The landlord property management sector in England underwent a major transformation with the introduction of the [Renters Reform Bill](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/renters-reform-bill) on May 17th, 2023. This legislation established a single, government-approved ‘Private Rented Sector Ombudsman’ to provide “fair, impartial, & binding resolutions” for tenant complaints. Designed to be faster and less confrontational than court proceedings, this new system applies to most, but not all, private landlords in England.

1. The PRSO currently applies to landlords who are registered businesses or letting agents.
2. Landlords who are individual private owners are not obligated to use the PRSO scheme but are still bound by relevant tenancy legislation.

In these cases, both tenants and landlords can seek guidance from their local council or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for alternative dispute resolution procedures.

## The Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code

To complement this system and ensure a more efficient complaint-resolution process for tenants, the Housing Ombudsman (HO) has introduced the [Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code](https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.Complaint-Handling-Code-2024.pdf). Effective April 1st, 2024, this mandatory code outlines a clear framework for all landlords (including individual owners) to address tenant complaints efficiently and fairly.

### The HO’s complaint handling code outlines these key elements of effective complaint handling for landlords:

**Accessibility-**Provide multiple complaint channels (phone/email/online, etc.) for easy tenant access.
**Transparency-** Maintain a clear complaints policy outlining stages, procedures, & timeframes. Make the policy readily available to tenants.
**Timeliness-** Landlords are required to respond to complaints within 10 working days.
**Communication-**Deliver clear, easy-to-understand responses, explaining decisions when necessary.
**Confidentiality-** Handle all complaints confidentially.
**Equality-**Offer equal access to the complaints process for all tenants, with reasonable adjustments for disabilities.
**Fairness-**Train staff to recognize complaints and handle them impartially.
**Appeals-** Establish a clear appeals process and provide valid reasons for refusing escalation.
**Record-Keeping-** Maintain detailed records of all complaints and related communication.

## Complaint Process: How to Handle Noise Complaints from Tenants?

The following example focuses on noise complaints, but the general process applies to all types of tenant concerns. Here’s a breakdown:

**Inform tenants of their right to contact their local council, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or the Housing Ombudsman throughout the process of receiving the complaint. **
**Assign a dedicated person or team to handle the complaint.**
**Maintain clear communication. Acknowledge complaints within 2 days and keep tenants informed about time frames and escalation options.**
**Seek agreement from tenants when resolving concerns. Document all agreements/disagreements.**

## How to Respond to Complaints?

Acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 2 working days (via email or letter). Investigate the complaint thoroughly, which may involve consulting experts, examining the property, or reviewing maintenance records. After the investigation, draft a formal response that includes:

- Acknowledgement of the complaint, including the date it was received.
- Summary of the issue(s) raised by the tenant.
- Final decision: “complaint upheld,” “complaint partially-upheld,” or “complaint not upheld.” 
- Clear justifications for the decision reached (refer to relevant legislation or tenancy agreement clauses).
- Explanation of the Stage Two appeal process (if applicable).
- Maintain detailed records of all complaint-related communications with the tenant. 

**Remedy**

If the complaint is upheld or partially upheld, clearly outline the specific remedy offered to address the tenant’s concerns. This could involve compensation, repairs, or other corrective actions. The remedy should be proportionate to the severity of the issue and it should detail all the specific actions that need to be taken by the landlord:

- Descriptions of the action/s to be undertaken.
- The parties responsible for carrying out the actions.
- A realistic time frame for completion of each action.

**Stage 2 Appeal**

If the tenant is unsatisfied with the response, explain the Stage Two appeal process (e.g., via email or form). A different professional within the landlord's organization should review this appeal to ensure impartiality. After a thorough review, the landlord should respond to the appeal within 20 working days, following the same structure as the Stage One response, outlining:

*Complaint Definition (as potentially refined during the appeal)*

- Decision on the Appeal (upholding, partially-upholding, or rejecting the appeal)
- Reasons for the Appeal Decision (with clear justifications)
- Offered Remedy (if applicable) and Outstanding Actions (if applicable, with timelines)
- Escalation to the Housing Ombudsman (if this is the final stage within the landlord’s internal process)

If the tenant remains dissatisfied after the Stage 2 appeal response, they have the right to escalate the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman Service. From then on, the HO will investigate the complaint and make a binding ruling. 

For additional resources on this topic, consider exploring landlord property management tools like [RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/). RentOnCloud’s dashboard acts as a one-stop shop for all communication related to tenant complaints. 

When tenants submit “Fix It” or “Raise a Task” requests on their accounts, they appear as designated tasks on the landlord’s dashboard. This eliminates the need for juggling multiple communication channels, minimizes the risk of miscommunication or missed deadlines, and ensures all relevant information is documented & readily accessible/ trackable







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Many landlords get frustrated to deal with the tenant complaints. But they can easily avoid this by deploying proactive strategies. Read on to know how to deal with the tenant complains.

How to Deal with Tenant Complaints?

The introduction of the new “Restructuring Plan” in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) has changed the way financially struggling companies navigate insolvency proceedings. While this plan aims to give struggling businesses a better chance to restructure their debts and operations and avoid liquidation, it presents unique challenges and potential disadvantages for landlords, who are often major creditors in these situations. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the various ways the new Restructuring Plan in insolvency affects landlords.

**Key Changes and Why They Matter to Landlords**


In the past, landlords often held significant influence over company restructurings. Their large claims under leases gave them substantial voting power in procedures like Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs).  With the new provisions of the CIGA 2020, this power has been severely diminished. Now, if landlords overwhelmingly reject a plan, the court can still forcefully approve it through a legal doctrine called “cross-class cramdown,” if at least one other creditor class votes in favour. 

### Here's how this doctrine is applied in a typical insolvency hearing:

Creditors are categorized into different classes based on shared characteristics or economic interests in the company. Each class votes on the proposed Restructuring Plan.

Unlike in Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs), a minimum approval threshold is not mandated; but, the plan itself might specify a required approval percentage within each class.

**Critically, if at least one class approves the plan, the court can still impose it on dissenting classes (including landlords) under two specific conditions:**

No Worse-Off: The dissenting class (landlords) must be no worse off financially under the plan than they would be in a liquidation scenario.

Fair & Equitable: The plan must be deemed “fair & equitable” to all creditors, ensuring a reasonable distribution of future income and remaining assets.

As you can see, the cross-class cramdown doctrine has significantly reduced landlords’ leverage in the negotiation process. Once a court approves a Restructuring Plan, it becomes binding on everyone, including dissenting landlords. Landlords also have limited ability to pursue further action against their tenant/s to recover debts outside of what the plan dictates.

They can no longer take the actions they’d normally take to recover debts, even if it means they can’t get all their rent arrears back. Restructuring Plans can also modify terms like lease length or rental payment amounts. Landlords may be stuck with changes they consider unfavourable, with little-to-no recourse.

#### What Can Landlords Do?

The new provisions of the CIGA 2020 may have thrown many challenges down the paths of landlords. But, they aren’t totally powerless. Here are some key strategies landlords can adopt to protect their interests:

*Precautionary Measures*

>Landlords must revisit their existing lease agreements and identify clauses that might strengthen their position in the event of tenant insolvency. The clauses that could be helpful include:

- Forfeiture clauses that enable landlords to terminate leases and reclaim properties if tenants breach certain terms, including not paying rent on time.
- Preferential payment clauses that give landlords priority over other unsecured creditors in claiming outstanding rent.
- Strategic Objections

Even though their votes or objections might not guarantee plan approval, landlords can still benefit from voicing strategic objections during the voting process. For example, if a company tries to enforce a restructuring plan through cramdown at a court hearing, landlords can and must present a well-supported case to the court explaining why the plan is unfair or fails to meet the “no worse off” test. Seeking legal advice from a qualified insolvency lawyer is, of course, crucial before making such a case.

*Landlord Software Help*

Property management software for landlords can be an invaluable asset during insolvency hearings. The best property management software tools for landlords can accurately track rental payments with clear dashboards. Spotting late payments, arrears, and other trends that typically indicate financial trouble for tenants, becomes much easier with these tools. These tools can give landlords early warnings regarding their tenants’ financial discrepancies and they can take better proactive measures.

Plus, rental software tools for landlords also serve as helpful document management systems. They store and track all communication with tenants and give landlords centralized access to important lease agreements and other property-related documents. Landlords can swiftly retrieve key clauses like termination rights or forfeiture provisions, along with past emails and agreements with tenants, via these tools. Such easy and direct access to important information can drastically strengthen their position during insolvency hearings.

That’s why many forward-thinking landlords use RentOnCloud, the UK's first cloud-based platform for streamlining all aspects of property management. This rental software tracks income and expenses effortlessly, generates reports with a few clicks, and stores all lease agreements, communication records, and other crucial documents in one centralized location for swift and secure access. By embracing the innovative solutions offered by RentOnCloud, landlords can navigate the complexities of insolvency hearings with confidence and optimize their overall property management journeys.



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How New Restructuring Plan in Insolvency Affects Landlords?

As tenants when we spot the ideal property to reside in, we do not want to miss out on it. Often a lot of us get rejected by landlords from the chance of renting a premier property we desire. There can be manifold reasons that can become barriers between you and your dream rental. It is critical to understand some essential factors that can enhance your probability of winning over your envisioned rental property. The rental property market in the UK is quite competitive. It can not only prove costly in monetary terms to rent a good property, but also demand some added efforts. If you want to lease an attractive property, you need to put forth your A-game.  

After conversing with many landlords and rental agents, we have listed some resourceful tips to help tenants ace the hearts of potential landlords.

## 1. Prepare an appropriate rental resume
A rental resume has become a must-have for prospective tenants seeking to land a lucrative property in Britain. Particularly, in the suburbs of the UK, most tenants create a rental resume embellished with various desirable aspects that landlords often seek. Your rental resume must cover details about your education, employment, earnings, and past rental history. You can also add the contact information of people ready to offer a reference. If you have a rental resume, you can expedite the selection process by forwarding your resume immediately post the property inspection.  
	
## 2. Create a solid first impression
Once you have forwarded your rental resume and the property owner has shortlisted you for an interaction, you must brace yourself to create an outstanding perception. Dress sharply and reach the landlord’s place on time. You can also use time-tested pleasing techniques like complimenting the landlord and investing efforts to make an engaging conversation. You can also research about things that the landlord might like to talk about before your first meeting. Such methods can help you make a lasting impact on the landlord.    

## 3. Make sure you have the required financial standing
It is best to ascertain from the onset the monetary obligations that you will have to bear if you are selected as the tenant for a given property. Then, you have to evaluate your financial position and determine whether you can afford the required rent and deposit sum. You should have the necessary amount of money on hand if you are in talks with the landlord to lease their place. Show the landlord that you have the financial stability to pay rent on time each month by providing proof of income and employment. Time is of essence in the aggressive rental property market, and you cannot expect landlords to give you extra time to meet your rental obligations. 

## 4. Showcase honesty
Landlords always prefer tenants who are upfront about all crucial information such as their employment details and credit history. Nobody likes to find out about such integral aspects from a third party and feel betrayed. Hence, you must remain as honest as possible about your personal background and financial position. If you feel that the terms of the rental agreement are not fair or reasonable, try to negotiate with the landlord to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Most landlords prefer to know about any issues beforehand and tend to be considerate to people who truthfully put forth their concerns.	
  
## 5. Bring some suitable landlord references
Landlord references provide much needed assurance to landlords about the eligibility of a given tenant for their property. Try to collect reliable references from your past landlords who can offer a positive prospect on your behalf. Most potential landlords are highly likely to choose tenants with trustable landlord references. 


## 6. Offer to sign a rental agreement for a longer tenure
A major chunk of landlords want a good tenant who will lease their property for the long term. The prospect of rental earnings for a prolonged period of time will be an attractive factor for anyone. In cases, where you are sure that the rental place has all the aspects that you want significantly, you can agree to [sign a lease](https://www.rentoncloud.com/feature/create-rent-agreement-sign-digitally) for more than a year or two. The landlord will be more willing to rent out his place to a tenant who brings the possibility of assured payment for an extended period. One can even consider paying some deposit and rent amount in advance to make it a better proposition for the landlord. 

7. Invest some extra efforts to gain an edge
Landlords like tenants who are ready to go above and beyond the ordinary to prove their eligibility. You can dedicate some additional efforts before meeting the landlord. You can take your spouse, children, and pet along with you to acquaint the landlord with your family. The landlord will also feel more comfortable when he/she meets your family in person. If the landlord has certain requirements or preferences, such as a no-pets policy, try to be flexible and willing to meet those requirements. Communicate clearly and professionally with the landlord. Avoid any confrontational or aggressive behavior, and try to resolve any issues that may arise in a calm and respectful manner.
Such few ancillary measures can go a long way in increasing your chances of selection for the rental property. 

### Discover more such pivotal matters about rental property domain in the UK with RentOnCloud  
Convincing and dealing with landlords can feel like an uphill task for all tenants. When it comes to impressing your prospective landlord, you must stick to some special tactics. The tips that we have explained above can prove useful in enhancing your odds of getting selected for your aspired rental. RentonCloud is a bespoke platform that is simplifying the hassles associated with [rental property management](https://www.rentoncloud.com) for both tenants and landlords in the UK. We offer end-to-end support for both property owners and tenants and have created numerous successful rental arrangements for people across the country. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the rental property domain!


7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord

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Discover top 7 tips for tenants to impress potential landlords and secure your dream rental property. From showcasing your reliability to highlighting your positive rental history, these strategies will help you stand out as the ideal tenant.

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/). 



Money Saving Tips while Moving home at end of tenancy

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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!


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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Rentoncloud outline what rental trends landlords should look out for in 2022.



Rental Trends for 2022 - What Could We See? 

Almost 11 types of properties are the most common variants available in the UK property market and your budget and requirements will determine your choice of property variant.

Knowing About them will lead to your need identification and your informed, educated and beneficial decision at appropriate time.

Selecting your appropriate choice out of available 25 million properties is a bliss, when you are informed, but it is still a bit tricky and tedious to select an appropriate abode.

#### All properties can be assessed on three major pointers

1) Location of properties

2) Family type and size

3) Affordability

## 1. Location of properties

• Location of properties decide the ease of Living commuting and price.

• Location of property decide the Property value.

• Location also determines the supply and demand curve.

Schools, hospitals, banks and cash machines, offices, Park, Community Centre, worship places, nearby tube stations, bus stops scenic views can up the property prices.

Crime rate, climate, hazardous conditions, commercial properties, proximity of industrial establishment can lead to property value down.

All above factors influence the price of properties also surrounding area is most valuable and deciding factor.
Value of property is subjective concept and depend on personal choice.

For example; home buyers with children are looking for schools nearby the property.

Home near beaches parks, rivers, mountains and lakes have great values for some.

Entertainment and recreational establishment also decide the price and influence choices some possible examples are theatres, Golf Course, pub and restaurant.

On the other hand, traffic noise and proximity to commercial and industrial establishment can lead to lower home values.

Railroad, airports, factories can also add to lower home values.
Natural disaster-prone areas are also a least choice for home buyers.

## 2. Family type and size

Family type and size is the most important factor to decide the type of home one should buy.

*Some variants of family type and size are*

1. Family with small kids.
2. Family with no kids.
3. Family with teenager and grown up kids.
4. Family living with kids and parents.
5. Family living with extended family.
6. Number of Guest coming in family and their duration of stay.
7. Family living with our family member having special requirement.

While purchasing the property one should plan long term. One should foresee and consider the future family size and future requirement.

## 3. Affordability

To determine the affordability, one should consider a few primary factors.

1. Household income
2. Monthly death and financial obligation. ( for example; car loan student loan.)
3. Available savings for down payment.
4. Unexpected and unplanned expenses.
5. Stability of income flow in coming future.
6. One should keep minimum 3 months of expenses and savings in hand as a reserve to deal with uncertainties.( Covid-19 is exception).

After considering all those above factors you can choose from types of housing available in United Kingdom.

#### Types of housing

**1. Detached houses**

It does not share any wall; it is a separate structure with front and back garden. it provides higher degree of privacy good for peace lovers and family with kids and old age family member.

**2. Semi-detached houses**

These kinds of houses share at least some part of wall with other properties. Privacy is little compromised in comparison of detached houses. But this option is cheaper version of detached houses.

**3. Flats or apartments**

Flats or Apartments are series of homes in single structure. This is popular option in United Kingdom. Suitable for individuals our small family. These kinds of housings are generally rented accommodations and affordable in comparison to other housing available in property market.

**Flats can be categorised in four types**

1. Simple flats or apartments
2. Converted flats
3. Split level flats
4. Studio flats
 
**Simple flats or apartments.**

Simple flat are series of homes in single structure, suitable for individual or small family.

**Converted flats**

These flats are converted for number of tenants with separate bedroom and bathroom. Usually these flats are not typical Apartment structure. These structures are split in two parts, top part and bottom part. Owner lives in one part and convert other part in rented accommodation.

**Split level flats**

These flats are usually maisonettes with separate entrance with individual staircase.

**Studio Flats**

Studio flats an attractive choice for individuals or young couples. These flats offer a kitchen, living room and bathroom with minimum number of separating walls.

**Terraced housing, Townhouses, and end of terraced housing**

These kinds of housing are most popular housing in UK or Paris housing are connected by a single wall on both sides. Townhouses are terraced house in an urban area or ‘to the town’ or ‘in a city’. It is in a ROW structure. End of Terrace housing are found at terminal of ROW terraced housing.

**Cottages**

Cottages are most popular in villages. These are sturdy construction with almost hundred years old tag. It can be one or two storeys high. Mostly this kind of housings are used for holiday home.

**Chalet Bungalows**

These are single storey structures, which are separated from other nearby housing structures. Bungalow are smaller version of detached housing. Number of rooms are smaller than detached housing.

**Mansion and conservation properties**

Most luxurious type of UK housing. this kind of housings are most spacious and catering to high net worth category. These structures are centuries-old and iconic in nature.






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New to The UK? The Top Things You Should Do Before Renting a House

In challenging times, it is far harder to find a good property, particularly in a competitive market, it is essential to use software that can help you in finding a suitable property.

Landlords and property portfolio managers are bogged down in admin, managing maintenance issues, inspecting properties, book-keeping and filing tax returns, which takes even longer if it’s paper-based. 

*“With new technology available, private landlords now have the opportunity to use rental property management software to manage their properties, and other daily tasks.”*

## What is online rental property management software?
Online rental property management software allows residential landlords and portfolio managers to automate and schedule their daily and unplanned tasks electronically. Using rental property management software can make it much easier for landlords to organise their properties and track them in real-time, saving both money and time.

## Key features and benefits of RentOnCloud – a new online property management system:

#### 1. Easier tenant referencing:

Manual tenant screening or referencing can be very time-consuming It is much easier to use rental property management software to do background and credit checks.

Tenant referencing reports may include CCJ notices and credit reports. They can also include past landlord checks, past rental histories and criminal records. Additional fees may be incurred if ordering a standalone tenant referencing report however if tenants are applying for rent online, the fee will be paid by the Landlord for the tenant screening expenses.

#### 2. Ability to make online rental payments and rental collection

By using the right tools and collecting rent online, landlords can make the rental process easier.  RentOnCloud makes it easy to collect rent online using direct debit powered by GoCardless and generates all invoices, and receipts automatically. This eliminates the need for manual invoicing.

#### 3. Better workflow of maintenance request management

Software for managing rental properties allows you to raise maintenance requests, communicate with property owners, landlord and deal with traders who provide services.

#### 4. Tenants can interact online via instant chat

Instant messaging makes it possible to manage rental properties in real-time. Rental property management software not only helps landlords lower operating expenses but also allows them to have real-time control of their rental properties and renters.

#### 5. Instant reporting dashboard for accounting, tax and management

The dashboard is a visual representation to highlight tasks and actions.

The accounting and management reporting dashboard is a way to gather data and other key indicators in the real estate industry in an easily-understand format. It uses graphs, tables and charts as well as diagrams, tables and charts.

#### 6. Advertising options for rental property

With just one click, landlords can advertise vacant properties on multiple platforms. RentOnCloud is currently working on developing a real-time integration that makes it easy to list available rental properties on multiple platforms, such as Zoopla and Rightmove.

Currently, RentOnCloud allows landlords to publish and advertise the rental property on their website and create a personal web page that contains all listed rental properties available in the market to let. Effective advertising will make finding tenants easier. 

#### 7. Online rental agreement signing and renewal

With rental management software, it is possible to sign a rental agreement (AST) online. While online signing is still relatively new, both tenants and landlords are increasingly using digital signatures, as a convenient and secure method.

#### 8. Enhances visibility

RentOnCloud allows you to quickly and easily access properties using precise, current, and up-to-date data. It is all done through one powerful solution. Landlords have access to all the information they need to make better business decisions, including advertising, accounting and tax, across their entire portfolio.

#### 9. Calendar booking.
 
An online calendar booking makes it easy to keep track of daily tasks. Calendars can be used to schedule tenant viewings and remind tenants about rent collection.

#### [Best rental property management software](https://www.rentoncloud.com/)

Landlords can monitor and reference tenants and increase back-office efficiency and money with rental property management software.
Rental property management software makes it easier for tenants, landlords, and portfolio managers to communicate effectively.

RentOnCloud software allows businesses to offer the best services and grow on a bigger scale. RentOnCloud is the right choice for landlords and portfolio managers who want to understand the benefits and drawbacks of rental property management software.
RentOnCloud offers a free plan that allows you to manage your property at no cost.


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9 Reasons To Use Rental Property Management Software in 2022

There is a potential for UPRNs to change all aspects of the property. UPRNs could affect the way we sell, buy, rent, let, invest and work with property. In this blog, we’re going to discuss what exactly UPRNs are and how they can be used.

## What Is A UPRN?

In layman's terms, a UPRN is a Unique Property Reference Number that can specifically identify a property. A UPRN is a unique property identifier for every address within Great Britain. 

The key thing to note is that unlike other property identifiers, a UPRN is attached to a single property. It can even be attached to a property within a building, like a flat. This unique number, consisting of up to 12 digits in length, will also remain the same throughout the property’s lifespan. 

## Where Do UPRNs Come From?

UPRNs were originally devised by the Ordnance Survey over 20 years ago. Since then, it has evolved and been refined. GeoPlace have since started work in 2011 to set the guidance and collect data needed to create a single, definitive address database known as the National Address Gazetteer. This followed on from a call from the Secretary of State for communities & Local Governments to create a standard index of addresses to help bring together existing creators/suppliers of addressing data into one communal space. 

## Why Should I Use UPRNs? 

Property, or more specifically real estate, generates a lot of data - from data on prices, rent and taxation to energy performance and maintenance costs. This data, also known as  geospatial data, can help us to understand things such as valuations, price trends and even returns on properties from things like development or buy to let. This can provide useful for informing landlords before looking to start performing [landlord property management ](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord)within a certain area.

The only issue with having so much data, is it becomes more convoluted to read and understand - and it also gives room to the risk of errors being made. To make the data effective, you would have to work out a way of indexing and linking it all together.  You could make use of already widely available tools, such as grid references or postcodes, however these have their fall downs. For example, grid references and postcodes often apply to several properties within an area. 

This is where UPRNs come in handy, as they have the potential to overcome these shortcomings through the method of enabling property data to be properly indexed, linked together, and used. 

While they may have been in existence for years, many have only thought to make use of UPRNs in the last few years as it’s been more widely understood. 


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What Are UPRN’s And How Can We Make Use Of Them?

> While talent is spread equally across our country, opportunity is not. Levelling up is a mission to challenge, and change, that unfairness.’’ – Levelling Up, Executive Summary

After several failed attempts, the Government are finally cracking down on regional inequality with their new Levelling Up white paper. There you’ll find 350 detailed pages that analyse the nation-wide issue we’re facing and what strategies will have the most impact – a promising start towards a more hopeful future.

Whilst it’s important to keep in mind that this white paper is by no means a ‘resolution’ to the overall problem, this plan of action is more refined than ever before – ready to be rolled out, measured and judged. Having tried numerous different methods to break this vicious cycle for good, in this instance ‘trial and error’ could be the unexpected hero of them all.

## What does the Levelling Up campaign stand for?

When it comes to freedom, the United Kingdom is one of the best in the entire world. It goes without saying that we’re fortunate to live in this multi-cultural, truly diverse and successful country – but somehow, that fairness is not being shared around all regions. Whilst the talent is everywhere, the opportunities to put them into practice are severely lacking – and this campaign is about giving everyone that fair platform to thrive in whatever they’re doing.

That’s why the Levelling Up Fund has been given £4.8 million to kick start the change for a better quality of living for all – which is exceptionally good news for landlords.

The highly anticipated Levelling Up white paper includes several significant benefits to landlords across the UK, including a landlord register, removing Section 21 evictions, a national Decent Homes Standards and crucially – action to crack down on rogue landlords. Issued by Michael Gove and Boris Johnson, these new initiatives are (supposedly) set to last ten years.

### What does this mean for landlords?
Once the Decent Homes Standard proposal is put into place, the PRS (private rental sector) will be required to provide a minimum standard, so that renters can live in healthier environments where they can thrive – as opposed to the shocking conditions some are unfortunate to be living in. Ministers have also been in talks on introduce a landlords’ register to tackle rogue landlords – starting with giving fines and even permanent bans to any offenders who fail to provide their tenants with homes that are up to this new living standard. If this idea of ‘levelling up’ is really going to work, it is crucial to ensure local authorities have all the resources required to be active in inspecting properties and prosecuting if standards are not met.


Furthermore, the Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be completely removed – meaning tenants’ rights are equalised, and they can no longer be kicked out of their homes with no reason or notice. This leaves agents questioning what will be put in place instead to provide landlords with confidence in the property market. As further details are yet to be confirmed, many will be relying on the Government commitments to build more affordable social housing to counteract the rising prices in the private rented sector – and ultimately reducing housing need.
This running theme of helping renters continues, as plans to provide them with a more robust path to ownership are also stated in the Levelling Up white paper. With first-time buyers rising across the entirety of the country, the Government are determined for ‘non-decent’ rented homes to be halved by 2030, focusing the improvements mostly on the lowest-performing areas.

### So, what else are they promising?
-	Regional transport to improve travel
-	New ‘innovation centres’ to inspire new ideas
-	Local education upgrades to encourage learning
-	Upgrading the high street to increase jobs
-	Growing the private sector to boost productivity and living standards
-	Introducing a ‘London-style’ power, with town mayors to lead communities to boost morale

It’s key to remember that this white paper is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to challenging the ongoing obstacles of inequality. ‘Levelling up’ is a much broader campaign that will require immense amounts of effort to improve society, boost productivity, and ultimately help pave the way for a fairer way of living in the UK.

As a landlord, we want to make your life as easy as possible – whilst boosting the chances of your listings being viewed by potential renters. Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll be happy to chat about the ways RentOnCloud can benefit you!


The Leveling Up Whitepaper: What Does it Mean For Landlords

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the Government are finally cracking down on regional inequality with their new Levelling Up white paper. the PRS (private rental sector) will be required to provide a minimum standard, so that renters can live in healthier environments where they can thrive.

The Levelling Up Whitepaper: What Does it Mean For Landlords

The Levelling Up Whitepaper: What Does it Mean For Landlords?

When it comes to becoming a [private landlord](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord), it’s worth looking into and researching property investment as well as how to actually let a property. In today’s blog post, we have collated some of our top tips to help you prepare for becoming a landlord. 

## Choosing A Property Type
          
The first thing to consider is the type of building you’re after for buying to let. You want to think about the age of the building as well as the size. 

Following on from this, you want to think about whether you want a new build property or an older one. There are advantages to both depending on what you’re looking for, a new build property will offer a fresher layout and design that could appeal to young couples, or a new family and the garden will require little to no maintenance as it will be new. Not only this, but because it’s a new build, the process could be quicker as it won't be tied up in a chain - which can make it more straightforward. On the other hand, an older property tends to offer more space (internally & externally) and can also be quicker as it is ready built, so you don’t have to wait for any construction on the house to finish. 

Another thing to think about is the right sized property for renting. This should be based on who you intend to rent to. For example, if you want to become a student landlord, you should consider finding a property with a few bedrooms, compared to a young couple or individual who may only need a flat or property with one bedroom.  Bear in mind that if you want to become a student landlord, or a landlord with a [house in multiple occupation](https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence) in the UK, you will need a licence.        

## Decide If You Want Your Property To Be Fully Furnished Or Semi-Furnished           

Once you’ve found a property you’d like to rent out, think about how you want to furnish it. Opting for neutral colours throughout the home is a good place to start with wallpaper and painting the property,  as it is unbiased and offers a fresh, clean & bright look to the place. When it comes to furnishings, the same thought can also be applied. We recommend you set a budget to help you purchase furnishings, and take into consideration that while you may not want to buy the most expensive items on the market, going for the cheapest could end up costing you more in the long run if it breaks. 

If you are thinking of going for a fully furnished property,  you’ll want to add suitable beds for each bedroom, appliances such as a fridge freezer, dishwasher & washing machine for the kitchen (although a dishwasher isn't necessary it may entice a family to rent there as opposed to one without) and then a sofa for the living room. Even though you are fully furnishing the place, make sure to not overcrowd the property with unnecessary items that the new renters will not need or possibly want. You want to leave some room for the renters to add their own personalisation to help make it feel like their own. A fully furnished property would be perfect for a young couple or individual who may be moving out for the first time and not have any accumulated furniture with them.

If you’re opting for a semi-furnished property, make sure the essential appliances are included such as lights, kitchen cabinets and possibly wardrobes. Choosing this or even an unfurnished property would be ideal for families or older couples, who may have already gathered a lot of furniture over time. 

## Calculate The Costs Of Being A Property Investor & Landlord

If you’re looking to mortgage your property, look in the local area for current rent prices to gauge how much you will be able to get. A good idea is to build up a savings fund for months where there are no tenants, so you can still cover your mortgage. Some mortgage providers will ask for rent prices to come up to 125%  of their monthly interest payments, or even higher in some cases, to ensure you can cover all costs. You also want to ensure you have money for things that may crop up such as maintenance costs. 

## Consider What The Best Way To Manage Your Property Is

When it comes to looking after the property and the tenancy itself, an [online property manager](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) may be the best way to go about it. By making use of online property management services, you can easily communicate with potential and current tenants, screen them for basic checks and sign paperwork online, and also organise maintenance issues with [reliable tradesmen](https://www.rentoncloud.com/servicepro) should a problem arise. 

## Make Sure You’re Covered

Ensure you’re property and you are protected with landlord insurance. Make sure to research your property insurance options, and check if you’re getting a mortgage what they require you to have, as some will need you to carry out certain levels of policies. If the property is going to be empty for a few months, you may also need to adjust your policy to accommodate it. 

Another option is to get rent guarantee insurance, so you’re covered in situations where a tenant is unable to pay the rent. 

## Thanks For Reading     
   
We hope you’ve gathered some useful tips from this blog post, and hope it helps you in your journey to becoming a landlord. Please bear in mind these are only tips, and are for guidance only.                                                                                      


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How To Invest In A Property And Become A Landlord - Some Quick Tips & Tricks To Help You

With many opting to rent over purchasing a home, especially with increasing house prices and many requiring weighty deposits, a lot of people may be wondering how to make the [rental property management](https://www.rentoncloud.com/renter) process easier for themselves. Below we’re going to discuss some of the top tips we have found to help for new renters with what to look out for. 

Set Yourself A Budget

Take a look at your monthly income, and then try to estimate the outgoings if you were to rent. A great way to do this is by creating a spreadsheet of all the costs, so you can clearly sum up the income vs the outcome. Make sure to take into account the general costs of living as well as things such as food shops, council tax, contents insurance, broadband & TV Licenses to name a few. You’ll also need around 6 weeks' rent saved for a deposit before you rent.

Make Sure You Save For A Deposit 

As mentioned above, you’ll need some extra money saved for a deposit when it comes to renting. This is taken and then held by your landlord for the length of the tenancy, and provides them with compensation if you damage the property. While general wear and tear is excluded from these dilapidations, if you do damage the property during your tenancy, you may lose this deposit. However, so long as you look after the property, you should get this deposit back at the end of your tenancy. 

Take Note Of The Inventory

When it comes to renting the property, a detailed list of the property’s inventory will be taken. This will also include any faults already in the house, such as marks on carpets or marks on walls. This ensures that when you come to leave, they can’t be blamed on you and potentially lose your deposit. Good inventories will also include photos of said faults. Make sure to read through this before signing it, and take a look around the home in-depth to see if there is anything missed off. Make sure to let the landlord know as soon as possible if something out of your control breaks, such as a blocked toilet or sink. They can then send a [tradesman ](https://www.rentoncloud.com/servicepro) out to fix the issue for you.

Be Quick To Book Viewings 

While it isn’t usually wise to rush into things, the rental market is quite a quick-moving industry. If you find a property you like online, make sure to book a viewing promptly so you can go and see it in person and then possibly start a tenancy. It’s also useful to keep in mind that while you may then not get the property you initially wanted, because of the high demand, there is usually more to come available.

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

If you manage to get a property and it isn’t furnished, you could make use of popular sites such as Freecycle to find cheap or even free household items such as sofas. This could also help you if you’re downsizing, or looking for other items - as you can place items on the site as well. Not only does this help make things a bit cheaper, but it also helps the environment, as people make use of items for longer rather than throwing them to landfills. 

Protect The Contents

Ensure that as soon as you have a rental property, you get insurance for your valuables. While the landlord, whether a [private landlord ](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord) or not, should usually cover building insurance (check before renting), you need to get content cover. This essentially covers the items within your property (think what would fall if you were to turn the house upside down) should anything happen to it. 

Make Sure You Know Where Your Stopcock Is

Once you have a rental property, make sure to find the mains water tap, AKA stopcock, in case you ever need to shut the water off in an emergency. While you most likely will never make use of it, it will come in handy if a pipe were to suddenly burst. 

Things To Note At The End Of The Tenancy
 
Toward the end of the tenancy, you may decide to renew the agreement with your landlord (bear in mind prices may change and there may be some administration fees) or you may decide to leave the property to a new one. Agree on a moving day and time to be out with your landlord and ensure that you stick to it. To help the probability of you getting your deposit back, make sure to give the home a thorough cleaning so it matches how it looked when you first moved into the property. When it comes to moving day, the landlord should be there with the inventory list to check everything is still as it was and then you will both sign off on it. Make sure to take a note of the final meter readings for your gas and electricity bill so you can apply for final billing and visit a post office to redirect the post to your new address. 






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Top Tips For Renting A Property

As a landlord, you’ll be eager to generate the highest possible rent you can whilst keeping in line with market rents and providing acceptable living conditions.

To this end, you’ll no doubt be keen to know which types of homes are experiencing the largest rental increases at present.
Well, new research from Hamptons has revealed that landlords with larger family properties are in the money when it comes to rent rises.

The longing for a greater amount of living space, which has become a key priority since the start of the pandemic, has helped to drive up rents on bigger properties faster  than those on smaller homes.

Four-bed properties witnessed the strongest rental growth in October, the research found, with the average rent on a four-bed home across Britain increasing to more than £1,940 pcm. This was up some 10.6% on the same time last year and was almost triple the rate of growth of a one-bed, which – by contrast – grew only 3.7% year-on-year to stand at £875 pcm.

Nevertheless, strong and consistent rental growth – which hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic in any tangible way,– means that the cost of an average one-bedroom home in Britain is now the same as the cost of a two-bed in 2016.

The research found that the cost of trading up from a one-bed to a two-bed rental property has in fact doubled over the last three years.
In October, it was £144 (or 16%) more to let a two-bed-home. This was more than double the gap - £68 or 8% - seen in October 2018 and adds up to an additional £1,728 each year.

There has also been an increase in the price of moving from a two-bedroom abode to a three-bedroom house, with tenants now having to pay an additional £142 or 14% each calendar month to trade up from a two to three-bed home. This was £30 more than in October 2020 and will cost the average tenant an extra £1,705 each year.  

Once again, the strong growth in rental prices was shown by the fact that the average two-bed property across Britain costs the same each month as a three-bed home did in 2018.  

## What’s the regional breakdown?

As you would expect, it’s the capital where tenants will pay the most to trade up, both in absolute and percentage terms. The average two-bed in the capital cost £567 or 42% more each month than a one-bed in October.  

By contrast, the North East – famously one of the most affordable places to rent – takes the crown for being the cheapest region to trade up from a one-bed to a two-bed.

The East Midlands, meanwhile, has seen the biggest increase in the cost of trading up, setting tenants back 12% or £63 more each month to trade a one-bed for a two-bed home than in October 2020. 

This comes as a result of a fall in the cost of one-bed properties in the region (down by 0.2% year-on-year), at the same time as rents for two-beds have increased by 9.7%.

Despite being by far the costliest region to trade up, the capital was actually the only region where it was cheaper to trade up this year than in 2020 – as a result of rents on one-bed properties in London growing quicker than two-beds. 

Younger tenants – including students and young professionals – and pied-à-terre hunters returning to the capital post-Covid have helped to increase demand for one-bed homes. This, in turn, has helped to boost rents.

### Should you target families?

There has been an increasing trend in recent years for families to rent in the private rented sector, and there can be certain advantages to renting to this demographic. They may be more likely to stay for longer, for the stability and certainty that this provides, and also treat the home more like their own than, say students might – or more transient young professionals.

On the other hand, the prospect for more wear and tear and damage may rise with family tenants, especially if they have  young children.

Such a demographic may also be more likely to desire a pet in their home, which could cause issues if you’re not willing – as the majority of landlords aren’t – to allow pets in your home.

But the trend is on the way up and there is definitely something to be said for targeting families with larger homes. It seems like the race for space will be one of the long-term, unintended legacies of Covid, and those landlords who take advantage of this could reap the rewards.

Here at [RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord), we can help you to get the most from your tenancies in a smooth, hassle-free, streamlined way. Our online, cloud-based platform can help you to manage all aspects of your rental homes, all in one place.

#RentOnCloud, #Property Management, #Families, #Tenants, #Landlords, #Private Rented Sector

RentOnCloud, Property Management, Families, Tenants, Landlords, Private Rented Sector

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RentOnCloud analyses which property types are currently most popular, and why targeting family tenants could currently prove most lucrative. You’ll be eager to generate the highest possible rent you can whilst keeping in line with market rent.

Which homes are currently generating the largest rent increases?

This month (January) saw an increase of 7.6% in the average asking price for a property, the highest annual rate of price growth recorded by Rightmove since May 2016 - equating to £341,019. With a distinct lack of affordability throughout the UK, renting has become the preferred option for a lot of people, with up to a third opting to rent in urban areas. So why do so many people choose to rent instead of buying a home? Today we’re going to 

## Discuss the many advantages to renting and how it could benefit you. 

### The Deposit Is a Lot Easier To Save For 

When saving for a home, usually you would need a sizeable deposit before even considering legal fees for solicitors etc. whereas when renting, it’s typically only a first month's rent paid in advance on top of 4-5 weeks worth of rent. While that may seem daunting, it’s a fraction of the typical mortgage. For example, if you wanted a £100,000 home, and were looking at a 10% deposit (most commonly used) you would need to save £10,000 as opposed to around a tenth of that for a deposit on renting (depending on area/size/market etc). This can also be made easier to manage through the use of [Rental Property Management](https://www.rentoncloud.com/renter) software. 


### It Offers A Lot More Flexibility 

Rather than signing up for a 25 year mortgage, [Private Landlords](https://www.rentoncloud.com/landlord) often offer tenancies for as little as six months. So whether it’s your first time living alone and you want to see how you get on, or even wanting to test living with a partner or friend for the first time, this helps you to gain a good understanding without committing too heavily to anything. Not only that, but if you’re looking to move to a new area, or if you relocate a lot for work, renting is a great avenue to follow. 


### You Could Live Somewhere That You May Have Thought Was Out Your Budget

If you’ve ever looked at the housing market for an area such as London, you may have thought it wasn’t affordable, but with renting comes a cheaper price if you’re moving in with others to bring down the cost per person. This can then present options you hadn’t even possibly considered, or previously ruled out. 


### Monthly Costs Are Easier To Predict 

When renting a property, the ongoing costs of building maintenance, insurance and service charges are all usually covered by the Landlord. This makes it much easier to work out monthly costs, which is why it’s such a popular decision among the younger population who may be leaving home for the first time. Aside from this, it also gives you time to focus on other things, as you don’t have to waste time [sourcing contractors](https://www.rentoncloud.com/servicepro) for work etc. It also leaves  less room for unexpected costs that you may have not budgeted for, such as a broken boiler. 


### It’s Usually A Quicker Process

When buying a home, there is usually quite a long process to go through - from finding a mortgage lender to communicating with solicitors. However once you’ve found a property you’d like to rent, it’s quite a simple process completed straight with the landlord or estate agent and can be done in a matter of weeks or months. 


### You Won’t Be Affected By The Varying House Market

If the price on the property you’re renting goes down (or up) you more than likely wouldn’t hear anything about it. This means your monthly price probably isn’t going to change, and because you won’t have to sell anything when you leave, you won’t lose out as opposed to homeowners trying to sell. The selling process can be lengthy for some, and can often result in losing money due to the house market falling from when they originally purchased. 


#### Thanks For Reading 

We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog, and hope it has provided you with an insight as to why renting might be a better option for you. If you are looking for a management software for renting, or are a landlord looking for a software to manage renters and contractors, be sure to check out our website or make use of our [resource centre](https://www.rentoncloud.com/resource) for more information. 

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Discuss the many advantages to renting and how it could benefit you. We saw an increase of 7.6% in the average asking price for a property, the highest annual rate of price growth recorded since 2016, With a distinct lack of affordability throughout the UK, renting has become the preferred option

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What Are UPRN’s And How Can We Make Use Of Them?

The Levelling Up Whitepaper: What Does it Mean For Landlords?

How To Invest In A Property And Become A Landlord - Some Quick Tips & Tricks To Help You

Top Tips For Renting A Property

Which homes are currently generating the largest rent increases?

Why Should I Rent Over Buying A Property?

Landlords–why tenants may be willing to pay more for a green property

Moving to the countryside - stay or relocate?

Landlords–why you need to be wary of large-scale property scams

Lifetime deposits–should landlords now be ready for their introduction?

Buying property through limited company or personal ownership

9 essential tips for landlords

Quick Guide to Tenancy Deposit Protection for New Landlords

What are the landlord's responsibilities for repairs to a rented property?

Renting with Letting Agent Vs Private Landlord