood and low crime instances are also a plus. As a landlord, you should choose a property with a location stands up to such parameters that can lead to an increased demand from renters and thus a higher amount of rent. 

### Condition of the property

Along with the location, you must also account for the overall condition of the potential house property. Scrutinise the essential aspects such as the age of the property, the owner’s background, the possibility of any problems, warranties, safety certifications, and the need for renovations. You must ensure that the past owner/landlord complies with all legal requirements before selling the property to you. 

### Personal budget

The amount available after combining your personal savings and approved loans is the fundamental factor while choosing the property. You need to strike the balance between getting a premier property and affordability. Your budget is the threshold that you need to sustain while selecting the prospective houses. 

### Sourcing for financing options

There are various avenues for landlords to fulfill their buy-to-let mortgage requirements. However, while applying for loans, you must consider factors like:
 
### Personal credit rating

Bad credit scores can affect your ability to get buy-to-let mortgages to finance your rental property. A credit score less than 700 in the model scores up to 999 is considered in the category of poor. You need to factor in the available loan options in line with your prevailing credit score.

### Proportion of debt in comparison to your earnings

The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is another critical factor that lenders assess before giving out the buy-to-let loan. Most banking and financial institutions permit a DTI in the range of 20 percent to 50 percent in the UK in line with your credit score. Ideally, it is best to keep your DTI up to 20 percent to avoid unnecessary risks. Again, most banks prefer to give out mortgages to people who can gain rent that is 25 to 30 percent more than the loan obligations payable. 	

### Downpayment obligation

The upfront payment on buy-to-let mortgages in the UK is usually 25 percent of the potential property value. This percentage can vary from lender to lender.  

### Available savings

Technically, it is desirable to have accumulated savings that is sufficient to meet 3-6 months of the loan obligations payable along with your other essentials. It is always best to mindful of the possibility of no-rent for some part of the year.

### Returns on investment in buy-to-let properties

**The basic way to calculate the return you generate on your buy-to-let investment is to use the following formula:**

**(Annual rental income- Operating expenses for the year)/ Mortgage value**

## Consult RentonCloud to grasp more integral matters regarding buy-to-let properties!

Investing and managing buy-to-let property as a beginner can be a challenging endeavour. Fret not, experts at [RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) can offer techno-savvy assistance to ease the entire process. We have a community of landlords as well as tenants and even offer property tax advise for landlords. Consult us now to ease your life as a landlord!










 











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We help beginners in the buy-to-let property area to put their best foot forward. Let’s begin with some basics about buy-to-let property investment.


Basics of Buying a Buy-to-Let Property for Landlord as a Beginner

So, you’ve just moved into a new place in the UK. And it’s hot. [Heat waves are a real issue in the UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwave-plan-for-england), notified in recent years post COVID19, and it’s hard to avoid them. That’s why it’s important for tenants to stay cool and safe from this heatwave. Unfortunately, some buildings have done a terrible job of preparing for the heat. Here are tips on how to stay cool without breaking the bank:

 
## Heatwaves occurrence in the UK, is this normal?

A Heat wave is a sudden and intense temperature increase that can be found in tropical or subtropical areas of the world but is unusual in the UK. Heat waves are not supposed to be common in the UK, however this is forecasted with an estimated frequency of one per year going forward. It should usually happen during periods of high humidity and air temperatures reach uncomfortable levels.

 
## How do Heat waves happen

Heat waves are caused by the Earth's atmosphere becoming too warm, especially when there is a lack of wind or rain. The heat from the sun melts ice on top of the ground, which then causes water to seep through the cracks in the surface and into buildings. This heated water then creates an intense thunderstorm that can cause destruction and damage to buildings and people.

 
## What can tenants do to stay cool during a Heat wave

Many things can help tenants stay cool during a Heat wave including wearing comfortable clothes, using air-conditioning if available, drinking cold drinks, staying out of direct sunlight, and avoiding working in close proximity to windows or heaters (unless you need to).

 
## Tenants can help keep their home cool during a Heat wave

If you live in a building with air conditioning, take the time to adjust your cooling habits to the new heatwave. Make sure to turn off all devices that can generate heat (like fans and computers) when you’re not using them, and drink plenty of water during hot weather. You may also want to consider joining a community group who share similar cooling needs.

 
## Make sure your home is well-maintained

Make sure your home is clean and free of debris as possible so that your unit can run at its best. Keep windows closed, turn off lights when you go outside, and avoid leaving doors open during the day or night.

 
## Know your cooling options

When it comes to choosing how to keep your home cool during a Heat wave, there are many options available. You can choose between air conditioning or heating pump (air to air or water to air generator), but both options have their pros and cons. Air conditioning can be more expensive than heating, but it’s often faster and more efficient – so if you have an AC unit or plan to have it, it should be turned on as soon as possible in order to stay comfortable throughout the day/night. However, if you choose heating pump over air conditioning, make sure you factor in the cost of installation, the landlord permission and regular maintenance fees – especially if you live in an older building with old wiring or pipes).

 
## Join a community group to help keep your home cool

There are many groups that focus on keeping homes cool during Heat waves – some even offer discounts for memberships! If you’d like to find out more about joining a community group that works towards keeping homes cool during Heat waves, check out social media websites like Facebook or Twitter for information about upcoming events or gatherings near you which will allow residents of buildings with AC units the opportunity to come together and save money on their energy bill!

 
## Tips for staying cool during a Heat wave

When it comes to staying cool during a heat wave, storing your drinks and cans in an easily accessible location is a great way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. For example, if you have a home cinema system, make sure to place movie cans and drinks in an easily accessible location.

Additionally, make sure that your home has air conditioning. This will help keep you and your loved ones cool and comfortable while staying inside during a heat wave.

 
## Make sure your home has air conditioning

Air conditioning can be a great way to stay cool in the UK this summer weather. When possible, try to buy an air conditioned property so that you can save money on rent as well as stay comfortably cooled off during peak hours.

In addition, make sure that you use fans to keep your home cool. Fanning yourself down can be very uncomfortable and can even lead to death in some cases – choose fanning wisely!

 
## Use fans to keep your home cool

If you want to stay cool during this heatwave, using Fans may be the best option for you! By using fans, you’ll be able to keep yourself and your loved ones comfortable while staying inside their homes during peak hours- perfect for keeping those pesky British summer days under control!

 
## Keep drinking water, increase intake and grow plants

It is essential to be hydrated and more particular during this period. Carry a bottle of water if you travel and should try to avoid long travel if you can. 

 
## Conclusion


Heat waves are not a common occurrence in the UK, but natural impacts may be due to global warming that will soon be realised and tenants should take note of some tips to stay cool during a Heat wave. By creating escape plans and well-maintained homes, you can minimise the chances of getting suffocated or having your home ruined in the event of a heat wave. In addition, join community groups to keep your home cool during a Heat wave – by doing so you can help others stay safe and comfortable. Finally, drink water for cooling in case of an emergency. Thank you for reading!


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From heatwave to heat tourism, learn how tenants and homeowners can stay cool in the UK this heatwave.



How Tenants Can Stay Cool Amidst This Heatwave

Tenant deposit returns are a sensitive topic for landlords. Landlords want to ensure that they return the correct amount and follow all required procedures.

The tenant deposit return checklist is produced to help landlords to manage the tenant deposit return process. This checklist will allow landlords to avoid making mistakes and prevent them from getting into trouble with tenants.

This checklist contains 12 golden rules landlords must follow in order to ensure that tenants' deposits are returned as efficiently as possible.

**Basic Tenant Deposit Return Guidelines**

Tenants can request a refund of their deposit if they move out of a property. The landlord must return the deposit within a specified time period in accordance with the tenant's agreement and give a written explanation of why they withheld any money in case if landlord do.
A tenant's deposit equals one month rent. However, this can change and can be capped at five weeks of rent according to prevailing mandatory rules.

If the landlord finds damage to the property or has to perform work due to something the tenant did not do intentionally but happened because of an accident, the landlord can withhold a portion or all of the deposit.

**Tips for Returning a Tenant's Deposit**

Tenants who pay their rent on time and leave the property in good condition are entitled to have their full security deposit back. It is always recommended to opt for Govt appointed deposit protection organisation and preferably a custodial scheme where money is kept by third party.

Tenants must always be familiar with the terms of any agreement they make to landlords. Tenants should be able to understand what is expected of them when they leave the property. Once a tenant has met all of their obligations, it's time to return the security deposit.
Tenants can seek assistance from appointed deposit protection agencies or citizen advice bureaus in UK if there are any doubts about the amount owed.

 
## 1) Keep an inventory log or document with images

This is an important step and it may be worth your time to use RentOnCloud Inventory documentation feature. Keep track of landlord possessions, inventory check-in logs, or document collections that include images. RentOnCloud app allows you to digitally sign this.

## 2) Communicating with tenants during the entire renting process.

Maintain regular communication with Tenants regarding issues during their stay. Also, have guide through forums to understand how to deal with them. Be aware of issues such as rent disputes, property damage and payment of bills (electricity, water). It is important to have an open and honest dialogue with your tenants.

 
## 3) Perform a thorough periodic inspection of the premises and check-out record


Landlords must assess the condition of the carpets, wall, furniture, and garden using the inventory at the beginning of the tenancy. They should also note any damage or modifications to their condition. Landlords must also ensure that the check out report is as accurate as possible and is as concise and clear as possible.

 
## 4) Tenants are entitled to attend check-outs process

Landlords should give tenants the opportunity for an inventory check-out process, and allow them to discuss or reject any findings. A professional service can be used by letting agents for their check out process.

 
## 5) Keep in touch regarding the check-out report

Students tenants and their landlords, or their agents, should exchange up-to-date mobile phone numbers in order to be able to call, text, or email each other during the check-out process. Keep copies of all communications and especially any disputes or delays, as an adjudicator may want to see the steps taken by the landlord to reach an agreement.

 
## 6) Ask the tenant to sign the check-out documents


Tenants should be reminded by their landlords or agents to sign the check-out document. It is unlikely that a tenant will disagree with the findings of the report if he or she does not sign it, such as after seven to eight days.


## 7) Use date-stamped images

The ability to stamp photos with a date allows landlords to clearly show damage that is not beyond the "reasonable wear and tear" for the duration of the tenancy. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of a dispute following check-out. Even if they don't have date stamping software, landlords or letting agents can still send images electronically for adjudicators to check for the date information.

 
## 8) Learn the most recent rules regarding cleaning

The landlord cannot ask a tenant to clean up the property in the same way it was when the tenancy began. Tenants are not required to pay third-party cleaning fees under the [Tenant Fees Act 2019](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tenant-fees-act).

 
## 9) Tenant cannot use their deposit money to pay rent arrears

Tenants are not allowed to ask for their deposit money in order to cover rent arrears or the last month's rent before they move out.

 
## 10) Use neutral language in a dispute or claim

Landlords or letting agents should not use emotive language when describing a property's state during a dispute or claim. Tenants may view evidence or documents that contain words like 'disgusting' as part of a dispute. This could increase tension.

## 11) Before you file a claim, be aware of the true condition of the property.

Tenants who have lived in a property for many years may not be able to recall its original decor or condition. Tenants who fail to meet their obligations under a tenancy agreement should expect reasonable deductions.

 
## 12) Take photos of your final energy readings

Tenants must ensure that they take final gas/electricity meter readings. They should do this using their mobile phone or another electronic device and then pass them on to the energy supplier. A copy should be sent to the landlord/letting agent.


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This checklist contains 12 golden rules landlords must follow in order to ensure that tenants' deposits are returned as efficiently as possible.


Top 12 Checklists for Rent Deposit Returns

Top 12 Checklists for Rent Deposit Returns: What to-do for Landlord & Tenant

As landlords review the successes and downfalls of the rental sector throughout 2021, they will also be preparing for what 2022 will have in store. 
 
Planning accordingly will ensure that changes to the market will not come as a surprise and business will remain buoyant.
 
In the rental market, different factors and trends continue to influence tenant decisions, which is why it is vital that landlords are aware of these and adapt accordingly.
 
## PropTech to make the process easier
 
Since the Covid-19 pandemic started in March 2020, there has been a need to limit the amount of contact during the pre-tenancy process. Recent talks about the Omicron variant indicate that further restrictions in the UK could come into action in 2022. This also means that a contactless process will remain a priority. 
 
Although this is in line with Covid restrictions, it also makes the process more efficient and convenient. For example, signing a tenancy agreement document online is far less time-consuming than commuting and doing this in person. 
 
Overall, PropTech makes online communication the focus. Relationships with tenants and landlords can be built online and landlords can share information and run business operations from any location. 
 
## Green homes will continue to generate appeal
 
Tenants are increasingly aware of the impact their carbon footprint has on the environment. As knowledge about this issue expands, we can expect to see green homes becoming highly sought-after. 
 
In a survey recently conducted by [Halifax](https://www.whatmortgage.co.uk/news/how-boosting-energy-efficiency-can-add-up-to-40k-to-your-home/), two-thirds of the participants stated that they would feel proud of their home if it was environmentally-friendly. 

In addition to this, much attention has been placed on the removal of gas boilers by 2035 because they emit carbon emissions which lead to global warming. In an attempt to tackle this, the [government aims to launch](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5000-heat-pump-grants-revealed-in-new-boiler-upgrade-scheme-a2pkX5r2YTNL) a scheme where landlords and homeowners receive grants to replace their gas boilers with energy-efficient heat pumps. 
 
With increasing awareness of how daily routines can have a detrimental impact on the environment, landlords are being urged to make changes to their homes to ensure they do not miss out on this trend. 
 
Green homes are likely to become increasingly in-demand as climate issues continue to dominate the news agenda, and this could lead to tenants placing more emphasis on the EPC rating of a home and its energy efficiency. 
 
## Demand will continue to outstrip supply
 
In an attempt to overcome the supply and demand problem, the government has put forward plans to contribute £11.5 billion towards new homes. 

During the Autumn Budget, the chancellor revealed that up to 180,000 new homes, including 160,000 on brownfield land, will be built. Although this is a large number, it is not enough to tackle the current supply and demand imbalance.

Recent figures from [the local government association](https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/housing-and-planning/house-building-england) reveal that during the last decade England has only built around 130,500 properties each year, yet the country needs 250,000 new homes per year.
 
As a result, demand can be expected to continue to outstrip supply and impact rental trends in 2022. Landlords can expect the market to be a competitive one and this could also result in a further price hike of rents.

Between June and September this year, offices reopened and workers returned to the city. According to [Zoopla](https://www.mortgagefinancegazette.com/lending-news/buy-to-let/rental-costs-rocket-demand-outstrips-supply-finds-zoopla-16-11-2021/), during this period alone, renting in the capital rose by 4.7%, proving how much of an impact Covid restrictions have on the rental market.

Furthermore, the Omicron variant could cause changes in tenant values and trends when renting a property, so it’s a good idea for landlords to keep their finger on the pulse when it comes to updates regarding Covid-19. 

By using our tools including chat threads and rental agreements, landlords can improve their renting experience and relationship with tenants. Find out more about our service [here](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord).


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Advantages of Being a DIY Landlord and How to Maximize Them?

6 Reasons Why Tenants Prefer To Pay Rent via Direct Debit

Tenants Who Work From Home: What to Expect and Landlord Must Know

Basics of Buying a Buy-to-Let Property for Landlord as a Beginner

How Tenants Can Stay Cool Amidst This Heatwave

Top 12 Checklists for Rent Deposit Returns: What to-do for Landlord & Tenant

Rental Trends for 2022 - What Could We See?