Now it's the HB crunch?
Housing benefit has long been problematical for landlords. But now there are to be severe cuts in the level of support available to tenants, or such a scale that they are likely to cause an upheaval in this sector of the private rented sector. MORE

Are you sat on thousands in compensation?
Trevor Marshall explains the opportunity which has seen landlords and private individuals who have been mis-sold mortgages reclaim substantial amounts in compensation. MORE

An option you can't refuse
Options are powerful tools that can help landlords create, manage or transform property portfolios while managing their debt and risk. Through simple strategies such as ‘rent to own’, property options also open doors for home buyers who would... MORE

Certainty in uncertain times
Many landlords are under insured. And with uncertain economic times ahead now is the time to take stock of the situation, say Peacock Insurance Services. MORE

Alarm bells over landlord fire safety rules
New fire safety regulations, effective since 2006, place new obligations, especially those with multi occupancy properties. Progress with compliance has been slow, says Paul Marsh of Lawes Marsh, and it comes as no surprise that landlords have been prosecuted for failure to comply with these obligations. MORE

Degrees of opportunity
Where students were once holed up in dingy terraced housing, or experienced halls of residence, there are now more opportunities to live in city centre apartments or converted industrial buildings. MORE

Getting tuned in to the digital switchover
Digital UK and Sky are working together to help landlords who own flats to be ready for the switchover to digital television. MORE

Better safe than sorry
With tenant defaults likely to rise, landlords should take extra care when choosing both tenants and the firms they may have to employ to help with possessions, says Mike Summerhayes of LetSafe (UK) Limited. MORE

Housing benefit makes way for new allowance
Major changes have been made to the way housing benefit is calculated and paid. Here the Department of Works and pensions explains the changes and the thinking behind the new local housing allowance.

Tenancy Deposit Schemes
The Housing Act 2004 specifies that no person may require payment of a tenancy deposit in connection with an assured tenancy which is not to be dealt with in accordance with an authorised tenancy deposit scheme.

'G' up for energy performance
From October 2008 Energy Performance Certificates will be added to the documentation landlords will be required to provide tenants. The good news is that, costing in the region of £100 (so far), the certificates will be valid for up to 10 years. Meanwhile landlords are being offered a financial incentive in the form of an energy saving allowance to move their properties up the performance scale, says Residential Landlord. MORE

Licensed to fill bedsit properties
Landlords in England and Wales who own larger houses in multiple occupation have from June 2006 had to have licences. Those who have not could face severe penalties, warns Leon Hopkins. MORE

Know what the law requires
There are a myriad of different regulations, acts and rules that apply to lettings, and many have been introduced or changed only recently. It is important for landlords to keep up to date with them all, say rental agents Leaders, who have produced a summary of the requirements as of April 2005. MORE

Hammering out a bargain
Houses sold at auction often seem to go for less than their market value. Sometimes they really do represent bargains, but often there is good reason why the seller is willing to accept a lower price, says David Lawrenson. MORE

Soft options and fitting solutions
Furnishings can make or break the appeal of rented accommodation – and have a bearing on rent. But as well as style and durability, landlords have to think about safety and other regulations which apply, says Joanna May. MORE

Looking for your ideal insurance cover
David Lawrenson discusses what landlords should look for when taking out insurance. MORE

Foundations for a successful contract
When landlords commit to building work to their properties it is up to them to see that any contract clearly defines what is required and what the cost of this will be, advises Terry Corbitt. MORE

Accreditation: The way forward
Landlord accreditation through partnerships with local authorities is the way forward for improving and maintaining good standards within the private rented sector, says Neil Marsden, chairman of the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) and the Committee of Management for the National Code of Standards for Larger Student Developments. Writing from a local authority perspective, he has developed the Leeds Landlords Accreditation Scheme. MORE

Buy to let not to fret
Buy to let has been seen as a secure long term investment and attracted many new property investors. But, the role of landlord is not as easy as it seems, says Karl Anders of Walker Morris. MORE