Top stories
Pets: Government revises model tenancy agreement
The Government has revised its model tenancy agreement to allow for “well behaved pets” in rental properties. The revised agreement means landlords who opt to use this version will no longer able to issue blanket bans on pets in their rental homes.
Listen up landlords! NRLA launches new podcast
The NRLA is launching a new monthly podcast “Listen Up Landlords” to bring you the very best information, insight and analysis when it comes to renting homes, along with practical advice on how to make the best of your properties.
Share your experiences: Covid-19 and mental health
Covid-19 has hit us all hard – and continues to have a devastating impact on landlords and tenants. Isolation, money worries, stress and exhaustion have had a significant effect on mental health and we want to hear your stories.
Breathing Spaces: new rules to give tenants 'break' from debt
A new scheme being brought in this spring will ban banks and landlords from chasing tenants for unpaid debts, by offering them a period of time to try to find a solution to their financial problems. 'Breathing Spaces' will come into force on May 4.
Rent Smart Wales fails vital accountability tests
An “accountability deficit” exists within Rent Smart Wales (RSW), the nation’s registration and licensing authority, according to an NRLA report. The report was undertaken to evaluate RSW’s performance as it marks its fifth anniversary.
Blog: Pets and deposits, a landlords' guide
With more and more households taking on pets to help them through the pandemic, Sandy Bastin of TDS talks you through what you need to know when it comes to taking on tenants with pets – and what to do if things go wrong.
Rental homes could be lost without energy efficiency cash
Vital rental homes could be lost if ambitious new energy efficiency rules are brought in by the Government, the NRLA has warned. The association says landlords will need support or they could take properties off the rental market altogether.
Landlords needed for Home Office research
The Home Office is looking for your help to make online services easier for landlords and letting agents to use. They need participants who can help test a service that checks a tenant’s right to rent in the UK. The research will take place remotely.
Blog: Expert predictions as the new year begins
As the new year begins, we have asked industry experts what they expect to see in 2021. The Covid-19 crisis has put back many of the legislative changes we were expecting in 2020 – and the knock-on effect could see them pushed back further.
Self-assessment tax deadline fast approaching
Landlords are reminded the self-assessment tax return deadline is 31st January. HMRC recently announced that those who file late will not receive a penalty, provided their return is submitted by 28 February. Read guidance on self-assessments here.
The latest on local licensing - is your area affected?
Our licensing blog this month takes a look at current local licensing consultations, and some of the NRLA’s most recent responses. Consultations are currently open in Newcastle, Westminster, Lambeth and Manchester.
Your training and events update: February
With our programme of classroom courses still on ice, here’s all you need to know about our virtual training courses and events programme for February, including our calendar of national and regional webinars.
Help and advice
Renewing tenancy agreements
A landlord recently gave our landlord advice team a call with a query about renewing a tenancy agreement. They were coming towards the end of an existing assured shorthold tenancy agreement (AST) and wanted advice on whether to renew.
Arranging a rent reduction
A landlord posted a question on our forum asking how to arrange a rent reduction, after a tenant said they couldn't afford to pay the full amount. The landlord wanted to help the tenant and learn more about the support available.
How to: Paint a front door
One effective way to boost the kerb appeal of your property is to give the front door a fresh lick of paint. This blog includes some advice on what to consider for a professional finish if you choose to take on the job yourself.
New training courses launched
The NRLA Training Academy has added two new courses to its offering, shining a spotlight on renovations and property auctions. The two courses offer practical advice on both buying properties and getting them ready for tenants.
Research
The graph, using figures from the latest English Housing Survey, shows the percentage of households living in the PRS is starting to fall after years of sustained growth. To read more about the figures - and their implications - click here.
