CIA Landlords

Financial

It’s so important for landlords to know their stuff when it comes to money and finances. Here you’ll find advice on everything from rental arrears, deposits and many other important financial issues.
New pound coins on a council tax bill.

Council tax for buy to let properties

06-11-2024

Investing in property has always been an attractive option for many in the UK. But while it can be a lucrative venture, navigating the tax landscape for buy to let properties can feel overwhelming. From council tax, rental income tax and various allowable expenses, understanding your tax obligations is essential for maximising your profits. Who […]
Golden money symbols on a beach

How does overseas landlord tax work?

14-10-2024

If you’re wondering how overseas landlord tax works, you’ve come to the right place. It’s vital to understand tax obligations for overseas landlords. This blog will inform landlords who live abroad and earn money from property in the UK about how overseas landlord tax works, covering all the basics and more. Let’s get started. Overview […]
A broken window in a home.

What if a tenant does more damage than a security deposit?

14-10-2024

A tenant’s security deposit serves as protection for landlords, helping to cover the cost of damages or repairs during and after a tenancy. While it’s not legally required for landlords to collect a security deposit, it’s a common practice and highly recommended. But what happens when tenant damage exceeds the deposit? This can quickly become […]
Utility bills spread out next to a calculator

How to manage end of tenancy utility bills

09-10-2024

As a tenancy draws to an end, there are various details that you, as a landlord, should manage, from inspecting the property to settling final bills. One crucial aspect often overlooked is managing end of tenancy utility bills.  Ensuring that all utilities are handled correctly not only protects you financially but also helps maintain a […]
An image of a landlord who has received rent repayment orders, looking at them with a pen and a calculator.

What is a rent repayment order?

27-09-2024

A rent repayment order is an order issued by the First-tier Tribunal that requires repayment of rent from a landlord who commits an offence in the legislation. Rent repayment orders can require a maximum repayment of up to 12 months of rent if convicted.  Landlords need to understand rent repayment orders. This ensures they prevent […]
An image of a tenant looking at paperwork of banned tenant fees.

Banned tenant fees and penalties for landlords

27-09-2024

Banned tenant fees have occurred as a result of recent tenant law reforms. They have had a significant impact on the rental market by getting rid of many of the costs that tenants were previously made to pay.  The law reforms were introduced in an attempt to create a fairer rental market and protect tenants […]
An image of a landlord opening a property door.

Landlord Tax: A Guide to the Taxation of Non-Resident Landlords

24-09-2024

The taxation of non-resident landlords refers to the implementation of tax deductions from landlords whose usual place of abode is outside of the UK. This legislation can be found in sections 971 and 972 of the Income Tax Act of 2007. Also known as overseas landlord tax, it was bought in to ensure that all […]
An image of a figurine of a house and someone holding a calculator.

Do estate agents charge fees for renting?

23-09-2024

When it comes to estate agent fees for renting, there is a lot for landlords to consider. There is a vast array of costs that come with owning a property and then being able to rent it out to tenants, and you probably want to know the costs landlords need to consider during the process.  […]
An image of a woman pressing a calculator and carrying out credit checks for renters.

Credit Checks for Renters

18-09-2024

Using credit checks for renters is an integral part of assessing the financial reliability of potential tenants. Landlords can perform a credit check for potential tenants to determine whether they can afford to pay rent.   We’ll provide information and guidance on the use of credit checks in the rental process and explore what landlords need […]
An image of someone using a calculator with a percentage sign.

What are the allowable expenses for landlords against rental income?

16-09-2024

You may be struggling to wrap your brain around allowable expenses for landlords against the rental income that you earn per month, especially if you are new to being a landlord. Here, we’ll make sense of all of that by taking a look at rental income taxation and your allowable expenses as a landlord.  What […]
An image of stacks of coins going up in quantity, signifying gross yield increasing.

How to Calculate your Gross Yield, Net Yield and ROI

02-09-2024

As a landlord, it is important to stay on top of your gross yield and be able to calculate rental ROI to ensure that your investment is profitable. These metrics are vital for understanding the financial performance of your rental property. We’ll explain definitions, formulas, and calculations so that you can use and understand these […]
Coins place down with a house figure placed on top.

What is the tenant fees act 2019?

02-08-2024

Renting a home can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with various fees and charges that need to be paid. To make things simpler and fairer for renters, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 was introduced.  Here, we’ll go into the details of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 so that you have a clear understanding of what is […]
A person calculating on a calculator

Everything you need to know about allowable expenses for landlords

30-07-2024

Understanding allowable expenses for landlords is crucial for managing your rental property finances effectively and minimising your tax bill. Knowing what expenses you can claim can make a significant difference in your profitability. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about allowable expenses for landlords.  What are allowable expenses? Firstly, though, let’s […]
An image of a wooden model house with energy rating system on and a pile of coins and a calculator next to it.

Your guide to EPC ratings for rental properties

29-07-2024

Navigating the complexities of managing an EPC rented property involves understanding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). As a landlord, comprehending EPC ratings is important for the effective management of your rental properties. EPC ratings not only impact your property’s appeal to potential tenants but they also ensure compliance with legal requirements. This guide will provide a […]
An image of an eviction notice and a wooden model of a house.

Evicting someone with a Writ of Possession

29-07-2024

A writ of possession can be a great tool for landlords when navigating the challenging aspects of dealing with non-compliant tenants. While eviction is never the ideal outcome, sometimes it can be the only choice to maintain the integrity of your property and the well-being of your rental business.   This blog will explore the eviction […]

Average estate agent fees for renting

26-06-2024

Navigating estate agent fees for renting is a bit more complicated than you might think. After all, there is no industry-standard pricing that all agencies must legally comply with.  Letting agents can offer landlords different services. Do you just want a tenant-finding service? Let-only? Rent collection? Or a comprehensive full-property management service where the letting […]
A wooden house with a rising arrow on it and a round block with a percentage sign of to signify rent increase.

How much can a landlord increase the rent? A comprehensive guide for landlords

24-06-2024

Have you ever wondered how much a landlord can increase the rent on their property? This question is a constant source of curiosity for both landlords and tenants. This guide provides advice and insights on how much a landlord can increase rent, how much notice landlords should provide tenants for rental increases, and how to […]
A landlord sititng down holding paperwork with a calculator and working out his tax relief.

What is Section 24 and how does it affect landlords?

12-06-2024

So you might be asking yourself, what is Section 24? Navigating the world of tax regulations can feel like a constant battle. It’s something that all landlords will have to face. Therefore, we have put together this comprehensive guide to provide clarity and understanding while also exploring some potential strategies for navigating the post-Section 24 […]
A key in a door.

Short-term lets vs long-term tenancies: A guide for landlords

19-04-2024

Deciding whether or not to rent out your property as a short-term or long-term lease will very much depend on your personal situation as a landlord. You will need to take into account things such as the flexibility of short-term leases and the security that long-term lets bring. There will, of course, be pros and […]
A figure of a property on a building site with a crane in the background.

A guide to service charges and ground rent for landlords

17-04-2024

Property management is an exciting journey, and staying well-informed is key to making it a smooth one as a landlord. By keeping up-to-date, you’ll be able to treat your tenants fairly and make the most of your investment. Here, we shed some light on service charges and ground rent, helping you manage your properties effectively […]
A jar of money with the word 'save' on it.

Best ways for landlords to cut costs

28-03-2024

Being a savvy landlord means more than just collecting rent. It’s about strategically managing expenses to boost your profit margins without compromising the quality of your rental property or the satisfaction of your tenants. Here, we explore some of the best ways for landlords to cut costs and enhance their investment returns. Strategies to cut […]

What tax can you claim back on a rental property?

30-10-2023

Whether you only own a few buy-to-let properties or already have a letting business with multiple properties on your books, the common aim will be to make profits. So, it’s hardly surprising that many landlords are interested in the tax you can claim back on a rental property through allowable expenses. At CIA Landlords, we […]

Financial Issues for Landlords

10-08-2023

People become a landlord either to make a living or to make a bit of extra cash, so it is very important to ensure they get the most out of their investment. However, we are living in turbulent economic times, and everything has gone up, including energy costs and mortgage rates after the Bank of […]
House figurines with coins stacked in front of them.

How Much Rent Should I Charge?

24-07-2023

Deciding on exactly how much rent you should charge your tenants is arguably the most important decision you will make as a landlord. You need to be conscious about there being a fine line to tread between being greedy and being too generous. Your regular rental income is essential to the healthy maintenance of your […]

Buying property through a limited company - pros and cons 

04-07-2023

Some people decide to purchase buy-to-let properties as individual investors. Others take the option of buying buy-to-lets a different route by setting up a limited company. The financial implications of getting a buy-to-let through a limited company are extremely different compared to individual investors.  As an independent landlord insurance brokerage that is always up to […]
pen and calculator working out bills

What is the most a landlord can raise rent?

05-05-2023

In England and Wales, there is currently no legal cap to the amount a landlord can raise rent. However, the government has set out rules that you must abide by as a responsible landlord, which we shall delve more into later.    You want to ensure that you adopt a fair attitude towards your tenants, […]
Image of a model house.

A Guide to Tenancy Deposits

02-05-2023

Taking tenancy deposits from tenants is optional for landlords, nevertheless, it is broadly the done thing and strongly advised that you make it part of the tenancy agreement you put to your tenants. However, putting tenancy deposits in a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme isn’t optional, it is something that you must do by law.  Deposits […]
Shall i well my rental property. Saving money and typing

When is the right time to sell your rental property?

03-04-2023

Being smart with your finances has never counted more. If you’re wondering when the right time is to sell your rental property, you’re not alone.  Landlords are recognising that this is a big decision that can have a significant impact on their financial future.  Even if you are considering selling your rental property, make sure […]
man and women figure with money retirement plan

Can I use my rental property as a retirement investment?

03-04-2023

If you’re reading this, you may be wondering if you can use your rental property as a retirement investment. The short answer is yes, but let’s dive deeper into what that entails. First off, owning a rental property can be a great way to build wealth over time. If you invest wisely, you can earn […]
People sit and talk in kitchen with laptop insurance

Should you include bills in your rent?

15-02-2023

Are you seeing more and more rental offers including bills? It might have you thinking if you should include bills in your rent. There’s a reason the most searched term for renters is ‘bills included’ at the moment, reports The Guardian and it has everything to do with the cost of living.   You might […]
percentages stacked. Rising interest rates

What do rising interest rates mean for landlords?

16-01-2023

Interest rates have been soaring since last year. While the everyday homeowner is gasping at the rise in rates, landlords are frankly suffocating.    Understandably, landlords who are on a fixed-rate mortgage with a good few years left to enjoy it are sitting back humbly and thanking their lucky stars. However, for those who are […]

Tips for landlords during the cost of living crisis

24-11-2022

Landlords – like you – should be safeguarding their assets during the cost of living crisis. CIA are here to help with a few tips. Imagine you’re facing three empty properties which you now have to pay council tax on with no rent coming in. It’s a situation that can easily spiral and leave you […]

How to support your tenants in the cost of living crisis

24-11-2022

Approaching your tenants with empathy this winter could just be the ticket to keeping them on side and feeling supported through the dreaded COLC. Keeping your tenants in your property should be a priority to avoid unpaid rent gaps. Every business, property ownership included, should be keeping communication open with tenants who could be under […]

Who pays council tax - tenant or landlord?

24-11-2022

Surely the tenant who is residing in your property is the person responsible for paying the council tax? This isn’t always the case and it depends on the location of your property. Let’s take a glance at who pays council tax on your rental property and which councils differ in policy. What is council tax? […]

What is a tenant credit check?

13-10-2022

You’ve found some ideal tenants to rent your buy-to-let property. But before you give them the keys, you’ll want to complete a thorough credit check on them. As landlord, you almost certainly know you should be carrying out a credit check but what actually is it? From a general background check to their actual credit […]

How much does a tenant credit check cost?

13-10-2022

You’ll need to add the cost of running a tenant credit check to your overheads when becoming a landlord. You’ll be pleased to know that they aren’t ridiculously expensive as long as you know what you’re purchasing. Every landlord wants to know the credit history of their tenants to avoid any financial arrears and to […]

How to build up a rental property portfolio

12-10-2022

So, you want to start or expand your existing rental portfolio? Whether you’re an experienced multiple property owner or you’ve got some money sitting in the bank and are ready for your first landlord investment, let’s dive into how you can build your rental property portfolio. How many properties are considered a rental portfolio? Most investors own […]

Why would a landlord remortgage?

03-10-2022

With house prices still booming, remortgaging activity is as lively as ever. The question is…  Should you be remortgaging too? The spearing arrowhead that is the property market at the moment leaves little room for landlords to rest on their laurels and not hunt for a better mortgage deal. What is remortgaging? In case you’ve […]

How to add value to your rental property

30-08-2022

Adding value to your rental property is an effective way to improve your yield and make the most of your investment. You’ll be creating a house that feels like a home and attracting tenants that want to look after the property. We’ll share the best ways to add value to your rental property so you […]

Do landlords pay council tax on empty properties?

17-08-2022

Are you the landlord of a residential property, currently sitting empty? If so, there might be some confusion regarding your council tax. Property ownership can be complicated, and there’s a big ‘grey area’ when it comes to an unoccupied property. Paying your council tax is something you cannot avoid. With that in mind, the easy answer to this […]

Can you remortgage a buy to let property?

18-07-2022

The short answer to this common query is: yes, it is certainly possible to remortgage an existing buy-to-let property, as well as to remortgage your current home to buy to let, as a means of renting it out. However, you will need to think carefully about your needs, and what you hope to achieve from […]

Disputes on deposit deductions

18-05-2022

In an ideal world, your tenant will leave your property sparkling clean when they move out. But the reality is that some tenants won’t restore your property to its original condition when they had over the keys  – be it damaged sofas, miscellaneous items left in kitchen cupboards or even broken windows. In some cases, […]

Do landlords pay council tax?

22-03-2022

More often than not, tenants are responsible for council tax unless they are exempt. In such cases, the landlord will be liable to pay council tax. However, it’s fair to say that there isn’t exactly a single, clear-cut answer to the question of who pays council tax in rented property. It essentially depends on the type […]

Do landlords have to take a deposit?

21-12-2021

You’ve found your ideal tenants, agreed on the length of the tenancy and all of the fees involved, and are about to seal the deal. As your new tenants prepare to sign their contract, you may be racking your brains to work out if there’s something you’ve missed. There may be one more question on […]

Do I have to use a tenancy deposit scheme?

30-11-2021

Tenancy deposit schemes can be a tricky topic to understand. But one thing is certain – if you take a deposit from your tenant, it is the law for you to register it with a deposit protection scheme.  We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sure you stick to the guidelines and avoid […]

What electrical certificates do landlords need?

19-11-2021

As a landlord, understanding which electrical safety test certificates are required can get confusing with evolving legislation. Ensuring tenant safety is a top priority and something that should be taken seriously, not only to comply with safety standards but to ensure safety and to foster a good reputation amongst your tenants.  We’ll break down the […]

Can a landlord charge VAT on insurance?

28-09-2021

There are many different types of tax out there, and some are more important than others when you’re a landlord. Once you’ve taken out your landlord insurance policy, you may be wondering whether you can charge VAT on insurance. We’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about landlord insurance and the associated […]

How to Register a Deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme

10-05-2021

When you receive a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy, you must deposit it into a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days. This is the law. If you don’t register a tenant’s deposit within a tenancy deposit scheme, your tenant could bring up a claim against you for three times the deposit sum. You […]

Costs of Being a Landlord

03-03-2021

The finances are a big part of being a landlord, and unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as rent, minus mortgage, minus tax equals rental income. There are plenty of other costs associated with being a landlord that you must understand in order to prepare your finances appropriately. Failing to account and take notice of […]

How to Work Out Rental Yield?

06-01-2021

Whether you have one property or multiple on your books, calculating the rental return on your investments is something that a landlord should not overlook. This is referred to as the rental yield. It is a percentage figure and shows the revenue that you earn, or can expect to earn, from an investment. Landlords and […]

Rent Arrears - Landlord's Rights

06-01-2020

As a landlord, the least you expect from your tenants is the rent paid on time – or near enough. Sadly though, running into issues with rent arrears is far more common than any landlord would like it to be. Sometimes there’s a good reason for falling behind on rent and a simple solution to […]

Tax Advice for Landlords

15-08-2019

Landlord tax is an extensive subject and one that is always changing. If it’s something that you naturally understand, take in and keep up with then you’re probably one of a lucky few. There are many different strands to landlord tax and you need to be aware of them all if you are to get […]

Renovating a Rental Property

26-03-2019

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to refresh a rental property in order to stay ahead of the competition and attract new tenants – however, it’s important that every penny spent is justified by a return on investment. Before planning an overhaul, big or small, do the maths. What’s the budget? How much […]

Financial Jargon Buster

17-12-2018

More than any other area of being a landlord, the financial aspects are the most complicated, whilst also being possibly the most important to understand. Many of the issues that arise through being a landlord all come back to one thing – money. And money is the driver for most of us taking on rental […]

Top 5 Types of Financial Issues Infographic

17-12-2018

CIA Landlords can compare landlord insurance to find the perfect policy for your needs. To find out how we can help, contact us and get a quote today.
Damaged Property

Damaged Property

Most landlords will experience an issue of some degree with damages to their property at some point. We advise on how to handle deliberate and non-deliberate damage to the property or its contents.

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Financial

Financial

It’s so important for landlords to know their stuff when it comes to money and finances. Here you’ll find advice on everything from rental arrears, deposits and many other important financial issues.

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Illegal Activity

Illegal Activity

We explore and advise on issues regarding illegal activity taking place at a rented property – with everything from drugs and cannabis farms, to the setting up of secret brothels and gambling dens.

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Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

Here, you’ll find comprehensive advice pieces on how to manage landlord and tenant disputes. Dealing with tenant and neighbourly disputes in the correct way is so important as a landlord, whether it be noise complaints or financial disputes.

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Landlord Insurance Advice

Landlord Insurance Advice

Landlord insurance can protect landlords in the event of fire, theft, loss of rent and more. Whether you’re considering cover or have just taken out a policy, we’ll guide you through the topic of landlord insurance.

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Legal Advice for Landlords

Legal Advice for Landlords

It’s important to approach legal issues carefully to honour your tenants’ rights, so pay attention to the details. Find advice on the most common legal issues landlords face.

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Other

Other

We explore all of the other issues and situations that may arise for landlords, so that you can feel confident and in-the-know.

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Pets

Pets

Should you relax your ‘no pets’ policy, or is an animal-friendly rental a recipe for disaster? We explore the pro’s and con’s of housing tenants furry friends and how to deal with unauthorised pets, complaints and damages.

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Property Access

Property Access

Once you hand over the keys to your tenant, you can’t just turn up and visit your buy-to-let property as and when you like. Here you’ll find advice on the correct protocols to follow when carrying out inspections and guidance on what might constitute too much contact between you and your tenant.

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Property Maintenance & Interiors

Property Maintenance & Interiors

Every landlord wants their rental property to stay in top condition, and tenants may want to decorate their new home. Read our advice about garden and property maintenance, and interiors here.

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Property Occupants

Property Occupants

Squatters and unregistered tenants and guests are more common than you might think, so it’s vital you’re aware of the rules and regulations and how to deal with these issues correctly. We explore the in’s and out’s of squatters rights and secret subletters so that you don’t get caught out.

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Safety Regulations

Safety Regulations

It’s a landlord's responsibility to ensure that a rental property is compliant with all safety regulations - from gas certificates to fire safety measures. Here, we talk about every safety regulation you should be aware of.

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Screening Process

Screening Process

It’s no secret that the screening process is so important to get right, as it’s the foundations to ensuring an easy and simple tenancy. Here, we offer advice regarding applications, credit and background checks – and everything else you may need to know before selecting your future tenants.

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Utilities

Utilities

There is often confusion around the topic of utilities. Even with the tenants’ names on the bill, landlords can still be responsible in some cases. We’ll guide you through the topic of utilities here.

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We are first time landlords and you gave good advice and the process was easy and good value.

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A pleasure to deal with, the lady on the phone was a credit to her company.