Landlord insurance news

What's the difference between a lodger and a tenant?

Lodger and tenant – two words that are often used interchangeably but have quite separate legal meanings and insurance implications.

Landlords feeling the pressure from tax and stamp duty rules

Rents are rising, but below the rate of inflation. According to figures cited by the BBC, inflation grew from 2.3% in March to 2.7% in April – the highest rate recorded since September 2013 and above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

New rules on HMO take place effect from the 1st October - are your clients ready?

Recent years have seen an uptick in investor interest in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), such as the student housing sector. Where investment goes regulation is sure to follow: this October will see significant changes including a new definition of

Let property EPC

Energy performance certificates (EPCs) – you know what they are, and you know you need them for your buy-to-let properties. But are you fully up to speed with your obligations as a landlord, as well as with recent updates to minimum energy efficiency stan

The problems landlords face and how to protect yourself

Landlords can face a range of issues relating to their let property, and also to their tenants. Mostly these will be day-to-day, small problems (managing access, keys, services, etc), and it is your responsibility to deal with these.

How to deal with damp and mould

Damp and mould is a serious health hazard and can make tenants justifiably unhappy with their living conditions, but there is much landlords can do to prevent this becoming a major problem.

How landlords can protect against home emergencies

It's something all landlords dread, with good cause: a call from a tenant in the middle of the night saying emergency assistance is needed.

How landlords can protect their rental income

What happens if the rent suddenly stops coming in? There are countless reasons why this might happen. Rent guarantee insurance provides you with peace of mind that you are protected against periods without income. Most policies offer protection of up to £

Landlord insurance explained

Landlords want to achieve as much income from the property investment as possible and might be tempted to reduce outgoings, such as landlord insurance. No insurance is a serious mistake that could prove expensive. Stride can discuss the right insurance so

Furnished or unfurnished lettings – a guide for landlords

To furnish or not to furnish? That is the question facing many landlords. The decision is a multi-faceted one, with many things to consider: the target tenant profile, health and safety, affordability and insurance cover.

How to avoid personal injury fraud: when a slip could lead to a trip to prison for landlords

How to avoid personal injury fraud: when a slip could lead to a trip to prison for landlords. Would your insurer stand up to the test of a personal injury claim? Why not speak to Stride Direct about your options?

Landlord's rights to inspect their properties

Inspections of buy-to-let property can feel intrusive unless handled sensitively. While it's reasonable for you to want to check on your property, it is also reasonable for tenants to want some privacy and respect.High quality insurance is a vital protect

Letting an HMO – how to weigh the pros and cons

Many landlords and investors are converting their properties into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) as a way of generating higher rates of return.Don’t forget – you’ll need to acquire quality landlord insurance for your HMO property. Get in touch with

UK to monitor overseas property buyers

Foreign investors are being blamed for making it increasingly challenging for young people to get on the property ladder. The UK are now to monitor property buyers.

Are your tenants letting out your property on Airbnb?

Landlords everywhere will agree that trust plays a key role in maintaining good relationships with tenants. Landlords can’t keep a watchful eye on those occupying their properties all of the time.

Goodbye buy-to-lets, hello commercial lets

Buy-to-let landlords have certainly been dealt a few blows over the past year, many of which originated from former Chancellor George Osborne's 2016 Budget announcements.

Top tips for managing rent arrears

Ask any landlord to name the biggest bugbear they face when renting properties and you can bet their answer will be 'rent arrears.' According to the Landlord Finance, Investment and Tax Report from the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), 28% of landl

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards NLA and NIA help landlords meet new regulations

Landlords in England and Wales have less than a year to make sure that any properties they let out have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above.

Legionella Risk Assessment – a landlords guide

Since 2001, landlords have been required to undertake a Legionella risk assessment on their properties.

Leasehold landlords beware the outcome of Edwards v Kumarasamy

Landlords, breathe a sigh of relief. For a brief period over the summer, it seemed that a new legal case could set a precedent meaning landlords’ duties would become more onerous, with repairing obligations for parts of properties they do not own or contr

Insurance for flooding

You might think that after their home or business premises have been flooded, things cannot get much worse for your clients. Untrue: if the aftermath of a flood involves wrangling with an unresponsive, disorganised insurer then their distress will go a no

What insurance do you need for a mixed commercial and residential property?

If your property portfolio includes residential and commercial premises on the same site, you will know that the insurance requirements can be complex. You will need buildings insurance to cover the bricks and mortar, plus a mix of legal expenses insuranc

Buy-to-let: 5 things to consider before investing

More and more people have been purchasing buy-to-let properties in the last few years. Low interest rates, booming house prices and changes to pensions combine to make taking on a rental property seem like an attractive proposition.

How to choose the right letting agent

Choosing a letting agent is a very important decision. If you pick a good one, your rental property will be protected, your income security will be improved and you will be saved a great deal of inconvenience.

Tenancy tips

9 things to consider before renting your property When you’ve bought a rental property, it’s understandable that you want to waste no time in installing tenants so you can begin to realise a return on your investment.

Common tenant complaints and how landlords should deal with them

If you’re an experienced landlord, you’ve probably got a list of pet peeves about tenants: paying rent late, drying washing indoors with windows closed or leaving mystery dents in your plasterwork. But tenants have complaints about landlords, too.

5 ways to cut the risk of problem tenants (before they move in)

It’s the kind of thing that makes landlords wake up with the cold sweats: problem tenants. The term ‘problem’ is a bit too mild for some tenants – those who will rip your wallpaper, fill your property with rubbish, block your drains then disappear without

Common reasons for being refused landlords insurance

Insurance is an essential requirement for landlords. It provides protection for your property and your livelihood; without it, you could face severe financial consequences if something goes wrong, such as a fire or a tenant injury.

Renting to students – dos and dont's

It is possible for the landlord-student tenant relationship to be a happy one.