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Andy Marshall
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Andy Marshall
I think a lot of us have been in this situation Karen, as Andrew has said been there and got the T-Shirt. Lesson learnt!

From: Andy Marshall 25 March 2022 11:11 AM

Andy Marshall
Well said Karen, I am in exactly the same situation. We've also had to budget with the electrical inspections that have come in and now insulation in the future. The Government definitely need to re-think the section 24 as I am putting my rents up. That said i'm not doing it by 10% as is written above!! Plus i'm also selling. I have also looked at fixing mortgage deals on some properties for 2/3 and 5 years. I was pleasantly surprised to see some very good deals out there. Tough times need careful planning!

From: Andy Marshall 25 March 2022 11:10 AM

Andy Marshall
Thanks for the chuckle, but it is mad how some people really believe that Landlords are so unscrupulous as a profession! We've already had a report that the majority of tenants get on with their Landlord. I guess it's gonna be the same old story...

From: Andy Marshall 21 March 2022 09:08 AM

Andy Marshall
This is a personal choice. I will help as a Landlord to assist the Ukrainians. I served in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo. Seeing death and mutilation first hand, especially children never leaves you. In agreement with comment above the UN need to go in as peace keepers, we cannot be scared of Putin. We went in originally as peace keepers to Bosnia under the umbrella of UN. We could only return fire if we came under attack and would have to dis-engage as soon as hostilities stopped. I just hope that the Russian people can rise up against Putin and his cronies.

From: Andy Marshall 01 March 2022 10:33 AM

Andy Marshall
This is hard to believe. I'm wondering if some Landlords have changed their business plan and have now become a Limited Company. The larger portfolio Landlords would benefit from this and I understand that a limited partnership was the recommended route, though not without complications. I guess also all the converted office space that are now residential flats may come into this equation! Not for me though.

From: Andy Marshall 11 February 2022 09:33 AM

Andy Marshall
Like you Simon I accept the CGT. Plus with the personal allowance added it is not 28% of the total profit.

From: Andy Marshall 10 February 2022 08:49 AM

Andy Marshall
Statistics only prove, in the main, that which the author wishes to prove. IMO private Landlords are selling and not buying. I complete on my first sale this Friday and I have another one for sale already. Another Landlord whom I personally know has already sold 2 and like me he has one for sale for the new financial year. And a good friend of mine he has sold his last property in UK, apart from his own residence, as he has invested in property in Germany. I do not intend to fully exit the market but I do intend to sell property so that I have either very small mortgages or zero mortgages and the principle driver for this is Section 24 for me. With interest rates going up, I will pay the lenders more money and then be taxed on this resulting in less money for me to maintain the property and ultimately have left over from my investment. When I speak to estate agents all I hear is that other Landlord's are also getting properties valued in order to sell. This does not mean that others are not buying! But it does make me believe that many Landlords are selling. When a tenant gives notice a for sale sign goes up.

From: Andy Marshall 10 February 2022 08:45 AM

Andy Marshall
As soon as the builders realise what they can get away with they will run rings round the Council. A lot of these Council staff will have no experience in this arena and will be manipulated and exploited. Lambs to the slaughter comes to mind!

From: Andy Marshall 07 February 2022 09:51 AM

Andy Marshall
I've had dealings with 7 Council's where I have properties. Just one has been helpful, proactive and has shown real knowledge on dealing with issues that I have had. Of these hundreds of empty houses how many are being sold? Lastly, now Landlords are being asked to bale out incompetent Councils. You cannot make it up!

From: Andy Marshall 04 February 2022 10:36 AM

Andy Marshall
The Government must resist the jealousy tax. We already now pay tax on money we do not receive as an income, namely the mortgage cost minus 20%. This effects Landlords with mortgages whom now potentially have more income in the 40% tax bracket. Maybe the government should focus on ensuring that the largest companies are paying their fair share of tax, Amazon, Facebook etc. Lastly, what about other investments. Why not bring them in line with property CGT. This would be levelling up surely!

From: Andy Marshall 04 February 2022 10:17 AM

Andy Marshall
Hi John, I have to disagree. S21 is a very useful tool and an uncomplicated way to remove problem tenants. If they beef up other sections in order to make it simpler to evict problem tenants, then that is fine, but politics that put the cart in front of the horse is very poor. I understand your point on long term investing, but what about the Landlord whom has done this and now wishes to retire. Where is the legislation to allow him to sell. This needs to be closely monitored. Not so sure that Landlords here don't factor in repairs and maintenance, but of course they exist. Adequately funded, love to know how that is worked out. In 2008 I had 8 tenants give no notice that they were either moving out and not paying as had lost their jobs. I agree with your sentiment but you just don't know what is round the corner. Just to add, when I first bought a house in late 80's interest rates were at 15.6%. Not sure whom could survive a repeat of that scenario.

From: Andy Marshall 02 February 2022 18:10 PM

Andy Marshall
I'm in the same boat as you Stephen. I am looking at reducing my planned increases due to the energy spike. I have all but sold one property and will be selling 2 in the next financial year. I will then evaluate, though I can see that it is likely I will sell more and ultimately exit this market.

From: Andy Marshall 18 January 2022 10:28 AM

Andy Marshall
The report is probably correct in some areas, cost of rent. As has been mentioned costs have spiralled for Landlords and these have been passed on to reflect a rise in rent. The Government were warned of this and have failed to take on board the cause and effect of the Section 24 tax amendment. In addition to this licensing, Electrical checks and more regulation have caused even more rent rises. I have just had my tax bill for the last financial year and it is madness the tax i am paying. Another house will go on the market in the new financial year and this will continue from my point of view over the next 2-3 years. Government need to wake up to the fact that they are causing most of the rent rises.

From: Andy Marshall 12 January 2022 16:59 PM

Andy Marshall
Hi Don your view and experience is the same as mine. Obviously, not all, but the vast majority of my tenants I have had good relationship.

From: Andy Marshall 06 January 2022 16:47 PM

Andy Marshall
Very good comment Michael, whole heartedly agree. I would add that it is the rogue Landlords whom are creating the headlines and to the non-tenants whom deal in this industry tend to lump us altogether. Like you I get on very well with my tenants and ensure that I keep my homes in very good order for them.

From: Andy Marshall 06 January 2022 16:44 PM

Andy Marshall
It is all about balance. We need more people in work, including migrants already in this country (off load the ones whom don't want to work or break our laws) and less not wanting to work. We need more private Landlords, which will drive down rental prices and more Government spending on Schools , Dr Surgeries and Hospitals and training and incentive packages to staff them. I hate to use the excuse of Covid, but this Government have had to be reactionary to a world wide pandemic and too many cooks are spoiling the broth. I hope that in the coming months we can have a some sensible solutions to our changing environments. This Government to make a sensible stand on insulation would be a good start. It is a no brainer that we need to insulate our properties that leak heat and to me other sources of power need to be fully exploited to reduce pollution and improve air quality. Good quality, safely built properties are the key. Not to see how property can be subsidised so that everyone can have a new car every year or 2 and luxury holidays 2-3 times a year!

From: Andy Marshall 04 January 2022 14:10 PM

Andy Marshall
Absolutely agree, where is our voice. Interest rates will rise this year and as they impact on us all, whom have mortgaged buy-to-let properties, we will still need to pay the Section 24 tax bill. Again, reluctantly I will be putting up my rents.

From: Andy Marshall 31 December 2021 11:14 AM

Andy Marshall
I was a member but do not feel they really represent my views now, Saul sums it up well above. I would say though that their advice line has been useful to me in the past. Highly impressed by this article....but where is our voice.

From: Andy Marshall 25 December 2021 21:19 PM

Andy Marshall
I have done exactly the same, though with a more modest 3 bed end terrace, EPC band D and has had new UPVC windows and boiler in last 5 years. I should complete my sale in January. Good news though is the strong market. Sold on first week of being on the market and I had a bidding war with 3 buyers whom wanted this house.

From: Andy Marshall 20 December 2021 11:10 AM

Andy Marshall
I'm with you on this. The Government have raided our industry too much already. I'm happy to do my part for the environment, indeed I actively support it. The key is that it needs to be affordable and it needs to be ALL homes, not just private rentals. And as for £5-10k per property, then interest free loans and or grants will need to be the order of the day.

From: Andy Marshall 20 December 2021 11:06 AM

Andy Marshall
I'm glad that you both have had good agents and I have no doubt that there are good ones out there. In my experience they are very hard to find, though in fairness I have seen improvement over the years. First let a property in 1991.

From: Andy Marshall 09 December 2021 12:03 PM

Andy Marshall
Having been a victim of this myself many years ago I am now better equipped to make sure this does not happen to me again. Credit checks etc are not effective measures against this crime, in fact when this happened to me a Chief Constable, also a Landlord, was a topic of an article in the Telegraph I believe. Like me he had all the references and checks but criminal gangs are expert at bypassing this and he too had a cannabis factory in his property. My advice, firstly ensure that your insurance covers this including loss of rent. I did and a bill of almost £35,000 to remedy the damage to my house and loss of rent fell to the insurance company. Secondly, whether you self manage or have agents, visit the property in the early stages to ensure all adds up. I normally do this but this property is a significant distance from me and each time I popped in nobody was at home and when I tried to arrange a visit they were always away. I am now more persistent, though not to the point of over stepping boundaries. Check information given to you. Write a letter to any addresses, you can forge an email account harder to change an address. Recently I have had an issue, wrote to the address given as a reference, they phoned me back to say that they knew nothing about renting a property and were very concerned at the contents of my letter. The Police have been informed and I would be very interested if anyone has had dealings with Round Trading Ltd based in Covent Garden. Lastly if something is unusual then put your guard up, 6 months rent up front is unusual and I would be suspicious. The Police are under funded and I am not sure that they will take this crime as a high priority so its down to us to be vigilant.

From: Andy Marshall 06 December 2021 10:15 AM

Andy Marshall
Hi Jim, 100 properties, let alone HMO's. Good for you. I managed 5/6 HMO's at one time, looking after circa 33-37 tenants. It was not easy! I completely get what you are saying, energy bills was one of the big issues that I had. I am an optimist by heart and will keep an open mind that the government will see sense and that the associations stop being lap dogs. That said, being a realist also I will take the necessary steps to safeguard my more modest portfolio. Regards, Andy

From: Andy Marshall 11 November 2021 23:07 PM

Andy Marshall
Where are the Landlord bodies whom should be collating our experiences and demanding an urgent overhaul of the EPC system. Any changes to legislation should wait until clearly identified energy saving measures are proven to work. All of us, IMO, would be happy to improve our properties, none of us like to spend hard earned money on ineffective measures to get a tick in the box. I am selling a property now and will sell 2 next year. I am doing this to re-balance my property value to loan value to protect from interest rate rises, but obviously I am trying to sell properties that are poorly insulated. Incidentally all estate agents have commented that insulation is a buzz word for new buyers. Interesting as this may now be another factor in valuing a house, time will tell. Due to a lack of rental properties EPC's do not seem to come into this equation. Therefore the Government trying to change the rental market, could be effecting property values for purchasers!! Obviously this has just been my experience on 3 houses, one in Kent and 2 in Bedford. Thought i'd share.

From: Andy Marshall 11 November 2021 10:07 AM

Andy Marshall
We need to adapt to the changes around us and we cannot be Ostriches. That said these new schemes have to be effective, affordable and good for the environment. Air source heat pumps will work for new houses but they are not strong enough to do the older houses. You will need a huge amount of insulation and larger radiators. However, a ground source heat pump is capable of heating an older house. Problem is that most of us do not have a large enough garden. I would therefore suggest looking into communal ground source heat pumps. A lot of older houses have larger gardens. Combined this may be enough to look at putting in a ground source heat pump with the added advantage of a shared cost. I believe that lateral thinking along these lines, though will not fix all issues, will be accessible to many.

From: Andy Marshall 19 October 2021 12:01 PM

Andy Marshall
Comments above interesting and informative. Personally I don't see the point of them and having read the above even less likely to get one. That said if a tenant wants one I have no objections, but it is their choice.

From: Andy Marshall 19 October 2021 09:39 AM

Andy Marshall
You are both completely right, however as an ex-Serviceman that was posted overseas and around this country I bought run down houses near to where I lived at the time and restored them and then let. Since 2007 I have been a civy and it has been my intention to sell the furthest and consolidate my mortgages. Through life's challenges I am at last doing that now. We don't know why he has a house in Oldham. Though you are both right in your sentiments.

From: Andy Marshall 18 October 2021 21:42 PM

Andy Marshall
What a surprise, another biased story. Look, any Landlord not carrying out his legal obligations needs to be asked to rectify the problem. If this fails then they need to be told and finally prosecuted if not actioned. No bins at the property is the tenants responsibility and the Council's. Surely if the Council inspected surely they could talk to another department to expedite bins to be delivered to this address and ask the tenant why they did not order replacement bins themselves. With regard the meter, this must have been all good when property licensed and first let, so how did it become dangerous. In either case the Landlord should have contacted the supplier of electricity at this property to look into this matter and make safe the meter. This is a shared responsibility with the provider. But of course this is all the fault of the Landlord. Probably another Landlord whom will now sell up and who can bleme them!

From: Andy Marshall 18 October 2021 10:00 AM

Andy Marshall
What a muppet. I'll tell you what John, you compare my rent increases over the last 15 years to the wage increase that MP's have had over the same period. I have no doubt which would show better value.

From: Andy Marshall 18 October 2021 09:47 AM

Andy Marshall
In my recent survey 9 out of 10 Landlords think Shelter is an incompetent organisation. Most Landlords , in my experience believe that Shelter needs to re-think its strategy and possibly work with tenants to educate them how to look after a property to avoid mould and other issues. However, that would mean that they would have to walk away from their computers and do some real work and investigations.

From: Andy Marshall 14 October 2021 07:08 AM

Andy Marshall
Completely agree, as a hands on Landlord I provide the same service. Plus over the years I have built good relationship with trades persons for the jobs i cannot do, e.g Gas and electric. I have always maintained that a good Landlord has a good partnership with their tenant. Like Mr Townsend i will leave the sector totally if we keep getting penalised and it is not something that i want to do either.

From: Andy Marshall 13 October 2021 11:04 AM

Andy Marshall
HMO's require constant management, hence I left this sector. Completely agree that tenants can undermine any improvements. Even had one tenant re-set the thermostat so it looked on 20 degrees but actually on 30 degrees. Constant wet washing in rooms causing high levels of moisture which then gives mould, despite me supplying a large tumble drier. Money was good but I gave up and returned them to family lets, though I still have issues with mould in one property as they insist on having there wet washing drying in the house all the time and never open windows in the colder months. Previously never had issues in that house. Other than that they were lovely tenants.

From: Andy Marshall 13 October 2021 10:45 AM

Andy Marshall
Thanks for your reply, the longer warranties make sense. A plumber I used was singing the virtues of Potterton with their 10 year warranty. I guess things improve, e.g. Fiat only use galvanised panels on weak spots in their cars after the disaster years of having rot boxes in this country. Yes I had a property cladded for free, cladding was only 20mm thick but looked much better when all finished. Tenants felt it did make a small difference, but who knows. I'm looking at 100mm. And again the property will benefit from looking better for curb appeal. As I am selling almost half my portfolio this is also important to me. Aim to be mortgage free in 4-6 years. Appreciate your input.

From: Andy Marshall 13 October 2021 10:38 AM

Andy Marshall
Hi Jim, interesting comments with regard insulation. I will focus on one property and see what the results are. Did you ever have external insulation fitted? With regard boilers the only one that I will ever have fitted now are Vaillant boilers. I have had 7 fitted, first in 2013. None have caused me any issues. Prior to that I had Chaffateaux, Ideal and Potterton boilers. They all kept British Gas very busy! I no longer have any HMO's but fully understand your move into pre-paid meters. I was looking at doing the same but due to Councils imposing ridiculous rules I withdrew from this type of letting.

From: Andy Marshall 12 October 2021 23:26 PM

Andy Marshall
Hi Terry Sullivan, you state watch out for severe damp, grateful if you could expand on this. Thanks

From: Andy Marshall 12 October 2021 23:14 PM

Andy Marshall
All this analysis by back room academics is all very well, however, in the real world the differences are not so impressive. I replaced 2 boilers in HMO's I owned. Obviously I paid all bills. I never noticed a change in my bills. I have also changed a boiler in my own property, the one previous to the one I currently live. The difference in bills over the following winter was tiny. I will be putting external insulation on 2 of my properties, I will be doing this myself. As well as putting in cavity wall insulation, apparently it only works effectively if you do both! I will be doing this to my own house, once I have upgraded these 2 older properties. I hope this massive effort and expense that I will be going to returns good results, time will tell.

From: Andy Marshall 11 October 2021 14:17 PM

Andy Marshall
There are good and bad in all walks of life. I understand your point that sometimes it feels and maybe is a waste of time to write. But what other choice is there. I just hope that a balanced argument that I provide does not always fall on deaf ears.

From: Andy Marshall 05 October 2021 11:05 AM

Andy Marshall
We all have a voice. I hope that fellow Landlords like myself write to their local MP. Trying to get them to understand our point of view is crucial in attempting to stop the perception from many others that that this line of work/investment is money for old rope.

From: Andy Marshall 05 October 2021 10:22 AM

Andy Marshall
I have sympathy for genuine LHA persons. Unfortunately experience has taught me that they few and far between. I have one LHA tenant and she works hard and is doing her best to keep herself and her family above water. If the Council could be more open with us and give us a chance to have a selection process, much as we do with our tenants, then we could make an informed decision. However, it would appear that we don't have a special relationship with the Council. We need to be closely monitored and that we pay an unreasonable tax in the form of licensing etc. Not only this but they see this as an easy occupation. It maybe for a small element of PL's whom have the money to pay professionals to do the work, but most of us have a vested interest and put in a considerable amount of time and effort into our property business. Therefore to those 55 PL's whom have let there properties to the Council I wish them the best of luck, as they will need it.

From: Andy Marshall 24 September 2021 10:04 AM

Andy Marshall
I agree this goes on our own experiences. I now no longer use agents as have had bad experiences over the years. That said there must be good ones out there. It would be good if this website could offer a facility where we could have recommendations from other LL's both for agents and trades people.

From: Andy Marshall 14 September 2021 09:49 AM

Andy Marshall
In my view your comment reinforces the point I make. For any newer Landlords for those whom owned mortgaged properties interest rates were plus 15% back in the late 80's, i remember it well, hopefully though never to return! Personally, i didn't have the number of properties then that I have now and more importantly the number of mortgages. My point with the 'easy comment' Michael refers to the record low interest rates some 20 years later in 2008. For some these low rates are the norm, but as you allude this is a long term business and in my humble opinion rates will have to go up. Make sure you can afford it is the essence of my message.

From: Andy Marshall 11 September 2021 01:29 AM

Andy Marshall
Unfortunately nothing is going to change. Rental controls will come in as rents have gone up massively. The reason does not matter, though I agree that Section 24 has played a big part. If they think they have a problem now just wait......However, for those of us that have mortgaged properties we have to acknowledge how easy we have had it with record low interest rates. Interest rates WILL go up. How much will be down to the UK economy and then we will see how strong the rental market is.and indeed the housing market in general. Private LL's whom either do not have a mortgage or a very small one will be fine, for those whom don't plan now and re-structure to be able to cope with 8% rate will be in a lot of financial trouble. If you are not convinced just google the rates in the late 1980's and into the 90's and life was a lot simpler then. My advice to all fellow LL's is reduce your mortgage debt as it will be a very bumpy road in around 5 years time. Sorry to sound like a doomster and i would be the first to say that i might not be right, but i've been in this business since the early 90's, took my chances and will now look at down sizing to protect my future.

From: Andy Marshall 10 September 2021 11:49 AM

Andy Marshall
Hi Jim, I will not argue with you. I have had 3 new boilers in properties where i either live or let and pay the bills. Savings if any were negligible. Properties were already well insulated and had double glazing. Old boilers i was told would be lucky if they were 60% efficient and the new ones over 90% efficient, therefore circa 30% savings. Not a chance. I would love an explanation too.

From: Andy Marshall 03 September 2021 19:43 PM

Andy Marshall
It's a big market place. Make sure that your own portfolio is de-risked. With the massive surge in property prices careful planning should make private Landlords be able to stand on their own 2 feet. Risk taking to build a portfolio is now a fools game.

From: Andy Marshall 10 August 2021 15:37 PM

Andy Marshall
Unfortunately with this type of growth further down the road something will have to give. The Government should not interfere in this market as they solve one problem but create others. Time will tell how this plays out. I have been forced to put up rents due to Section 24 mainly. I had not increased rents with existing tenants for years due to falling interest rates, even now I am probably at least £250 behind the average rent per month and that includes the £50 increase I applied in June. I have warned my tenants to expect similar £50 rises for the next 3 years per year. I will be selling a property this year and for the next two to reduce my leverage as interest rates will eventually go up. I will keep selling until i am 80% value to loan. Therefore HMRC will get around £100,000 from me over these 3 years, as I suspect that this is a planned bonus for them as they try to curb the numbers of private landlords or private landlords with multiple houses.

From: Andy Marshall 28 July 2021 10:30 AM

Andy Marshall
Bit of a non story IMO, if you pay your tax what's the issue. I'm sure HMRC will have sights on other areas also. Targeting Landlord's - sensational headline especially as it's webinars!! Agree with comment about fair tax for the large corporations whom seem to be able to set their own tax.

From: Andy Marshall 22 July 2021 09:38 AM

Andy Marshall
Completely agree with John Adams. There is nowhere else in law that I can think of where the punishment is so disproportionate. A fine to the Council and a segment of the rent paid back to the tenant. I guess the aim of all this is to get the tenants to Police the Landlords. Yet when a Landlord has a problem with a tenant......

From: Andy Marshall 21 July 2021 09:24 AM

Andy Marshall
I don't believe that the Government want to destroy the PRS. It is a fact that there was an explosion of Landlords once we entered the new century, most owning one or 2 properties. This is an enormous source of revenue that the Government have tapped into. The situation has been made worse by many Landlords acting like 80's builders (Harry Enfield) loads of money spring to mind, which has put focus on this sector. Add to this the growth in property and it is easy to see why we have been targeted by the tax man. That said I don't believe they have gone about this in the right way. Taxing people on loans has had a consequence of rents being drastically increased. Additional legislation has meant more costs, this again has pushed rents up. The media are to blame also, focusing on poor Landlords whom are the few rather than the responsible Landlords the many. Moving forward i hope the government wake up to the situation and I urge all Landlords to write to their local MP to convince them to take a more balanced view.

From: Andy Marshall 16 July 2021 09:00 AM

Andy Marshall
The Scheme to sell to long term Council tenants to buy their house was an admirable scheme. Problem is that people are not admirable and a lot of ex-council owners sold up and spent the money, not all but quite a few. Certainly enough for a programme to be made about it. The idea was that the money generated would build more social housing. In my view the Government need to re-think social housing and not allow 3 bed houses to remain in single occupation. They have discount rent, and quite rightly so, however there needs to be conditions. A lot of Council houses have very large gardens. Knocking a house down to give access to build a row of houses in these gardens would be a cost effective way of increasing social housing without breaking the bank. If they made some of them maisonettes or no more than 3 storey flats with small gardens it would enable locals to have a choice to move but be in the same area. Sensible lateral thinking and long term practical planning are key. Not sure that Councils understand this concept as they just seem to look at short term goals and whether they have complied to the latest self interest rules on how to behave in modern Britain. It will change for the better one day and having lived overseas i can honestly say that we aren't doing too bad here.

From: Andy Marshall 16 July 2021 08:49 AM

Andy Marshall
If you live in a conservation area it is your responsibility to inform the Council. I would guess he would have needed to put secondary glazing in, though not as user friendly for the tenant. Incidentally if he had replaced just the rear windows he would have achieved his EPC grade and i am sure the Council will only want him to replace the front windows. Speak to an EPC assessor whom can advise what you need to do to get the best rating. Apparently put one triple glazed window in and that is what your rating will be based on. Told this just last week by an assessor, whom assessed a property that I am selling. Mad I know but you can play within the rules.

From: Andy Marshall 29 June 2021 08:17 AM

Andy Marshall
A loan system through the Councils is the way forward. It can be recovered in the following years Council taxes and the loans should be portable if tenant moves to another Council. No issue with centrally funded as again can be recouped. NO WAY SHOULD ARREARS BE WRITTEN OFF

From: Andy Marshall 24 May 2021 08:50 AM

Andy Marshall
i'd agree with a first 3 month inspection. But as you get to know your tenant you can increase or decrease the amount of visits, dependent on the tenant. With this aggressive stance from Councils, as long as it is within the law, not a problem.

From: Andy Marshall 06 May 2021 15:27 PM

Andy Marshall
Hi Jim, you are the first person i've seen in print that has written exactly what I found to be true. The so called 'A' rated boiler made no difference to my heating bills on my 6 bed HMO. An extra 200mm of insulation in roof. No difference again. The property in question is detached and built between 1905-10. New boiler in a 70's house that I lived in. Vailant A rated boiler and again no difference in my heating bills. Theories don't always work in the real world!!

From: Andy Marshall 25 March 2021 11:39 AM

Andy Marshall
Completely agree, I also be write to my local MP explaining where I think they are going right and where they are going wrong. We need to engage wherever we can. I am aware of the risk that Mr Townsend points out and it will have to be a judgement call at the time. The voters certainly let their feelings be felt when it came to Brexit!

From: Andy Marshall 18 March 2021 19:32 PM

Andy Marshall
I had a similar problem with a company called Professional Lettings in Gosport. They didn't register the deposit and they with withheld in total 3 months rent. Liquidators were called in and insolvency meeting arranged. Through a little luck i obtained almost 100 landlords email addresses and tried to get an overview of the situation. Some landlords were owed around £5,000. In total it was around £250,000 plus deposits that this agency had secreted away. I was able to get the insolvency halted and had about 35 landlords onside to take action. I got the Police and trading standards involved. It was a lot of time and effort from me and another landlord who led the action. Trading standards pulled out stating not enough evidence, the Police tried to get a conviction but the prosecutors when they reviewed the case decided that it was too costly and not in the public interest. I was told that the chap I dealt with was just an employee of the company, though acted like he owned it. He set up a handy man and a gardener to be the directors. I believed them when they told me that they had not received much from the company. The man whom had been the mastermind behind this had disappeared, however the Police did tell me that he was banned from owning a Limited company due to questionable practices in the past. Though I cannot say all Agencies are like this I now self manage. The sting in the tail is though the deposit was handed to Professional Tenant Finders they are not liable and the Landlords had to pay the deposit that they had not received back to the tenants. Lesson learnt!

From: Andy Marshall 16 March 2021 18:44 PM

Andy Marshall
I agree with Shane. Rents are going up too much due to some privileged do gooders or ill informed academics. Government and Councils need to realise that the majority of Landlords and tenants enter into a good partnership and by putting financial pressure on the Landlord can only lead to one choice, increase in rents. Thus far this has been mitigated by low interest rates, this will change over the coming years. Tenants will move to cheaper rents, e.g move north. The ones that can will take advantage of the 95% mortgages. I'm selling my properties in the South as they become vacant. I will consider purchasing one further North but i also wish to bring down mortgages due to Section 24. Interesting times!

From: Andy Marshall 15 March 2021 10:24 AM

Andy Marshall
It is clear that Government and Councils want less private Landlords. IMHO they will get what they want. I have got notice to quit from a very good tenant, whom I have for 4 years. He is relocating his family due to a transfer at work. This property will be going up for sale. I hope that the lenders will be able to find enough persons to lend too with the Government backed 95% mortgages, otherwise they will find themselves in a pickle. I understand the comments above, but a limit to how much you can put up rent and with big business now coming to the market place, 'times are a changing'.

From: Andy Marshall 15 March 2021 09:59 AM

Andy Marshall
Labour have lost the plot. The 66% of homeowners whom bought with the help of the incentives would disagree with their comments.

From: Andy Marshall 05 March 2021 17:23 PM

Andy Marshall
The problem is that there are too many headlines , mainly derogatory, aimed at us ' The Landlord". At least in this we are popular. Most of us in the private category work with our tenants in a partnership. However this is not a head turning caption to grab the spotlight. In any case i'm sure the Unions will be happy tomorrow when the Chancellor will carve another slice from us in one format or another.

From: Andy Marshall 02 March 2021 14:05 PM

Andy Marshall
Interesting prediction and would not come as a shock if it were to happen. The other big point why has this taken 3 years to sort out. Something clearly needs to change, whether Council procedures or the system as a whole.

From: Andy Marshall 02 March 2021 13:49 PM

Andy Marshall
Our Courts, Prison and Probation Service all need a good overhaul. It's too much focused on the offender rather than the victim. Far, far, far too much leniency. I'm all for re-habilitation but they have to earn this right.

From: Andy Marshall 01 March 2021 11:32 AM

Andy Marshall
Maybe Council's should apply this philosophy as to how they manage the safety of residents in high rise flats. The lack of properly trained inspectors to inspect work carried out by trades persons would be a good place to start. Fines need to go to the Council as well as some to the tenant to pay for good regulation. In general i would support rogue landlords being fined, but it is all about balance.

From: Andy Marshall 25 February 2021 09:29 AM

Andy Marshall
The writing was on the wall as soon as the 6 month eviction notice was brought in. I'm sure this will become standard. I have no real problem with this as we all like to plan. A landlords only problem is if the tenant stops paying. Advice i've seen from other Landlords's on this website with using CCJ's will be a route that I take. Plus the credit rating soon to be including rent payments overtime will be a very useful tool. Change is always inevitable!

From: Andy Marshall 25 February 2021 09:25 AM

Andy Marshall
What a load of tosh. A bank advising on common sense....really. As for planning for tax changes that a government may make....where is my crystal ball!!!

From: Andy Marshall 25 February 2021 09:21 AM

Andy Marshall
Well done to this MP. Let's hope this is the start of a more balanced view coming from Parliament. Time will tell!!

From: Andy Marshall 24 February 2021 09:41 AM

Andy Marshall
I have to agree with the above 2 comments. Most Landlords are fed up with Landlord bashing, but whilst publications that are supposedly represent us use such terminology which suggests that we are only about the profit we will continue to suffer this stigma.

From: Andy Marshall 16 February 2021 11:35 AM

Andy Marshall
Of course this philanthropist is right, it gives everyone another chance to deride landlords. I mean we go to a lender and all but trip over £300,000 as soon as we walk through the door. That said, this is some merit in what has been stated but like all points of view it must be taken in context. Yes it will be easier for someone to borrow money if they are solvent with a good history. However, as that person gets older the attractiveness will lessen as the risk grows. The Section 24 negates a lot of this argument as the loan is now not a taxable allowance. This will have a considerable effect on landlords whom have several buy-to-let mortgages, myself included. With regret this will mean that I will have to review my rents, most of which I have either not increased or have done so marginally since 2008. Property has always had the possibility of a good return, however it is a double edged sword and many a person has been burned and this will continue. I completely agree about the stigma of renting, when I was younger I paid rent. You were certainly treated as a second class citizen. It was a case of how things were said to you rather than being repelled by society. I also had to put up with a couple of awful landlords, but i also had some decent ones as well, overall I am certain that there are more responsible landlords now than back in the 80's. Europe is different to UK over renting and have many different rules so impossible to compare. What I do know is that in Germany they have an ongoing property revolution and property prices are soaring where a lot of Germans are putting savings into property as they deem it a safe place, much like the UK. This ,however, is making rents competitive. Maybe the UK Government should look in that direction and instead of taxing the landlord into putting up rents and excessive legislation they should promote fair competition. Just a thought. IMHO the private landlord offers better competition in a market place that will keep rents at a fair rate. Nobody wants an empty property. Anyway to give context I am just behind the baby boomer generation and have made sacrifices to build my portfolio, as I am sure many of them would have done so also.

From: Andy Marshall 04 January 2021 10:59 AM

Andy Marshall
Interesting perspective from Michael Foley. The main issue here imho would be that lenders will not be happy to lend if the situation as Michael suggests becomes the norm!

From: Andy Marshall 23 December 2020 11:33 AM

Andy Marshall
These organisations that are intent on driving private landlords from the sector need to have a good look at the situation. Corporate landlords will not be a 'fix all' situation. Less competition will undoubtedly lead to higher rents. If section 21's are to be axed then a robust fair system to both tenants and landlords must be put in place. Lets's get this right now so that we are not fixing the next problem in a few years time.

From: Andy Marshall 23 December 2020 09:36 AM

Andy Marshall
Excellent news, how do i apply!

From: Andy Marshall 22 December 2020 12:01 PM

Andy Marshall
Whether we like it or not these changes are coming. If Labour were in, well this current lot, then we can all kiss our income from property goodbye. Technology is moving forward at an incredible rate. I am confident that we will have good alternative choices in the years ahead that will be cost effective. Mind you being an Arsenal supporter at the moment I am ever the optimist!!

From: Andy Marshall 14 December 2020 11:55 AM

Andy Marshall
Wow a few ruffled feathers today. Corona is real, but not the devastation that it has been made out to be. It has been a tough call all round balancing the need of the fragile few against economy. I would not like to be making these decisions and I think we all need some humility in out outlook. Climate change con....hmmm. Romans apparently were growing grapes on Hadrian's Wall. Must have been warm then i guess. Therefore nobody can win the temperature argument imho. However, air quality using up resources too quick etc etc... I think change needs to happen and i will play my part. The older I get and per chance slightly wiser I despair at some of our politicians. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised...I am listening to Brexit keenly. If the Europeans do not wish to play ball then I hope we as a nation refuse to buy their goods. My focus currently is encouraging my local MP to leave CGT alone. We contribute enough already. The argument that individuals are evading tax by having wages in shares is simple. Any wage no matter the form is a wage, tax it as such. Lastly Blair was wrong to encourage only Universities...we need skilled tradesmen and apprenticeships let's hope this lot do better

From: Andy Marshall 10 December 2020 12:00 PM

Andy Marshall
Pointless. A conciliation service! Landlords whom don't follow the rules will take no notice as will tenants that have similar views. We've had rules and laws to tighten legislation for Landlords, most I don't have a problem with as was adhering to most of it in the first place. What we do not have is a quick eviction system that evicts problem tenants. There is too much support for individuals that flout the rules. For clarity i'm not talking about individuals that have genuine hardships. Our only defence is to ensure we get the good tenant in the first place, not easy.

From: Andy Marshall 02 December 2020 10:10 AM

Andy Marshall
I'm with Mr Townsend, bought rundown property and learnt the skills to do them up and used tradesmen where required. Will not be buying more but paying off mortgages getting ready for retirement. Established landlords should not become unstuck, though can see people selling if the Government try to over legislate. That said do not take your eyes off the ball, Covid has had some devastating effects on up to now bullet proof jobs, so no room for complacency.

From: Andy Marshall 30 November 2020 10:54 AM

Andy Marshall
I'm glad that this has come up. I made a claim on a garden wall being blown over in strong winds, will not go into details but the neighbour lowering her garden next door had not helped this situation. Needless to say insurance company agreed that I was covered ,but I then found out that I was under insured on my house which meant that they would only pay 70% of my claim. I asked them to prove this. I went through demolition costs and build costs on my whole property and explained that my property was functional and not bespoke. In other words normal kitchen, not granite work tops or gold plated taps etc, same for the rest of the house. Eventually they had to agree that the house was adequately insured and fully paid for the cost of the replacement wall. Remember this is a business and as such they will try and undercut you and this is seen as good business for them. Therefore if you don't like what they inform you challenge it!

From: Andy Marshall 29 November 2020 17:19 PM

Andy Marshall
Hi Sue West, well said, i mean i've even heard that there are some businesses that sell food for a living . Outrageous, we all have the right to eat. Soon they will be selling us water! Hang on a minute, what's this bottle say Naive, ah no sorry evian. Without doubt there are useless idiotic cretinous (sorry love this word) landlords and lets hope that they get out of the business. I assume that you work somewhere that deals with complaints on housing, good for you. All I can say that you will never hear from one of my tenants, it's a partnership and I make sure that I hold up my end, I won't bore you with how many times that I have been let down though. Balance is the key. I would add that I am blown away with your confidence in the Politicians to sort out housing. I think it would be better if landlords were able to licence any half decent politician regardless of party. Anyway that's enough of my sentiment.

From: Andy Marshall 30 October 2020 19:08 PM

Andy Marshall
I strongly agree with comments by John Thompson. I have properties in 5 areas of the UK with very different interactions with the local councils. I no longer will take on Social paid tenants as a start point due to very poor communications with said Councils. That said I do of course support tenants whom find themselves in this situation before, after and during Covid. Being a Landlord, as well as being a business, means that sometimes you need to go that extra mile. Bring licensing on. Existing landlords should not pay for this, the Government have enough revenue from us since S24 to fund this. New landlords should budget for licensing. In the next phase of licensing then all should pay but it should be at a reasonable price. Currently tenants benefit from Landlords whom break the rules. This money should be shared with local authorities to off set high licensing fees. It is my belief that when the reports come back from inspections it will transform the image of landlords. The vast majority of us work hard, communicate well with our tenants and provide warm, desirable places to live and have a good relationship with tenants. The press will not report this as it's not good fodder for the papers, Shelter aren't interested as they would have to down size and lose their voice and so and so on. Reform needs to happen across the spectrum and licensing to me would be a good way to demonstrate how the greater number of good landlords operate.

From: Andy Marshall 30 October 2020 11:19 AM

Andy Marshall
If you wish to compare like for like look at the tax rules in other countries. If you let a property for more than 10 years you have no CGT to pay in many European Countries including Germany. In addition you have tax relief on your business loan. It is foolish to compare if you do not look at all the issues. One that the Landlord bashers would like is that you cannot evict in France in the Winter months, for any reason. That said if you owe rent money there it is a criminal offence and not civil so most people act with responsibility.

From: Andy Marshall 28 October 2020 15:09 PM

Andy Marshall
Completely agree with R Brown's comments. Regardless of your view on landlords/tenants this just demonstrates how the scales of justice are unbalanced. Most if not all this money should go to the public purse.

From: Andy Marshall 15 October 2020 09:41 AM

Andy Marshall
What is this 8 square metres they are referring to. I am licensing a HMO and it states single occupancy 6.51 square metres and double occupancy 10.22 square metres. Am I missing something?

From: Andy Marshall 19 November 2018 23:09 PM

Andy Marshall
Hmmmm this story does not make sense. If the Landlord followed correct procedure then this is trespass + criminal damage. I hope that this can be rectified swiftly for all concerned. I to am reluctant to let my properties to persons on benefits and currently the market is good so that I do not have to, however if it changes...... I completely agree that the Councils, on the benefit side, should have a more pro-active view with Landlords. However, I deal with Councils in several areas on other issues and found them to be very helpful.

From: Andy Marshall 08 November 2017 10:16 AM

Andy Marshall
What more changes in legislation what a surprise! One day maybe some legislation will be to assist the hard working, right thinking professional landlord.......nahh must be dreaming.

From: Andy Marshall 31 October 2017 02:17 AM

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