CIA Landlords

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.

What are the GDPR requirements for landlords?

06-11-2024

In May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect country-wide, replacing the 1995 Data Protection Directive. GDPR is the toughest and most detailed security law in the world, affecting businesses across Europe. There have been many high-profile cases of personal data and privacy breaches over the years, and those who violate the […]
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.  […]
Two block of flats figures.

How to notify tenants of a new landlord

28-05-2024

Transitioning to a new landlord is a significant change for any tenant, and handling this process with care is crucial for maintaining trust and continuity in landlord-tenant relationships. If you are a property owner who is handing over the reins to a new landlord, or if you are stepping into the shoes of a landlord taking […]
A terraced house with a 'house share' sign on it.

The difference between a bedsit and HMO: What it means for landlords

15-05-2024

As a landlord, it is vital to understand the different types of accommodations you can offer to your tenants. The two common terms that often crop up are “bedsit” and “House in Multiple Occupations” (HMO). For the purpose of this advice piece, we will look at the difference between a bedsit and HMO property and […]
A man holding a figure of a house in each hand.

Advice for accidental landlords

10-05-2024

Becoming a landlord often involves meticulous planning and making a deliberate decision to enter the property rental market. But sometimes, circumstances turn you into an accidental landlord without having any plans in place. You might inherit a property, move for work or personal reasons and decide to rent out your home, or you might invest in […]
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 house and coins balancing on a wooden plank

Effective ways to market your rental property

19-03-2024

It is safe to say that marketing is crucial for successfully renting out your property. With the exponential spike in social media over the past decade, you can now utilise creative marketing strategies to add value to your property and to get the right tenants for your investment.  Standing out from the crowd is crucial […]
Young professional tenants signing a contract.

How to attract young professional tenants

12-02-2024

If you are a first-time landlord, it is wise to figure out the type of demographic that you want to target with your rentals. In the vibrant world of property rentals, young professionals represent a coveted demographic, so it’s no wonder you may be looking to attract them. Known for their zest for life, desire […]
A businessman on the phone next to a sign that says 'for rent'.

What are the responsibilities of a commercial landlord?

04-01-2024

The volatility of the residential property market in recent times has led to many landlords opting to invest in commercial property, especially commercial properties in London. Becoming a landlord is a big responsibility, but what are the responsibilities of being a commercial landlord? How do they differ from the responsibilities of residential landlords?  Here, our expert […]
Kitchen with white goods.

Are landlords responsible for white goods?

04-01-2024

When we talk about white goods, we’re referring to large electrical household goods such as freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and cookers. Some properties may not have white goods installed, which begs the question: are landlords responsible for white goods? From a legal standpoint, a landlord bears the responsibility of ensuring that all appliances […]
Auction hammer with a model of a house and keys.

A landlord’s guide to property auctions

04-01-2024

Looking to expand your rental property portfolio and increase your yields? Purchasing houses at property auctions could be a sensible investment approach. Here is a guide for landlords on property auctions and how they work.  In 2022-2023, the average sale price at UK property auctions was £190,871, compared to the overall average UK property price […]

Tips for first time landlords

27-11-2023

Starting out as a first time landlord is an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting. If you’ve ever been a tenant, you will know all the things that landlords did that you appreciated and all the little things that drove you crazy, but owning an investment property has slightly higher stakes than just […]
Image of a notepad with the writing 'leasehold vs freehold'.

What is the difference between leasehold and freehold?

13-11-2023

In 2019-2020, 68% of leaseholds were flats. But what is the difference between leasehold and freehold property ownership? Well, when you buy a freehold property, you will own the building and the land it’s on. With a property leasehold, you own the building for a prescribed number of years and not the land.  Here, we […]

The ultimate guide to renting out listed buildings

21-09-2023

Listed buildings in England carry an air of prestige. Why so? Well, buildings are only granted special ‘protected listed building’ status if they are deemed as having unique architectural or historic interest. The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) is the official register of nationally protected historic buildings and sites in England. and its records […]

Different Types of Tenancy

22-08-2023

Even though you may never use one or two of them, it’s good as a landlord to swot up on the different types of tenancies and improve your knowledge of the rental market. You might be surprised at just how many there are… Assured shorthold tenancy (AST) By far the most common type of tenancy […]

How to Write a Tenancy Agreement

21-08-2023

You can have a tenancy without a tenancy agreement, but any landlord will tell you that this is a terrible idea. Yes, a tenancy agreement is a lot of paperwork to put together and contend with but a detailed and comprehensive one will be your golden ticket out of any tricky situations and conflicts with […]

Should I manage my rental property myself?

04-07-2023

So, you have bought a new property that you want to let out to tenants to generate some extra income. Perhaps you are expanding your existing property portfolio, or it could be the first time you have bought a second home as a buy–to–let investment. Early on, you need to have a good think about […]
airbnb booking on laptop with hands typing

Is it better to Airbnb or have a permanent tenant?

16-03-2023

With every person in the country on the lookout for another passive income stream, is it better to Airbnb your property or have a permanent tenant?    We’ll take a look in this post at the pros and cons of opening your rental property up to the Airbnb market. With many landlords exploring the possibilities […]
colourful houses in England

Best buy to let investments in 2023

02-03-2023

With everyone on the lookout for a new passive income stream, you might be wondering where are the best buy to let investments in 2023.    Gone are the days when you relied on one stream of income. In more recent years, people are seeing the benefit and security of having multiple channels of income […]

The ultimate guide to using a letting agent

13-01-2023

Being a landlord comes with a high level of responsibility, and it can be fairly demanding at times. A landlord’s responsibilities include taking care of repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water systems, basins, sinks and baths, ensuring the safety of gas and electrical appliances, the fire safety of […]
A man holding up a set of keys with a house key ring on.

Our complete guide to being a landlord

06-01-2023

In our society, owning property will always provide you with security! Being a landlord is a popular move these days. In 2021, there were around 2.65 million landlords in the UK. With so many landlords with the same idea, competition can be stiff. But if you do things right and follow the rulebook, it can […]
Property occupants with keys

The Rental Reform White Paper 2022 - The basics

28-11-2022

.‘Everyone deserves a decent home’ is not a statement any of us take issue with. However, will this affect you as a landlord? We’ll run through how things might change between you and your tenants going forward as a result of The Rental Reform 2022. Below are the basics that will ultimately affect both tenants […]

How to choose a rental property

03-10-2022

Your finances are in order? Check. You’ve researched how to choose a rental property? Pending. If you’re about to dip your toe into the buy-to-let market, you’ll want to identify some key economic indicators which will assure your new asset. Multiple property owners and first-timers alike want to be made aware of untapped locations that […]

The ultimate guide to renting out a UK holiday home

12-09-2022

Sure, the world is opening up again and travellers are keen to get away and take a well-deserved break. However, what the ideal holiday looks like for many of us has shifted. The reduction in travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to find inspiration and pleasure closer to home. Gone are the days […]

What does a letting agent do for a landlord?

30-08-2022

As a landlord, using the services of a letting agent can make life a lot easier. If you own one property that you live close to, you may be happy to manage everything yourself. For landlords with bigger property portfolios or landlords who live very far from their properties though, a letting agent’s services are […]

Building a buy-to-let property portfolio

17-08-2022

Starting a buy-to-let property portfolio can be difficult, but not impossible. At CIA Landlords, we have offered insurance cover for so many properties of this type, that we are well aware of the intricate process of building a buy-to-let property portfolio. The buy-to-let market is always changing, so it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. Make sure […]

How to protect your property while tenants are on holiday

18-07-2022

Whether your tenant lets you know they are taking a break from the property, or you find out some other way, we can understand if you are a little fretful about the prospect. After all, if your property will be unoccupied for a few days, weeks or even months, this could make it more vulnerable […]

How many rental properties can you own?

18-05-2022

Have you ever wondered how many rental properties can you own? Well, put simply, you can buy as many rental properties as your budget will allow – be it through your own money, a mortgage or private financing with the seller. Owning multiple rental properties is a surefire way to make more money from real estate. […]

Buying a buy to let property

18-03-2022

For many, buying a buy-to-let property is a dream come true, and for good reason. Becoming a landlord is a great way to earn rental income and save money for the future. Plus, if the value of your property goes up, you can later sell it at a profit. In a nutshell, renting property can […]

How much notice does a landlord have to give?

13-12-2021

Let’s face it, leasing or letting a property can be tricky to navigate for landlords. Whilst most tenancies tend to be pretty smooth sailing, in some cases, tenants make life pretty stressful. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules for private tenancy agreements have changed slightly, particularly when it comes to property repossession and how much notice a […]

Furnished or unfurnished?

02-02-2021

One decision that every landlord has to make is whether to rent out their property furnished or unfurnished. There are no hard and fast rules here, and no right or wrong answer. It’s completely up to you as a landlord to decide which will work best for you and your target tenants. That being said, […]

Using a Letting Agent

09-01-2020

When it comes to landlord using letting agents, it purely comes down to personal preference. Some landlords prefer to take control and handle the entire tenancy themselves, however some are after a slightly easier life and so look to letting agents to accommodate this. Convenience is the main driver when it comes to using letting […]
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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Home selling secrets

Amina was very helpful in sorting out my landlord’s insurance and spotted an error in my cover which helped reduce my premium.

First time landlords

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

A pleasure to deal with

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