In this two-minute read, we look at why landlords who self-manage their buy-to-lets can never really put their feet up at Christmas.   Picture this: It’s 4pm on Christmas Day, and you’ve just snuggled down on the sofa to watch a bit of telly. Your belly is full, and your lids are heavy after a Mistletoe Margarita or two (or three, but who’s counting?). Then your phone rings. It’s your tenant – and there’s a problem.    A pipe has burst in the flat that they rent from you and there is water everywhere. You need to get a [...]

Here we look at how landlords can avoid getting a bad insurance deal. If you’re a landlord looking to take out insurance or renew a current policy, there are a few things you should know. The insurance market is “hardening”, or in other words, insurers are tightening their belts. The rising costs of claims due to extreme weather events such as last year’s Storm Dennis and low interest rates (meaning insurance firms make less on their investments) have hit the industry hard. As a result, insurers are upping the cost of premiums and employing other – less obvious – [...]

We look at a study that found some landlords were putting themselves and their investment at risk by cutting corners on checks and maintenance. 😮 Landlords are leaving themselves exposed to the risk of criminal and civil prosecution by failing to conduct critical safety checks and taking a back seat on maintenance, a survey of renters has revealed. The study by property management platform Plentific found that a surprisingly high proportion of landlords aren’t meeting their legal responsibilities regarding gas safety and that in some cases, tenants are handling maintenance and repairs. The survey of 1,000 tenants found that: [...]

Here we look at how landlords can foster a good rapport with tenants. Every successful landlord needs a rock-solid tenant retention plan or what we like to call “a happy tenant strategy”. This is because happy tenants are loyal tenants. And loyal tenants are more likely to stay in your property for longer, helping you to avoid the ultimate landlord bugbear – high tenant turnover. Whenever a tenant moves out, the landlord gets hit with extra costs such as end-of-tenancy cleaning and repairs and marketing and reference checks to cover the new tenancy. Then there is the issue of [...]

Lessons for landlords in Manchester from the wealthiest person in the world   A two-minute read. A landlords’ advice article published recently said property investors need to think more like the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The billionaire businessman is renowned for his long-term thinking. He thinks decades ahead, and let’s face it, he’s not doing too bad, is he? The article said landlords should retain good tenants at a reasonable rate rather than aim to get the highest rents in the short term. It’s wise advice and something we believe in. When a landlord adopts a short-term view of [...]

In this three-minute read, we explain why it pays for landlords to review the management of their property. Spring is traditionally a time for a good tidy up and clear out. If you’re a landlord, it’s also an excellent opportunity to give your property management strategy a once-over. Taking the time to review what is and isn’t working with your investment will save you money and energy further down the track. What you’re looking for in your property spring clean are pinch points: issues that cause aggravation and loss of income. Sometimes, we need to step back and look [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at new rules on electrical safety reports that come into force next month. It’s no joke: landlords who fail to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their rental property by 1 April could face a fine of up to £30,000. The government made EICRs mandatory for new tenancies last June, but from 1 April, all tenancies will need an EICR. If you haven’t got an EICR for your rental property yet, you need to act quickly. What is an EICR? It’s basically an MOT for the electrics in a rental property. [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how letting agents handle the fiddly, time-consuming elements of renting out a property (part two of a two-part series). In part two of our series on property management, we look at how letting agents save landlords time – that precious commodity that is always in short supply. A survey of 500 landlords found that using a letting agent saves a landlord on average six hours a month (source: Endsleigh Insurance). We would go further and argue that letting agents don’t just save landlords time, but the right sort of time. It’s one thing [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at the benefits of using a letting agent to manage your rental property (part one of a two-part series). Almost every landlord has weighed up the merits of self-managing their rental property versus using a letting agent. After all, why pay someone to do something you do yourself, eh? It’s a reasonable enough question to which we have an emphatic answer: there are many reasons to get an expert to manage your investment property (we can think of at least 12). It makes sense from a financial point of view (as we’ll explain [...]

In this three-minute read, we look at how Manchester landlords can protect themselves from getting caught up in the most common cause of end-of-tenancy disputes. When a tenancy comes to an end, one issue more than any other causes disagreements. And it’s not holes in walls or missing rent payments that take the number one spot. According to recent data* cleaning is the most common cause of strife. Yes, that’s right, grotty carpets, greasy ovens and filthy loos most often turn out to be the bone of contention between tenant and landlord. The latest figures (which cover the year up to [...]

We list the five simple things we’re looking forward to when lockdown lifts in this two-minute read. With the end to lockdown now in sight, it’s impossible not to think excitedly ahead to spring and summer. We know we won’t be able to do everything all at once – but we can live with that. There are so many simple things that we’ve missed over the past few months that will make getting out and about in the local area (without too many restrictions) feel like a mini-adventure. Of course, we dream of flying off to an exotic location, [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how technology can help landlords be more successful, do their bit for the planet, protect their tenants, and save money.   From smart TVs to one-click shopping, technology makes life a whole lot easier than it was 20 years ago for the average person. It also has many benefits for private landlords and their tenants. Here are our top tech tips. Remote viewings There has been a surge in online viewings due to Covid-19. Pre-recorded tours mean prospective tenants can view properties at their leisure and your convenience – and on more [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how a simple random act of kindness can start a tsunami of positive vibes. Many people are going through a dark time right now, but there is a way you could make at least one person’s day a little brighter. As this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, why not surprise and delight someone with a small, generous gesture? It doesn’t have to be a grand affair; even a small effort could leave someone buzzing for the rest of the day. And don’t forget that kindness is contagious, so your good [...]

In this three-minute read, we look at a new report that outlines how Manchester landlords can build a long and prosperous partnership with their tenant. What’s the secret to a successful tenant/landlord relationship? It’s a question that has vexed property gurus through the ages, but now the University of Stirling thinks it has the answer. A new report from the university, Making a Home in the Private Rented Sector, says the key to a long and happy property partnership is to make a tenant feel at home. After all, if a tenant feels safe and settled, they’ll be happier and healthier, [...]

In this three-minute read, we look at what a new survey about mould in UK homes reveals about the tenant/landlord relationship. Let's unpack what Manchester landlords can learn from the findings of the memorably titled Mouldy Nation Report. Firstly, before you ask, yes there really is a document called the Mouldy Nation Report (we're not making it up). Uswitch, an energy and finance comparison website, produced the report after surveying 2,000 people from across the UK about mould in their homes. It found that: 62% of people have an issue with mould in their home. Of those with a mould problem, [...]

In this three-minute read, we share five top tips if you’re thinking about renting out your property for the first time.   Deciding to become a landlord is a big step. 😕 It can be both exciting and daunting. Here at myhouse Agents we’ve got some tips on what you need to think about when renting out a property so you can make your first venture a smooth one. Do some market research To work out how much rent you could be expecting, have a look at similar properties in Manchester. If you’re not sure much you should be [...]

In this three-minute read, we look at ways to prevent the tenant/landlord relationship from turning sour. We hate to be the bearers of bad news but today is the most depressing day of the year – otherwise known as Blue Monday. It's the time of year when we fall into a post-Christmas slump because the weather is rubbish and money is tight. And as a landlord living through lockdown, your relationship with your tenant may also be under strain. Here at myhouse Agents, we can't conjure up sunny skies or a lottery win, but we can help you improve your [...]

How Manchester Landlords Can Turn the Tables on Unflattering Stereotypes In this two-minute read, we look at the benefits of building a good relationship with your tenant. Type' landlords are' into Google, and the words that come up next are pretty unflattering. According to the global digital giant, the most commonly searched phrases are 'landlords are parasites' and 'landlords are leeches'. A few other choice terms – that we're too polite to use here – come up as well, but you get the drift. There is a common public perception that all landlords are modern-day Fagins, renting out flea-ridden [...]

💥Breaking News -The Manchester property market remains open despite new lockdown💥 The Prime Minister announced at 8pm this evening people in England will be going back into lockdown tomorrow following a surge in Coronavirus cases. The tighter restrictions include schools shutting until the February half-term for most pupils. People must now work from home if they can, and only essential shops can remain open. Which leads us to how these new measures will affect people wanting and needing to move home. According to the Government’s latest advice issued on its website, people CAN still move home as long as [...]

💥10 Ways Landlords in Manchester Can Make 2021 A Success💥 In this two-minute speed read we look at 10 things you can do as a landlord to make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons. 1 – Review your buy to let mortgages. Great deals are continually coming to the market. Don’t miss out on significant savings. 2- Take stock of your insurance arrangements. Do you have the right amount of cover across the correct areas? 3 – Budget for the unexpected. Always have a financial buffer in place to protect you just in case you [...]

Property Trends in the Rental Market in 2020 In this two-minute read, we look at how the private rental sector changed in 2020. 2020 is the year the property world’s most famous mantra – location, location, location – was replaced with a new motto: space, space, space. In the past, if tenants couldn’t afford a spacious property in a great location, they tended to opt for location and compromise on space. It was better, most people thought, to have a shorter commute and less living space (after all, most of us practically lived at the office anyway, right?). Well, [...]

Good Tenants + Great Letting Agents = Happy Landlords in Manchester In this three-minute read, we look at the two biggest decisions landlords in Manchester make when renting out their property.  Life is a daily merry-go-round of decision making. What to eat for breakfast? Which coat to put on? Which queue to stand in at the supermarket (socially distanced, of course)? Some decisions are a lot more impactful than others. Especially when you are a landlord with a rental property. The two biggest choices for you as a landlord, which we are about to reveal, can have substantial knock-on [...]

Five Super Tips to Make Renting Simpler in Manchester In this two-minute read, we look at five fantastic tips to help people looking to rent a property in Manchester One thing that seems almost Covid-19 proof is the desire for people in Manchester to move home. The local rental property market has proven resilient this year, with people looking to rent new places to call home. Below are five tips that’ll come in handy if you’re looking to rent. Prepare Properly Consider when you want to move and where you want to rent. Research the areas and the properties [...]

Four Reasons Why Manchester Shoppers Should Back Small Business Saturday In this three-minute read, we look at the crucial role small businesses play in bringing prosperity and personality to our high streets. Small businesses across Manchester have played a vital part in helping our community to get through the pandemic, so it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling a lot of love for local firms right now. A new survey has found 59% of Brits say they support local businesses now more than they did pre-Covid-19. The research, commissioned by American Express and Small Business Saturday UK, [...]

Should  Landlords in Manchester Allow Tenants to Keep Pets?   In this three-minute read, we look at the pros and cons of letting a property to a tenant with a pet. Should tenants be allowed to keep pets in rental properties? It’s a thorny subject that is back in the spotlight after an MP called for landlords to be more flexible on the issue. Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell argues that preventing tenants from being with their beloved pet companion is cruel and discriminatory. “For most people, being separated from your dog is really no different than being separated from your [...]

Document and Paperwork Checklist for Landlords in Manchester In this three-minute read, we look at the documentation landlords need to meet their legal obligations – and avoid messy disputes. First-time landlords often make the rookie mistake of underestimating the amount of paperwork involved in letting a property. Many assume that once the ink dries on a tenancy agreement, they’ve got the paperwork sorted – but nothing could be further from the truth. Record-keeping is an integral part of a landlord’s duties and falls into two categories: Documents that you must keep. Landlords are required by law to keep records [...]

🌜Last week, a landlord rang to discuss the rising property values in Manchester. He owns a varied portfolio of rental properties, primarily in Manchester, so it is interesting to compare the increase in property values around the area. 📅Over the last 12 months the average property value in Manchester has risen by nearly £11458, from £199,433  to  £203,196 this is a very reasonable 5.98 % increase. When we looked at the values for semi-detached houses, this average increase is even greater at £16367. This is a considerable average increase of £314.75 per week. 📈When I looked at some of the surrounding towns, Warrington [...]

A couple of local landlords and I had a discussion about the property market in Manchester, when the subject of risk against returns arose. All landlords are different in the way they play the property game. Some landlords prefer to accept a modest yield/return on their investment for an increased certainty of finding a quality tenant. Other landlords are interested in high returns, with a greater risk with regards to the quality of the tenant. Before you start playing, it is a good idea to have a game plan. For a low risk investment, you could buy a 2 [...]

👀 Legionnaires’ disease  Legionella is a bacterium which is capable of spreading a collection of diseases termed as Legionellosis. These diseases may be fatal like Legionnaires’ disease or may be less serious like Pontiac fever Legionnaires’ disease is a fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the bacterium Legionella pneumophila that can be found naturally in water resources such as fresh water lakes, and reservoirs. Showers, boilers and other smaller tanks may also support growth and proliferation of Legionella pneumophila. Disease is contracted by drinking infected water, or from another infected person. The risk of this infection increases with age [...]

I was talking to one of my landlords the other day, when he explained there were no property bargains for him to buy in Manchester. We don’t sell property and don’t charge for our advice, but we can give impartial advice without any conflict of interest to our landlords. Here is what I discovered recently about finding bargains that I had discovered over the last few months. The M23 postcode district lies within or includes part of the following towns, counties, localities, electoral wards and stations: Baguley, Brooklands, Manchester, Northenden, Roundthorn Industrial Estate, Sale Moor Village, Wythenshawe. A 3 [...]