Robert Brown ... Landlord Today

No one knows the level of demand and affordability until they test the market for a particularly desirable property. I have twice successfully imposed 30% rent increases, in 2005 and 2018, and still could pick and choose from several potentially attractive tenants. Many of my rents are 3 to 4 times pre 2005 levels,

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 11:19 AM

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 11:12 AM

Personally, I have never been better off - and with cruises cancelled, payments returned in full, my biggest problem or frustration is finding a good low risk yield for the money piling up in my bank accounts. The highest rate I have found is 3.05% with Natwest but such accounts severely limit the amount of deposits. I am seriously thinking of buying more properties but I need to weigh up the frustration of low yields versus the hassle of further property investments. I guess I'll just have to do more fancier cruises next year as I don't know what else to do with the money that is accumulating faster than I can spend it on things I want or need.

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 11:12 AM

Most landlords want to engage with problem tenants. The problem is usually that those tenants don't want to engage with landlords. If I had an ongoing commitment for something I couldn't afford I would want that commitment to end ASAP. I wouldn't just stop paying and think that was a reasonable course of action. Most landlords would be quite happy to waive any remaining term of the tenancy and accept the deposit as full and final settlement in exchange for the tenant leaving the property promptly and in good condition. No trashing of the tenant's credit rating or harming the tenant's chance of securing a more affordable home as early as possible in return for no trashing of the landlord's property or harming the chance of securing a more suitable tenant as early as possible. That sounds like a win win to me. Why are so many lefties so keen on a lose-lose outcome?

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 10:59 AM

I have had the same flats back , either almost pristine with no damp or mould, or with a lot of damp and mould. Same flats - different tenants - no remedial action needed in the property other than cleaning up the mess after tenants left. Damp and mould are issues are usually due to lack of proper ventilation caused by not opening the window and drying clothes inside. It's very rarely a problem with the property or the fault of the landlord.

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 10:48 AM

John That's why I actually like HMO properties with several tenants who, probably unknown to most of them, are actually locked into the joint tenancy until they unanimously agree to end the tenancy. I use this to get rid of any unwanted tenants who want to stay on with new flatmates and to retain good tenants with new flatmates. This, along with solvent guarantors who value their credit ratings, has meant I have only had one eviction out of around 300 tenancies over the years.

From: Robert Brown 27 October 2020 08:52 AM

Totally agree. I have some large 4 bed flats let to 4 students but with expensive alterations and HMO licences. The market rents for these went up about 20% overnight in 2004/5 when Glasgow City Council brought in its HMO licence for all properties with more than 2 unrelated adults, irrespective of its size. When I was a student around 50 years ago, the same flats had 8 to 10 students sharing. The main risks were food or alcohol poisoning or skin problems associated with unwashed sheets, bodies etc. Fires were pretty unheard of, even with a high number of smokers. Councils and young people unwilling to share rooms are the main reason for rents being so high.

From: Robert Brown 26 October 2020 13:54 PM

As I've said before, I can't think of any safer home for my money than PRS, with yields of 8 to 10% easily achieved on 100% equity properties and approaching 20% on 50% ltv mortgaged properties and nearly 30% yields on 75% ltv, although the risk at that level is greater but still less than any other investment currently. These figures are purely on revenue returns and are significantly better when historic capital growth is factored in.

From: Robert Brown 26 October 2020 13:43 PM

If rent controls are as effective as energy price caps then most landlords have nothing to worry about. It seems many tenants are happier to pay around £300 higher capped energy prices than shop around for better fixed deals.

From: Robert Brown 26 October 2020 13:37 PM

They need to have an option where GR can sign it from the sofa. Obviously too much effort for most of them currently - or trying to solve a non-problem like most GR and Shelter campaigns?

From: Robert Brown 23 October 2020 09:27 AM

Desperate tenants wouldn't grass and become homeless. Solutions are to build more and incentivise property owners to let long term. Currently the incentives are to give up letting long term.

From: Robert Brown 22 October 2020 13:00 PM

Used to be called lodging or flat sharing! It's nothing new but previous generations accepted their financial limitations and didn't expect everything on a plate now!

From: Robert Brown 22 October 2020 09:35 AM

Same observations as the next post. Make PRS more attractive and landlords will make properties available for long-term lets instead of Airbnb etc.

From: Robert Brown 22 October 2020 09:28 AM

His properties should be confiscated by the council, brought up to standard and let out by the council. However the other side of the coin is his tenants are still better off than if they were homeless and the homeless "charities" need to stop making the PRS less attractive to landlords thus causing even more homelessness and forcing desperate tenants into such circumstances.

From: Robert Brown 22 October 2020 09:26 AM

London is suffering due to a drop in demand. The property shortage continues elsewhere as will the booming rental market, especially with the rent dodgers preventing properties from being let to decent tenants willing and able to pay market rents.

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 17:50 PM

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, so perhaps you may be right again some time but I don't think it will be the same day.

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 17:47 PM

The places people are moving to will enjoy a boom in market rents, especially with lots of rent dodgers sitting it out until eventual eviction. Perhaps not such an ill wind.....

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 13:21 PM

Look on the bright side Mark. Lower rental demand in London means higher demand elsewhere with limited availability, so rents elsewhere will soar. Happy days!

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 13:16 PM

Politics of Envy! Locals could take lower offers from other locals if they wanted to do so.

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 08:51 AM

Yes...... Hundreds more dying of Covid. No Deal Brexit looming. Possible vaccine for Covid around Christmas. US Election in 2 weeks. Nothing else happening? Wrong again Seb!

From: Robert Brown 21 October 2020 08:50 AM

Susanna Can you please clarify what you mean? Do you mean the size of the penalty, the fact it's paid to the tenant and not the public purse or something else?

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 22:36 PM

What qualification in statistical analysis do you have which would justify your question and encourage us to pay any attention to your post on this occasion?

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 22:31 PM

Seb You really must hate tenants otherwise you wouldn't mock those who genuinely want to keep them in homes and want to limit the risks of having to evict those who want to meet their legal obligations but find circumstances preventing them from so doing. I pity you for your pathetic attempts to belittle decent landlords and tenants.

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 22:25 PM

Surely the disproportionate fine is the costs incurred by decent landlords and tenants to pay for the Council departments, regulations, building alterations etc. now imposed in response to problems caused by the rogue minority? Scotland brought in mandatory HMO licences for all properties with more than2 unrelated adults around 20 years ago. The HMO licences cost over £1900 initially plus £953 every three years, plus mandatory mains operated smoke alarms, fire doors etc. costing £3000 plus per property along with annual PAT tests. This was in response to a double fatality in a fire in a basement flat, which is still not required to comply with the new regulations as it houses only two adults. Incidentally this landlord was jailed, but for perjury, not manslaughter and has been in trouble again recently - so much for close ongoing monitoring of known rogue landlords! These additional costs led to many large flats being occupied by only two adults, shortage of larger properties for rent and consequently higher rents. This is what I call disproportionate, not the fine imposed on rogue landlords.

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 13:50 PM

Totally agree! The rogues who have made the setting up of Council departments to monitor the PRS should have to foot their entire costs. Why should decent tenants and landlords have to foot the bill to police these rogues?

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 10:05 AM

Mediation has almost certainly been tried in the vast majority of cases which end in eviction. It's nothing personal. Landlords just want paid what is due to them and tenants can then usually stay as long as they like. If a tenant's circumstances change, then they may need to change where they live, just like owner occupiers who can no longer afford mortgage payments if their circumstances change. Public sector needs to take responsibility for the more "vulnerable", or get the so called charities to provide proper help instead of just counter productive agitation. Landlords can't be expected to subsidise tenants no longer able or willing to pay their way.

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 10:00 AM

Why doesn't this fine go into the public purse? While it seems deserved it contrasts with community service order recently given to a thug who beat up his landlord.

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 09:50 AM

This kind of landlord gives us all a bad name. If he's given a record fine, why are we not allowed to know his (or her) name? At least this fine goes into the public purse, unlike the next door story.

From: Robert Brown 20 October 2020 09:48 AM

I thought that- because without government help where required, no one wins. I'm on the side of both decent landlords and decent tenants. A government loan could provide a solution to both. Decent tenants don't deserve eviction but landlords can't and shouldn't be expected to put up with any non paying tenants, whether normally decent people who want to meet their obligations or feckless rent dodgers.

From: Robert Brown 19 October 2020 10:35 AM

Totally agree. Most landlords and tenants are on the same side, with coinciding, not conflicting, interests. Same goes for most bosses and workers, suppliers and customers etc. Socialists don't understand that there are win win options in most things where there are reasonable people involved. Perhaps they don't understand reasonable behaviour - only conflict?

From: Robert Brown 19 October 2020 10:26 AM

If people don't have the money to pay their rents then they should either borrow the money or vacate the property. A government loan scheme doesn't cause extra debt. The tenants have already incurred the debt in rent arrears. A government loan actually prevents the debt escalating with statutory interest, court fees etc. avoided. Why would anyone who claims to be on the side of tenants be against them getting loans to avoid eviction and greater debt?

From: Robert Brown 19 October 2020 09:29 AM

This information should be aimed at tenants. It's their responsibility to keep the property clean. Why should landlords incur the costs of dealing with a cockroach infection caused by slovenly living?

From: Robert Brown 19 October 2020 09:21 AM

Even when they are given information they ignore it.

From: Robert Brown 19 October 2020 09:18 AM

David I'm sure you could have said it ruder- and with some justification! Keep the faith!

From: Robert Brown 18 October 2020 19:36 PM

It's the rent dodgers holding on to tax payers' cash given to them to pay their landlords that are despicable people. Sensible landlords want nothing to do with them. There are plenty of decent tenants to choose from. Why should we choose scum?

From: Robert Brown 18 October 2020 17:43 PM

Lou may be right about higher IQ in some recent or future tenants but Javad is right about low IQ in the vast majority of past tenants. Getting free money to pay your rent but not paying it and thus eventually getting evicted sounds pretty low IQ to me!

From: Robert Brown 18 October 2020 17:00 PM

David You should buy in Scotland. The SNP are even more helpful - rents up 33% virtually overnight when their crazy PRS legislation came into force in December 2017!

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 16:35 PM

The more landlords who give up, the greater the demand for my properties and market forces will push up the market rents. I can't think of any other investment vehicle giving a better risk/return ratio, albeit with a bit more hassle than lower yielding but lower risk and higher yielding but riskier investments.

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 10:49 AM

Tenants should get their priorities right. If you want a pet, buy a property. Don't expect a property owner to risk damage from your pet. Another example of how limiting tenant deposits has come back to bite them. They probably still think that the do gooders are on their side!

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 10:41 AM

I would say that a tenant living in a property he couldn't or wouldn't buy is living off the landlord - not the other way round!

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 10:00 AM

I bet a third of many tenants' earnings normally goes on fancy clothes, costalot coffees, booze, holidays and pcp cars - none of which is essential. Food and rents are essential and affordable on two thirds of normal pay with appropriate budgeting and prioritising.

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 09:57 AM

Market forces will always prevail. As soon as people can get back to their normal profligate lifestyles and throw their money at the non productive hospitality sectors then all the currently unnecessary former employees will be re-employed and demand for rental properties ( which has not diminished in most places) will drive up rents and property values yet again. With a huge number of high rise flats currently unsaleable, demand for traditional properties will increase pushing up property prices and market rents. I'm in this for the long haul and don't believe there is any safer home for the money I have worked hard to accumulate along with the alleged windfall gains from rising property values over the last 40 years and rising rents over the last 15 years.

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 09:52 AM

Our properties. Our choice. No discrimination, it applies to all pets and all tenants.

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 09:39 AM

As ye sow........ Perhaps they might be better asking landlords, usually successful businessmen who have continually had to adapt to changing circumstances, to run an experienced eye over THEIR business practices and suggest where economies can be made. It's my understanding that no public sector employees (I won't use the term workers) were furloughed and continued to get paid 100% irrespective of whether any useful work was being done by them. In addition the number of council executives earning six figure salaries is outrageous.

From: Robert Brown 16 October 2020 09:35 AM

Damian This was a breach of regulations, not a crime! Even if it had been a crime, it was victimless. Contrast the recent story of a thug getting a few hours community service for attacking a landlord.

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 17:15 PM

Unfortunately much of what you quite rightly want would be unenforceable or easily changed by the tenant once they had secured the tenancy. Pricing out benefit claiming tenants and ensuring solvent middle class guarantors is the safest way forward, although even the seemingly most suitable tenants can now be subject to enforced diminished circumstances. In such cases, hopefully their guarantors will ensure early vacant possession to minimise their liabilities. We live in unique times where affording something isn't regarded as a prerequisite to obtaining or retaining it, especially if it belongs to someone whose diligence, foresight and effort now has them perceived as richer and thus less deserving.

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 14:45 PM

Paul I had noticed that no one had responded to Seb's recent posts and from the tone of his post above, he is desperate for us to engage with him. Hopefully we won't return to the stage where we rise to his taunts and will in the main continue to ignore him.

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 12:53 PM

A 2.5 times penalty might be legal but is NOT reasonable! What loss did the tenant incur? It would appear that there was either damage or rent arrears which should be paid to the landlord. Compensation should be proportional to loss. This penalty, if levied at all, should at least have gone into the public purse. It also looks like one less property is now available for rent in an area of high demand.

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 08:55 AM

Surprise surprise! Make it more difficult to get rid of rogue tenants and landlords will be much more careful in tenant selection. No more benefit of the doubt. As ye sow...........

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 08:51 AM

The local sellers could always accept a lower offer from another local buyer. The sellers determine the price and who buys. Don't blame landlords and second home owners who already pay an extra stamp duty penalty. Local sellers have a choice and can stop this happening if that was their higher priority. Perhaps those who complain could set an example on their next house move?

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 08:49 AM

SNP making the PRS less attractive to Landlords, more Landlords sell up, fewer good properties available for growing demand from tenants, market forces cause market rents to rise for those landlords sticking it out. Well done SNP!

From: Robert Brown 15 October 2020 08:44 AM

Simple. Don't look for asbestos and you won't find it.

From: Robert Brown 13 October 2020 16:23 PM

Totally agree. A 2.9% increase in students means 2.9% more after a diminishing amount of student flats. Guess how sympathetic that will make me?

From: Robert Brown 13 October 2020 16:16 PM

Tax Airbnb and other tax dodgers to pay something towards furlough costs.

From: Robert Brown 13 October 2020 10:08 AM

In that case, HMRC will (eventually) turn their attention to spare room. I know that they do occasionally focus on small local holiday letting agents where there are lots of holiday lets and flex their muscles. I enjoyed witnessing this happen in a popular Open Golf venue a few years ago, with a healthy six or probably seven figure sum extracted from many home owners cashing in on five figure rentals from golfers and spectators.

From: Robert Brown 10 October 2020 11:38 AM

Paul These idiots don't seem to realise that for every eviction of a feckless rent dodger, a home is made available for a more deserving tenant from the 97% who will honour their obligations. I've never understood why Shelter etc protect the rent dodgers - kindred spirits perhaps - taking not producing?

From: Robert Brown 10 October 2020 09:30 AM

Janet Any intelligent plant from Shelter etc. would make wild anti tenant posts to paint landlords in a bad light. Only a stupid plant would so obviously have a go at landlords - so I think you are right. There are a couple of stupid plants posting on this site!

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 22:12 PM

Totally agree. Airbnb users letting rooms short term and tax free are a scourge in many residential areas. It has destroyed the enjoyment of hard earned properties for many Edinburgh residents and probably in other cities as well.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 18:34 PM

Yes - but lots of them use Airbnb.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 18:30 PM

Good! I've never understood why they get £7500 per annum tax free while landlords providing homes get taxed on turnover.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 13:05 PM

Great post! No way should rent dodgers get off the hook. Pay up or move out should be the message.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 13:03 PM

I have generally found students to be easier to deal with than young professionals, less fussy and picky, if a bit less tidy!

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 12:59 PM

Like in many cases with the younger generation, it comes down to how the parents are. Middle class solvent parents tend to take their responsibilities seriously, even if their offspring don't.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 12:57 PM

I have found wealthier students with wealthier parents as guarantors and joint and several liability tenancies to be relatively reliable - apart from a couple who left in March on 4 weeks notice and were then outraged when I refused to take them back for the new term as the flats had already been taken by new tenants who committed to stay until next June at the earliest. Some parents can be snobby but all damage is paid for as soon as I see it and I have never had any bad debt as they value their credit ratings. I have also had good tenants who are not students with solvent guarantors.

From: Robert Brown 09 October 2020 10:03 AM

No David The rogue tenants win - at the expense of decent landlords and tenants! I'll never understand why the do gooders keep supporting the scum and harming the decent valuable productive members of society. Maybe their driving force for equality makes them happy with a race to the bottom?

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 22:40 PM

Seb You make a valid point but then destroy it with vitriolic unfounded comment. Given rent arrears only affects around 3% of tenants then surely that small minority should be helped out short term until they can assess their longer term strategy? A tax payer funded loan for rent arrears and ongoing rent payments would have an immediate partial repayment of 20 to 60%, depending on the individual landlord's marginal rate of income tax, plus a significant chance of full repayment ( plus interest?) from the tenant debtors. Where is the downside of such a scheme, other than the loss of pleasure to some in not seeing landlords bear the brunt yet again? However landlords' attempts to support methods that would allow tenants to remain in situ are dismissed by you as only after their pint of blood! No other business is compelled to continue to provide a service no longer being paid for, so landlords can hardly be criticised for supporting measures that help their tenants and them!

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 14:40 PM

In that case the SNP has sentenced its renting supporters from never feeling at home! It's very rare for a decent tenant not to stay on after the initial period of the rental agreement. "No fault" evictions are largely a myth but actually work in the tenants' favour in hiding the real reason why the tenant is looking for a new home. In Scotland, where they can no longer hide behind the myth of a no fault eviction, landlords are now alert to checking tenants out more thoroughly before giving them potentially unlimited possession of a six figure asset that will be extremely difficult to repossess if things go sour. This higher risk caused massive departures from the PRS, accompanied by massive market-driven rent increases for the best properties. Yet again, loony lefties have ended up harming the vast majority of decent tenants to protect the minority of rogue tenants.

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 14:26 PM

No reason to trash their credit ratings if they honour their debts. It's time that unpaid rents could trash rent dodgers' credit ratings without the hassle and expense of a ccj. But if a ccj is needed to teach them a lesson then that's what will happen. It's time that everyone took responsibility for themselves and their families and didn't expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab, other than for a short period of unexpected problems. Longer term problems need longer term solutions - like moving somewhere cheaper or to find jobs, moving in with family etc. There were lots of fruit picking jobs available recently with free accommodation but we had to rely on immigrant itinerant labourers whilst young fit UK residents languished on furlough or Universal Credit.

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 14:14 PM

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 13:13 PM

Surely any bad debt from defaulting tenant loans is more fairly shared among all tax payers than borne solely by innocent landlords? Given the treasury will get 20 to 60% of this loan returned as income tax by landlords and could get 100% back from tenants through paye or benefit reductions, this must be a win win all round? Thirdly the tenants avoid eviction and the tax payer avoids the higher cost of temporary accommodation. Only someone who hates landlords and private tenants would dislike the idea of tenants' crisis loans to allow them to stay in a home they can no longer afford, hopefully temporarily.

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 13:05 PM

On reflection I think the real easy money has yet to come - when those without the deepest pockets or thickest hides are eventually sickened enough by feckless rent dodgers and misguided do-gooders to give up. Their properties, probably in poor repair when their tenants eventually vacate, will be picked up cheaply at auctions. However the resulting shortage will push rents through the roof!

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 10:40 AM

It has NOT been easy money for the vast majority of landlords! Long hours spent redecorating frequently, cleaning up after tenants, passing up on luxuries - even some necessities trying to plan for the future. The easy money is what the rent dodgers get, especially when they don't pay rents with tax payers money already handed to them.

From: Robert Brown 08 October 2020 09:06 AM

Every flat bought for renting potentially provides a long term home to those who can't afford to buy and many of them will never be able to afford to buy. The Council and LHA's can't house them all. Would Mark rather they lived in cardboard boxes?

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 17:17 PM

I've just noticed this was in Guernsey. Don't they still have the birch? That would have been an appropriate (additional) sentence!

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 11:06 AM

David You disappoint me. Surely Shelter wants to do what is right to ensure as many good quality properties as possible are available to rent - even if that means punishing those who trash them? PS. I think I'll go and lie down until I'm thinking straight again!

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 11:01 AM

Agreed. Most home owners are working when he's on the box. Wonder if there's any connection between working hard and home ownership?

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 10:58 AM

The average length of a tenancy is well over 3 years in most parts of the country, so plenty of time to make it their "home". "No fault" evictions are a leftie myth. Landlords don't evict good tenants, especially now when they can't easily evict and so much prefer the "devil they know".

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 10:54 AM

But if you had voted labour last time you would have got communism!

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 10:49 AM

Totally agree Fred. Years ago there was an indexation allowance which took inflation into account and thus mitigated the amount of Capital Gains Tax payable on long-held property investments. If this were brought back, plus allowing landlords to "roll up" unused annual CGT allowances and make Stamp Duty less onerous then I am sure many landlords would be happy to sell to those first time buyers with the gumption to sacrifice some luxuries and save the necessary deposits.

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 10:49 AM

Life has always been difficult for first time buyers - with mortgages rationed during the credit squeeze of the 70's, 15% interest rates in the 80's or 90's (can't remember when exactly - only remember the pain). The difference with previous generations is we worked to overcome the difficulties - with deposits saved over years from earnings and not funded bank of mum'n'dad, no granny's equity release or legacies etc. So why not encourage landlords to "right" what you see as a "wrong" by providing tax incentives if landlords sell to first time buyers - assuming the ftb's can sacrifice their fancy cars, holidays, costalot coffees etc. to save the deposit? To help all home buyers, landlords already have a 3% (4% in Scotland) Stamp Duty penalty imposed on property purchases. We also, uniquely, pay tax on turnover, not profit, pay 28% CGT - with only a single year's CGT allowance - no matter how long we have held the property we then sell. By contrast those who could more correctly be called speculators can bed'n'breakfast shares to get an annual CGT allowance, enjoy an annual dividend tax allowance and those who buy over businesses can get £1 million of capital gains taxed at 10% instead of the 28% paid by landlords. However I suspect you're not too interested in finding "solutions" to the "plight" of first time buyers and more interested in continuing to hammer landlords!

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 10:41 AM

Does Boris not like the colour of No. 10's front door? He could always move out! Perhaps in his younger days his experiences of living in other peoples' houses were largely limited to an overnight stay after a party? NB. Note the use of PERHAPS - a question, not an allegation!

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 09:33 AM

Almost all properties are handed over to tenants in good condition but many are returned trashed. Will Shelter support landlords seeking compensation to restore them to the condition they want them to be in?

From: Robert Brown 07 October 2020 09:23 AM

Mark I wonder why you continue to read them then and certainly don't know why you continue to post on this platform!

From: Robert Brown 06 October 2020 21:52 PM

Paul I don't know the answer. I remember being pretty frustrated in the early 2000's about rents not being able to rise and cash flow being impacted by the expense of new fire doors, smoke alarms etc. to comply with the new HMO licence requirements along with its cost of around £2000 for the first three year period. It was pretty borderline as to whether to sell up and pocket the capital gains or stick with it. I suspect many landlords sold up and the shortage of rental properties helped break the rent freeze log jam. I also remember mortgage rates rising during that time until the banking crisis which also helped to keep rents on the rise. However the biggest contributor to higher rents was the December 2017 legislation which helped rents to jump by a further 30% virtually overnight, again probably due to landlords pulling out or moving to Airbnb to retain control of who stayed in their properties and when they could be told to leave. It also looks like the high density cardboard clad student residences are losing popularity due to their success in incubating and spreading Covid-19, so demand for domestic flats is soaring and rents continue to rise, just a pity I don't have any vacant properties and can't get rid of any currently underpaying tenants, although rent reviews will be on the cards very soon!

From: Robert Brown 06 October 2020 18:06 PM

In Scotland around 2005 a combination of compulsory landlord registration plus HMO licences for all properties housing more than 2 unrelated adults ( irrespective of size of property) broke the market driven freeze on rents that had been there for 10 to 15 years previously, with increasing capital values driving property investment during that fallow period. Since then, with those changes plus the December 2017 legislation forbidding landlords and tenants from agreeing mutually acceptable tenancy durations, rents have more than trebled and property values have continued to climb, albeit more gradually, but probably doubling again over those last 15 years. Decent landlords have nothing to fear from registration or licensing but decent tenants will foot the bill for placating the leftie envy of a more enterprising section of society.

From: Robert Brown 06 October 2020 15:06 PM

It would have been totally different if a landlord at the end of his tether had acted like that and put a tenant in fear of his life! It doesn't say if the thug is still a tenant? Hope he's enjoying a homeless hostel or cardboard box somewhere!

From: Robert Brown 06 October 2020 14:51 PM

Andrew I've found that the harder I work the luckier I get! I suspect the same is true for you. Perhaps lack of luck and lack of application/determination/perspiration/inspiration and aspiration go together? I was once told "Don't waste energy on envying someone. Spend energy on emulating them instead." The politics of envy portrayed by landlord bashers will only backfire on the tenants they claim to support.

From: Robert Brown 06 October 2020 14:44 PM

Paul I don't ring fence £10k per tenant - just a single float of £10k plus. I also take comfort from the fact that I have at least one solvent guarantor per property who wants to keep a good credit rating and so far, a simple email has been enough to resolve the few late or missed rent payments over the years. I suppose I have been lucky (helped with a little common sense) that my properties are all pretty nice and with multiple people wanting them, so I tend to get the pick of tenants and have only been let down badly once by someone who went seriously off the rails, ending up jobless and on Housing Benefit. I know I may not be typical but I suspect that there will be many landlords of 20 plus years who are in the same position.

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 22:14 PM

Paul I meant it was necessary to keep one float of £10k plus available to cover shortfalls and unexpected costs, not £10k per tenant. With a portfolio of 16 properties, solvent middle class guarantors and £250k gross rents to cover around £20k interest then I am quite comfortable with the level of risk currently. However it was different when I started out, with the rent barely covering the interest payments and capital growth being the principal driving force for investing in properties then! PS. Gosh! Have I become one of the fat cats the Tories are supporting?

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 18:01 PM

Just enjoy being wealthier than most lefties - apart from Labour front benchers, past and present! PS. Don't even think you could ever be wealthier than any Tory front bencher!

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 17:53 PM

Totally agree. When I was a student around 50 years ago, it was quite common for at least 8 to share a 4 bed flat - sometimes more in older flats with huge rooms. Now Glasgow City Council limits occupancy to 4 unrelated adults in a flat built to accommodate at least twice that number and charges nearly £2000 initially for a 3 year HMO licence with over £900 payable every 3 years on renewal. That's on top of around £3000 for new fire doors, mains operated interlinked smoke alarms, emergency lighting etc. No wonder rents are still on the increase and the housing shortage isn't getting any better. If students were willing to share bedrooms with flatmates (and not just casual strangers) then individual rents could be halved and lots of student flats available for housing families.

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 16:13 PM

Are owner occupied properties less dangerous than rented properties - or are tenants more dangerous occupiers than home owners? If the answers are both NO, why force landlords to incur this expense? If the answers are YES, then surely it would be fairer to charge all new tenants a one off fee to cover the cost of such alarms instead of landlords having to recoup this expense from increased rents which unfairly affect the more responsible and longer term tenants?

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 16:01 PM

Paul I'm not sure that I would venture into the PRs now with a high ltv mortgage, but it was certainly my best ever business decision in the mid 90's. I won't get rid of any properties but also won't be buying more and am keeping a healthy five figure sum in easy access accounts just in case, even although NS&I have just slashed their interest rates from 1.16% down to 0.01%. That is the nub of the problem. Cash earns nothing now and I think the stock market, which I am not that familiar with, is riskier than property, even with all the disadvantages thrown our way by recent legislation and tax raids. If I were still in my thirties ir forties I think I would still go for properly investment after optimising all available tax relief through pensions invested in a variety of stocks across various countries and business sectors. The multiplying effect of gearing, transforming a rental 6% yield into almost 24% with a 75% ltv mortgage is still too good to pass up for investors with time and liquidity to smooth out any bumps in the road ahead.

From: Robert Brown 05 October 2020 15:47 PM

Paul I still think a potential 24% yield plus capital growth is worth the risk longer term provided landlords can bear a loss of rental income for the time taken to regain possession from rent dodgers. If the official legal remedies remain ineffective in the longer term I can see a potential business opportunity for intelligent but muscular "consultants" setting up to advise rent dodgers of the considerable advantages in leaving promptly and quietly rather than staying put and accruing further rent arrears. It's a great pity that Shelter, Crisis, Generation Rent etc. don't take the longer term view and give better advice to those struggling or failing to meet their financial obligations.

From: Robert Brown 03 October 2020 12:04 PM

Even replacement of single glazing with double glazing is tax deductible, although it could be regarded as an improvement. A rare example of common sense from HMRC.

From: Robert Brown 03 October 2020 11:55 AM

Almost every article comparing alternative investments ignores the multiplying effect of gearing or leverage available on residential btl properties. 20 to 30 years ago I was quite comfortable with a 90% ltv mortgage but now I wouldn't go for more than 75% ltv ( if I were still investing personally which I am not as currently 40% of any gain would eventually go to HMRC and I give them enough already in income tax). Getting back to gearing, with a 25% deposit then a nominal 6% yield on a btl property grows to 24% gross, less about 1.5% interest on the 75% mortgage. That £240 per annum income per £1000 equity is solely on rental income and capital growth should augment that further. A 25% increase in property values represents 100% increase in equity on a 75% ltv property - not an unreasonable assumption over a few years based on past performance. The risks are that the 25% equity is wiped out by a 25% reduction in property values and the rent doesn't get paid. I don't think the former will happen and would guard against the latter with solvent guarantors being required. I therefore believe property investment, using money lent by the more cautious (or timid) building society investors is a much better and safer investment than any other investment opportunity. Government bonds might be safer but NS&I has just reduced its interest rate from 1.16% to 0.01%, so earning 10p per annum on every £1000 "invested". I prefer the £240 per £1000 of equity from a 24% return on equity plus probable capital growth which is why I won't be selling up and would advise anyone with a net worth under the iht threshold to invest in property but do so carefully and cautiously.

From: Robert Brown 02 October 2020 22:23 PM

Paul If he doesn't agree then you must be doing something right! I think you have found an excellent way of protecting yourself against the currently totally dysfunctional PRs legislation. However if I were to spend at least one night per month in each property I would hardly ever be at home, would have one room less to rent out in each property and in any case most of the properties are now in the names of my grown up children and their spouses would probably have something to say about them spending regular nights away in properties occupied by young singletons - on second thoughts........!

From: Robert Brown 02 October 2020 21:26 PM

Seb I don't really care what you believe, or think or say. However I do care what many other posters on this platform believe, think or say - because I respect their opinions and suggestions. I would only care about what you say on here if I thought those whom I do respect would be influenced by your comments but since I really don't think that will happen your comments are no more than a source of amusement to me and I suspect to many others. Any feelings of anger, outrage or astonishment I may have experienced with your earlier posts have been significantly diluted by the sheer volume of them, illustrating the old proverb of the emptiest vessel making the most noise.

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 22:20 PM

Please don't claim to read my mind. I care deeply about my tenants but I expect them to care enough about me to meet their obligations to ne, as I meet mine to them. Si far, I have only been let down badly once - by a DSS claimant!

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 13:38 PM

Replacing single with double glazing counts as an expense as does renewing a boiler. Using self assessment it's very likely that income tax relief as your highest rate would be available, but that doesn't necessarily mean that this stuff is a good investment for any landlord or tenant. I have never had any tenant ask to see or discuss the epc rating of any property. Many even linger on the highest standard tariffs instead of shopping around so saving energy costs is not a priority for the average tenant. The only energy they want to save is that expended on getting up off the couch! This is probably much more relevant to owner occupiers but as said earlier the government doesn't want to upset them by forcing unnecessary and unjustifiable costs on them - so yet again go after the landlords!

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 10:16 AM

Seb As well as not understanding how business in general works, you clearly don't understand how insurance claims and premiums work. I agree with Paul (usually do) about the £15k potential cost of a rogue tenant, but this cost would be recovered over a long period and not from a single tenant in one payment. I also do agree with you that it is unfair on the good tenants, but given market forces and tenant demands for my properties, I believe it is a fairer method all round than my bearing the cost, selling up and making around 50 joint tenants homeless. Of course the fairest thing would be for the rent dodgers to pay up and the next fairest thing would be for them to leave quickly and quietly but these rogues are not in the business of acting fairly and many of their supporters are too stupid to recognise how unfairly they are behaving.

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 09:58 AM

Prices won't fall long term unless the population falls, especially with the short life span of new build cardboard clad flats.

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 09:01 AM

Watch them go bust when market conditions change again.

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 08:59 AM

Totally agree. Even the accredited tradesmen admitted the last green deal scheme was a scam as they paid the scheme £300 for leads and hiked the price to cover this. End user always pays.

From: Robert Brown 01 October 2020 08:57 AM

Landlords tend to meet much more of the Generation Rent than any other sector does and in my extensive experience in dealing with them I think Andrew is 100% correct. I even had one young couple ask to be released from the remainder of their lease to move in with Mum and Dad to save a deposit. I readily agreed only to discover they put their returned deposit down on a new car on a lease contract costing most of the monthly rent saved.

From: Robert Brown 30 September 2020 19:12 PM

After a totally unjustified delay! Australia can get rent dodgers out in two weeks. We need the same so properties can be let to more deserving tenants willing and able to pay their way.

From: Robert Brown 30 September 2020 13:30 PM

With the debacle in high density student accommodation, demand for normal properties is going through the roof for landlords who can tolerate snobby parents and frequent redecorating. I wish I had some void flats as I could increase the current rents quite significantly.

From: Robert Brown 30 September 2020 09:03 AM

Seb If you had been paying attention, or understood what other posters were saying (I know that can be difficult sometimes with some posters) you would have learned that many legal remedies are currently not available - which is why many landlords are so infuriated. In the long term, hopefully, most obligations will be met and the defaulters will regret not taking advantage of any offers to move out early and limit such obligations. In case you have forgotten already, I fortunately am not experiencing any issues with rent defaulters but that doesn't disqualify me from expressing my concern for fellow landlords and showing my disgust for those tenants unwilling to minimise any potential loss to their landlords by leaving promptly as soon as they can no longer afford to pay their rents or other obligations.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 22:52 PM

Totally agree with cutting cloth - which is why tenants unable to afford their rent - a legal obligation - should immediately vacate properties no longer being paid for. In my experience every landlord would be sympathetic enough not to pursue them for any unpaid unexpired period of lease or even notice period. Companies cutting dividends usually suffer drops in share price as investors exercise their right to pursue other potentially more profitable investments. By accepting landlords' generous offers to leave without having to settle future obligations, tenants can reciprocate this generosity by allowing landlords to pursue more profitable tenants. Pretty similar outcome to that available to stock market investors - can't see why anyone with any common sense would object to landlords being able to do this, or support tenants being able to deprive landlords of such a basic right!

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 22:18 PM

Ssb I haven't a clue what you're on about but during my long and successful period of education I was taught to investigate anything important that I didn't understand until I could make sense of it. However I was also taught not to waste time on trivialities not meriting further investigation so please don't take the trouble of enlightening me on what your post is supposed to mean.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 22:07 PM

Mark I haven't a clue what point you're making - but then, that isn't that unusual and I suspect I am not alone. You're not related to Jeremy Corbyn by any chance?

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 22:00 PM

Andrew You probably could afford to buy a Rolls Royce but the reason you can is because you won't. If the price of everything was reduced to the level that everyone could afford it, what would be the point of anyone putting in any effort? That is why Communism failed.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 19:23 PM

Seb The guy who first said. "bah humbug" ended up repenting his actions and words! We can but hope!

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 15:20 PM

Seb Yet again my response has ended up in the wrong reply (above). Looks like you might be getting to me - but don't count on it!

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 15:18 PM

Seb As I have said before, one doesn't need to have suffered personally to complain about or highlight iniquities. I am disgusted by the support given to the feckless, reckless and hopeless at the expense of the decent, prudent and responsible. I am amazed anyone would think otherwise - assuming they have the appropriate apparatus (to think at all).

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 15:16 PM

Andrew At least you get to see them being evicted within an hour of being made aware of the problems. If only real life were like that! I'm also not allowed to watch such programmes and since my wife cut back on going out to the shops, gum etc. I'm finding opportunities to catch up on such programmes pretty limited - but probably better for my blood pressure!

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 14:59 PM

It seems some posts are disappearing from this platform. Anyone else noticed that too?

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 14:46 PM

An even easier solution is "don't stay in a property you can't afford". Such rent dodgers are being totally selfish as they are not only defrauding their landlord, they are preventing more deserving tenants from renting this home and since market rents include a premium to cover the risk of such defaults, they are also defrauding other decent rent paying tenants due to their selfishness, fecklessness, indolence and/or intransigence in not moving out promptly to make the property available for others.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 14:37 PM

Jon I think he's right. You were totally right to get the ccj against the first tenant to show you weren't bluffing but it might have been better to warn them to play ball and point out the benefits of avoiding a ccj for the second tenant by co-operating with you. The problem with many tenants in such a position is that they close their eyes to reality and wouldn't act rationally so making the second ccj inevitable. There are no easy answers, which is exactly how the anti-landlord groups ( including government) wants it, so no change is likely soon and not until the housing shortage gets much worse but even then it would mean them understanding cause and effect.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 10:57 AM

Jacob There is a real business opportunity for a group who would combine brain and brawn to (quite legally) "engage with" rent dodgers and spell out their various options so that they see that voluntarily vacating your property without delay is "best all round" - no violence or even threats of violence (although the tenants may misinterpret things as a threat of violence! I would be happy to provide the brain and perhaps someone like Seb could provide the brawn ( he certainly couldn't provide the brain!). Seriously I do believe there is an opportunity for such a service as no one wins in the long run with the current methods. My concern with using current unofficial and unregulated providers of such services is that they verge on or cross over into criminality and using them would leave me vulnerable to both the service providers and those receiving their "advice".

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 10:47 AM

Market forces prevail. There only need to be enough or more people able to afford higher prices or rent for the best properties to be snapped up. The doomsayers will be proven wrong yet again.

From: Robert Brown 29 September 2020 09:24 AM

In your case, two punches are better than one. BTW I am definitely not poor - haven't been for many years and don't expect to ever be poor again, despite the efforts of various Governments and defenders of rent dodgers and others.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 21:44 PM

Seb I had replied earlier but it ended up in the wrong place (like some of the more recently joined posters). Anyway you'll find my reply in a reply to the post above. Hope you can find it more easily than you can find any common sense in most of your posts!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 19:42 PM

Andrew Having an equally enjoyable and cozy afternoon/evening in Scotland. I've now got over any annoyance or outrage to some posts from various ill-informed posters and moved on to enjoying our various exchanges. I'll continue to enjoy them as long as it remains harmless, coupled with a nagging thought that there are some real undeserving victims on both sides. My main nightmare is if my IQ and bank balance ever got confused with that of some of our fellow posters! Thanks for all your likes - much appreciated!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 19:37 PM

Seb. We don't just provide bricks and mortar for the tenants to build the properties. We provide fully functioning homes, often fully furnished. Your analogy is down to your usual standard!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 16:42 PM

Pointing out unfairness and inequities is not the sole right of those who suffer them. Others should support them whenever such things are identified. That applies equally to landlords being taxed on revenue instead of profit, being forced to continue to provide services to non-payers etc. ( unlike any other business) and to deserving Universal Credit claimants who do not have enough to live on due to the system being overwhelmed by the feckless and work-shy.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 16:38 PM

Fair point (for once!). My posts should all be assumed to begin with "in my experience" but then everyone should only speak from experience - although that would severely limit the number of posters and posts on this platform!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 16:31 PM

Seb The world has far too many people who are consuming our resources much too quickly. The green protesters have a valid point but they aren't doing enough to solve the problem. They need to gather closely together in their millions, not just a few thousand at a time when demonstrating or holding up the traffic, if they are going to have any effect on saving the planet! The students seem to be showing them how it should be done. I forgot to add them to my list of non-contributors but they seem to have realised their status as such and agreed to self-inoculation of the Chinese virus ( title courtesy of Donald Trump - talking of non-contributors reminded me of him!).

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 16:26 PM

There are also reports of around 1/3 of food bought being thrown away, which would explain a lot of the 80 million versus 60 million figures. Interesting to see what clothing sales tell us about the ethnic styles and quantities of clothing sold? That might be more reliable evidence of a hidden immigrant population - unless they stay hidden and naked!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 16:10 PM

Seb This was meant to be a response to. Seb's post of 14.45 today but seems to have ended up in the wrong place ( a bit like some of our anti-landlord posters!). It's totally justified to complain about unfairness, even if it doesn't affect one personally. The pressure on the small % of landlords who are suffering from the government-sponsored rent dodgers (egged on by Shelter etc.) must be intolerable. Had I been 29 years later in starting to build my portfolio I would be worried sick. I've worked long and hard to be "successful" and planned carefully but I do admit to having benefitted hugely from the rise in property prices over the last 40 odd years since I first became a home owner and from the SNP sponsored increases in rents over the last few years. That doesn't disqualify me from campaigning against iniquities when I see them. Incidentally I am amused by the outcries from those initially forced not to work after 23 March about potentially being forced to live on Universal Credit - which led to the over generous furlough scheme ( although full time landlords were and still are excluded). I do hope one consequence of this pandemic is an overhaul of the benefits system so that those who deserve and need help get enough of it, but those who don't deserve it or fraudulently spend benefits meant for rent get their comeuppance - but I don't think that will happen unfortunately and the furloughed fortunate will revert to complaining about paying to support those in need.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 15:54 PM

Seb I have set my portfolio up so that I actually own a very small portion of it ( around £1 million equity) with the majority of it already in the names of my grown up children - to minimise inheritance and capital gains tax whilst continuing to benefit from the entire rental stream. I'll never get out of the PRS and the current debacle with high density student accommodation has led to unprecedented demand from students desperate to get into normal domestic accommodation, so I personally continue to feel optimistic about the future of my portfolio but that doesn't mean I don't support or sympathise with fellow landlords trapped with rent dodging scum, apparently supported and lauded by some of the contributors to this platform.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 14:11 PM

Even by your figures 97% of us aren't lying in claiming full rents are still being received. That doesn't make the current unfairness acceptable.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 11:09 AM

There are still plenty of solvent potential tenants looking for better properties so only the lower quality properties will be difficult to re-let other than to undesirable tenants.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 11:07 AM

I'm certainly not in support of society or companies having to support anyone who hasn't contributed or isn't contributing! The world has far too many people as it is. Perhaps the Chinese could make a virus that targets the non producers - the old, infirm, those living in overcrowded and insanitary conditions, those too stupid to obey social distancing etc. Wonder if such a virus could be made and how successful it would achieve these objectives?

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 11:00 AM

Rate caps on energy has been a great success (sarcasm or irony for those who can't recognise it!). Energy is capped at around £300 more for the feckless than sensible customers can get by shopping around. Rent caps would be the same. History shows rent controls don't work and only market forces prevail in the medium to longer term.

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 10:55 AM

There are lots the two above can't see or understand!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 09:14 AM

Yet again, lack of business acumen, Seb. Lost income and costs affect the same side of the balance sheet!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 09:12 AM

Surely every tax payer has such a duty of care - not only to HMRC but also to our fellow tax payers - and even to non tax payers? However your grasp of business is so poor that you don't understand the principle of needing to maximise income to ensure expenditure can be afforded. You also don't grasp irony!

From: Robert Brown 27 September 2020 09:01 AM

I have used Gumtree quite successfully in the past, along with newsagents' windows. However I did find out that my rents were lower than market rents a couple of years ago when I contacted an LA. £900 tenant find fee gave me an extra £6000 annual rental, so I will test them out every couple of years just to make sure that I am not inadvertently causing problems for fellow landlords by not charging the full market rents. I also owe HMRC the same duty of care to maximise my rental revenue, profit and consequently my tax liability.

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 22:16 PM

Seb Would you complain if someone could hijack any increase in their value but you still had to bear any risk of loss, insurance costs etc.? Despite being told countless times, you haven't grasped the inequality of landlords being forced to continue to provide a service that is no longer being paid for, with no right to limit their losses to those already accrued and to offer that same service to an alternative paying customer.

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 22:09 PM

Seb Your comments are getting even more crass - but then you have been practising pretty hard recently to reach your current level!

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 22:04 PM

Seb Who' getting personal now? You were complaining about personal attacks only yesterday and now you're indulging in them.

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 22:00 PM

Let me answer for Paul Why should we be concerned about anything that is in your 2nd paragraph? Come to think about it, why should we be bothered about any of your posts? They show a distinct lack of grasp of reality and experience of being a landlord.

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 21:47 PM

Seb I think the Government is quite good at debt collecting but if not, the debt is shared among all tax payers instead of one innocent landlord having to suffer the entire loss.

From: Robert Brown 24 September 2020 21:44 PM

Mediation is a good idea. How about using "Getusboysin.com". They are great at discussing the alternative outcomes to an early orderly departure to rent dodgers.

From: Robert Brown 23 September 2020 09:50 AM

Another useless article. The average sold properties are not the same properties as the average rental properties, which tend to be at the lower end of the market and give far higher yields than is suggested here.

From: Robert Brown 23 September 2020 09:02 AM

Seb The clue is in the title of this article! By using a loan to pay rent arrears, tenants can avoid eviction, illegal or eventual - the main difference is in the length of time taken to achieve it.

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 22:42 PM

Margaret Thatcher brought in the much fairer Community Charge but the lefties called it the Poll Tax and hoodwinked the majority into thinking it was unfair. Another non existent but much vilified "Bedroom Tax" was the perfectly justified removal of the Spare Room Subsidy which wrongly subsidised social tenants to stay in houses larger than needed and preventing families from moving out of more cramped accommodation. Two examples where fairer systems were successfully vilified by the loony lefties and harmed the more deserving sections of the population.

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 22:36 PM

Seb As is often the case, I have no idea what points you are trying to make! I was stating facts, not expressing any opinion or "moaning" as you have accused me of in the past.

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 22:22 PM

Not accessing any available loans should be grounds for immediate eviction and classed as making themselves deliberately homeless - so no help from the Council.

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 22:19 PM

No - but I think you have the wrong platform. I do believe landlords may need agents to assist them in regaining possession of their properties by persuading rent dodgers to leave promptly without any need to use the legal means now more difficult to access.

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 22:15 PM

Landlords do need more help now to ensure successful evictions - but I suspect that such help might persuade defaulters into deciding to leave voluntarily!

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 14:22 PM

Get up to date! Council tax is already doubled for properties left empty long term - even when they have been bought by new owners who are bringing them back up to habitable standards - which acts as a disincentive to people buying them to improve them and is also reflected in higher rents for new occupiers. Only the local council wins with this crazy rule that you support but didn't know already existed. PS. Why on earth give special treatment to prisoners? Surely their properties could be used by the homeless whilst they are getting free board and lodging at tax payers expense?

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 14:17 PM

I do hope this article is true and the rent dodgers get to hear about these probably totally justified if illegal evictions. Why isn't Shelter publicising this? They're usually so good at doing things that end up helping landlords!

From: Robert Brown 22 September 2020 14:09 PM

Every other business can rightly discriminate against people who can't pay - so can landlords if they do so properly. No business says "no poor people" but that is usually their totally justified business model.

From: Robert Brown 21 September 2020 08:54 AM

Michael Totally agree with everything you say! Just take comfort that you know that you are paying your way and making a positive contribution to society, even if not all those enjoying its benefits are fully deserving of them. I find that remembering that makes me feel better, especially when the internet is down or slow and I can't monitor in real time the several hundred pounds per day that my net worth is growing through rental income and increasing property values. Whilst I have no first hand experience, I suspect those non contributors are usually unhappy and dissatisfied with their lot as evidenced by the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs in a vain attempt to find self respect and the pride which comes with success - or even just with putting in the effort required in the pursuit of success.

From: Robert Brown 20 September 2020 22:31 PM

Mark Your mask has totally slipped - showing pure bare faced jealousy! No one in a free country will ever be able to dictate to an owner of any property who should have the use of it. That principle will endure whether the property is a car, bed, house or anything else. Generations before us fought and died for this principle which you clearly despise because you're jealous of those more enterprising and successful than you - a common leftie trait!

From: Robert Brown 20 September 2020 19:49 PM

Mark What it does do is give him the right to decide who he'll allow to live in his property - and no loony lefties can take that away from him, no matter what self-defeating schemes they may dream up. Market forces should always dictate who has the right to a property - the highest bidder or the most suitable candidate, if the owner decides to use other criteria - but that is very unlikely to include the receipt of benefits and cannot be made to do so in a free democratic state. Incidentally very few rental properties are grotty when the tenants move in and the condition on tenants vacating does unfortunately often match the socio economic standing of the tenants. The payment of rent only four weeks in arrears is not the main reason why most landlords will always operate a no DSS policy. The main reason is the poor condition that properties are returned in by the more indolent and feckless members of our society.

From: Robert Brown 20 September 2020 16:58 PM

Totally agree with both above. Rents must be paid monthly in advance with guarantors checked out and maximum deposits taken. Nothing will change with this ruling - just a waste of time for both parties which could easily have been avoided by using common sense.

From: Robert Brown 18 September 2020 09:08 AM

Homes need paid for - whether buying or renting. Paying for a home should be top priority and both purchased and rented homes should be within the means of the occupiers. If means change, then inevitably homes must change to match such changes in affordability. No one else, - banks, building societies, housing associations or private landlords - should be asked to subsidise anyone defaulting on a mortgage or rental agreement. However loans should be made available to cover arrears already built up but can't cover shortfalls indefinitely and if the longer term prospects are still bleak then occupiers must accept they'll need to move out and should do so promptly before their unpaid debts escalate totally out of control.

From: Robert Brown 18 September 2020 09:01 AM

That is exactly why it's every landlord's duty to use the law to maximum extent and get ccj where tenants blatantly withhold rent and refuse to vacate as soon as they realise that they can't afford to meet their contractual obligations which they freely entered into. Only then will such tenants understand the hidden costs of reneging on legally binding agreements.

From: Robert Brown 17 September 2020 19:45 PM

Price controls just don't work. Look at the energy price cap - around £300 per annum higher than that available to those with the common sense to shop around. The big energy companies capped tariffs are all right on the cap limit and no sensible consumer would countenance paying so much. The same has happened in the student accommodation market where the extortionate rents of the cardboard clad high rise purpose built ghettos have led to owners of student flats being able to charge similar rents. Any interference with market forces will just lead to higher rents in normal rental properties unless they are at the slum end of the market.

From: Robert Brown 17 September 2020 15:55 PM

Seb Thanks for your support. I shall do so but I am a bit short of time. Counting £250k pa rental income is so time consuming! You clearly have much more free time than I have - wonder why?

From: Robert Brown 16 September 2020 09:18 AM

Rents went up by about 33% as soon as the new loony SNP legislation came into force in December 2017. Many fewer long-term homes are available as many became Airbnb. Landlords can usually pick and choose as many tenants chase each property. The new legislation has not helped the typical decent tenants but has allowed landlords to avoid the dross - hence fewer problems - but nothing to do with landlords using velvet gloves. Incidentally rent arrears is still a valid reason for eviction in Scotland and with no "no fault" evictions, landlords are alert to finding out why tenants are looking for accommodation with landlord references and solvent guarantors typically required.

From: Robert Brown 16 September 2020 09:11 AM

Paul You may well be right,but that is because most landlords don't bother to pursue rent dodgers as they should. Andrew said a few days ago that doing so actually protects other landlords and I agree. It's our duty to send a strong message out to those who deliberately defraud us whilst being sympathetic to those genuine cases who seek to minimise their debts and our potential loss by agreeing to move out of our properties as soon as they know they will be unable to continue to meet their contractual obligations.

From: Robert Brown 15 September 2020 18:21 PM

This article shouldn't have the word "renters" in it as renters pay rent and don't need to fear eviction. Rent dodgers however should remain fearful of eviction as it will eventually happen along with ccj debts accruing 8% statutory interest and trashed credit ratings. Far better to lobby Government for loans to honour their legal and moral obligations than simply seek to delay justice and comeuppance which will eventually happen.

From: Robert Brown 15 September 2020 12:46 PM

Hugh Did the tenant move out?

From: Robert Brown 14 September 2020 19:34 PM

Great idea! Tenants need told they will pay 8% interest on a ccj, plus trashed credit ratings - so should go for any such loans available.

From: Robert Brown 14 September 2020 09:11 AM

Everyone needs to go for ccj's every time tenants take the p**s. Genuine hardship cases should be treated sympathetically if they move out promptly. Deliberate squatters and rent dodgers should be pursued mercilessly to protect decent deserving tenants.

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 18:53 PM

David If the defaulting tenant was upfront right away and left the property in good condition then I would give them the benefit of the doubt and write off a month's rent maximum. If they think, like Mark W, that they have a God given right to defraud me then they would need all of God's help because I would throw everything at them! Why do these loonies think the latter is the best course of action, when the tenants are going to have their credit ratings trashed and still eventually end up being evicted?

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 18:47 PM

Excellent answer Paul!

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 18:42 PM

Peter That's like saying members of a criminal gang are exploiting each other! It might true in some county lines drug couriers but criminals usually know exactly what they're getting into, tenant or landlord alike. The article also specifically mentioned that the abuse of the accomplices was evidently due to their being illegal immigrants - who clearly couldn't be accommodated by any law abiding landlord. The guy is not a typical landlord any more than a getaway driver is a typical motorist!

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 11:28 AM

Great question! Does anyone have the answer during this time when landlords' normal rights are curtailed so unfairly?

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 11:23 AM

No lower rents have been necessary or given in my properties and there are still several groups after every available quality property.

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 10:04 AM

It's so simple. Government should genuine cases enough to pay their rents and assist landlords in removing the shirkers so making properties available for more deserving decent tenants. Why do "charities" prioritise rent dodgers and rogue tenants over decent tenants who are desperate for decent homes?

From: Robert Brown 11 September 2020 10:02 AM

Sue Don't trust the LA to try hard unless they have a huge incentive to do so. Whilst customers can and do take umbrage and may make irrational decisions to cease a business relationship, I have never had a supplier do so. Give the LA an ultimatum - fix it by a deadline of your choosing or you WILL get legal - and make sure you have all your ducks in a row to move as soon as your deadline passes - and ensure your LA knows that is what you're doing, so he knows you're not bluffing. It should be relatively easy for the LA to source YOU a better property for the six months or so that the tenant can stay put - and the LA should foot the bill to avoid being sued.

From: Robert Brown 10 September 2020 20:17 PM

I'm not good enough at maths or accountancy to work out my yield but I risked (or invested) £6000 deposit in buying a £60,000 flat which I rented out trouble free for the same £600 per month ( and only one change of tenant) for about 15 years. The last 10 years has seen the rent grow to over £1300 per month and it's now worth about four times what I paid for it. I utilised the early healthy capital growth to remortgage and put the released funds as a 10% deposit on other flats. I now have a £4 million portfolio with over £3 million equity and around £250,000 gross annual rent. You could argue that yield is all from the initial £6000 investment - so that's a yield of over 4000 %. Like I said my maths and accountancy knowledge isn't good enough to work it out. All I know is I have always been wealthier than any accountant I have used for the last 20 years. My message is: Invest for the long term and the yields will always grow as so many people want it all now - fancy cars, holidays, costa lot coffees etc. They will never be wealthy but the more astute and patient investors will continue to prosper by surfing on their indolence and ignorance.

From: Robert Brown 10 September 2020 20:04 PM

As I said to you in a similar reply a few weeks ago, the landlord is not a charity. You seemed to think that rent arrears didn't count as a debt but the solution is for the government to lend defaulters the rent arrears so that they can stay and meet their contractual obligations.

From: Robert Brown 10 September 2020 09:41 AM

Mark Speaking from 3 years experience of the loony SNP legislation, one unexpected consequence is that rents very quickly rose by a third for the best properties due to both sides losing the certainty of minimum length tenancies. A second was the rise of Airbnb and reduced availability of long-term homes to rent. A third was the fact that all joint tenants were trapped in a tenancy unless there was unanimous agreement by all joint tenants to end the tenancy. I could go on - but the bottom line is all of the above harmed tenants but usually benefited landlords. Other measures mooted by the loony lefties such as rent controls will also have harmful effects for tenants as rents will always be put up as much as possible as often as possible whereas currently landlords tend to keep rents stable for good tenants for several years and often for the entire tenancy.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 19:34 PM

Mark The vast majority of tenants are satisfied with their landlords and the properties they rent - hence the nearly 4 year length of tenancy in what might be regarded as a pretty transient population. Given the vast majority of landlords own only one or two properties, it follows that the vast majority of "good" landlords are those you insultingly call "mom and pop" landlords. However I suspect I am wasting my time in trying to put a logical argument or plain facts to you. You mentioned some time ago you would prefer a Tesco landlord. Such landlords build cardboard clad high rise properties such as many students now have to endure and their rents are at the highest level and go up as much as possible year after year. By contrast, most small (average) landlords only put up rents at the change of tenancies or when tenants are causing problems or unexpected expense.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 19:25 PM

Jo Jo ( or Mark/Seb) Where has any landlord on this site asked for a bailout? We are asking for our tenants who need help to get it so they can meet their obligations and stay in the home we provide for them in exchange for rent paid promptly and in full. As Emma points out, the problem is that currently, unlike every other supplier, we can't simply limit our losses by refusing to continue to supply a service no longer being paid for. If you have been paying attention you would already have identified this key difference and understood why the current situation is so unfair, both to landlords and to decent tenants who can't get the homes being occupied by rent defaulters.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 12:40 PM

Totally agree! The honest tenants and landlords are subsidising the rogues in both camps and the loony lefties are too dim to see that - or don't care as the "cause" is more important than the effect. What really bugs me is the Tories apparently falling into line with this leftie claptrap. I think Paul B could be right about the end objective being the elimination of landlords and the emergence of huge corporate landlords owned by their major donors. Good luck to tenants if they end up being housed in cardboard clad high rise ghettos such as many students are now.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 09:59 AM

Of course they are! 80% of gross pay is probably nearer 90% of net pay and no travel costs or several costa lot coffees, lunch, after work drinks etc. Furlough was a good idea but much too generous for those claiming it and too many people not qualifying - especially the more entrepreneurial who had recently set up businesses. I am NOT saying landlords should have been helped directly but tenants should have been helped to avoid rent arrears and problem tenants should have been evicted with maximum ease and speed.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 09:06 AM

The Tories are proving to be better friends to rogue tenants than Corbyn! The solution is so simple. Government should lend the rent money to those tenants who need it and allow fast eviction of all problem tenants who make the lives of neighbours and landlords a misery.

From: Robert Brown 09 September 2020 09:00 AM

Are they serious? The deposit is the only thing that tenants are potentially putting at risk. I will not ever consider tenants not willing or able to save two months deposit and put it up as evidence that they can save and will take care of my property. Two months deposit is still allowed in Scotland - but for how long?

From: Robert Brown 08 September 2020 09:05 AM

No chance of tenants with any history of rent problems ever being able to rent decent accommodation again. Is that really what the loony lefties want - or don't they care?

From: Robert Brown 08 September 2020 09:02 AM

Housing is a lifetime requirement and therefore a long-term investment. Those with the financial acumen, resources and resilience will continue to prosper despite what others may predict and hope for. Thank goodness for those too scared and too poor to invest. It makes it easier for those who will brave a potentially short term rough ride for a pretty safe long term gain.

From: Robert Brown 07 September 2020 10:52 AM

Despite what you're hoping for, most tenants are continuing to meet their contractual obligations and the seller's market of the PRS continues for all but the worst properties with the worst tenants - which most astute landlords avoid as much as possible.

From: Robert Brown 07 September 2020 10:44 AM

In any business the money is the objective. We look after customers because they make us money. When they cost us money we no longer want to deal with them. For tenants, that means eviction!

From: Robert Brown 05 September 2020 09:51 AM

Seb You're an idiot! Tell me where I am complaining or whining? My gross rental income has increased by around £50k in the last 3 years due to the loony SNP legislation. Of course increased rents are a pitfall - for the tenants! Everything that the loonies try to do to harm landlords ends up harming tenants. I am pointing out the pitfalls of attacking landlords with ill thought out policies but I am certainly not complaining about the consequences for landlords which have meant a big increase in my gross and a more modest but welcome increase in my net income. As for not understanding why the length of the rental term normally affects the rental rate, it shows a total lack of business understanding and you should not be wasting our time with your ignorant posts. I'm quite happy to be a wealthy landlord and have never said otherwise. I would never invest in depreciating items like cars, solar panels etc. I leave those for the less financially astute. How are they doing for you incidentally? PS. If the local traffic is a bit too slow, try playing on the motorway!

From: Robert Brown 05 September 2020 09:27 AM

Seb I am NOT complaining. I have benefited hugely from the increased rents that market forces have pushed my way since the December 2017 legislation came into force. I was merely pointing out the pitfalls of forcing landlords, who have to commit to long term investments, to accept all future tenants on a short term basis - which will inevitably reflect short term rental rates. Don't think you could lease a car on the same daily rate for 28 days as for 28 .months. The same market forces apply to property rents, as proven in Scotland over the last 33 months. As ever, loony lefties end up hurting those they claim to support - but as long as their loony ideas get adopted they don't care.

From: Robert Brown 04 September 2020 22:28 PM

In Scotland all tenants can give 28 days notice at any time, putting extra letting agent costs and hassle on landlords. Result is that rents for the best and highest demand properties have risen by 33% to compensate for the lack of security which landlords now face. Buying a property is a long term commitment for grown ups only. If immature tenants don't want any commitment then it comes at a cost. No benefit is without cost - simple market forces economics.

From: Robert Brown 04 September 2020 14:05 PM

Seb Stop wasting everyone's time on semantics. We're trying to run businesses with no support from anyone else. We're grown ups and not looking for favours or hand-outs - just a level playing field where the rules don't change in mid match. If you haven't anything better to do with your time try playing with the traffic!

From: Robert Brown 04 September 2020 13:54 PM

Many of these "vulnerable" tenants are obese - so they could divert some of their expensive junk food spending to pay their rent. Healthy food is far cheaper but many of them can't even cook. The solution is so simple - lend deserving tenants rent money - evict the con artists fast and house more deserving tenants who are blocked from decent homes by these rent dodgers.

From: Robert Brown 04 September 2020 09:49 AM

Sorry Seb. My moan about having to take the time and trouble to chase up people who won't keep to our agreement is still valid - as well as moans about losing money due to some people genuinely unable to pay due to unexpected change in circumstances - whom I won't pursue with ccj's.

From: Robert Brown 03 September 2020 22:32 PM

I agree with Andrew. With a name and occupation like that it shouldn't be too difficult to trace him.

From: Robert Brown 03 September 2020 22:28 PM

Then all HMG needs to do is to pay the rent directly to the landlords and recover it from tenants over time. Landlords and courts could then focus on evictions for anti social reasons etc. - helping everyone except the problem tenants who usually also make problem neighbours.

From: Robert Brown 02 September 2020 17:48 PM

Seb. It will be a richly deserved ccj if they are too feckless and lazy to take the help on offer. I would hesitate to punish cases of genuine undeserved hardship but would enjoy punishing the feckless who didn't apply for such loans and thus sentence them to at least six years of poor credit ratings and corresponding inability to rent decent accommodation from clued up landlords. If they didn't clear their debts to me, including 8% interest then I would happily renew the ccj and their six year poor credit ratings would start all over again. Revenge served cold tastes all the sweeter!

From: Robert Brown 02 September 2020 17:41 PM

Never thought I would say so - but take a lesson from the SNP's tenant loan scheme! Landlords don't need help if it's given where it's needed - to tenants in financial difficulties. However such a move needs to go hand in hand with helping chuck out anti social tenants, deliberate rent dodgers etc. There are too many decent tenants stuck in sub standard accommodation to protect the feckless and anti social at the expense of the decent!

From: Robert Brown 02 September 2020 10:11 AM

Some common sense from the SNP? Some could be forgiven for thinking a Holyrood election was due next May! I just wish they would stop talking about the non existent Bedroom tax! This was a perfectly justified removal of the spare room subsidy which subsidised social housing tenants to remain in larger homes which they should have vacated to allow families in cramped accommodation to have more suitable accommodation. However credit to the SNP where it's due, although 1 right decision out of about 999 is hardly a pass mark - even if they do get to correct their own homework currently!

From: Robert Brown 02 September 2020 10:05 AM

David E. Landlords don't evict model tenants. People like you are model tenants' worst enemies as your ill-informed propaganda just helps rent dodgers defraud decent landlords and prevent decent properties from being let to decent tenants. Rogue landlords have their own highly effective ways of ensuring rents are up to date as the feckless rent dodgers you protect will eventually learn when they are eventually evicted and no sensible landlord will touch them - but the rogue landlords will be happy to do so, confident that they will learn the error of their ways - and the ccj will live with them for the next six years - probably longer if they continue to renege on their financial obligations.

From: Robert Brown 27 August 2020 22:19 PM

Paul Surely the real solution is to abandon the loony moves to ban E and F rated properties from being rented? I have NEVER had any tenant ask for or query an EPC rating. This is yet another waste of public money and a sop to the greens who think jerry built "energy efficient" shacks are greener than solid Victorian properties which will significantly outlast them. How much energy is expended in building new builds and disposing of their rubble within the next 50 years?

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 22:15 PM

Cut off in mid flow? Hopefully permanently?

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 18:25 PM

David E. Landlords don't kick out model tenants. They want them to stay long term. Idiots like you support the dross who prevent other decent tenants from getting into better properties.

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 16:55 PM

Thanks Adrian. I wouldn't have wanted to see you among his idiot supporters!

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 16:51 PM

Adrian It looks as if you liked the idiot's initial post objecting to the idea of help for tenants by helping landlords. Did you mean to do so?

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 13:24 PM

Totally agree, Andrew. Quick answer to question: It doesn't!

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 10:07 AM

If the government helped the tenants by paying their rents then landlords wouldn't need help. Don't you think big business has been helped too when their staff are furloughed? Why should landlord businesses be denied help when multi national companies have had help?

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 10:05 AM

You're an idiot. Any help would let tenants have better security. Any businessman knows that the best way for the business to prosper is to look after the customers. Leftie idiots don't realise how customer and supplier interests usually co-incide.

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 10:02 AM

Sorry to hear about your situation in detail Paul. I agree with everything you say and your desire to get out. I would point your real life situation out to any leftie that would listen - but that will be none!

From: Robert Brown 26 August 2020 09:02 AM

Paul I don't totally agree. With less than 50% ltv and interest cover of at least 4 times, landlords with several properties have probably enough of a spread to be reasonably safe. The % of rent arrears is actually relatively low and the"crisis" being claimed by the loony left is grossly overstated. In my case, I would have to sacrifice at least £60k of gross rental income to save £20k of mortgage interest - and suffer a substantial CGT bill into the bargain. I'm very happy with the ltv and net yields I achieve currently and have no intention in becoming mortgage free.

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 22:59 PM

David Try the Dorchester. I've heard it's very popular with Union bosses - and they're famous for their freebies!

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 15:24 PM

David W. Are you too dim to realise that rent arrears is already a debt? Rest assured those rent dodging tenants will be aware of that soon enough when they are (eventually) given a ccj - and that will cost them far more than the statutory 8% interest - in trashed credit ratings, black listed from all decent properties, forced to rent slum properties from the tiny minority of rogue landlords whom all decent landlords and tenants despise - and who have their own very effective ways of dealing with rent arrears! But for the loony left, only their philosophy counts - and the inevitable harm done is simply collateral damage - and blamed on anyone but them.

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 15:04 PM

Andrew The problem is the Tories know that landlords are very unlikely NOT to vote Tory, so they can ignore our voices and needs. Everyone seems to be cozying up to the younger generation - even M&S - and the young are no more likely to buy there as they are to vote Tory. In Scotland, it's even worse as the SNP know full well that landlords are too financially savvy to vote for them - hence they are even more anti landlord than any of the others. Unfortunately their tenant supporters are too dim to realise the harm done by anti PRS legislation - reducing the availability of rental properties and increasing rents through market forces.

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 14:56 PM

David Lester. If you're calling me a parasite you're just as stupid as The other landlord bashers who have crawled out from under their stones recently. I have worked very hard and taken many risks to provide quality homes for around 50 people. The first £40,000 of annual rental income goes on the minimum costs of maintaining these homes along with periodic capital expenditure on new fixtures and fittings. Finally 41% of the remaining rental income goes out on Income Tax - so after a lifetime of working hard I continue to be a valuable contributor to the community and economy. All I am asking from tenants is a reciprocal contribution from tenants which they have signed a legally binding contract to make. How could I be called a parasite for requesting any rent dodgers to move out so that a more deserving tenant can move in? CORRECTION. I forgot to take into account the marginal rate of 61% paid on over £40k of the joint income of my wife and me. On checking, we paid over £100k income tax last year. Rent dodgers don't just defraud landlords. They defraud the tax payer too!

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 12:55 PM

Pay your way or go away.

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 10:18 AM

Government should pay the rent and convert the arrears into a loan to be repaid by tenants - with 8% interest - problem solved.

From: Robert Brown 25 August 2020 10:18 AM

Seb Change the record!

From: Robert Brown 24 August 2020 13:20 PM

Mark. Please pay attention! The court system is currently suspended meaning feckless rogues are squatting in homes which could otherwise be let to decent tenants willing and able to pay their way. Why would any right thinking person protect a feckless rent dodger at the expense of a decent hard working family? Over the last few months there has been huge support for most of society - except landlords - and many jobs available in supermarkets etc. for those willing to work.

From: Robert Brown 24 August 2020 13:10 PM

Please don't encourage him. His posts are a waste of time and he doesn't understand the real consequences of all the anti landlord sentiment and behavior which actually harms the most vulnerable tenants the most - like all loony leftie philosophies do in practice - but their supporters are too thick to see that.

From: Robert Brown 24 August 2020 13:03 PM

My rents are all up to date but I have always been careful in tenant selection - not through discrimination but through choosing better properties which are in high demand and command top rents.

From: Robert Brown 24 August 2020 12:58 PM

Reality is shown in the above posts. Landlords will no longer be prepared to take a punt on potentially vulnerable tenants - so the Landlord bashers are actually harming the most vulnerable tenants even more than before. I feel sorry for such tenants but I'm not running a charity and the so- called charities are only worsening the prospects of those they claim to help. THAT is the reality of the effect of current misguided actions of Government.

From: Robert Brown 24 August 2020 12:56 PM

Andrew Given his previous posts I doubt he's mature enough to remember the 90's!

From: Robert Brown 23 August 2020 17:20 PM

As I have said above, such resilience can come through volume and ensuring the portfolio can only be afforded by solvent tenants with solvent guarantors, preferably with several sharing joint and several liability. In the days of high interest rates, the interest cover was much less and the risk much higher, but the compensation was high capital growth which could be remortgaged to provide deposits for further properties. Currently mortgage companies want interest cover of 125 to 150%. I think that is too risky but I'm comfortable with interest cover of above 300% ( I currently have about 1200%) and with mortgages of up to 50%, which is twice what I currently have. Being panicked into selling up simply to reduce gearing is foolish without carefully considering all the other factors in the mix- CGT, IHT, Interest cover, number of enquiries for every vacant property, alternative rental streams from HMO, Student lets, Airbnb, furnished holiday lets etc. We have many weapons in our armoury if we know how to use them and when to use each one to best effect.

From: Robert Brown 22 August 2020 00:22 AM

Paul/Andrew There are two considerations with leverage/ gearing. One is the % of equity in a portfolio and the other is the multiple of interest cover from the rent. My families' portfolio has about £1 million debt and £3 million equity, so 25% gearing, which I consider low risk and selling 25% of the portfolio would leave the other properties unencumbered if it weren't for CGT! On the other hand, the interest payable on the £1 million mortgage is currently under £20,000 and the interest cover is around 12 times at £250,000 per annum. However, selling 25% of the portfolio would lose around £60,000 in rental income and only save £20,000 in mortgage interest. I'm comfortable with the risk level of my borrowing and interest rates would have to go up to around 8%, or rent defaults go to over 30% before I would consider divestment of any of the portfolio. Having put the majority of the portfolio, and all of its debt, into the names of my grown up children to avoid IHT, I think we're in the PRS for the long term, even with the SNP loony legislation but I welcome any move by other landlords to sell up and let market forces continue to drive up rents for the best properties. I'm not interested in adding more properties or going downmarket into low income or DSS tenant territory which is where most of the risk and hassle is and will continue to harm landlords in that market sector.

From: Robert Brown 22 August 2020 00:07 AM

Paul I actually bought quite a few of them in my grown up children's names so no CGT and very manageable IHT implications for me. I continue to manage them and enjoy their after tax profits but only have very modest btl mortgages on the flats which are in my children's names, with my own properties being mortgage free. I don't want a Lamborghini or bigger boat, car or house and can live very well on the after tax profits. My fear would be some sort of wealth tax that would seriously damage my cash flow and potentially force some property divestment or further giving away of assets.

From: Robert Brown 18 August 2020 23:04 PM

Paul The loony SNP legislation has actually helped rents grow from £1500 per month in 2016 to £2100 in 2020 and I typically have 10 to 15 groups wanting to rent. The secret is to get the new tenants signed up in February and paying from 1st June or earlier, knowing that they will leave as soon as they can, often in early May in final year. 2nd and 3rd year students will pay throughout the summer as they don't want to risk losing my flats which are all very near the University and kept in pristine condition. I have never had to go to court as the threat of court action and peer pressure on joint and several liability from all guarantors is enough to ensure no rent arrears or unexpected repair bills. My "professional" tenants, on the other hand, are much less reliable, even with guarantors in place and my only eviction was of a DSS tenant - so never again! I can tolerate snobbery and demanding parents provided it's matched with top level rents paid on time every month.

From: Robert Brown 18 August 2020 22:44 PM

I have yields of 10% plus from students in Glasgow's G12 West End. I agree about the snobbish parents but at least they are scared about their credit ratings and always fold and pay up if their offspring fail to pay rent or trash the property. Incidentally the basic premise of this article is totally flawed in that the average property is not the same value of property which is rented out for the average rent as they are in totally different markets. In St Andrews KY16 the average rent of around£1250 is achieved from a property worth around £200k or even lower which is much less than the average property purchase price of around £370k which could get around £3000 per month. In Glasgow G12 West End a rent of over £2000 per month can be achieved from a property worth £200k to £250k - so between 10 and 12% yields.

From: Robert Brown 18 August 2020 22:09 PM

Andrew I agree - now - but in the 80's buying my first btl flat for £60k with a 90% mortgage was the best move I ever made and over the next few years I remortgaged using the growth in property prices to buy a few more without having to put in any more of my own money. That £6k has grown to over £3 million in equity with £250k gross rental per annum. Sadly those opportunities no longer seem to exist although auction properties are still an opportunity for those willing to put in the effort and take a punt.

From: Robert Brown 17 August 2020 08:57 AM

Paul No Scottish landlords with decent properties are at all worried about any prospect of rent controls. The only properties under threat are the slums which only the dreg tenants would consider and no self respecting landlord would buy. This is a non threat whilst there is a shortage of decent properties and a surfeit of demand from potentially acceptable tenants.

From: Robert Brown 16 August 2020 19:30 PM

I don't think btl was ever on the way down apart from overheated areas and will continue to be a good investment. However Landlords won't buy any overpriced new builds, leaving them for naive first time buyers etc. taking on unaffordable mortgages.

From: Robert Brown 14 August 2020 10:00 AM

No deposit - no chance of being my tenants. Grow up and save up and show landlords that you can be trusted.

From: Robert Brown 13 August 2020 13:30 PM

No DSS would have been a cheaper and more reliable method to achieve this!

From: Robert Brown 06 August 2020 11:44 AM

As well as being totally misguided, you're years out of date as the DHSS split into NHS and DSS years ago. We still won't take DSS claimants as there are plenty of hard working more reliable tenants available but we'll now have to waste everyone's time in sifting them out. Like every leftie initiative it will be counter productive to the people they think they are supporting. Decent hard working tenants will still get the priority they deserve but they might have to wait a bit longer whilst we sort through the dross that we can't just ignore now.

From: Robert Brown 06 August 2020 11:41 AM

The tax dodgers will dodge the register like everything else.

From: Robert Brown 06 August 2020 09:24 AM

I agree. Rents for the best properties are still rising thanks to Shelter etc. and principally to the SNP in Scotland. According to their 50-50 policy the next article here will talk about rents falling faster!

From: Robert Brown 06 August 2020 09:22 AM

But it's better than just slapping more rules and costs on decent landlords - which are ignored by the rogues anyway.

From: Robert Brown 05 August 2020 11:28 AM

Totally agree. I wasted £200 on a Green Deal "consultant" and the quotes I got from "approved contractors" were much higher than local highly reputable contractors. It's a pity that successive generations never learn from the mistakes of their predecessors but they seem to think that 30 years' less life experience is an advantage! Incidentally I have NEVER had any tenants pay any attention to the EPC which is another waste of time and money.

From: Robert Brown 05 August 2020 11:26 AM

Totally agree with both your posts above. In Scotland I have had one flat's market rent go up from £750 per month ( in 2000 to 2007) to £1250 in 2010 and to £2100 since the SNP loony legislation came into force in December 2017. Sincere thanks to SNP, Shelter et al.

From: Robert Brown 04 August 2020 15:49 PM

I bought premium bonds with the delayed tax payments and won £1 million on each bond - then I woke up - but I still have six months of chances to come using this interest free money. Sometimes dreams can come true???

From: Robert Brown 31 July 2020 14:53 PM

I'm pretty sure that isn't how the landlord would have given the property to the sitting tenants!

From: Robert Brown 31 July 2020 14:09 PM

Yesterday the article warned about lower rents. At least with a 50-50 hedging bet they'll be right more often than a stopped clock - but not any more useful as an indicator to be relied upon!

From: Robert Brown 31 July 2020 14:06 PM

This is why rents won't plummet as Airbnb is a real alternative for most high quality properties.

From: Robert Brown 30 July 2020 10:11 AM

I'm laughing too - but there is a germ of a good idea in this. Government should guarantee all unpaid rents whilst ensuring landlords can evict for all other reasons promptly and easily - thus improving life for all neighbours and landlords whilst ensuring poverty isn't a prime cause of homelessness. It would be down to government to pursue rent arrears with the same vigour as income tax and other tax arrears. A win win for everyone except those who deliberately avoid paying when they can well afford to do so.

From: Robert Brown 24 July 2020 10:06 AM

Another tax on decent landlords and tenants. Rogue landlords will ignore it and rogue tenants still won't leave until forced out - acting on Council advice when staying put and causing misery to neighbours and landlords alike! Making eviction quick and simple is the easiest way to improve the lot of all decent landlords and tenants, not more bureaucracy and licence fees!

From: Robert Brown 24 July 2020 09:59 AM

Crazy idea! It will reduce the number of house moves even more than SDLT does and people will stay put in their starter homes for much longer, thus impacting even more on first time buyers. Why not remove the tax free CGT element and increase all CGT to match that already paid on sale of investment properties? Currently shareholder speculators are treated much better than landlords who provide homes for those who can't or won't buy their own.

From: Robert Brown 24 July 2020 09:19 AM

I've never been asked about the EPC from any tenant - ever! There are many things much higher priority than the EPC ratings, especially in older quirkier properties - which tenants love to rent. I bet there was nothing questionable about Grenfell's EPC rating and the cladding probably"improved" it!

From: Robert Brown 21 July 2020 19:48 PM

Landlords already pay higher CGT (28%) than stock market speculators and only get one tax free allowance no matter how many years they have owned the property. Happy to see fairness by all investors paying the same CGT, which will mean tax hikes for all other investors if they are to match the CGT paid by landlords.

From: Robert Brown 16 July 2020 16:10 PM

There shouldn't be any disputes over rent to resolve. Unpaid rent is due and not paying it and remaining in the property is theft. The Police should "resolve" this by charging the thief - simples!

From: Robert Brown 15 July 2020 11:21 AM

Is it discrimination for a mortgage company to decide on the basis of affordability, credit rating etc.? Of course not! No DSS is just a shorthand for credit worthy solvent tenants only. I say No Smokers which is almost the same as No DSS. The ban on No DSS just wastes everyone's time and doesn't help DSS tenants get better properties that they can't afford anyway. My practices won't change.

From: Robert Brown 15 July 2020 10:38 AM

How has any nationalisation ever worked out for anyone other than its workshy employees? Capitalism can work for everyone as the customers still have a choice of provider. The better then customer, the better the choice!

From: Robert Brown 13 July 2020 14:43 PM

Sorry - did I miss something? I didn't see Paul say he was going to demolish any properties thus adding to homelessness. He will sell to someone who hasn't been feckless enough not to save the necessary deposit to get on the property ladder. Perhaps your lack of understanding of this is why you're still a tenant and contributing to your landlord's wealth?

From: Robert Brown 13 July 2020 14:38 PM

I agree. It's the new timeshare scam just waiting on the gullible investors, having already fooled the gullible politicians. Such tower block ghettos are also ideal virus incubators - just look at Melbourne!

From: Robert Brown 13 July 2020 10:14 AM

Landlords are always happy to work with good responsible tenants, but such tenants will already be trying to work with their landlords. It's those who ignore the situation - or their landlords' attempts to work with them - who should rightly be worried - but their evictions will still be a long way off unless they cause the property to be repossessed.

From: Robert Brown 13 July 2020 10:06 AM

Lefties are never happy! If the BTL penalty were increased they would initially be happy until they saw that it led to higher rents.

From: Robert Brown 13 July 2020 10:02 AM

Remember the £2000 car scrappage scheme? New car prices rose, often by over £2000. Market forces always win over government interference or assistance.

From: Robert Brown 09 July 2020 09:15 AM

Surely it's the occupiers ( tenants) who will benefit from such insulation? It's unlikely to be totally cost free for landlords and will be unlikely to affect the price realised on selling.

From: Robert Brown 09 July 2020 09:13 AM

Most landlords will be happy to waive the rest of the lease if tenants can't afford to pay their way. Why should landlords or the taxpayer take the hit once it's obvious that staying put is no longer affordable?

From: Robert Brown 07 July 2020 11:42 AM

Most landlords are far better friends of most tenants than Shelter who only protect the rogues who deserve eviction and prevent decent tenants from getting decent homes from decent landlords. Landlords don't want to evict good tenants - only those causing misery to their neighbours and landlords - but Shelter staff don't have to live beside or rely on payment from such rogue tenants - so why would they ever need to take a balanced view and do what is best for the wider population of tenants?

From: Robert Brown 06 July 2020 20:20 PM

The potentially - and usually - fully returned deposit is NOT a cost of rental, unless the tenants know full well that they won't return the property in good order. Everything done to "help" tenants seems to have the opposite effect, preventing decent tenants from getting good affordable housing as rogue tenants are protected from prompt eviction and the financial consequences of their careless and feckless lifestyles.

From: Robert Brown 06 July 2020 20:07 PM

Don't expect any truth from Shelter! Pity they don't advise tenants on how to avoid eventual eviction - don't p*ss off your landlord! Shelter can delay but not avoid evictions for rent arrears and all they end up doing in harming decent landlords and tenants.

From: Robert Brown 06 July 2020 09:01 AM

I agree with Andrew. Don't let them stay beyond their initial lease period but wait until they have left before telling them why you did so just in case they get difficult. It's called revenge eviction - which is now much more difficult in Scotland - but in the end every eviction is a revenge one - and a source of consolation for the landlord.

From: Robert Brown 04 July 2020 14:18 PM

Excellent post Michael! The CGT penalty is particularly cruel to older landlords trying to implement an exit strategy. Stock market investors can get over £11000 capital gains tax free every year but we can't roll up any unused GGT exemptions to reduce our much higher 28% tax bill if we want to sell up.

From: Robert Brown 03 July 2020 13:41 PM

Smart meters - especially the first generation - are a waste of money. They don't save the customer any money - just let the original supplier read them remotely, which is a facility lost whenever the utility provider changes.

From: Robert Brown 03 July 2020 13:30 PM

Guidance for dealing with rent arrears: 1. Talk to tenants and agree short term repayment plan or accept their request to leave your property before the end of the lease period with the deposit going towards unpaid rent. 2. Suggest they seek financial support elsewhere as we're neither banks nor charities and tell them you will alert their guarantors shortly if 1 above not satisfactory - or immediately regret not insisting on guarantors. 3. Give notice that you will get a ccj against them and their guarantors. 4. Warn them you are considering eviction. 5. Keep promises made in 3 and 4 above. 6. Expect to be out of pocket for quite a considerable time.

From: Robert Brown 03 July 2020 13:22 PM

Market forces will always prevail. Good times ahead for landlords, especially those who have escaped any downside recently and keep rents unchanged so that their decent tenants will probably be enjoying below market rents - so for once a win - win for decent landlords and tenants, a win for other landlords who can increase rents for new tenants and a lose for rent dodgers. A rare case of justice in the PRS!

From: Robert Brown 02 July 2020 09:30 AM

Good news - but public sector employees who have sat at home on full pay for 4 months should now work 50 hour weeks for the next year to make up the time off and deal with the backlog - however don't hold your breath! Landlords should be very wary of new tenants from now on to ensure they aren't inheriting another landlord's problem. Perhaps Shelter can help the homeless? After all, is that not what they claim to do - or do they only bash decent landlords and by extension decent tenants?

From: Robert Brown 02 July 2020 09:25 AM

Water testing is actually in force in places with Legionella risk assessments which should be updated every two years!

From: Robert Brown 01 July 2020 17:45 PM

I'm buying premium bonds with this interest free money and will sell them in January if I need to do so but will otherwise hang on to them with the tiny chance of winning big. What idiot is claiming we risk paying double in January? We would simply be paying the same amount but in one payment instead of two.

From: Robert Brown 29 June 2020 13:53 PM

Paul It's the norm in Glasgow student flats and any questions or doubts see me move on to the next group wanting the flat. Having said that, many think that they are only guarantors for their own offspring and while my standard letter does spell it out and suggests that they seek independent legal advice, I've never had a refusal when the alternative is not getting my flats. Perhaps with cheaper lower quality properties, market forces don't make this so easy but I have never been tempted by lower quality properties or the resulting tenants.

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:41 PM

Both say £460.35 million.

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:33 PM

A level playing field would be a good start but unlikely with any potential government in this country in the foreseeable future. Massive homelessness and soaring rents are the only way we'll get landlords' rights properly protected.

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:31 PM

Fire Brigade management are not blameless either. I recently enquired if regulations had changed regarding provision of emergency lighting as I had heard a rumour to this effect. I was pointed to a load of government gobble degook publications and when I asked them to confirm that I wouldn't need this if my last formal inspection hadn't highlighted it as a requirement I was told not to rely on this as it was my responsibility to ensure that I followed all relevant guidelines etc. I was pointed to a retired senior fire official to provide customised fire safety advice for £100. I decided to spend the £100 on installing potentially unnecessary emergency lighting instead!

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:28 PM

That's what consultants do.... borrow your watch and charge you for telling you the time..... but it will only be an estimate based on easily verifiable evidence that won't be verified......and only given when you've signed their contract and multiple page disclaimer.

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:21 PM

Totally agree! I've found most self employed tradesmen only too willing to work in empty properties but those working for the larger firms are only too happy to take tax payers' handouts - and as for Councils closing everything possible for as long as possible......... Who would ever have thought that fly tipping would increase when dumps were closed? ????

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:15 PM

Any research by Shelter will be biased rubbish. Apparently there are lots of jobs available picking fruit that worried tenants could take - but why bother when landlords are powerless to pursue their legal rights? Will the folly of not insisting on large deposits be recognised? Don't hold your breath!

From: Robert Brown 26 June 2020 15:09 PM

I'm fairly relaxed so long as I have four solvent middle class guarantors sharing joint and several liability and who value a good credit rating. I've never had to get to court with the mere threat of a ccj being enough to get any arrears settled or rents paid to end of the lease, when Scotland's landlords and tenants could still agree on a mutually acceptable lease period. Our biggest threat currently is all joint tenants agreeing to up sticks on 28 days notice if the snowflake lecturers stay scared of face to face teaching.

From: Robert Brown 24 June 2020 12:03 PM

It should be tenants' own number one responsibility to look after their safety. Coronavirus only survives for 2 or 3 days so all they need to do is to wait for this time after getting the keys. Alternatively if they want then they can get 3 days rent free in return for a 10% increase in normal rental rates. Everything is eventually paid for by the end user.

From: Robert Brown 23 June 2020 09:52 AM

Gearing at a sensible percentage is an excellent way to grow equity in normal times but I would be a bit nervous about being overextended currently. Perhaps Shelter would help out landlords who need it to protect tenants from being made homeless?

From: Robert Brown 23 June 2020 09:46 AM

Someone has to suffer an unexpected and undeserved loss in these circumstances. Why is it always the assumption that the tenant is more deserving of sympathy,flexibility and understanding than the landlord? The tenant's maximum exposure is the rent due until the end of the contract. The landlord could be exposed to bankruptcy, especially if he has multiple properties and multiple tenants reneging on their contractual obligations. The tenants should have solvent guarantors to help them out. The landlord will normally have only lenders or bankers who have shareholders' interests to protect as their primary responsibility.

From: Robert Brown 22 June 2020 11:39 AM

Property owners who trusted the appropriate building standards authorities to do their jobs properly should not have to foot the bill but will probably end up doing so. To make matters worse, those incompetent officials who are to blame are still in their overpaid jobs looking forward to an undeserved final salary pension - and would have been on full salary for the last three months whilst doing little or no productive work!

From: Robert Brown 19 June 2020 13:51 PM

Surely recent events have shown the folly of low deposits? If tenants could start with 2 months deposit down and pay an extra 10% rent towards an increased deposit, then they would have three months deposit after 10 months renting and 4.5 months deposit after 2 years renting. That way tenants would be much better placed to weather any unexpected drop in future income, build up a useful nest egg and demonstrate fiscal responsibility to landlords. At the moment, everyone is relying on the fiscal responsibility of the landlords to avoid early repossession by lenders. It's time for a level playing field!

From: Robert Brown 18 June 2020 11:12 AM

By "country" I assume you mean England and not UK? I have NEVER experienced rental falls in Scotland and that was before the SNP's contributions caused the recent 33% increase in rents achieved for the best properties. I do NOT expect anything other than sustained healthy rent increases in Scotland over the foreseeable future.

From: Robert Brown 18 June 2020 11:02 AM

Investing in the stock market gives tax fee dividends of £2000 and gains of £11000 or so per annum but I prefer property instead of trusting the red braces brigade.

From: Robert Brown 17 June 2020 15:41 PM

We understand that this is not free money but a potentially expensive option to be avoided where possible. Many other borrowers are less astute.

From: Robert Brown 17 June 2020 15:37 PM

I suggest that real reason is that home owners plan ahead better and get their priorities right. Many tenants only live for today, don't save, buy clothes, cars and holidays they can't afford along with too many costalot coffees and expensive hospitality. In fact the lockdown should have saved many of them a fortune!

From: Robert Brown 17 June 2020 15:24 PM

Don't forget they'll be paying 28% CGT whereas someone investing in the stock markets could have made about £150,000 capital gains tax free along with about £80,000 dividends tax free during the same period.

From: Robert Brown 17 June 2020 15:09 PM

Glasgow is winning thanks to the SNP loony legislation banning tenants and landlords from agreeing a mutually acceptable length of lease, restricting rent increases to once a year etc. Result is rents are up 33% for the best properties compared to 2016 and landlords can pick and choose their tenants. Rents always go up annually whereas before it tended to be only when tenants left unless they were tenants we didn't want to keep. As usual, decent tenants and landlords bear the brunt of legislation that only protects rogue tenants and is ignored by rogue landlords.

From: Robert Brown 17 June 2020 14:54 PM

Don't agree with you this time Andrew. Doing the same as millions of others is unlikely to get you noticed. You might even win £1 million, courtesy of the taxman by buying Premium Bonds.

From: Robert Brown 13 June 2020 18:12 PM

Put it into Premium Bonds for 6 months. Any winnings are a double bonus as they're tax free AND you're using money that would otherwise have gone to the taxman by 31 July.

From: Robert Brown 13 June 2020 18:09 PM

Why not? If the tenant is willing to pay more then the landlord is entitled to charge more. It's capitalism and market forces in action.

From: Robert Brown 11 June 2020 12:58 PM

Andrew The key word is little!

From: Robert Brown 09 June 2020 17:34 PM

Rents have shot up since the SNP crazy legislation in December 2017 banned tenants and landlords from agreeing fixed term leases and allowed tenants to leave any time on 28 days notice. Results include no one being able to plan ahead, schedule routine maintenance, offer Airbnb rents to tourists to subsidise student term time rents etc. In fact, no positive results for tenants but around 33% increase in rents achieved by landlords due to market forces prevailing as they always do.

From: Robert Brown 09 June 2020 17:32 PM

Great Suggestion Paul.

From: Robert Brown 03 June 2020 09:06 AM

Honouring the rental agreement is treating everyone fairly. Anything else disadvantages one party to the agreement.

From: Robert Brown 03 June 2020 08:59 AM

Well said Matthew! Indeed Students often rely on the additional protection afforded by deeming their term time homes as their "principal or only home" instead of the additional protection which landlords would have if they were regarded as short- term furnished lettings as is the case for self catering holiday accommodation. As usual, students and their parents want it both ways.

From: Robert Brown 27 May 2020 13:44 PM

Andrew Totally agree - always amused by their designer gear and the parents' posh cars on lease or pcp, which they couldn't afford to buy outright. On a brighter note, in Scotland students may often have dustman or road sweeper parents and buck the trend. About the only successful (but unaffordable moving forward) SNP policy has been no tuition fees for Scottish students, allowing more modest students to attend University AND afford my rents!

From: Robert Brown 27 May 2020 11:31 AM

Groups of professionals will be the preference over students for the better properties, forcing them into the dross or purpose built student ghettos. Investors should go for better standard properties which can be marketed to various groups of flat sharers until students disabuse themselves of any illusion that they are a preferred or privileged group. Purpose built student accommodation, where investors "buy" a room should be avoided as they are very like the bygone timeshare properties, with no easy resale options, escalating maintenance charges and no option to avoid the increasingly unattractive student market.

From: Robert Brown 27 May 2020 09:13 AM

Paul Most solvent middle class guarantors pay up to avoid having their credit rating trashed and claim they were unaware of their errant offspring's misbehaviour. I've never had to take them to court, and with several guarantors with joint and several liability, peer pressure on the defaulting party's guarantor is virtually guaranteed to succeed.

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 22:48 PM

Solvent middle class guarantors are the only thing that makes letting to students worth while, although I am often amused by being looked down on by snobbish parents with a net worth a fraction of mine.

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 18:26 PM

They will be left with the dross properties that they deserve with parents like you showing them exactly how NOT to behave when entrusted with six figure assets! I often have around 15 to 20 groups wanting to rent my properties, which are all kept in pristine condition with no voids apart from this spring. All have since been relet without any rent reductions to professionals, so less choice for the students when they re-emerge from having fled home in March.

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 16:13 PM

The SNP "model agreement" in Scotland runs to nearly 40 pages with the same again of explanatory notes. I have read it and am pretty conversant with it as I am bound by its terms. I'm happy to advise any tenants who can't or don't read it, but I doubt Google can provide such advice.

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 13:32 PM

Councils are asking for a come and go policy. We do the coming and when asked to reciprocate, they do the going!

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 13:23 PM

I am now actively avoiding students where I have a choice, which is currently always. Students will find their actions will come back to bite them, especially in Scotland where many left with 28 days notice in mid March, as allowed by the loony SNP legislation of December 2017. Some even had the gall to ask for the 28 days notice to be waived!

From: Robert Brown 26 May 2020 13:21 PM

I don't think Google has a copy of my tenancy agreements. Tenants should check these first and if still unclear ask their landlord. In fact they should ask their landlord in any case otherwise they might find out what happens as a result of failure to communicate or adhere to the terms of their agreement. In my experience agreements are most needed when there isn't agreement.

From: Robert Brown 25 May 2020 09:08 AM

I don't understand why I am expected to undertake these additional responsibilities. Why not ask the under-worked council employees enjoying full pay to do this whilst they're still being paid but not doing their normal jobs? On second thoughts, I'll do this if they all volunteer to pick fruit etc.

From: Robert Brown 21 May 2020 13:08 PM

Michael Thanks for the info. I gave up a fast track career in London in the early 70's to return to a more modest but better quality of life in Scotland. I've often wondered "what if" but from what you describe I made the right decision to return to Scotland, even if the SNP are screwing umpteen thousands more income tax from higher earning tax payers, threatening to bankrupt us with independence, no fixed term leases, limited rent increases etc.

From: Robert Brown 19 May 2020 19:02 PM

In my experience, middle class guarantors pay up before legal action to protect their credit ratings and often claim they were unaware of their errant offspring defaulting on the legally binding tenancy agreement. I inform them as soon as I smell trouble and have never had to take legal action when I have solvent guarantors.

From: Robert Brown 19 May 2020 11:02 AM

So btl interest rates will fall - another win opportunity for brave solvent landlords.

From: Robert Brown 18 May 2020 18:00 PM

The difference is the lower purchase price is a permanent saving but the potentially lower rent is a temporary reduction in yield and will improve over time, as will the property values due to market forces once things begin to normalise. Buying now or soon is a win win for solvent investors with the cash or 50% plus deposits. I have always bought when most are selling and have turned a £6000 deposit into around £3 million of equity and £250k gross annual rental income over a period of 22 years. I can afford to take a risk in the current climate and may well do so.

From: Robert Brown 18 May 2020 17:55 PM

Seb 2) Legal every time. I've tried moral and flexibility and it's never reciprocated - so now always legal action if any requirement to protect my interests.

From: Robert Brown 18 May 2020 17:46 PM

Agreed. To avoid the ban on NO DSS, I always state No Smokers. It's almost the same thing and is quite legal and justifiable, although Shelter are probably on the case!

From: Robert Brown 15 May 2020 12:00 PM

David I did caveat my comment to be about the best properties in specific areas, price bands etc. which in my experience are the first to be taken. Inferior properties might have to reduce rents or purchase prices due to affordability issues.

From: Robert Brown 14 May 2020 11:39 AM

Pent up demand will lead to higher rents and purchase prices for the best properties. Landlords will win out of this - just reward for all we have done and the risks we have taken. Sebastian will be so pleased for all of us!

From: Robert Brown 14 May 2020 09:40 AM

Totally agree. There are plenty of decent tenants out there - no need to tolerate the rent dodgers who are stopping decent tenants from getting better homes - something Shelter, Seb etc. can't grasp.

From: Robert Brown 13 May 2020 21:00 PM

Sebastian If you took the trouble to read our posts you would learn that we DO support decent tenants in trouble. Your problem, along with Shelter etc. is that you want us to support the dregs who stay in our properties without paying and thus deprive decent tenants and families of renting decent homes from decent landlords.

From: Robert Brown 13 May 2020 20:38 PM

If Corbyn was PM this could have happened! Boris might not be perfect but think of the alternatives..........

From: Robert Brown 13 May 2020 09:19 AM

I smell jealousy from you Ray? I think you need to learn a bit about real life (as well as how to spell properly). Many of us have built our portfolio on hard graft and sacrifice. However people like you will never accept that risk and effort should reap reward - but I don't care what you think or wish for as I shall never be poor again and my conscience is clear.

From: Robert Brown 12 May 2020 20:14 PM

Tell them all they won't be allowed to stay after the lease end date if the rent is even a penny in arrears then. The other two can then use peer pressure on the furloughed guy or make up any shortfall. Come to think of it, just put them out anyway and make sure that they know why.

From: Robert Brown 12 May 2020 12:28 PM

I am a fan of Landlord Action and the Channel 5 programme where at least some tenants stealing free accommodation eventually get their comeuppance. We need more Pauls to help more Landlords.

From: Robert Brown 12 May 2020 12:23 PM

I would say you can definitely now do so but I would still have done so anyway last week. The problem is that most people can't understand shades of grey and black and white is too blunt an instrument in many cases.

From: Robert Brown 11 May 2020 10:23 AM

And only 2500 complaints to TPO, with 2/3 upheld. Just another vote seeking load of propaganda from Labour.

From: Robert Brown 11 May 2020 10:17 AM

2500 complaints is miniscule out of millions of tenancies - doesn't sound like an industry rife with exploitation and victimisation etc. Maybe Shelter can disband itself and give its millions to hard pressed landlords and tenants?

From: Robert Brown 11 May 2020 10:13 AM

Estate Agents should be on the High Streets, and on the motorways etc. - lying in the fast lane!

From: Robert Brown 07 May 2020 18:52 PM

Surprised any Council has anyone still working to implement this - but it's probably that they're not at work to stop it happening anyway.

From: Robert Brown 06 May 2020 11:34 AM

Sebastian I don't think Courts ever sell tickets, but some cases would be worth paying to see, although the opponent is unlikely to turn up and put up a fight. I think the Romans had the right idea. Pity it got too cold for them up here!

From: Robert Brown 06 May 2020 11:28 AM

Since the SNP abolished the right of Scottish Landlords and tenants to agree on a mutually suitable fixed term lease, landlords have been blighted by tenants upping and leaving on a whim at 28 days notice, with no right for the landlords to end the tenancy on a no fault basis. Many students simply left their flats in early March and many of these flats will stay empty until September or later if the snowflake University staff plead unsafe working conditions. This scheme does nothing for landlords who no longer have tenants and little for those who do but again the SNP manage to grab favourable but misleading headlines!

From: Robert Brown 06 May 2020 11:16 AM

Mark Not sure what you're putting in between? I think you believe speculation is a bad word? It's simply a synonym for "risk" and those of us who took the risk to provide homes for the feckless, reckless and hopeless now richly deserve the reward that justly follows well-researched risk!

From: Robert Brown 01 May 2020 19:56 PM

That is one agency added to my "never use" file. She has as much idea of how to gain customer confidence as Ryanair's O'Leary!

From: Robert Brown 29 April 2020 10:22 AM

I would definitely pull out and cut your losses. If things get clearer over the summer there will probably be opportunities to get back on an even keel then but the downside of not pulling out is probably more than the cash you'll lose in pulling out, given you haven't yet exchanged contracts.

From: Robert Brown 27 April 2020 18:30 PM

Don't insult the journalists. They might dream up scare stories about Landlords not providing PPE for all tenants!

From: Robert Brown 24 April 2020 12:29 PM

So what ARE tenants going to spend the money saved on lunches and holidays? Don't see why the wealth of the landlord affects the legal obligation to pay the AGREED levels of rent?

From: Robert Brown 23 April 2020 09:02 AM

Why not just give the support directly to those landlords that are affected to ensure that it actually gets directly to where it's needed?

From: Robert Brown 23 April 2020 08:59 AM

A decline of -12% means an increase of 12%. Journalists should learn basic mathematics and the grammatical effect of a double negative!

From: Robert Brown 23 April 2020 08:56 AM

Perhaps we could use Agents like canaries in mines - checking out if properties are safe. If they live, it's safe for others. If they die it's still a win for mankind.

From: Robert Brown 21 April 2020 15:52 PM

Tenants refusing to allow vital safety checks, especially in flats, should be fined as they're putting other occupants' lives at risk - unless these checks are largely a waste of landlords' money - like many other schemes only applying to rental properties. How many owner occupied properties have gas explosions or CO- related deaths in the average year? What Covid-19 checks will be dreamt up for us in the coming months?

From: Robert Brown 21 April 2020 15:49 PM

He'll have changed before he gets the letter!

From: Robert Brown 21 April 2020 15:42 PM

I would have thought that one lesson from the current crisis is the need for much better proof of affordability by prospective tenants and one way to demonstrate that is to have saved a substantial deposit. Deposits can help both landlords and tenants as they could be drawn on in current circumstances to protect Landlords' cash flow whilst protecting tenants' homes. Snake oil " no deposit " schemes will only make money for their salesmen, protect no one and cast doubt on the tenants' financial acumen, capability to manage their finances properly and commitment to look after our property. My mantra continues to be " no deposit, no tenancy".

From: Robert Brown 17 April 2020 22:22 PM

I agree Andrew. Mind you, I must be one of the highest paid cleaners in the UK! I try to remember that when up to my armpits - never fails to cheer me up then.

From: Robert Brown 16 April 2020 13:17 PM

I agree. I was laughed at by people for spending New Year and Easter holidays etc. dressed in my painting clothes, lugging rubble bags etc. I don't need to do that anymore and could now afford far more holidays than I have either time or inclination to take.

From: Robert Brown 16 April 2020 13:11 PM

Paul. Pity a lot of them were conceived about 30 years ago - but if they hadn't been, we wouldn't have had such demand to rent our properties!

From: Robert Brown 16 April 2020 13:06 PM

Buying opportunities for the bravest in the months to come. Carpe Diem!

From: Robert Brown 16 April 2020 09:08 AM

I hope students have real problems finding accommodation when they eventually come back cap in hand - for two reasons. 1. Revenge. 2. Market forces will push up rents. They will find it will end up being a Zero Sum Game with landlords recouping current losses through higher rents later this year.

From: Robert Brown 15 April 2020 13:49 PM

SS. If your son's loan doesn't cover his outgoings, the assumption is the parents can afford to act as guarantors, not rely on the landlords to take the hit. I put 3 kids through University but planned ahead by buying flats for which their flatmates covered the mortgage. Solvent parents moaning about rents should plan ahead whilst kids are still at school instead of moaning about the people who showed more foresight than them, probably by not having fancy cars, foreign holidays etc. I gave all of that up for about 20 years but I'm certainty not giving them up now just because some parents don't want to observe their parental duties now when they are most needed by their offspring.

From: Robert Brown 15 April 2020 13:40 PM

Rely on the lenders - to look after their own interests - and stuff everyone else!

From: Robert Brown 15 April 2020 13:28 PM

Our Council has closed the local schools, libraries, recycling centres etc. and slashed bin collection frequencies. Will they give me back the money they're charging me for services they're not providing? I'm still providing student properties. Why should I not be paid for something I am providing when Councils still get paid for many things that they are not providing?Are Universities cutting their fees for the Summer terms?

From: Robert Brown 14 April 2020 10:35 AM

They're saving a fortune on Costalot coffees, pub booze and restaurants whilst getting 80% of their pay for doing nothing. They'll get refunds on their cancelled foreign holidays. Why can't they still afford their rents?

From: Robert Brown 14 April 2020 10:29 AM

I think 2021 will be fine, but perhaps with a slow start

From: Robert Brown 11 April 2020 17:55 PM

Where the market hasn't been turbo charged before, I think 2021 will see losses reversed in both the property and the stock market, but there will be fantastic buying opportunities in both markets in the next six months or so.

From: Robert Brown 11 April 2020 17:51 PM

Market forces will ensure property values and rents recover pretty quickly in 2021. Any dip is a buying opportunity for properties and shares.

From: Robert Brown 10 April 2020 20:17 PM

Take Andrew's advice. Get heavy with him right away and he'll pay up as he will still be able to afford it. However tell him to get out at a time that suits you - maybe not right now - but as soon you're confident of getting a new tenant with no void period. Make sure he knows exactly why you're doing this. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

From: Robert Brown 08 April 2020 09:03 AM

Security works both ways, like all sensible agreements.

From: Robert Brown 07 April 2020 09:10 AM

Gosh! A sensible article!

From: Robert Brown 07 April 2020 09:08 AM

The key point is "honest conversation". I'd be happy to help tenants in genuine need but many are trying it on. After all of this is over the whole topic of deposits needs to be looked at sensibly. It should be there for mutual protection, so 3 months rent holiday expectations should be matched by 3 months deposit as protection in case of default. It also gives both parties some extra assurance that the rent is affordable in normal times and can be used as security in hard times. The banks and mortgage lenders want security from landlords who should have similar security from tenants. Of course Shelter could put their money up for this instead of the adverts currently on the TV.

From: Robert Brown 03 April 2020 09:20 AM

Tenants are no different from owner occupiers. Use common sense and wash hands. Not the landlord's job to do anything that any normal sensible people should be doing for themselves . Tenants keep banging on about our properties being their homes. They need to take responsibility for their own health and our properties, just like any other adult.

From: Robert Brown 02 April 2020 13:09 PM

Some common sense in this document. Surely not issued by Government?

From: Robert Brown 02 April 2020 09:32 AM

Why advise delay where the move can be made safely? Leaving properties deliberately empty just adds to a shortage of homes. SNP join Labour in wanting everyone to get paid but do no work and pay no rent!

From: Robert Brown 02 April 2020 09:31 AM

They might dig you up and go through your pockets! Nothing would surprise me with that loony party just now and as a miner's son it pains me to say that.

From: Robert Brown 30 March 2020 16:54 PM

These buy to rent and purpose built cardboard cladded student accommodation will be shown to be the new timeshares, as I predicted some months ago.

From: Robert Brown 28 March 2020 08:12 AM

Same with me, although Scotland hasn't had the volatility of English markets.

From: Robert Brown 27 March 2020 18:43 PM

In normal circumstances the clue should be in the question. Agreement means exactly that. Unpaid rent should be theft. If we had such security in normal times we could afford to show more forbearance now. Bigger deposits would also be a help to tenants experiencing unexpected difficulty at any time. This won't be the only crisis in most tenants' lifetime.

From: Robert Brown 27 March 2020 18:41 PM

Sam Please explain how to be successful in getting unpaid rent back from defaulters. In 23 years I have never managed it, but I have over time developed a survival instinct that has protected me from repeating the experience very often. I am happy to allow a rent deferment to match the deposit and take a risk on the property being left in good condition, but like most "reforms", small deposits are not in the tenants' best interests.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 22:44 PM

Andrew There might be a lot of cardboard boxes with vacant possession after all this. Who knows? Perhaps our DSS benefits bill will be slashed and paying the debts incurred for all the money getting thrown at the employed and self employed will actually be affordable?

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 22:33 PM

If the Government is helping self employed people earning up to £50k, it should also help landlords caught in this kind of dilemma but don't hold your breath! I really can't see what is so risky about allowing families to move their own stuff between properties. I accept we can't expect others to take that risk for us. However we need to remember most people have a mild illness and are able to be back at work in two weeks, so there should be a growing immune workforce as time goes on.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 22:24 PM

If there is a housing shortage, it's crazy to force landlords to keep properties empty. The SNP obviously don't think there is a housing shortage as they have banned Scottish construction workers from working, even where they could do so safely.The UK Government seems to be trying to get a sensible balance.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 22:18 PM

I don't see why we can't have the situation where the tenants with the biggest deposits get first choice of the best flats. After all, better flats attract higher rents so it makes sense for tenants to prove they can afford them even if things get tough.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 21:56 PM

We need bigger deposits all round - for buyers and for renters - then there is something to fall back on for everyone.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 21:51 PM

That is why small deposits are a crazy idea.

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 21:49 PM

Perhaps people will realise that the deposit is actually there for everyone's protection? Low deposits help no-one. Wonder how the snake oil zero deposit salesmen will cope with the demand for them to keep their unaffordable promises?

From: Robert Brown 26 March 2020 21:46 PM

Daniela Did you not implore us to be sympathetic very recently? With some tenants, no good turn goes unpunished. We need to push for larger deposits to safeguard everyone in future.

From: Robert Brown 25 March 2020 19:43 PM

Totally agree with your first sentence! The flat can't be dismantled and shipped to other areas of demand for the summer. Its overheads need paid for 12 months a year. A University education, even at a lower tier one, has to be paid for. It's supposed to be an investment unless it's for a media studies degree etc. Look at the long term like landlords have to do and weather the current storm.

From: Robert Brown 25 March 2020 19:39 PM

Ditch the students and go for professionals for the next year if you can get them earlier. You're not a charity and it's first come first served. It's actually worse in Scotland where they're able to leave any time on 28 days notice. I'm going to focus on professionals from now on and the students will not have enough accommodation in September.

From: Robert Brown 25 March 2020 19:32 PM

In Scotland there are no leases and many students are leaving now with no notice. I hope there aren't enough flats for them when they come back! Presumably University lecturers are still being paid for doing nothing instead of just a little?

From: Robert Brown 25 March 2020 09:23 AM

The idiot Greens leader also wants to allow tenants to leave without notice. After all this is over we need to move to longer deposits to safeguard everyone.

From: Robert Brown 25 March 2020 09:20 AM

Jamie. Remember to wash your hands if you use a tissue to wipe your tears.

From: Robert Brown 24 March 2020 08:58 AM

Surely Shelter would act as Guarantors if Barclays asked them?

From: Robert Brown 24 March 2020 08:54 AM

Daniella. I wish I had your faith! In my experience a rental payment delayed is a rental payment lost.

From: Robert Brown 23 March 2020 20:19 PM

Well said David From a £6000 deposit on a £60000 flat about 23 years ago, rented out at £600 per month then and around £1300now, by remortgaging and ploughing the latte drinkers' rents into further properties, I've built up a £4 million portfolio with around £3 million equity and gross monthly rents of over £20,000. A big thank you to all those spending on pcp cars, fancy holidays and lots of lattes. I now also take fancy holidays and buy nice cars - but all paid as I get them.

From: Robert Brown 23 March 2020 20:15 PM

Most people recover within 2 weeks, so why is everyone looking to be rent free for 3 MONTHS?

From: Robert Brown 23 March 2020 10:29 AM

Pity we haven't got three months deposit to fall back on, then we could offer a three month rent freeze with the deposit built back up again over the next few months. TDS etc. need to give us access to the deposits they're earning interest on while we're expected to see our income stop completely. Boris hasn't said anything to support landlords, just banning evictions for three months.

From: Robert Brown 23 March 2020 10:26 AM

Tenants should get the help they deserve. Decent tenants should be helped but not the hopeless feckless and reckless! Pity there isn't a 3 months deposit as a safety net! Perhaps a 5 week rent holiday should be the norm?

From: Robert Brown 20 March 2020 09:01 AM

If your mortgage balances your rent you're not making any income!

From: Robert Brown 19 March 2020 12:33 PM

Make up all rent shortfalls to landlords. That is all it takes. Up to HMG to recover arrears if it can. Why bankrupt landlords?

From: Robert Brown 19 March 2020 09:05 AM

Fine if the deposit covered three months rent.As ye reap.

From: Robert Brown 18 March 2020 12:32 PM

The next bang will be when they hit the floor!

From: Robert Brown 17 March 2020 12:55 PM

Let's see how the figures are at the end of March and April?

From: Robert Brown 17 March 2020 12:53 PM

Perhaps they could sell their fancy cars? Oh...hang on... it's on pcp! Most tenants self isolating will save a fortune on costalot coffees, booze etc. That combined with cancelling their Easter and Summer breaks should go a long way to paying the rent.

From: Robert Brown 17 March 2020 12:52 PM

Throughout history, people have been widowed, lost jobs etc. and been evicted. The only difference now is the potential scale of the problem but the principle remains the same. If the welfare state can't help enough, why does it fall at the feet of private landlords to plug the gap?

From: Robert Brown 17 March 2020 10:21 AM

I doubt that Mark is a landlord at all!

From: Robert Brown 17 March 2020 10:14 AM

Nil deposit means nil chance of becoming my tenant. Things are fairer when decent solvent tenants can rent decent properties. Allowing insolvent feckless tenants to stay put and prevent decent tenants from renting from decent landlords is what is most unfair in the current rental market. All do gooder ideas only make things worse for decent landlords and tenants.

From: Robert Brown 13 March 2020 10:09 AM

Zero deposit means zero chance of becoming my tenants. Next more financially responsible tenants please!

From: Robert Brown 12 March 2020 10:55 AM

Don't pay - don't stay! We're not charities. Try Shelter. They claim to be a charity.

From: Robert Brown 12 March 2020 10:45 AM

Perhaps Shelter will act as Guarantor for tenants who want to keep pets instead of saving towards the 5% deposit needed to become an owner occupier? Perhaps Shelter will do something - anything - helpful for tenants? Perhaps I'll win £150 millions on the Eurolottery? More likely and I don't even buy its tickets!

From: Robert Brown 04 March 2020 14:04 PM

The sad thing is that the "greenies" mostly don't actually understand what is "green". Most Victorian or Georgian properties will outlive the modern "greener" properties several times over, thus saving on high energy consumption activities such as transporting construction materials and labour, manufacturing bricks, steel, concrete, glass, insulation etc. as well as avoiding cutting down atmosphere-cleaning trees. It's the same perverse logic, based on ignorance, which vilifies nuclear electricity generation and 70 mpg Category 6 diesel engines whilst advocating an impossibly swift move to electric vehicles which only push the pollution and fossil fuel consumption back to the power stations, with a significant loss of energy in the transmission and storage processes. These are probably the same people who think Shelter helps the homeless!

From: Robert Brown 28 February 2020 21:51 PM

There really only needs to be one rule for tenant safety. Tenants should act like responsible adults and use their common sense. Are we going to see house builders held responsible for ensuring that owner occupiers are kept safe years after moving in - or are owner occupiers rightly regarded as more responsible adults who don't need or want a nanny state?

From: Robert Brown 27 February 2020 10:27 AM

Pets are money Hoovers. I thought tenants were pleading poverty and condemned to rent as they can't afford to save up the 5% deposit to buy? Tip: Ditch the dog, cast out the cat, flush away the goldfish. Also avoid pcp car contracts, costalot coffees, fancy holidays and designer clothes. Gradually the necessary deposit will accumulate.

From: Robert Brown 26 February 2020 13:56 PM

Another pressure on decent landlords and tenants! If house buyers can make an informed decision to buy a lower efficiency home, why deny tenants the same opportunity? How many cardboard boxes have the necessary epc rating?

From: Robert Brown 26 February 2020 13:39 PM

You're missing the key point! It shouldn't be beyond someone of integrity and reasonable intelligence to manage the process of finding and keeping good tenants. Instead of everyone vilifying all involved in PRS, it should be recognised the added complexities only work against decent tenants and landlords alike, providing undeserved protection to rogue tenants and ignored by rogue landlords.

From: Robert Brown 26 February 2020 13:36 PM

Surprised it's not a lot more!

From: Robert Brown 21 February 2020 16:50 PM

Michael I think you are probably underestimating the returns in Scotland currently. A nice flat in Glasgow West End with an HMO licence for 5 students can get £30,000 per annum rent and be bought for around £300k, so yielding around 10% gross. With many Scottish landlords wanting out, it's also pretty much of a buyer's market currently. Thanks SNP - glad most of your supporters are too thick to see the consequences of your so-called progressive policies!

From: Robert Brown 19 February 2020 14:42 PM

The main disadvantage to prospective tenants is not the added cost of no-deposit schemes, compared to the almost zero cost (loss of potential interest earned) of normal deposits for responsible tenants entitled to the full deposit being returned. It's the question marks that resorting to such extra cost measures plants in the minds of landlords. Are these tenants actually destitute, financially illiterate or simply not responsible enough to ensure that the property will be returned in good condition at the end of the tenancy? In all cases, however, the answer is the same. Avoid such tenants and opt for tenants who have been able to save up the modest deposit and first month's rent required to be regarded as financially responsible and thus a safer bet to merit consideration as a tenant.

From: Robert Brown 19 February 2020 14:32 PM

Landlords need to spread their risk - but what if multiple properties all have rogue tenants advised by Shelter and the Council to stay put, even if they haven't paid rent for months? Rent evasion should be a criminal offence, not a civil matter, then Landlords might feel a bit more secure.

From: Robert Brown 19 February 2020 11:46 AM

What a stupid question! An investment costing 10 times annual earnings with the capability to bankrupt a highly leveraged investor? Nah! Don't bother forward planning - what could possibly go wrong? Surely politicians of every colour will recognise the importance of your investment in other people's homes and ensure you're well looked after by the tax system etc.? Hang on! With thinking like this I could either write for this lot or get a senior job in politics! I think I will go for a lie down until these thoughts pass!

From: Robert Brown 19 February 2020 11:43 AM

In most cases the tenants end up paying for any increase in Landlords' costs, which is as it should be. Where the landlord can't recoup the extra costs then the short term rental market will provide higher returns. This reduces the amount of homes available to rent and leads to higher rents through normal market forces. Look at the 30% increase in rents in Scotland since the SNP introduced its crazy new PRs legislation in December 2017. Only the rent dodging rogue tenants win out of such anti decent tenant legislation, but it seems most SNP supporters are too thick to see what has happened and understand why. England should take note and not repeat these mistakes. Similar crazy legislation in Ireland, now repealed, has led to the rise of the loony lefty IRA/Sinn Fein terrorists potentially toppling the two centre ground parties.

From: Robert Brown 18 February 2020 17:46 PM

DW. Decent tenants can stay as long as they want to. No business turns away paying customers or pays for alternative customers to replace good customers who want to continue giving their custom. What people like you fail to see is that you're actually stopping decent tenants from getting homes by protecting wasters who stop paying rent and deprive the landlords of the rent they are entitled to charge and deprive other tenants of decent homes.

From: Robert Brown 18 February 2020 17:32 PM

If you take them to court at least they will have a ccj against them and other landlords will be warned not to rent to them.

From: Robert Brown 17 February 2020 09:16 AM

Over two thirds of the Scottish Parliament are anti landlord, but so far everything that they have done has proven to be anti tenant! I could live with linking future rent rises to wage increases, but after suffering frozen rents from 1998 until 2016, the recent 30% rent increases due to market forces have simply redressed the balance.

From: Robert Brown 17 February 2020 09:12 AM

There was definitely no virus in my properties when current tenants moved in. Why should I therefore have any "role" to play or any "risk" to manage?

From: Robert Brown 14 February 2020 17:22 PM

I heard on the radio that this type of investment will be the next timeshare with individual investors having no control over maintenance charges, poorly built properties which don't need to conform with normal residential building standards, no easy exit mechanism for investors etc. It concluded that normal btl investments were still better even with everything that has been thrown at landlords!

From: Robert Brown 14 February 2020 17:18 PM

Welsh rents will soar like they have done in Scotland after fixed term leases were abolished by the SNP in December 2017, who also build unfit for purpose hospitals, bridges,ferries and poorly performing schools whilst clamouring for independence which would leave us with a £13 billions annual budget deficit!

From: Robert Brown 12 February 2020 11:57 AM

Good to see recognition that this costs all tenants real money whereas standard deposits being withheld either in part or in full only cost tenants who have not returned the property in an acceptable condition. What is not covered is the doubt placed in Landlords' minds by tenants who are not confident that they will take proper care of the property ( and thus have their full deposit returned) or who cannot afford the deposit and thus are more likely to incur rent arrears. In my view, no deposit schemes only benefit the organisations making money out of them at the expense of poorly advised tenants.

From: Robert Brown 11 February 2020 10:54 AM

Perhaps the Councils will act as guarantor for these tenants - and pay the rent upfront along with a sensible size of deposit? Perhaps the Tory Government - with a genuine housing shortage to deal with, and no need to worry about GR votes for nearly 5 years - will make rent evasion (after 2 months arrears) illegal? Perhaps Shelter will start acting in the interests of decent tenants and landlords, instead of encouraging scum to stay put without paying rent and depriving decent tenants of decent homes from decent landlords? Perhaps I should think about joining the real world again - but the thoughts were nice while they lasted!

From: Robert Brown 07 February 2020 16:36 PM

Perhaps Shelter, GR, and assorted lefties will turn their attention on Airbnb etc. and the tax advantages currently given to the short term let market who cause havoc in many residential areas as well as removing homes from the longer term rental availability. They might even realise that decent landlords are not their enemy and focus on rogue landlords AND rogue tenants who deprive decent tenants of decent homes due to following Shelter's advice not to leave a property - for which they're not paying rent - until all legal avenues (and the landlord) are exhausted! However, I won't hold my breath!

From: Robert Brown 07 February 2020 16:28 PM

Totally agree! What the government forgets os that over a third of this (Income Tax, NI and VAT) will end up back in its pocket whereas many owner occupiers don't maintain their properties as well landlords and if they do then DIY and cash in hand jobs will definitely reduce the tax take compared to landlord- initiated works.

From: Robert Brown 05 February 2020 14:56 PM

This is not a saving, simply a reduction in the potential remedy available to a landlord if the property is not returned in good order. Indeed market forces will dictate that rents will rise to cover such shortfalls which will place an extra burden on responsible tenants whilst letting the feckless and reckless off with a further £163 that should rightly belong to the landlord. Shelter shafting decent tenants yet again!

From: Robert Brown 05 February 2020 14:50 PM

Thanks SNP - but then delay is what you excel at, whether it's in delaying the opening of new children's hospitals already years late, suspending the building of double-budget ferries or failing to meet statutory A&E and operations waiting times etc. etc.

From: Robert Brown 05 February 2020 12:01 PM

This is destroying residential areas in Edinburgh in a way that student rentals never did. Abolish the £7500 tax free rents and council tax exemption from short term rentals and give the incentives to landlords providing long term homes instead.

From: Robert Brown 03 February 2020 10:03 AM

40% of readers have missed the deadline - didn't realise such a high % of readers were tenants - but thanks anyway on behalf of HMRC for the £100 donations.

From: Robert Brown 03 February 2020 09:55 AM

I'm reasonably confident in them until about a year before the next election, then they'll jump back on the anti landlord band wagon, especially if they have to out-idiot Rebecca Long-way-down in chasing tenant votes.

From: Robert Brown 30 January 2020 10:30 AM

Most landlords are sensible and would never support the SNP loonies. Tenants, on the other hand........... I don't ever expect any help from the SNP who will always chase the populist votes and going after landlords suits their long term objectives.

From: Robert Brown 30 January 2020 09:38 AM

Of course you can pay a lower rent! Just rent an inferior property. BTW, my offer to rent to you is now withdrawn. Next please!

From: Robert Brown 29 January 2020 17:33 PM

Good post Andrew, but the dedicated housing tribunals now in Scotland are every bit as ineffective as everything else that the SNP gets involved with.

From: Robert Brown 29 January 2020 13:37 PM

The rules should not be broken by either party - but sanctions don't seem to ever be applied against rogue tenants - only against hapless landlords.

From: Robert Brown 29 January 2020 13:34 PM

This is malicious damage. The rogue tenant should be jailed and made to pay compensation out of the benefits undoubtedly being claimed.

From: Robert Brown 28 January 2020 13:55 PM

I don't think it would apply to lodgers,but how could I have several properties as my main residence at the same time? Surely that is the only time that tenants would counter as lodgers? Totally agree about the SNP! Looking forward to forthcoming trial in Edinburgh in March, but can't comment further on that just now!

From: Robert Brown 27 January 2020 11:04 AM

Not surprised. The only guidance from the SNP is to vote for independence and not worry about the £13 billions deficit as the rich Scots will pick up the bill! The sad fact is that 45% believe them, probably including all those who will be put out of PRS properties deemed too draughty by the loony new legislation.

From: Robert Brown 27 January 2020 10:53 AM

Opposite was claimed just last week!

From: Robert Brown 27 January 2020 10:48 AM

Given that many landlords have several properties this probably means that the number of rental properties put up for sale won't be much more than the long term average. Another article pretending to give lots of data but telling us nothing useful!

From: Robert Brown 23 January 2020 10:42 AM

In Scotland, an HMO licence is needed to let to 3 or more unrelated adults, even in a 3 or 4 bedroom property. This costs over £1900 for the first 3 year licence and over £900 for subsequent 3 year periods, in addition to costly alterations like fire doors, mains smoke alarms and emergency lighting. On the upside, the yields can easily exceed 8% and there are usually 3 or more solvent guarantors who are more concerned about credit ratings, honouring agreements etc. than their often pretty feckless offspring. Another bonus is that no single tenant can end the lease without all tenants agreeing, so void periods also tend not to happen for the better properties. I now only have such HMO properties, having converted other flats into 3 or 4 bed HMO's and seen rents treble over the last 10 years as a result of the demand for such HMO properties among students with solvent guarantors.

From: Robert Brown 23 January 2020 10:40 AM

There was talk of rent pressure zones where tribunals could limit rent increases but they are mainly in areas where no sane landlord would buy or decent tenants want to live. They are probably a perfect example of being careful what you wish for as they are destined to become even more deprived and properties even further in disrepair as they have no chance of any gentrification or even normalisation. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if the SNP were to go ahead with them and show case them as a success, along with our failing schools, hospitals, shipyards, railways and everything else that they clamoured to control and wrest from Westminster's slightly more sane control.

From: Robert Brown 22 January 2020 18:13 PM

There are no rent controls in Scotland currently, although the SNP- supporting Labour MSP, Monica Lennon was pushing for them until it was pointed out that this would mean all rents would increase by as much as possible as often as allowed. She can't be a proper SNP supporter as it seems she actually listened. However currently we can't increase rents more than once a year, which means most of us now DO increase them annually, whereas before we tended to wait until decent tenants had left and only increased them for bad tenants to get the message across during the lease.

From: Robert Brown 22 January 2020 12:06 PM

Tenants need to take some responsibility for their own safety. Are mortgage suppliers going to be forced to put CO alarms etc. in those properties for which they have provided mortgages?

From: Robert Brown 20 January 2020 09:17 AM

Gosh! The % of non readers has now risen to 11% - they're possibly later risers than the literate majority.

From: Robert Brown 17 January 2020 10:11 AM

Scotland now has this and it's a shambles, like everything that the SNP touches. It can now take over a year to get rid of tenants, leaving the landlord without a year's rent but with a year's worth of costs to pay. Rent dodging should be a criminal offence with mandatory eviction after two months arrears and then the problem will disappear.

From: Robert Brown 17 January 2020 10:06 AM

It seems that 4% of the respondents to this survey are equally well qualified - or can't read - probably both.

From: Robert Brown 16 January 2020 13:19 PM

I would have thought living in a cardboard box would cause more health problems than a privately rented home. Shelter's war on landlords will force more of its supporters into boxes as landlords get increasingly demonised by the real enemies of tenants.

From: Robert Brown 15 January 2020 14:01 PM

Totally agree. Internal fire doors are invariably wedged open and I must admit I do have some sympathy with the tenants as they're a pain in the neck to open every time you want to go in or out of a room. Until there is some electrical connection broken every time a fire is open which stops the heating etc. from working, no frequency of inspection will ensure that internal fire doors are kept closed.

From: Robert Brown 10 January 2020 13:29 PM

1st time I've ever agreed with the SNP, but no doubt they'll still manage to screw it up.

From: Robert Brown 10 January 2020 13:14 PM

I agree totally. Most students would rather be in the (cheaper) conventional flats we provide, usually in the heart of a real community, than live in cramped purpose built student ghettos with wooden frameworks and compressed cardboard walls etc. - which don't have to conform to "residential building standards" (like the Bolton multi storey building which was engulfed in flames recently) at much higher rents. The only benefit of the purpose built ghettos is to demonstrate the excellent value for money of conventional flats where students can learn some real life skills - like holding noisy parties, going into arrears with utilities, dodging paying TV licences, getting chased by Councils because the can't be bothered to fill in the Student Council Tax exemption forms easily available online etc. etc. Come to think of it, most of them are tailor made for a career in politics!

From: Robert Brown 07 January 2020 10:58 AM

Agreed Daniela - on most points. However the only time I have had rat or mice infestations ( other than an isolated short visit) is when tenants keep the property like a tip. Vermin are social creatures and tend to like living with like. Clean properties don't tend to have rodent infestations.

From: Robert Brown 02 January 2020 13:37 PM

Bad news for those nice residential areas now blighted by multiple Airbnb properties including many parts of Edinburgh. To rub salt in, owners of such properties are often exempt from council tax and business rates, with many earning up to £7500 tax free. Why be so generous to Airbnb landlords whilst those providing homes are vilified?

From: Robert Brown 31 December 2019 10:49 AM

Make deliberate withholding of rent or remaining in a rental property after accruing more than 2 months' rent arrears criminal offences. It's just plain theft after all. Put Shelter in th

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