Tag: #hale
Renting a Property in Manchester? Find Out How to Get Your Repairs Sorted
Problems in the home are a nuisance. Like when you’ve got a leaky tap and the drip drip drip drives you to distraction, or when your fridge packs up and food goes to waste. When things go wrong, it’s understandable you want them fixed ASAP. But what if you’re a tenant? What’s the best way to get an issue resolved? Repairs and maintenance in a rental property are usually a landlord’s responsibility. As a tenant, you’ve got to wait until they sort it out, so what’s the best way to communicate with your landlord? How can you get them [...]
Guide to Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden in Manchester
Guide to Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden in Manchester Are there hidden hazards in your garden that could make your pooch ill and leave you with costly vet bills? Here’s a guide to keeping your garden safe and secure for your dog. Fencing The last thing you want is for your hound to escape onto the street and get hit by a car or pay an uninvited visit to the neighbours. If your dog is good at jumping, ensure your fence is high enough to contain them. Also, check there are no gaps between or below fence [...]
Keep It Formal – Why You Should Maintain a Professional Relationship with Tenants
As a landlord, it’s important to build a good relationship with tenants. You want them to feel comfortable in their new home and to care for it, pay rent on time, and generally have a successful tenancy period. But what makes a good relationship? Unless you’re renting a property out to friends or family, it’s likely you won’t have met your tenants before. So, while it’s important to introduce yourself and maintain a good line of communication, there is a danger of becoming too friendly with them. And once you’ve crossed that boundary, it could cause a [...]
Good Value Gadget Guide for Campers in Manchester
If you’re planning a camping trip this summer, here are some useful gadgets that won’t break the bank. For some people, camping is about channelling their inner Bear Grylls and facing the elements with little more than a flimsy tarp, a few pouches of dehydrated beans and a stiff upper lip. For others, it’s all about ‘stuff’, preferably high-tech and usually expensive. Think shiny portable pizza ovens, palatial bell tents or an ultra-light travel guitar for cheeky campfire renditions of Kumbaya. And then there are those seeking something in between. A chance to enjoy a low-cost break [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Ensure a Tenancy Gets Off to a Good Start
If you’re a landlord about to settle a new tenant into a property, there’s one phrase that should be your guiding mantra: “Start as you mean to go on”. Because what you do in the early stages of a tenancy will help define what unfolds over the next weeks, months and possibly years. Get things right, and you’ll build the foundations of a long and successful tenant-landlord relationship (the kind that all landlords dream of). Get it wrong, and you could be in for a bumpy ride that absorbs much of your time and energy and leaves you stressed and [...]
Refill and Recycle: How You Can Reduce Waste in Manchester
Recycling is part of our everyday lives: at home, in the workplace, at school, in cafés and restaurants. We’re all more aware than ever of the importance of recycling, but how about stepping up a gear and really trying to reduce our use of plastic? Ask yourself this, and answer honestly. Do you do enough to protect the environment? Well, 16 June is the perfect opportunity as it’s World Refill Day – a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste. So, how can you get involved? According to the brains behind [...]
Why Renting in Manchester Could Be the Best Choice for You
The pitfalls of renting are always shouted about: too expensive, dodgy landlords, broken appliances and so on and so on. But what about the positives? With rental reforms on the horizon and changes to eviction rules in full swing, let’s explore why being a tenant is the best choice for some people. According to research by the HomeOwners Alliance, 86% of people want to own their own home. But sometimes, the dream of buying just doesn’t make sense. High interest rates, a lack of savings and additional costs can put that first step on the property ladder out [...]
Why It Makes Sense to Retrofit Your Manchester Rental in Summer
With summer officially starting in a few weeks, most people will have banished all thoughts of winter and the dark, damp days that go with it. But there’s a good reason why landlords should look beyond the sunny skies of the here and now to the colder months. And here’s why. Summer is a good time to get your property ready for winter by making changes that will improve its energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Here are three reasons why retrofitting in summer makes good sense. Good weather It makes life easier for builders and tradespeople when they don’t [...]
How to Create Window Box Magic at Your Manchester Home
You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours. All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter box and a little bit of imagination. Choosing your plants Your window box can be as simple or complex as you like depending on your personal taste and gardening know-how. (Check out Pinterest if you’re looking for inspiration.) Some people choose one type of flower or [...]
What Manchester Landlords and Tenants Need to Know about Home Security
It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can tenants and landlords stay one step ahead of the crooks and avoid the financial and psychological cost of a break-in? The answer is to be vigilant and work together. Tips for tenants Always check that you’ve locked all windows and doors before leaving home. If the [...]
Guide to Garden Maintenance for Manchester Landlords and Tenants
Garden maintenance can be a thorny issue between tenants and landlords, so here’s a useful guide to help avoid confusion. Now that spring is here, there are lots of tasks to be done in the garden, such as watering, weeding and mowing. But if the garden is part of a rental property, who is responsible for doing them? That’s a question that has vexed many tenants and landlords over the years (garden maintenance is the cause of about a quarter of all deposit disputes*). So, here’s an outline of responsibilities for maintaining outdoor areas at a rental property. But first… [...]
Update: What the Renters’ Reform Bill Means for Manchester Landlords
After a four-year wait and lots of speculation, a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the rental sector was finally presented to Parliament this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes changes to eviction laws, the creation of a Private Rental Ombudsman to resolve disputes and measures to speed up the existing court process. The bill will now be scrutinised by MPs and members of the House of Lords, so is subject to change. But here’s a brief rundown of the proposals as they stand and what they mean for landlords. If, after reading it, you’d like to have a more detailed conversation [...]
White Sheets and Scented Candles – The Secrets of a Luxury Bedroom
It’s estimated that the average person spends 26 years of their life asleep and nearly seven years trying to get to sleep, so your bedroom needs to be somewhere you really want to spend your time. Your bed and its surroundings should be comfortable and enticing. Think of a luxury hotel – their whole business relies on good sleep, a restful environment, and feelings of relaxation. So, if your bedroom needs an overhaul, why not create your own five-star sleep retreat? We’ve looked at some ways to give your bedroom that luxury feel. Bed basics A [...]
What Manchester Landlords Need to Know about Condensation and Mould
How can landlords and tenants combat condensation and mould? Read on to find out. Condensation and mould The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces or by lots of humidity in the air. The air cools and droplets form, creating a damp environment – and a perfect breeding ground for mould. Mould grows in black, green or brown spots. It’s most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens but can thrive in any damp or humid [...]
Five Ways to Be a Great Manchester Landlord
As a landlord in 2023, it’s fair to say there are a lot of challenges on the horizon. From changes to rental rules, tax upheaval, mortgage mayhem… it’s all going on. But the first thing to remember is your tenants and their experience of your property. It’s all too easy to move new people into your vacant rental and forget about them until a problem arises. So why not try and make the tenancy run as smoothly as possible from the outset? In this three-minute read, we look at five priorities a landlord should consider. Create a [...]
How to Stop Vermin Invading Your Manchester Home
What’s cute, has a bushy tail and could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a rental property? Unfortunately, as sweet as they may seem, squirrels and their nests can be a nightmare for landlords and tenants. Once those little grey beasts make themselves at home in a property, you’ve got trouble ahead. A report by general insurers LV= found that claims caused by squirrel infestations jumped up by 51% last year. Why do the furry critters do so much damage? Squirrels’ teeth never stop growing, so they chew and chew and chew some more to file [...]
How the Cost-of-Living Crisis Is Impacting Manchester Rents
You can’t open a newspaper (or app) without seeing something about the UK rental market. Whether it’s the increase in demand for property, changes to rent rules or landlords selling up – rentals are getting a lot of attention. And one matter that is causing a lot of controversy is the issue of rising rent. In a cost-of-living crisis, the increase in monthly rent is understandably worrisome for tenants, but are landlords really to blame? Owning investment property is a business, and for many full-time landlords, it’s their sole source of income. The same applies to one-off or [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Manage and Minimise Void Periods
Success as a landlord doesn’t just centre around what you do when your property is tenanted. How you manage your rental when it’s empty is also crucial. All landlords have to contend with void periods – they’re an inevitable part of having a buy-to-let. So, it’s wise to budget for the costs associated with void periods and take precautions to stop them dragging on. That’s because when your property is empty, not only will you be missing out on rent, you’ll also have to cover the mortgage and utility bills (you’ll need to heat your property to [...]
How to Prepare for an End-of-Tenancy Inspection in Manchester
It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience. If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your tenancy deposit back in full. In this quick read, we go through ways to make moving out easier for you and your landlord. Report issues or breakages early Let your landlord or managing agent know in advance of any damage that has occurred – whether it’s [...]
Low-Cost Ways to Have Family Fun in Manchester This Easter
If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained this Easter, here are some fun activities that won’t break the bank. These child-friendly suggestions won’t blow your budget but will stave off that familiar phrase, “I’m bored!”. Organise a treasure hunt Take the traditional Easter egg search to the next level by preparing a treasure hunt. Hide clues around your home and encourage your child to play detective. Each clue should direct your child to a new location, where they’ll have to search for the next clue. You can make the clues as simple or complicated [...]
Four Ways to Reduce the Stress of Being a Manchester Landlord
Being a landlord is one of those jobs where there’s no middle ground. It’s either low stress with great tenants and affordable mortgage rates, or it’s the total opposite: high stress, broken appliances, tenancy challenges and ever-increasing costs. When a property is vacant, there’s worry about how long it will take to find new residents. When new tenants move in, there’s the stress of managing the rent payments, and then there’s the constant anxiety about a boiler breakdown or major leak. As April is Stress Awareness Month, there’s no better time to look at a few ways you [...]
Spicy AI Reads Minds for Estate Agents
In a shocking development set to shake the property industry to its foundations, it has been revealed that some estate agents in the UK are secretly using advanced AI technology to read the minds of potential home buyers. The AI technology is said to be so advanced it can predict what a person wants from a home with startling accuracy. According to a leaked document from the Ethical Investigation team from the Federation of Original Language, unscrupulous estate agents have been attaching hidden AI-powered listening devices to their clothing. They then use the data they collect to analyse the thoughts [...]
How to Keep Your Manchester Home Safe
Some days, it’s like your home is a minefield of accidents just waiting to happen. You trip up the stairs with a pile of washing in your arms, you break your favourite mug, and to top it all off, you burn the toast. Not fun. While everyone wants a home that is safe and hazard-free, sometimes little mishaps can cause a whole lot of bother. So, how can we make our homes safer for all? In this quick read, we look at some of the most common accidents that can happen at home and share some tips to [...]
A Guide to Adapting Your Manchester Rental for Older Tenants
Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of tenants aged between 45 and 64 skyrocketed by 70%, while those over 65 jumped by 38%.* A third of renters are now over 45. And due to high property prices and the challenges of getting a mortgage later in life, many in this group will stay renters their whole lives. What [...]
Get Summer-Ready with These Easy Peasy Manchester Garden Jobs
Remember lockdown when we had nothing to do? Gardening became a fun pastime, and having outside space was a luxury. Well, now that the spring sunshine is back and you don’t need to wear four layers to keep warm, it’s time to make gardening cool again. Bask in those rays (however weak they may be) and get your hands dirty. Dust off that spade and get the broom ready. In this quick read, we explore some easy ways to get your garden looking its best. 1. Sweep away the autumn If your [...]
Important Reasons Landlords has to do Legionella Risk Assessments in their Rental Property
As a landlord, you have many responsibilities when it comes to the safety of your tenants. One of the less well-known, but still vitally important, responsibilities is ensuring that your properties are free from Legionella bacteria. This is why a Legionella risk assessment is essential for any landlord. Here are some of the reasons why: It's a legal requirement under UK Law Landlords are required to assess the risk of Legionella in their properties and take appropriate measures to control any risks identified. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal action, including large fines and even [...]
What You Need to Know if Your Manchester Landlord Decides to Sell Your Rental Property
As a tenant living in a rental property, you need to be aware of your rights. Fortunately, due to recent reforms in legislation, you’re now more protected than ever when it comes to matters of eviction and deposits. But what if your landlord tells you they’re planning to sell the property where you live? First things first, don’t panic. If you’ve signed a tenancy agreement, your landlord must stick to it, even if they’re planning to sell the property. In this quick read, we look at some questions you might have if your landlord decides to sell. [...]
International Women’s Day – The Women Who Inspire Us
International Women’s Day is an event marked around the world – in the news, all over social media and in most schools. And so, it should be. Accelerating equality, raising awareness around discrimination, and helping women feel safe and celebrated is something we should all be doing more of. This year’s IWD theme is about embracing equity and recognising women’s different circumstances. So, here we look at some of the UK’s most impressive women of the last ten years (there are so many, we had to narrow it down!). Queen Elizabeth II Whether or not you’re [...]
Eight Reasons Why Manchester Landlords Should Refurbish Their Buy-to-Lets
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the view some landlords take on the question of renovating a buy-to-let. They do the absolute minimum in terms of maintenance and repairs and only manage to meet their legal obligations by the skin of their teeth. The décor is shabby and tenant turnover is high, but hey, they’re saving every possible penny, so they feel rather pleased with themselves. So, is this the best way to get the most out of your property investment? We’d argue that instead of running your buy-to-let down to its bare [...]
Want to Live Happily Ever After? Don’t Fall for This Common Property Fairy Tale
As 26 February is Fairy Tale Day (yes, it’s a real thing), let’s look at the most common property fairy tale and how falling for it can cost you time and money. We love a good fairy tale as much as the next person. Whether it’s a frog that morphs into a prince or a feline in fancy footwear, these stories have stood the test of time for a reason – they’re imaginative and entertaining. But when it comes to helping people make their next big property move in real life, we think it’s best to save the [...]
How Struggling Parents Can Bank on the Community
You’ve no doubt heard of food banks, but do you know what a baby bank is? Read on to learn how baby banks work and if you could start your own. For many expectant parents, the prospect of welcoming a new life into the world fills them with delight – and anxiety. While they can’t wait to cuddle their new bundle of joy, they’re also worried about the cost of bringing up a baby. Parenthood is an expensive business with clothing, nappies, bedding, toys and a buggy all adding up. And over the past year, the rising [...]
How to Manage Multiple Rental Properties
How do portfolio landlords deal with the multitude of tasks and mountains of red tape that come with managing several properties? Read on to find out. Owning a portfolio of rental properties can be a great way to earn income and build up a tidy nest egg for the future. But be warned: you can’t afford to wing it. If you’re disorganised with deposits, rent payments, inventories and maintenance, you’ll wind up out of pocket. And if you don’t keep up with the hundreds of rules and regulations that apply to landlords, you could be fined [...]
Four Ways to Make Maths Fun for Your Kids
Helping your child understand basic maths concepts doesn’t have to be a chore or a bore. Follow these four tips to discover how it can be child’s play. Maths is like Marmite: some people love it, while others loathe it. But there’s no escaping the fact that it’s a crucial life skill. That’s why schools across the country will celebrate Number Day this week (3 February) by hosting maths games and competitions*. A solid grasp of functional maths is vital for managing day-to-day finances and accessing educational and work opportunities. (It’s not just accountants and bankers [...]
Your Alternative Guide to the World Cup
Can’t stand football? Wouldn’t dream of tuning into this year’s World Cup in Qatar? Here’s a list of four things you can do instead. If you’d rather watch paint dry than the World Cup, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to tuning out when the tournament is on. Blitz your Christmas shopping This is your chance to be one of those smug people who has all their Christmas shopping sorted weeks before 25 December. The football kicks off on 20 November, with the first two rounds of matches taking place at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm [...]
How to Prevent a DIY Fail at Your Manchester
Will your next home improvement project end in success or a desperate call to the DIY SOS team? Here are five tips to avoid bungling the job. Repairing and refurbing your own home can be immensely satisfying – and save you lots of money. But not every DIY task finishes well. One in eight ends in a mishap, while half of all DIYers confess to calling in a professional to rectify a mistake.* From crooked countertops and fudged fireplaces to botched bathrooms and dodgy driveways, it’s amazing how – even with the best intentions – things can go [...]
Five Reasons to Eat Chocolate
Once you’ve read these five facts, you won’t feel quite so guilty about indulging in chocolate again. A two-minute read. Humans have enjoyed the delights of chocolate for thousands of years, starting with the Mayans, who drank it as a hot liquid (and even used it in wedding and baptism ceremonies). Fast forward to today, and chocolate is a 120 billion pound global industry. The Germans are the top chocolate consumers per capita, followed by the Swiss, Estonians and Brits.* But there’s no getting around it, chocolate gets its fair share of bad press as it is high [...]
Grow Your Own Veg in Manchester
Grow Your Own Veg in Manchester Growing your own veg might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually a great way to save money and enjoy a healthier diet. And as this month is Organic September, there’s no better time to dig out that trowel and start sowing some seeds. Organic September is 30 days dedicated to chemical-free, totally natural, eco-friendly farming. Its aim is to raise awareness of why buying organic produce can really make a difference to the climate. So, what better place to start than your own garden/herb pots/windowsill? This quick read [...]
Back-to-School Guide for Manchester Parents
As term time approaches, those endless days of trying to entertain your bored and restless kids are almost over. No more surly teenagers sleeping until 2pm, no more grumpy children hounding you for snacks – it’s time to get ready for school. This back-to-school guide looks at some easy ways to get the September term off to a good start. Reduce screen time When there’s nothing to do, or it’s raining outside, screen time quickly becomes a way to keep the kids entertained (and out of the way). But as school looms ahead, getting them into a [...]
International Dog Day: Let’s Celebrate Our Canine Companions
It’s International Dog Day next Friday – a chance to celebrate our cute, cuddly, devoted and dribbly four-legged friends. From loyal Labradoodles and plucky Pointers to cheeky Chihuahuas and dinky Dachshunds, the UK has a long and proud history as a nation of dog lovers. There are 13 million pooches in the UK, up from 7.6 million in 2010, thanks to a massive rise in dog ownership during the pandemic*. And famous canine admirers include Henry VIII (who favoured Spaniels, Beagles and Greyhounds) and Winston Churchill, who was a Poodle man. And then there’s Queen Elizabeth II [...]
Style Your Manchester Home with Instagram
In this quick read, we’ve pulled together some of the most popular interior design profiles on Instagram to give you some inspiration. Are you fed up with bland magnolia walls, wilting pot plants and tired kitchen cupboards? Then grab your phone and click onto Instagram. It’s a hotbed of aspirational interior design, décor on a budget and tips on how to make the most of small spaces. Here are six of the best accounts to follow. @budgethomedecor_uk The name of this profile gives it away – beautiful home ideas that are affordable and easy to get hold of. [...]
How Manchester Homeowners Can Take Their Garden to the Next Level
If you’re planning to entertain friends or family at home this summer, check out the latest must-have garden gadgets and accessories. A two-minute read. Spending time in your own garden, be it pottering around alone or entertaining family and friends, is one of the true joys of summer. And there’s a host of products on the market to help you make the most of the experience. Here’s a list of what is proving popular at the moment. Garden fireballs – Fire pits were a hit last summer, but this year, it’s all about the fireball. Like a [...]
Manchester Food Banks Need Your Help
The cost of living crisis is affecting more people than ever, and sadly, it’s set to get worse, as more and more households are turning to food banks to supplement their supplies. Research by the Trussell Trust – a support network for food banks across the UK – found that 2.1 million emergency parcels were distributed between April 2021 and March 2022, a 14% rise from the previous year. With these statistics in mind, what can you do to support your local food bank? In this quick read, we offer a few ways to help. Donate [...]
Is the Internet Frying Your Brain?
What impact do constant scrolling and swiping have on your ability to focus, reflect, and connect? A two-minute read. If you can’t read two pages of a book without getting twitchy or struggle to go for an hour without checking social media, then you’re not alone. A recent study by tech giant Microsoft found that the human attention span has shrivelled by 25% in just a few years. It’s just one of a growing number of studies suggesting that in the digital age, our ability to focus is decreasing. Over the past two decades, the internet has [...]