General News

UK Rent Increase

According to the Office for National Statistics, average UK private rents increased by 9.0% from the 12 months to February 2024.

Written by: Dechlan Connell

How Landlords can benefit from letting to students

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Should You buy a flat or a house to let?

Purchasing a property for rental purposes can be a difficult decision, we have detailed some of the pros and cons for flats and houses.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

How to ensure your student property is a success!

Ideally your student property should be rented for the following academic year prior to Christmas, this is a specialty of ours with over 100 let agreed last year!

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Advice for first time landlord’s to the UK market

Source: Advice for first time landlord’s to the UK market

Is Leicester a good area for landlords to invest?

Leicester can be a promising area for landlords to consider for investment, but like any other location, it is essential to conduct thorough research and analysis before making a decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Is the student rental market in the UK declining?

The student rental market in the UK is not declining. In fact, it is one of the most resilient markets in the UK property market...

Written by: First 4 Lettings

How can landlords reduce their costs in 2023?

In 2023, landlords can employ various strategies to reduce their costs. Here are some specific approaches that may be beneficial ...

Written by: First 4 Lettings

HMO’s in Leicester

A brief summary of the benefits of a HMO in Leicester

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Why students should choose to live in Leicester

Being a landlord can be a great way to generate income and build wealth. However, it's important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, and to take steps to protect your property and tenants.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Here are some handy tips for landlords in the UK

Being a landlord can be a great way to generate income and build wealth. However, it's important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, and to take steps to protect your property and tenants.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

The ever changing lettings industry...

The lettings industry is constantly evolving, shaped by societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting tenant preferences. For landlords, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends to make informed decisions and maximise the potential of their rental properties. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the current trends in the letting industry that landlords should be aware of.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Tenant demand now at all-time high

In the dynamic world of real estate, tenant demand plays a vital role in shaping the market landscape. The demand for rental properties is influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, demographic trends, and lifestyle preferences. Recent research indicates that tenant demand has reached an all-time high, presenting both challenges and opportunities for landlords and property investors. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this surge in demand, its implications for the rental market, and how stakeholders can leverage this trend.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

What are the benefits of letting a property in Leicester?

Letting a property in Leicester can offer several benefits. Here are some potential advantages:

Written by: First 4 Lettings

How buy-to-let investors can cut tax on their income in 2023

If you're a landlord or considering investing in buy-to-let properties, recent changes in the market may have caught your attention

Written by: First 4 Lettings

How Will The Property Market Be Affected By The March 2023 Budget?

The March 2023 budget released by the UK government may have left landlords wondering about any significant updates related to their sector. Here is a breakdown of what the budget entails for these areas.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Landlord Newsletter - Additional Selective Licencing & Increased Minimum EPC Requirement Proposals

Alas, October is now upon us. We have endured the summer heatwave and made it through the great student migration. The cost of living has gone stratospheric and as usual, the media would have us believe (through either the Russian nuclear holocaust or British economic collapse) that the world is about its end... but it hasn't... yet. So in the meantime, in this month’s newsletter, we will be discussing such fascinating topics as: • Leicester’s new Selective Licensing Scheme – more evil landlord gouging or a force for good? • Government proposals to Increase Minimum EPC Requirements to a C – to fear or not to fear?

Fees

PERMITTED PAYMENTS

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:

1) Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rental

2) Deposit: One month’s rental (5 weeks rental dependent on individual’s circumstances)

3) Payments for utilities (gas, electricity & water), communication services (telephone & broadband), Installation/Subscription of cable/satellite, TV licence and council tax

4) Default Fee (late payment of rent): If full Rent is not paid within 14 days or more of the Rent Due Date there will be a charge 3% plus the Bank of England base interest rate of the full rental amount until full payment is received

5) Default Fee (breach of tenancy agreement, any other permitted payments, under relevant legislation including contractual damages): For any breach of the tenancy agreement based on the reasonably incurred costs of the agent or landlord

6) Replacement of keys, fobs or other security devices

7) Default Fee (changes to the tenancy): An administrative charge of £50.00 or greater for any assignment, variation or novation of the tenancy agreement made at the tenant’s request (only if agreed by The Landlord and/or The Landlord’s Agent)

8) Payments in respect of early termination of a tenancy agreement at the tenant’s request


TENANT PROTECTION

First 4 Lettings is a member of Client Money Protect which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of PRS (Property Redress Scheme), which is a redress scheme.