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

Why Should I Rent Over Buying A Property?

Sustainability and green issues have been on the agenda more than ever lately, with the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow seeing world leaders make a number of commitments to combat climate change and reach net-zero targets.

It’s a topic that is becoming increasingly important in the lettings sector too, with a higher demand for carbon-friendly homes and a greater emphasis on landlords to bring the energy efficiency of their homes up to the required standard.

But according to recent research, there could also be considerable financial benefits to providing tenants with a greener home.

A recent survey claimed that tenants are willing to pay more for greener homes, with some 98% of those who responded saying they would prefer to rent a home ‘optimised to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimise environmental impact’.

Over half (53%) were willing to pay more for a greener home, with just over a half of these happy to shell out 10% more on rent. Meanwhile, a further third said they would be willing to accept a 5% increase in rent, and one in 12 would even be happy to see a whopping 20% rise.

The research also found that most renters (85%) would be happy to consider a ‘green lease’ in order to improve the green credentials of the private rented sector. With clauses designed to make sure that tenants and landlords collaborate to enhance a home’s energy efficiency, green leases can also help reduce costs and environmental impact for all parties.

Additionally, the survey found that tenants already have certain expectations about their rental homes before they move in, expecting them to perform well on several fronts when it comes to sustainability. 

Nearly all of those responding (95%) would expect their property to have double glazing, while 92% would anticipate the home to have loft or wall insulation.

Some 73% would like (more energy efficient) LED lightbulbs, with 92% expecting recycling bins as standard. 

When it comes to technology, over half of tenants (56%) expect to see smart meters and 38% would hope for smart thermostats. Exactly 50% would be expecting dual flush toilets, and 26% expect solar panels and ground source heating.

## What steps can landlords take to ensure their homes are greener?

Fortunately, there are a number of steps – some small and easy, some more significant/expensive, that landlords can take to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of their homes.

These range from installing a smart meter, upgrading to LED lightbulbs if the home currently has more inefficient ones in play; installing draught excluders where necessary; increasing the insulation of the property (huge amounts of heat can escape through poorly insulated walls and lofts) and lowering water usage (and water bills) by putting in place an energy-saving shower head or dual flush toilet.

More expensive improvements include installing solar panels, air source pumps and more energy-efficient boilers. They will cost in the short-term, but could pay back handsomely over the long-term as the government continues to target the PRS in terms of greening the UK’s housing stock.

Improving the green credentials of your home isn’t just good for the environment. As the above research sets out – it could also be good for your bank balance in terms of higher rental income - improving your chances of strong rental yields each year.

Here at RentOnCloud, we are the UK’s first cloud-based platform to market your rental properties and services. Our property management and accounting platform allows you to manage tasks and bookings, screen landlords and renters, sign tenancy agreements, automate accounting and chat with the community, all in one place.

You can find out [more about us here](https://www.rentoncloud.com/about).


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RentOnCloud outlines why tenants may be willing to pay more for a greener property, and how landlords can improve their home’s green credentials

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

Leaving an urban location to move to a more rural area or into the countryside, presents an attractive proposition for many, with a wide range of benefits on offer.

## Living in the countryside is based on personal preference:

Before moving to the countryside, be sure to review all the advantages and disadvantages of the potential new life on offer. Ensure you weigh up the pros and cons, based on your personal needs and desires.

This guide will highlight the range of advantages and disadvantages of making that bold and life changing move:

>For some ‘life in the country’ is a dream or a long-cherished goal.  But before you do make that move – review the following points carefully. 

Firstly - the advantages of countryside living include:

### 1. Back to basics

Since the pandemic - country living has appealed to an increasing number of city dwellers keen to escape the smoke. Never ending traffic jams, increased pollution and noise are amongst the reasons spurring many to initiate the move away from the city in the pursuit of a simpler, less stressful, healthier existence. 

### 2. Greater space

Many crave the wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery on offer.  A chance to find larger, more spacious, better value properties with substantial gardens. You are also likely to find far greater privacy, as the properties are generally built further apart, so you are rarely overlooked.

### 3. A relaxed way of life

Life in the country offers a more relaxed pace, affording extra time to spend with friends and neighbours in the locality.  A chance to appreciate the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful countryside and wildlife and be ‘at one’ with nature; a real opportunity to ‘get back to basics’. Access to nature has been scientifically proven to improve mental wellbeing and encourages a more simple and less materialistic way of living. Ultimately resulting in a far greater quality of life.

### 4. A chance to improve your quality of life

- •	An idyllic place to raise a family – enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with country walks, nature trails, woods and fishing on your doorstep.

- •	The chance to be part of a close-knit community. In a rural location,  everyone tends to know everyone, so are often far more supportive and look out for each other.

- •	Rural areas have ample open space resulting in minimal car parking issues or traffic jams and generally far lower crime rates.

- •	AQI- air quality index in rural areas is far better than urban areas.

- •	Organic food and fresh crops are more readily available.

- •	The pace of life is less stressful and far slower than urban life.


### What will you leave behind: 

•	Stressful urban life
•	Higher crime rates
•	Endless traffic jams and car parking 
•	Cramped and costly accommodation
•	Crowded, noisy neighbourhoods
•	Air, water and noise pollution


### BUT… do check the following:

#### 6 things you should do before moving to the countryside. 

1.	Carefully review the geographic landscape of the area you are moving too and carry out thorough research on the local community/ neighbourhood. 

2.	Check the transport connections on offer, plus all commuting options available, if required . 

3.	Research access to emergency and medical services 

4.	Join Facebook and other local social networking sites to get to know the area better and what the local challenges are. 

5.	Visit the area multiple times, both on weekdays and at the weekend. 

6.	Before buying, check:

- •	Electrical fittings, drainage & waste systems, plus any promises made by the owner. 

- •	You garden area is private and there are no public pathways crossing your land. 


#### 7 things to be aware of before moving to the countryside. 

1.	Rural locations tend have less job opportunities. 

2.	There may be limited shops, local eateries and entertainment options. 

3.	Public transportation may be restricted or sporadic. 

4.	You need to understand that living in the country is a very different pace of life. 

5.	You will have to learn to live with and embrace the local wildlife (some animals are very noisy!). 

6.	Your life could be under constant scrutiny – living in a close-knit community means your life may be under the spotlight. 

7.	Potentially compromised medical and emergency services. 

With above points and facts in mind, if you have decided the country life is definitely for you – we wish you all the best in finding your much-awaited countryside property!

moving home - country side living advantages

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Leaving an urban location to move to a more rural area or into the countryside, presents an attractive proposition for many, with a wide range of benefits on offer.

Moving to the countryside - stay or relocate?

As a landlord, whether you own one property and are looking expand or you already own a whole portfolio, you need to be wary of the dangers of property scams, which are unfortunately rising in prevalence.

A new warning was recently given to landlords purchasing properties regarding an increase in scams which have seen victims defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Joining forces together, the Law Society of England and Wales, the National Economic Crime Centre, which is housed within the National Crime Agency, and Action Fraud distributed flyers warning of the risk of ‘payment diversion fraud’.

They say criminals are actively targeting house acquisitions, with the aim being to trick people into transferring over their house deposit and/or the balance of purchase monies to them.

The frauds typically involve the criminals masquerading as the victim’s lawyer to dupe them into diverting their payment to an account that is actually controlled by the criminals.

“We are urging our members to share these flyers with their clients in order to help protect them from these highly-sophisticated and cruel schemes,” Law Society president I Stephanie Boyce said.

She said these frauds can involve huge sums of money and have a devastating lifelong impact on the home buyer and their personal finances. 

“Solicitors and their clients can all play a part in making such crimes more difficult for the criminals,” she added.

## Huge sums of money lost

An example was given of one purchaser who was conned into handing over £640,000, after emails exchanged between the buyer and their solicitor were intercepted, with the criminals subsequently managing to discover all the information relating to the house purchase.

Later, they used a fake email account – which had been carefully designed to look like that of the solicitor – to ask for payment. Accordingly, payment details were then provided on headed solicitors paper via the fake email address, with the amount requested exactly what the purchaser had anticipated to pay.

Once the situation became clearer, the victim received advice from their actual solicitor that these payments had not actually been asked for. Despite this, the majority of the money was never salvaged, which meant the victim’s equity and savings were all but swallowed up in one fell swoop.  

Boyce advised that buyers should be extremely vigilant if there appears to be any change of payment details. She also recommended that purchasers always double check by calling their lawyer before they transfer their money, as emails can be intercepted or diverted.

Jon Shilland, fraud threat lead at the NECC, said that payment diversion fraud is on the up and it is therefore vital to be alive to the threat as criminals are targeting home-buyers due to the scale of the transactions and the sums involved.

He said: “Whenever a client is making a payment to their solicitor for a house purchase, they should be highly suspicious of any change in account details or new instructions. Remind them to always check with a trusted known contact, and if they have any doubt not to transfer the money.”

Fortunately, such crimes are still rare, but it’s important for property professionals and landlords to be aware of the dangers.

To find out more about what we offer at RentOnCloud, a cloud-based application platform for property management and for accounting, which enables various user communities to conveniently manage, rent, and earn, by [clicking here](https://www.rentoncloud.com/about).

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

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RentOnCloud outlines why landlords need to be wary of property scams, a rising problem.

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

The idea of lifetime deposits – where renters’ deposits effectively move with them from tenancy to tenancy, making the process potentially cheaper and quicker – has been talked about for some time, but it’s an idea that moved a step closer after what was said by a junior minister at a fringe event at the recent Conservative Party conference in Manchester. 

Eddie Hughes, a housing and homelessness minister at the recently renamed Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), said at an event organised by housing charity Shelter and the Onward think tank that he and his colleagues ‘are still in the middle of meetings and consultations’ about rental reform, which has long been anticipated to include lifetime deposits.

At the same time, he strongly implied and effectively confirmed that lifetime deposits will be a major part of the Renters’ Reform Bill when it is finally brought before Parliament – now expected to be at some point in 2022.

The minister told the fringe meeting that there would definitely be a lifetime deposit system enabling renters to move more easily between privately rented homes. This was a much more decisive reply than was provided on the prospect of a mandatory landlord register or the abolition of Section 21.

## When will lifetime deposits be introduced?

Hughes made it pretty apparent at the Conservative Party conference fringe meeting that the White Paper for rental reform would still be some time off. However, it wasn’t until more recently that this was backed up by the government when it announced that the White Paper will not be appearing until next year rather than autumn – as had previously been proposed on numerous occasions.

In a statement announcing the delay, DLUHC said contributors to the preparation of the document – which is expected to inform the Bill proposing rental reform - have been told that the extra time will give the government the chance to create a ‘balanced package of reforms’.

Campaign groups like Shelter and Generation Rent have criticised the government for what they say is slow work on removing Section 21 eviction powers – given this was a Conservative manifesto pledge in December 2019 and set to be a key part of the planned Renters’ Reform Bill. But the delay was much more warmly welcomed by Isobel Thomson, chief executive of safeagent. 

She said the body welcomed the clarity on when the White Paper on reforms to the private rented sector will be published, and said it makes sense to wait for the findings of the National Audit Office’s review of ‘existing regulation and exploration of key sector organisations' aspirations for private rental sector reform for the benefit of tenants and landlords’. 

She added: “safeagent took part in the NAO’s review and looks forward to the report being published.”

DLUHC’s letter to participants announcing the delay said that ‘building more time into our policy development will not only allow us to benefit from continued work with the sector but will also allow us to carefully consider the findings of the National Audit Office’s review of regulation in the sector’. 
The NAO’s is due to report its findings in the coming months.”

The letter went on: “I hope you agree that it is better for us to take the time to get these reforms right working in partnership with colleagues than to rush something out that misses the mark.”

### Lifetime deposits – what does the latest delay mean?

It’s clear that lifetime deposits now won’t be introduced for quite some time, and most likely not until the second half of 2022. Even once the White Paper has been released, the Bill will then need to make its way through Parliament – where it’s likely to face obstacles and opposition – before becoming law. We only need to remember how long the Tenant Fees Act took to become statute for an idea of how this might be held up.

However, after Hughes’s words at the conference, it seems more certain than ever that lifetime deposits will be introduced – it’s no longer a matter of if but rather when, although this is still likely to be quite far in the future.


Lifetime deposits – Should landlords now be ready for their introduction

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RentOnCloud outlines whether landlords should prepare themselves for the introduction of lifetime deposits anytime soon.

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

The United Kingdom is a leading topnotch city with a booming property and rental market that gains from regular capital growth. It is a magnet for property investors. Recently, there has been a move towards buying property through limited companies. A record breaking 41,700 new, buy-to-let limited companies were formed last year in 2020, a 23% increase compares to earlier year according to Hampton International.

Are you a business owner, landlord, or Personal professional operating? You can buy to let through limited company. 
Let’s consider the Pros and cons of options of buying property through a limited company or personal ownership.

## Pros of buying property through a limited company or personal ownership (PSC) of corporate structure

**1.	Tax Treatment of Profits**
When you invest in property through a limited company or personal ownership (PSC) corporate structure, you will be liable for corporation tax on your profits, such that if you are a high-rate taxpayer, you will stand to make a huge tax saving.

**2.	Mitigate Inheritance tax** 
Did you know that as a landlord, while organizing to pass your property portfolio down to either your children or family members, you can avoid the enormous cost of inheritance tax when you buy to let through limited company?
Yes, buying property through a limited company could minimize the inheritance tax. It also includes changing the way your portfolio is owned, to take properties outside estate planning for Inheritance Tax purposes.

**3.	Tax treatment of mortgage interest**
Unlike privately owned property, for limited companies, mortgage interest will be treated as a business expense for you to deduct costs before paying corporation tax.
Before introducing buying of properties through limited companies, private landlords cannot deduct any of their mortgage expenses from renting to reduce their tax bill. As a substitute, they often receive a tax credit, which is based on 20% of their mortgage interest payments. 

## Cons of buying property through limited company or personal ownership (PSC) of corporate structure.
While buying of property through a limited company sound like a good idea, there are some cons you should know.

**1.	Extra cost**
Limited companies necessitate filling annual accounts and there are higher accountancy costs associated with this. It is important to also know that running a limited company will require more paperwork and administration.

**2.	Mortgage availability**
The number of mortgage products available to offer for limited companies is lower than for individuals. Also, owning to the fact that mortgages for companies were expensive, limited, and had lower borrowing limits, this is another drawback of buying property through a limited company or personal ownership.
You may also find it difficult to arrange a mortgage, and the interest rates that come with it may be higher.

**3.	Dividend taxation when you take money out**
For you to get access to your rental income, you can as well pay yourself a salary. This is liable to income tax and also counts as a cost when calculating pre-tax profit for corporation tax purposes.
Buying and investing in property is a bold decision. The good news is that the long-term rewards, either for yourself, your business or your family, in terms of income and capital, are potentially generous.

RentOnCloud premium plan for Landlord subscription provides company accounting access along with dedicated qualified chartered accountant partnered with [CoreAdviz ](https://www.coreadviz.co.uk/) who will be reviewing your company accounts before periodical submission to Company house and HMRC via RentOnCloud application. 


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UK is a leading topnotch city with a booming property and rental market that gains from regular capital growth. It is a magnet for property investors. Are you a business owner, landlord, or personal professional operating? You can buy to let through limited company. 

Buying property through limited company or personal ownership

These are the essential ingredients to a successful tenancy. The private rental sector is full of pitfalls and do's. It's crucial to be aware of your legal obligations if you are a landlord or thinking about becoming one.
 
We have prepared nine top tips for landlords, sourced data from ARLA Propertymark and the professional body for Landlords.  

**1. Learn more if you require a landlord license**

Check with your local council before you start looking for potential renters. In 2006 legislation was passed. Some areas have also implemented licensing to crack down on rogue landlords.

**2. Tenant referencing checks should be kept in mind**

This means that you must be thorough when referencing tenants on rental applications. You want to ensure they are responsible and reliable tenants. Tenant screening involves checking credit eligibility, obtaining references from past landlords, and ensuring that they are legally allowed to live in the UK.
If you fail to perform Right to rent checks under the Immigration Acts, you could face a fine or even jail time. You could utilize zyPass screening feature of RentOnCloud to do reference check new tenants. 

**3. Protect your tenant's deposits**

You must protect tenants' deposits safely in a government-accredited scheme within 30 days of receiving it. Once you have done this, you will need to give your tenant the Deposit Protection Certificate, Prescribed Information, as well as the How to Rent guide from the Government.
There are three options available: Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or Tenancy Deposit Scheme. These schemes help to resolve deposit disputes and protect the property from potential damage.
The Tenant Fees Act landed on 1 June 2019. As a result, the maximum amount you can request from potential tenants is five weeks rent. Six weeks if rental costs exceed £ 50,000 per year.

**4. Have ready EPC certificate**

You can ensure that your property has the highest energy performance. Give your tenant a copy.
Your property must be at least an 'E' rating in the EPC by April 2018. You could be fined if you try to arrange a new letting without checking that your property meets this standard.
More information on Energy Efficiency Certificates.

**5. Safety checks**

Legally, you are required to have every gas appliance in your property checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer each year. Tenants must also be provided with a Gas Safety Certificate within 28 day of the annual check.
This is not all. It is a landlord responsibility that smoke alarms be installed on all floors of the property. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in every room where solid fuel is used, such as charcoal or wood. On the first day of tenancy, test both alarms. Although it is not mandatory, it's a good idea for carbon monoxide detectors to be installed near gas appliances.
The new electrical safety regulations, which came into effect on June 1, 2020, require that every fixed electrical installation be inspected and tested by an electrician at least once every five years.
You must obtain a report detailing the results of the inspection.
Your rental property in England must be suitable for human habitation. Tenants can sue you if you don't comply with the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. It is a good idea to respond positively and efficiently to maintenance requests.

**6. Draft tenancy agreement**

Although it's not required by law, having a tenant agreement signed by you and your potential tenants is crucial, especially in relation to rent arrears. Assured shorthold tenancy agreements are the only type that landlords can use. RentOnCloud provides an easy to use document builder where you can create rental agreement digitally and send for esign, all can be done with just few clicks.

**7. Regular inspections with consent of Tenants**

It is a good idea for you to check on the condition of your property regularly. You are not allowed to enter the property without permission from the tenant. It is best to give your tenants notice in writing within 24 to 48 hours. This should be stated in your tenancy agreement.

**8. Find the right insurance coverage for building and contents**

A landlord insurance policy that covers loss of rent, damages, legal expenses, and liabilities will be a good investment.
You should know that standard building insurances don't provide landlord protection so you can shop around for specialist landlord coverage. You risk losing your policy if you do not tell your buildings insurer you are renting your property.

**9. Prepare the property "rental ready" **

Consider who your target tenant might be and ensure that the property is available for them. You should ensure that your property is attractive and has modern decor. Don't be afraid to promote the property's key features, such as a south-facing terrace, garden, parking lot, or access to public transport. It must be safe, clean, and tidy.


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These are the essential ingredients to a successful tenancy. The private rental sector is full of pitfalls and do's. It's crucial to be aware of your legal obligations if you are a landlord or thinking about becoming one.

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

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