Landlord advice and guidance

Evicting a commercial tenant | What you need to know

A comprehensive guide to evicting a commercial tenant and regaining possession of your property.

Commercial tenant not paying rent | All you need to know

What do you do when a commercial tenant stops paying the rent? Our guide gives you all the options.

Guide to commercial landlord laws and regulations

A guide to all the law and regulations that commercial landlords need to know about.

Who pays for building insurance on commercial property?

Who is responsible for insuring a commercial building? We answer landlord and tenant questions.

Commercial landlord insurance FAQs

Find out everything you need to know about commercial property insurance in our quick guide for commercial landlords.

Complete guide to being a commercial landlord

Complete guide to being a commercial landlord, including the pros and cons, and your rights and responsibilities.

Using your pension to invest in commercial property

Investing in commercial property can be beneficial if you’re a business owner, as you’ll have premises for your company plus regular payments into your pension.

What is Commercial Property Insurance?

Commercial Property Insurance is one of the most important things to remember when purchasing your new property.

Commercial landlord responsibilities

If you own a commercial property for rent, you’ll know it comes with certain responsibilities. But there's often confusion about who is responsible for what; landlord or tenant?

What is home emergency cover and what does it include? 

Whether you’re a landlord or a homeowner, home emergency cover can help you get problems fixed quickly if disaster strikes. We look at how this insurance works and what it covers.

Rent guarantee insurance or a rent guarantor – which should you choose?

Due to the current economic climate, many landlords are looking closely at rent guarantee insurance and rent guarantors. But which is best for you?

What is HMO insurance? | The ultimate guide to HMOs

Whether you’re new to the HMO market or a seasoned pro, our comprehensive guide will help you manage your property as effectively as possible.

Public liability insurance for a holiday let

As the owner of a holiday let, it’s down to you to keep guests safe, but public liability insurance can help if something goes wrong and you’re held responsible. Here’s what it covers.

Advice for accidental landlords

Have you become an accidental landlord? Our guide gives you everything you need to navigate your way through the realities of becoming a landlord.

All you need to know about landlord legal expenses cover

At a time when tenant evictions are rising – and tenant powers to take their landlords to court are stronger than ever – landlord legal expenses cover is a must. We look at how it works and how you can get the right insurance.

Public liability insurance for landlords: everything you need to know

If a tenant or member of the public is injured on your property, you need landlord liability insurance to protect you from the associated costs. Here’s everything you need to know.

Is rising damp covered by buildings insurance?

Rising damp can be a serious problem, especially in older homes, and if left untreated can lead to health issues and devalue your property, so check out our guide, so you know what to look for and what to do about it.

Guide to letting to family and friends

Renting to family and friends is a popular way of finding good tenants and giving people a helping hand. However, things can sometimes go wrong. In this guide, we share our top tips on making sure letting to people you know goes as smoothly as possible.

Is AirBnB classed as buy-to-let?

What are the differences between an Airbnb rental and a traditional buy-to-let, and how does it affect mortgages, insurance, and tax?

A guide to short term landlord insurance

Whether you want to let a property on a short-term basis, or you’re hoping to ride the Airbnb wave, our guide to short-term landlord insurance will help make sure you have the right cover for your needs.

The importance of rental insurance

Learn why rent guarantee insurance is a vital consideration for all landlords and how it can help you when your tenants are not paying their rent.

Multiple properties insurance: a brief guide

Do you have a portfolio of residential or commercial properties – or both? If so, you may be considering multi-property insurance. Our guide talks you through the different types of cover available to you.

Rent Smart Wales - FAQs for landlords

If you are a landlord and you rent out property in Wales, it is crucial you understand the Rent Smart Wales scheme. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the scheme.

Guide to landlord risks | The cost of being a landlord

Becoming a landlord: what are the risks, and how can you avoid them? There’s a lot to think about when you become a landlord, but understanding what you need to do and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls makes the process easier.

Do I need landlord insurance?

From buy-to-let portfolio owners to people renting out a room in their home, different kinds of landlords need different types of landlord insurance. In this article we look at some of the common questions that arise when considering landlord insurance.

Rent guarantee insurance; a necessary policy as the cost of living rises?

Inflation is the highest it’s been for 30 years, and rising prices are pushing more and more households towards a cost-of-living crisis. This is likely to culminate in some tenants struggling to pay their rent. How can landlords and letting agents protect their rental income and investment?

Landlord's guide to rent to rent

Rent-to-rent: is it the right option for you? It’s a way of becoming a landlord without the need for an upfront investment, but make sure you know what to expect from such a scheme.

Landlord insurance: a beginner's guide

Landlord insurance: where do you start, and what do you look out for? It can feel like you’re navigating a minefield when it comes to taking out landlord insurance, our guide can help you find the level of cover that’ll give you peace of mind.

Landlord's guide to notice of abandonment

If a tenant disappears midway through a tenancy agreement, what can you do? It’s important to know what your rights and responsibilities are as a landlord if you find that one of your tenants has abandoned a property.

Landlord insurance vs home insurance

If you have tenants, it’s important that you take out the right protection – because a standard home insurance policy won’t be suitable.

What are the differences between buildings insurance and home insurance?

Whether you are a first time landlord or you have been renting out properties for many years, having the right insurance in place is critical. In this article, we look at whether buildings insurance is the same as home insurance.

Your questions answered: buildings insurance & exchange of contracts

Whether you are a landlord with a portfolio of homes, or this is your first buy-to-let property, understanding your responsibilities in the sale is vital. We answer all your questions about buildings insurance and exchanging contracts on a property.

What type of landlord insurance do I need?

We look at the many types of landlord insurance available to help property owners get the correct insurance they need.

Landlords insurance – top 10 things to look out for

Comparing insurance quotes can be hard work. Steve Cox, Business Account Manager at Alan Boswell Group, provides his top 10 tips to help you find the right landlord insurance for your buy-to-let property.

Underinsurance in property - it's a risky business

Underinsurance is a big risk for property owners. Here's how you can make sure your property is insured for the right amount and avoid any nasty surprises in the event of a claim

A-Z of buy-to-let insurance

Struggling to decipher all the insurance jargon that comes with your first buy-to-let property? Our guide will help you make sense of your options

Do I need landlord insurance for a flat?

Do you need landlord insurance? If you rent out a flat, you will have wondered if you need landlord insurance. We explore your responsibilities and the types of insurance for flats.

The average cost of renting a house in the UK

We look at the average salaries and rental costs (based on a two-bedroom house in the area) across every corner of the UK to discover the average cost of renting in the UK.

Private rented sector statistics 2021

The private rental market: what are the latest trends? We take a look at the latest private rental statistics so that you can stay informed on the rental market in the UK.

Guide to landlord risks | The cost of being a landlord

Becoming a landlord: what are the risks, and how can you avoid them? There’s a lot to think about when you become a landlord, but understanding what you need to do and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls makes the process easier.

How to work out rental yield 

Use our rental yield calculator to work out the value of your property investment, plus how to work it out manually, why it matters, and what is a good rental yield?

Thinking about diversifying into holiday lets?

One of the most popular, and successful, forms of farm diversification is converting farm buildings into holiday accommodation. If you're thinking of joining over 60% of UK farmers who have done this, make sure you've got the right insurance in place.

Using your pension to invest in commercial property

Investing in commercial property can be beneficial if you’re a business owner, as you’ll have premises for your company plus regular payments into your pension.

Holiday Home vs Buy-to-Let

Is it more profitable to buy a holiday home or buy-to-let property? We look at the factors involved.

Guide to the Renters' Rights Bill

We look at the measures announced in the Renters' Rights Bill, and its impact on property insurance.

Landlord guide to renting to disabled tenants

Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with a disability. We look at what your landlord responsibilities are and find out if it’s ever acceptable to refuse adaptations.

A landlord & letting agent’s guide to data protection

If you keep personal data about your tenants, it’s vital that you comply with data protection laws. We look at how you can do this as simply as possible.

Energy theft guidance for landlords

The cost-of-living crisis has seen a spike in energy theft. But what should you do if your tenants are illegally abstracting gas or electricity?

A guide to the Tenant Fees Act 2019

Since the Tenant Fees Act was passed in 2019, the fees charged by landlords and lettings agents have been severely restricted. In this guide, we show you which fees are still allowed – and which can put you on the wrong side of the law.

What is a no-fault eviction? A guide for landlords

The Government are set to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault evictions’ in the coming months. We take a look at what this means for landlords, and the grounds they can still use to evict.

Landlord's guide to improving EPC ratings

The law has changed on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for private rental properties. Find out the latest, and changes set to come in the future.

Landlord questions to ask potential tenants

How can you make sure you get the possible tenant for your property? We take a look at some of the questions landlords can ask prospective tenants.

Landlord's responsibilities for pest control

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it’s not a pleasant experience dealing with a pest infestation. We look at landlord's and tenant's responsibilities for pest control.

The documents you need as a landlord

In this article, we’ve created an up-to-date landlord documents checklist to help you make sure you’ve got all of your paperwork covered.

What is a Section 8 notice?

Here, we look at Section 8 notices in more detail and the circumstances in which they can be used. For example, Section 8 notices are typically served when tenants are in arrears.

A quick guide to the Government's private renters reform White Paper

On the 16th of June the long-awaited whitepaper on private renters reforms proposed for England was published. We take a look at some of the proposed reforms and how they will affect landlords and tenants.

Right-to-rent checks

Under the right to rent scheme, landlords must check that prospective tenants have the right to live in the UK before renting out property. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines and even a prison sentence.

Fire safety rules for landlords

Landlords have a legal responsibility to adhere to fire regulations for rental properties, to protect both their tenants and their investment. In this guide to fire safety rules for landlords, we explain all the mandatory regulations for both domestic and commercial properties, including vital gas and electrical safety certificates.

Fit for human habitation: what landlords need to know before renting out a property

It’s important to understand what the law requires you to provide for your tenants, and what you should do if there is a problem.

Guide to the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme

The Non-Resident Landlord Scheme applies to landlords who own rented property in the UK but spend more than six months abroad. Read our guide to the scheme including what to do if it applies to you.

How do you evict a tenant?

It can be tough when a tenancy doesn’t work out. Our guide explains how to regain possession legally and fairly, making sure tenants are notified correctly.

What is Section 11 under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985?

In this guide we’ll explore the implications of section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 for both tenants and landlords. 

Landlord responsibilities – changes to electrical safety regulations 2021/2022

Updates to landlord legislation in England and Scotland mean that rental properties must comply with new electrical safety standards.

What is section 24?

Here, we explore how Section 24 works, how it affects landlord income and what you can do to off-set the effects. such as Tax relief changes and the impact on income.

What is an EPC? Regulations Explained

Properties built, sold or leased since 2008 require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and will be affected by Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES). Do you know how to stay compliant?

What is a Section 21 Notice?

Join us as we explore what a Section 21 Notice is and how landlords can use it to regain possession of their buy-to-let property

Does my holiday home need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

If you need an EPC for your holiday let but don’t have one, you could be fined. Here’s what your obligations are when it comes to arranging an Energy Performance Certificate.

A landlord & letting agent’s guide to data protection

If you keep personal data about your tenants, it’s vital that you comply with data protection laws. We look at how you can do this as simply as possible.

How landlords can encourage long-term tenants

How to find good long-term tenants to help you get the maximum return from your rental property.

Landlord’s guide to holding deposits

Holding deposits are useful to ensure a tenant is serious about renting your property. But you must stick to the rules, or you run the risk of invalidating your insurance.

Things landlords cannot do

If you’re a landlord, there are a lot of legal conditions you must comply with. In this article, we look at what landlords can and cannot do, and give tips on avoiding common mistakes when managing your properties and tenants.

Guide to locks and keys on rental property

Who’s responsible for the locks and keys of a rental property? In this article, we look at the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants when it comes to security.

Energy theft guidance for landlords

The cost-of-living crisis has seen a spike in energy theft. But what should you do if your tenants are illegally abstracting gas or electricity?

A landlord’s guide to rental arrears

When a tenant falls into rental arrears, it can cause major problems. We look at how to deal with non-payment of rent, what options are available to you and how you can protect yourself against loss of income.

Guide to renting out a property furnished or unfurnished

Are you unsure whether it’s best to let your property furnished or unfurnished? Our guide looks at the pros, cons, and implications for both kinds of let.

Damp and mould in rental property

Damp and mould can cause serious issues. Here, we take a look at the causes of damp and the responsibilities tenants and landlords both have in resolving the problem.

What is HMO insurance? | The ultimate guide to HMOs

Whether you’re new to the HMO market or a seasoned pro, our comprehensive guide will help you manage your property as effectively as possible.

Legal requirements when letting a holiday property

Owning and managing a holiday let comes with a number of responsibilities. To help you meet your obligations and stay on the right side of the law, we explore the legal requirements for renting out a holiday home.

When was my house built?

While it can be fascinating to learn about the history of your home, there are practical reasons for knowing when it was built. This can help you maintain your home correctly and get the right insurance cover for your needs.

Landlord’s guide to government deposit schemes

When a landlord takes a tenant’s deposit, the money must be protected in one of the government-backed deposit schemes. We explain how these schemes work and what your obligations are.

Holiday lets – your FAQs answered

To help you get to grips with the ins and outs of holiday home letting, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions so that you can make the most of your investment.

Letting agent fees for landlords

Landlords can use letting agents for everything from finding tenants to fully managing a property portfolio. But what are the costs involved, and are they worth it?

Do I need a holiday letting agent?

Managing a holiday rental can be time consuming. We explore why you might consider using a letting agent and if you do, what the pros and cons are compared to managing your holiday let yourself.

Landlord responsibilities: guide to fixtures and fittings

Fixture or fitting? When you’re a landlord, it pays to know the difference between the two. In this article, we look at the difference between fixtures and fittings, what landlords are responsible for and the best insurance for both.

A guide to increasing rent

If you’re looking to increase your tenant’s rent but are unsure how and when to do it and by how much, then look no further because we have all the information you need.

A landlord’s guide to property inspections

House and property inspections play a vital role in making sure your property is being maintained. To help you arrange a house inspection and clarify your landlord rights and responsibilities, here’s what to consider.

How to protect your rental from property fraud

Recent media report suggest growing numbers of prospective tenants are using fake documents when applying for a tenancy. We take a look at how landlords can protect against property fraud.

How to identify and manage problems with tenants

Troublesome tenants are a landlord’s worst nightmare. We look at ways of avoiding bad tenants, spotting the signs that things are going wrong, and how to deal with common issues.

Finding good tenants | A landlord's guide

Every landlord wants to find good tenants for their buy-to-let properties. In this article, we share our tips and tricks for attracting responsible and pleasant tenants – and avoiding those ‘tenants from hell’.

Do your tenants work from home?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home and hybrid working have become more popular than ever. But are your tenants allowed to work from home – or even run a business from your property?

A landlord's guide to subletting

If tenants sublet your property with or without your permission, it can have implications for your investment, your mortgage and your insurance. In this article, we explain how subletting works, and what you can do to make sure you’re covered.

Is AirBnB classed as buy-to-let?

What are the differences between an Airbnb rental and a traditional buy-to-let, and how does it affect mortgages, insurance, and tax?

Top tips for landlords to help tenants during the cost of living crisis

With the average UK household predicted to spend 54% of their post-tax income on rent and household bills by the end of 2022, it’s clear that the pressure on landlords and tenants financials is set to increase. To help ease the financial pressure, we’ve put together our top tips for landlords to help tenants amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Landlord's guide to improving EPC ratings

The law has changed on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for private rental properties. Find out the latest, and changes set to come in the future.

Private rented sector statistics 2021

The private rental market: what are the latest trends? We take a look at the latest private rental statistics so that you can stay informed on the rental market in the UK.

Landlord's guide to renting to tenants with pets

The proposed new legislation makes it likely that most landlords will no longer be able to refuse tenancies to pet owners. Read our landlord's guide to private renting to tenants with pets.

A quick guide to the Government's private renters reform White Paper

On the 16th of June the long-awaited whitepaper on private renters reforms proposed for England was published. We take a look at some of the proposed reforms and how they will affect landlords and tenants.

Guide to landlord accreditation schemes and courses

In most parts of the UK landlord accreditation schemes and courses are not compulsory. Even so, growing numbers of landlords are signing up, keen to enjoy the benefits they offer.

The landlord's guide to buy-to-let

Are you thinking of becoming a buy-to-let landlord? Or recently purchased a property you plan on letting out? If so, our buy-to-let guide for landlords helps you make the best of your new investment.

Is buy-to-let worth it?

Buy-to-let landlords: what are the risks and rewards of buying a rental property? If you are thinking of becoming a landlord, make sure you know what’s expected of you and how to make the most of your investment.

Landlords: A guide to DSS tenants

A DSS tenant is someone who pays their rent with housing benefit. The term DSS is still used even though the DSS no longer exists as an organisation.

Guide to live-in landlords

If you rent out a room or part of your home to a tenant or lodger, while also living there yourself, you’re classed as a ‘live-in’ or ‘resident’ landlord. Taking on a lodger, or tenant, can earn you some extra money, but it pays to be aware of the procedures you need to follow, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Essential guide to the best property inventory list

To help you prepare and implement an effective report, here’s our essential guide on how to create the best property inventory.  

Your essential landlord checklist

As a property owner you will have far more work to do than many people realise. We've put together an essential landlord checklist to make sure you've got things covered

End of tenancy cleaning - a guide for landlords

End of tenancy cleaning causes more disputes between landlords and tenants than any other single issue. We've put together this guide to cover everything both landlords and tenants need to know to make sure the end of tenancy cleaning process is as smooth as possible.

Why you should join a Landlords Association

Keeping up with frequent legislative amendments, as well as large scale regulation reform, can seem like a never-ending task; Find all the benefits of joining a landlord association.

What is ‘wear and tear’ in a rental property?

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, it's essential that you understand the level of wear and tear you can expect during a tenancy.

Changes and amendments to tenancy agreements

You can amend tenancy agreements to adapt to your tenant’s circumstances. We highlight common reasons for tenancy changes, what you need to do to make those alterations, and how much it costs.

Landlord’s guide to holding deposits

Holding deposits are useful to ensure a tenant is serious about renting your property. But you must stick to the rules, or you run the risk of invalidating your insurance.

Things landlords cannot do

If you’re a landlord, there are a lot of legal conditions you must comply with. In this article, we look at what landlords can and cannot do, and give tips on avoiding common mistakes when managing your properties and tenants.

Landlord’s guide to Legionnaires’ disease

If you rent out property, you must ensure your water systems are safe and free from Legionella. We look at how to avoid outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease and how to insure yourself against this risk.

Are landlords responsible for white goods?

Most landlords provide white goods – domestic appliances – in their rental properties. But who’s responsible for them? Landlords, tenants, or both? We take a closer look.

Guide to locks and keys on rental property

Who’s responsible for the locks and keys of a rental property? In this article, we look at the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants when it comes to security.

Landlord boiler responsibilities

Gas boilers are notorious for going wrong at the worst possible time, particularly in the winter. We look at landlords’ responsibilities for boilers and share tips for keeping them in good working order.

A guide to landlord right of entry

There are very strict rules about when and how a landlord can enter a rental property. In this article, we look at what they mean for tenants and landlords – and how to avoid falling foul of the law.

A guide to understanding landlord harassment

Landlord harassment is essentially anything a landlord does that prevents tenants from living peacefully in their homes. Examples of landlord harassment in the UK vary widely but includes incidents such as changing the locks without tenants’ knowledge.

Landlord responsibilities: guide to fixtures and fittings

Fixture or fitting? When you’re a landlord, it pays to know the difference between the two. In this article, we look at the difference between fixtures and fittings, what landlords are responsible for and the best insurance for both.

Guide to reducing and insuring against malicious damage

Police forces in England and Wales currently investigate over a quarter of a million cases of criminal damage to property every year. If you are a landlord, it’s more important than ever to have the right malicious damage insure to cover your rental properties.

A quick guide to the Government's private renters reform White Paper

On the 16th of June the long-awaited whitepaper on private renters reforms proposed for England was published. We take a look at some of the proposed reforms and how they will affect landlords and tenants.

Multiple properties insurance: a brief guide

Do you have a portfolio of residential or commercial properties – or both? If so, you may be considering multi-property insurance. Our guide talks you through the different types of cover available to you.

Electrical checks for landlords | EICR report guide

Do you need an EICR report before you let out a property? Do you know the difference between Periodic Inspection Reports and Visual Inspection reports? Our guide to EICR for landlords answers these questions and more.

Rent Smart Wales - FAQs for landlords

If you are a landlord and you rent out property in Wales, it is crucial you understand the Rent Smart Wales scheme. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the scheme.

Guide to landlord risks | The cost of being a landlord

Becoming a landlord: what are the risks, and how can you avoid them? There’s a lot to think about when you become a landlord, but understanding what you need to do and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls makes the process easier.

Guide to landlord responsibilities

What are the legal responsibilities and obligations of a private landlord? Read our complete guide.

Landlord certificate requirements

Landlords must ensure that a range of safety checks are carried out before you rent a property, and different documents are required in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find the full Landlord certificate list

Landlord fines: the risk of renting an unfit property

Is your property fit for your tenants? We take a look at a landlord's responsibilities for rented properties.

Pros and cons of limited companies for landlords

The number of landlords setting up limited companies continues to rise. We look at what you should bear in mind and how it might affect your landlord building insurance.

Landlord tax guide

Tax can be a complicated subject for landlords, such as income tax, stamp duty, capital gains tax, corporation tax, and landlord tax relief. We've teamed up with Norwich Accountancy to provide some detail on tax for landlords.

How much tax do I need to pay on rental income?

Tax on rental income can be complex to navigate. To ensure you don’t get caught out, here’s what you need to consider when paying tax on your rental income.

Pros and cons of zero deposit schemes for landlords

We look at how zero deposit schemes work and what it means for you as a landlord. We also highlight the pros and cons so you can decide if it’s the right option for you.

Landlord's guide to tenant credit checks

Tenant credit checks can’t guarantee you’ll never have issues receiving rent, but they can help minimise the risk of problems with tenants later on; here’s how it works.

How landlords can encourage long-term tenants

How to find good long-term tenants to help you get the maximum return from your rental property.

A guide to the Tenant Fees Act 2019

Since the Tenant Fees Act was passed in 2019, the fees charged by landlords and lettings agents have been severely restricted. In this guide, we show you which fees are still allowed – and which can put you on the wrong side of the law.

A landlords guide to sitting tenants

Sitting tenants can complicate a sale, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. We explore how sitting tenants can affect your property and what you can do to make the sale process as smooth as possible.

How to identify and manage problems with tenants

Troublesome tenants are a landlord’s worst nightmare. We look at ways of avoiding bad tenants, spotting the signs that things are going wrong, and how to deal with common issues.

Do your tenants work from home?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home and hybrid working have become more popular than ever. But are your tenants allowed to work from home – or even run a business from your property?

A landlord's guide to subletting

If tenants sublet your property with or without your permission, it can have implications for your investment, your mortgage and your insurance. In this article, we explain how subletting works, and what you can do to make sure you’re covered.

Guide to the different types of tenancy agreements

We break down the different tenancy agreements available for property owners within the UK and explain the purpose behind them