Posts with tag: tenants

Latest English Housing Survey Dispels Myths Around PRS

Published On: July 14, 2017 at 9:16 am

Tags: English Housing Survey,evictions,private rental sector,tenants

Latest English Housing Survey Dispels Myths Around PRS

The latest English Housing Survey (for 2015/16), released yesterday, dispels the myths surrounding the private rental sector.

Tenants are more satisfied with private rental accommodation than those in the social rental sector, the report shows.

The most recent English Housing Survey found that 82% of private tenants are satisfied with their current accommodation, ahead of the 81% in the social rental sector.

Rates of dissatisfaction were also higher in the social sector, with 13% of social tenants dissatisfied with their accommodation, compared to just 10% in the private rental sector.

Furthermore, 67% of private tenants said that they were satisfied with their current tenure status.

The survey also dispels the myth that tenants are constantly living in fear of eviction, with the average length that a private tenant has been in their current property now standing at more than four years.

According to the statistics, 73% of tenants in the private rental sector left their last property because they wanted to, with just 11% doing so because they were asked to by their landlord or letting agent.

Just 2% of tenants moved out because of rent increases by their landlord.

The Chairman of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), Alan Ward, responds to the findings: “Whilst today’s data clearly shows that many challenges remain for the sector, it is clear that the picture is one of significant improvement.

“With only a very small minority of tenancies ended by a landlord or because of increased rent, it is time that those who suggest that landlords spend their time looking for ways to evict tenants or make profits at their expense replaced fear mongering with facts.”

The complete results of the latest English Housing Survey, including full statistics on the private rental sector and social rental sector, can be accessed through the Government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/english-housing-survey#2015-to-2016

Letting Agents Must Prepare for a Rise in Tenants, Urges Industry

Published On: July 13, 2017 at 9:33 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: letting agents,private rental sector,proptech,tenants

The UK’s letting agents must prepare for a rise in the number of tenants entering the private rental sector, urges members of the industry.

The message comes from payment management solution PayProp, which says that letting agents who use technology to streamline and automate their processes can dedicate more time to clients and scale more effectively, among other key benefits.

Letting Agents Must Prepare for a Rise in Tenants, Urges Industry

The proptech firm says that a recent report released by Knight Frank shows just how quickly the private rental sector is expanding.

According to the Multihousing Report, released in June, the proportion of households renting privately will increase to 24% by 2021.

Some 68% of 10,000 tenants surveyed for the study said that they expected to be renting in three years’ time.

Knight Frank’s findings reflect the results of the latest English Housing Survey for 2015-16, which placed the proportion of households renting privately at 20%, equating to around four million households.

Meanwhile, the rate of owner-occupation in England has dropped from a peak of 71% in 2003 to 63% last year.

The COO of PayProp, Neil Cobbold, says: “It’s clear to us that the private rental sector is set to experience more growth over the next few years, and those letting agents who prepare for a time when there are more landlords and tenants are likely to be the most successful.”

Cobbold claims that proptech offers several key benefits to letting agents preparing for and managing growth.

“A key advantage of incorporating efficient tech solutions is improved communication,” he explains. “With more tenancies, communications need to be improved and people are looking at apps and electronic forms to achieve this.”

He highlights Fixflo, which announced a partnership with PayProp recently, as an excellent example of a proptech solution that has improved communication, as it allows tenants to report maintenance problems 24/7.

“Streamlining and automation is also useful for arrears management,” he continues. “Another underplayed benefit of proptech is control. It’s far easier to monitor and record access and activity on a proptech system than relying on staff’s diligence in maintaining a paper trail.”

Above all, Cobbold says that streamlining and automating processes is a great way for letting agents to grow, while offering higher levels of customer service.

“Most agents started out because of their passion for helping tenants and landlords and providing a good service, but this might end up being a difficult promise to keep as you scale,” he notes. “One reason consumers like to use independent agents is due to the level of service they offer.

“Corporate agencies can sometimes be more difficult to get hold of and clients like to be able to interact directly with their agent. Proptech won’t take away that human interaction from small companies, and it will also give bigger companies a chance to reintroduce the human touch.”

He adds: “By streamlining all the other steps, you’ll free up the time to provide that warm, caring service.”

Agents, how are you preparing for a rise in tenants?

Are private landlords out of touch with their tenants?

Published On: July 13, 2017 at 9:04 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: Buy-to-Let,landlords,letting agents,rental property,tenants

New research from online letting agent Upad has revealed that there is a large disparity between what tenants want and what their landlords feel that they require.

The investigation questioned renters on what features they would be happy to pay more for in a rental property. In addition, it asked what amount they would be willing to pay for these features.

Most –Wanted Features

Some specific features received strong backing from tenants. For example, nearly one in four saying that they would be willing to pay more if pets were allowed in their property.

While some tenants said they would be happy to pay more rent, others felt it would be more appropriate to pay a higher deposit.

In addition, the research found that gardens, parking and furnishings were in high demand from tenants. This suggests that there may be more of an opportunity for landlords to cater more towards tenants’ needs.

Key findings from the report were:

Almost one in four tenants would pay an average of £50 per month more in rent should pets be allowed into their rental property

17% cited a private parking space as imperative, with £50 again the average figure to secure this

18% said that they would be prepared to pay more for a garden, at an average of £69 per month in additional rent

15% said a furnished property was most important. Tenants questioned said that they would pay £163 more a month for a fully furnished rental property

Are private landlords out of touch with their tenants?

Flexibility

Founder of Upad, James Davis, noted: ‘What tenants have said here is a very clear message that, generally, they’re willing to pay more in return for flexibility from their landlord. It is clear that what tenants want is something completely out of sync with what landlords think tenants want. Maybe it is time for landlords to wake up and smell the coffee.’[1]

‘While many landlords diligently stick to no pets rules or don’t feel there’s value in providing even white goods to their tenants, the evidence is there to suggest they could improve their yields by relaxing their stance on this and looking at what else tenants want,’ he continued.[1]

Concluding, Davis observed: ‘Though it remains essential for landlords to strike a balance to ensure their business is profitable, this data provides foods for thought for all landlords. For experienced landlords who may have upheld the same rules for years, new landlords, or those looking to grow their portfolio in the near future, they may wish to consider how properties with a garden or designated parking can be far more attractive to prospective tenants.’[1]

[1] http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/research-shows-private-landlords-are-out-of-touch-with-tenants-1-4501969

Almost half of tenants fall out with their landlord

Published On: July 12, 2017 at 11:23 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: landlords,private sector tenants,renters,tenants

Nearly half of all private rented sector tenants in Britain have admitted to either falling or arguing with their landlord, according to new research.

In addition, the majority said that they would move if their relationship broke down, the investigation from Lightbulbs Direct indicates.

Relations

49% of those asked said that they have argued with their landlord, while 89% said that they would consider moving. 18% said that they felt their landlord was unapproachable.

What’s more, the investigation revealed the most frequent reasons for tenants calling their landlord:

Damaged window – 66%
Asking permission to decorate – 49%
Broken appliances – 46%
Blocked toilets – 44%
Dirty properties -33%

More unusual reasons included asking to hang photographs on the wall (16%), wanting screws on doors tightening (8%) and moving furniture (7%).

Almost half of tenants fall out with their landlord

Disagreements

With regard to disagreement, it appears that the younger generation is more likely to fall out with their landlord.

The research discovered that 65% of 18-24 year olds and 66% of 25-34 year olds have argued with their landlord. This is in comparison to 36% of 55-64 year olds and 34% of people aged 65% or over.

Furthermore, the survey shows that 24% of UK renters have missed a rental payment at some period. Those aged between 25-34 were most likely to do so, at 44%, in comparison to 5% of those over 65.

Tenants

David Tetlow, ecommerce manager at Lightbulbs Direct, feels that it is important for tenants to find out about their landlord before signing an agreement.

Tetlow said that this will, ‘Help to understand how approachable they’re going to be in a crisis. You should always take the time to research and understand your rights as a tenant and your landlord’s rights to avoid any difficult situations in the future too.’[1]

[1] http://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/almost-half-tenants-uk-fall-landlord-point-research-suggests/

Rogue landlord in Bradford fined £16,000

Published On: July 11, 2017 at 11:40 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: fire safety,property,rogue landlords,tenants

A rogue landlord with property in Bradford has been ordered to pay close to £16,000 after being guilty of renting out dirty and dangerous flats in the city.

Mr Hasan Kazi was told to pay the cash after pleading guilty to renting out flats in Shearbridge Bradford that were in a terrible state of repair.

Obstructions

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Kazi let the properties with fire escapes obstructed and with no safe means of escape. In addition, he failed to maintain fixtures and fittings and failed to provide his name or telephone number.

Mr Kazi managed a building containing 11 flats close to the University of Bradford. He was fined £12,940 for charges relating to condition of these properties, a £170 victim surcharge and £2,700 costs to Bradford Council.

The court heard that an environmental health officer from Bradford Council inspected the flats in July of last year and found several issues, including blocked fire escapes.

Other deficiencies included a smoke detector hanging off, exposed electrical sockets and dangerous light fittings.

Rogue landlord in Bradford fined £16,000

Responsibilities

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, noted: ‘Anyone renting out property has a serious responsibility to ensure that their tenants are safe and free from health hazards.’[1]

‘They also need to make sure that the property is maintained in good repair and meets the standards required. In this case, not only was the property in a bad state it also put the lives of residents at risk. We will not hesitate to put irresponsible landlords before the courts.’[1]

[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/7/slum-landlord-order-to-pay-almost-16k-for-filthy-and-dangerous-properties

[2]

West of England Councils Relaunch Rent with Confidence Scheme

Published On: July 11, 2017 at 9:39 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: landlord accreditation,private rental sector,Rent with Confidence,tenants,west of England

Councils in the west of England, including Bristol City Council, have relaunched the Rent with Confidence scheme, which aims to help tenants find good quality rental housing in the area.

Rent with Confidence is a voluntary scheme that aims to protect tenants by setting a benchmark for landlords and letting agents in the private rental sector.

West of England Councils Relaunch Rent with Confidence Scheme

The scheme will help tenants rent with confidence, knowing that their landlord or agent is approved and should meet realistic standards.

Representatives from landlord, agent and tenant groups have worked closely together to agree a standard that includes ethical lettings principles.

Other additions to the Rent with Confidence scheme include a section on tenant responsibilities and new incentives for accredited landlords.

Seven organisations have been approved, and their accredited landlords and agents will be able to use the scheme’s logo and marketing materials.

The approved organisations are:

The National Landlords Code of Excellence (NLCE UK)
South West Landlords Association
Bristol Association of Letting & Managing Agents
Bristol University Student Union Lettings
National Landlords Association
Residential Landlords Association
Consider Rate

The Rent with Confidence scheme is run by Bristol City Council, in conjunction with Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils, and has been supported by Plymouth City Council.

The Director of the NLCE UK, Sam Jackson, comments on the organisation’s involvement in the relaunch: “The NLCE is committed to raising the bar with regards to landlords’ knowledge and professionalism. Tenants are the landlords’ customers and should expect good quality, safe accommodation. We will enable landlords to provide the best service they can and keep abreast of all the laws surrounding renting property.”

Councillor Paul Smith, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, also says: “The scheme aims to encourage responsible landlords and agents to do more than the legal minimum, and is achievable for most landlords and letting agencies. The standard also recognises that tenants should meet their responsibilities and co-operate with reasonable requests from their landlord.

“We appreciate that most landlords want to do their best for their tenants, and this standard will give renters confidence that their property should meet acceptable standards. The Rent with Confidence scheme helps recognise responsible landlords and agents, and compliments the enforcement action taken by the council against criminal landlords and agents.”