Imagine a tenant refusing to vacate your property or having a noisy tenant who you want to immediately get rid of! Unfortunately, some unlucky landlords had to bear these scenarios every now and then across the world. In such a case, your tenancy agreement can play an instrumental role. 

In England and Wales, you are not legally bound to have a tenancy agreement as a landlord. You can set the tenancy terms orally, but things are different elsewhere. 

Well, it is best to have the tenancy terms informal only if you know your tenant in advance or have complete trust in him. So, if you are planning to renting your property soon or looking for rental accommodation, acquire some knowledge about the importance of tenancy agreements. 

## Reduces Potential Conflicts
 
As a tenant, do you know your options when you have paid the security deposit to your landlord, and your landlord claim to not receive the same? In such a scenario, having a tenancy agreement will help you get back your deposit without any hassles. Remember, a tenancy agreement clearly mentions the deposit amount and ways it will be protected. 

Yes, in case of intentional or unintentional damage to the property caused by you, a partial amount of the same can be deducted. Still, you can be assured of getting back the rest of the amount. A tenancy agreement is signed by both parties, so the conflict is resolved without any argument.

Again, a tenancy agreement often mentions certain dos and don’ts, like whether pets are allowed or not and the person responsible for conducting the minor repair works. With such clarity, it becomes easier for you as a tenant to know your landlord's expectations. At the end of the day, you can reduce any potential conflicts.   

## Serves As An Address Proof

Whether you are applying for a bank loan or willing to opt for a vehicle registration, you need documents, among which your address proof is essential. Your tenancy agreement qualifies as address proof. The reason is that it mentions your name, the start and end of tenancy date, and the full address of the property where you are living as a tenant. 

It also serves as valid address proof for preparing vital documents like a college identification card or driving licence. Although the documents demanded by UK banks vary from one bank to the other, a well-written tenancy agreement is a legal contract. So, it is accepted by most banks to open a bank account.  

## Protection from Illegal Eviction
 
Illegal eviction is a criminal offence, but that doesn't deter some landlords from forcing you to move out of their rental property. In such a scenario, your tenancy agreement can rescue you! Even if you are not getting any help from the police officers, you can be assured of getting justice. After all, a forceful eviction violates the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. So, the landlord must apply in court to evict you legally.
 
Having clearly drafted tenancy agreement is thus necessary for both tenants and landlords to protect their individual rights. Due to a lack of knowledge, sometimes it does not include many things to avoid misinterpretation by any of the two parties involved. 

The good news is that plenty of online property management platforms are available and offer a robust tenancy agreement within no time. Moreover, some also facilitate eSign and store the same digitally on a secured server. As a landlord, such a [property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) also helps in the free listing of your rental properties and offers a thorough screening of your potential tenants to eliminate future problems.  



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If you are planning to renting your property soon or looking for rental accommodation, acquire some knowledge about the importance of tenancy agreements. 

Why Are Tenancy Agreements Important?

Are you moving to a new house? This can be exciting and stressful. So a lot of planning is needed in advance. Remember, boxing up all your belongings is a time-consuming affair. Again if you are not well prepared, it can cost you a lot of money! Surely, you would not like to spend money unnecessarily, especially when you can use the same in decorating your new home. So, let’s have a look at some of the mind-blowing money-saving tips while moving home. So, here we go. 

## De-clutter your home

Packing all the things in boxes makes no sense when there are plenty of broken or unused items. So, create a checklist of all the items. Identify the things that you can sell, throw away, or donate. This will help to reduce the cost significantly as the more you have, the more you will likely have to pay for the house removal service. Remember, while decluttering your home, you may come across some items that can be recycled, which means more savings! 

## Organize a yard sale

Once you have decluttered your home and know the things you want to sell, organize a yard sale. You can sell anything, such as houseware, plants, books, jars, etc. Moreover, you can also sell any furniture or any electrical appliance you would like to replace with a new one! Selling unused items by organizing a yard sale means having extra cash for removal service.  

## Don’t buy removal boxes

Think about asking your friends, relatives, colleagues or neighbours who have recently moved and have some spare removal boxes. You can also get some removal boxes for free from your nearest furniture or retail store. Do not forget to check at supermarkets as they usually receive their stock in big-sized cardboard boxes and will be happy to help you before sending the rest of the boxes to some recycling centre. Try to get cardboard boxes of different sizes to have the right-sized boxes for all the things you want to pack. 

## Pack smartly

Be creative during packaging, and instead of spending your hard-earned money on purchasing removal supplies like bubble wrap rolls and paper blankets, make use of old newspapers, towels, blankets, or even old clothes. You can safely use these stuff for cushioning your fragile items from any possible damage during moving, and yes, label all your boxes carefully. 

## Consider moving yourself

Hiring the services of a removal company can be costly. So, try to look for other options, like moving with the help of your close friends. Rent a moving vehicle, and you can actually save a lot. 

## Consider the cheapest day
 
If you think moving is not your cup of tea, book a removal company but consider the cheapest day for moving home. Although the cheapest day can vary from one location to other, you can consider moving home on Sunday, as most people choose Friday or Saturday so that they can have some time to settle in before resuming their work routine. This way, you can surely save some money. Also, don’t forget to compare the quotes of several removal companies to have the best deal! 

## Consume perishable food items

Do you have fresh fruits, vegetables or some milk in your refrigerator? Do you have some bottles of pickles, cranberry juice, or anything else that can leak and spoil your packed goods? If yes, it is highly advisable to consume them before moving home. This will avoid any additional expenses caused due to spillage. 

Lastly, don’t ever forget to keep a separate box for essentials such as can openers, first-aid kits, toiletries, eating utensils, canned food, etc. This will help you to save a lot of time and effort after moving into your new home. Also, if you are moving to rented accommodation, think about saving some more money by smartly paying your rent, storing your rent agreement, and managing all the receipts via [online property management software](https://www.rentoncloud.com/). 



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Are you moving to a new house? This can be exciting and stressful. So, let’s have a look at some of the mind-blowing money-saving tips while moving home.

Money Saving Tips While Moving Home

Are you a landlord concerned about difficult tenants? Are you worried about possible property damage or other problems with your tenants? Maybe you are overthinking, and you will never encounter these problems. Still, knowing what you must do if you experience all these can benefit you in the long run. Property management is not easy, but with knowledge and experience, you can have a smooth journey. Things can be tougher if you have multiple rental properties. So, here are some actions to take before and after renting your property. So, let's have a look.

## Before renting
 
### Following are the actions you can take even before renting out your property. 


#### Go for tenant screening

Some tenants can make your life difficult by making late payments, creating excessive noise, or worse, damaging your property. So, instead of facing these problems, opt for a thorough tenant screening. This way, you could be able to select the right tenants. Various online property management platforms offer an AI-blockchain-powered screening program to make the job easier for you. Such a program can also evaluate whether a tenant can afford the monthly rent or not? Such a piece of information could help you immensely to avoid problems of late rental payments. 
 
#### Make a list of your inventory

Start with making a detailed list of all the items in your rental property. This will be especially helpful if your property is well-furnished. It would be best to take photos of each room of your rental property from different angles. This move will help you evaluate the extent of damage in a worst-case scenario. 
 
#### Make a legally sound agreement

Your tenancy agreement is the document that can protect your interest as a landlord. So, it must be legally sound. It must include all the necessary details, such as the rental price, payment mode, security amount, property address, etc. Also, the start and end date of the tenancy, whether or not it is possible to do early tenancy termination or the person responsible for conducting small repair works (if any), and so on. 

## After renting

### Following are the actions that you must take after renting out your property.

#### Maintain effective communication

Having clear communication can resolve many problems. So convey your expectations clearly and try to be a good listener. If your tenant is not paying the rent on time, immediately call to ask the reason and then follow up. If you do not take action, your tenant will think that it is easy to stay without paying the rent month after month. Make sure to communicate via mail about late payments to have some written record as proof. If you are tired of reminding them repeatedly, convey that he must be ready to risk an early eviction. Establishing clear boundaries, such as a policy of no pets or no nails on the walls, can prove helpful for avoiding unpleasant experiences due to difficult tenants. 
 
#### Conduct routine inspections

Even if everything is going smoothly, you must make a rule of conducting routine inspections of your rental property. This can be twice a year or more, depending on whether you fear any potential property damage or not. The move will help you to resolve the maintenance issues before things go out of hand. For more clarity, you can compare the before and after photographs to evaluate the damage (if any). 

Lastly, if eviction seems the only option, go for the same and once again have complete control of your property. Moreover, it is best to have an [online property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) that you can access anytime! With the help of such a platform, you could learn to come out strong as a landlord. 



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Things can be tougher if you have multiple rental properties. So, here are some actions to take before and after renting your property.

Concerned About Problems with Tenants - What To Do?

Do you know that the global property management software market size may reach $2.70 billion by the end of 2030? Well, the residential segment is fuelling this growth, and landlords are fully aware of this development. Moreover, among these software programs, cloud-based platforms are enjoying dominance in the market (market share-61.13 %) as in such a case, there is no cost of installation and affordability. 

So, if you are a landlord and looking for property management software to increase your ROI, it is high time that you know the numerous ways; these platforms are making things easier for landlords and tenants.  

## Benefits for Landlords

- Attractive listing of your rental properties on its online platform. Such platforms also facilitate listing on popular property listing websites like Zoopla, Rightmove, Primelocation, and Gumtree.
- Thorough background check for selecting the right renters via trusted screening programs. It is vital to remember that poor quality tenants can make your life hell by late rental payments, causing intentional or unintentional damage to your property, creating excessive noise, and in the worst case having a criminal record! It also gives information about whether your rental applicants are in debt or not to have a brief understanding of their current financial situation. A thorough tenant screening can also save you from any legal issues(if any). 
- Easy access to powerful tools for creating rental agreements, bookkeeping, and automatic collection of rent. Some property management platforms also offer tools for easy chatting with your tenants and hassle-free maintenance of your property. 

## Benefits for Tenants

- Easy property search and quick application for rent with confidence 
- Seamless tracking of rental payments and safe storage of rent agreement
- Availability of smart tools for quick screening of landlords to help in making an informed decision
- Facility to set up a wishlist to find a property as a tenant 
- Tools for easy management of rental payments 
- Setting up a direct debit system if the landlord's preference is an online payment 
- Monthly update of the rental invoice for keeping track of invoices
- Easy communication with the landlord without revealing phone number or email address
- Notifications about due rentals, repair requests, rent agreement renewal requests, etc. 
- Facilitates communication with a handyman for quick repairs

Thus, property management platforms are advantageous for landlords like you and rental applicants. Built by a UK-based company, RentOnCloud is a similar [property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) that is user-friendly. The cloud-based platform uses blockchain–powered Zypass screening to ensure accurate background checks in a few seconds. It also helps you to go paperless with its built-in digital sign tool that empowers your tenant to sign the rent agreements digitally from any device.



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If you are a landlord and looking for property management software to increase your ROI, it is high time that you know the numerous ways; these platforms are making things easier for landlords and tenants.  

How Property Management Platforms Are Making Things Easier For Landlords & Tenants

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!


Why Are Tenancy Agreements Important?

Why Are Tenancy Agreements Important?

Money Saving Tips While Moving Home

Concerned About Problems with Tenants - What To Do?

How Property Management Platforms Are Making Things Easier For Landlords & Tenants

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

Keeping A Rental Property Safe This Winter - The Top Tips

5 Common Questions for Tenant Referencing to Ask from Rental Enquiries

Top 5 Considerations When Buying Rental Properties

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

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