As of January 2019, the government unveiled plans to bring in a new piece of housing legislation which is set to affect landlords and tenants alike from the summer onwards.  From 1st June 2019, the Tenant Fees Bill will be brought into English law, which means that certain charges expected of tenants will be erased altogether.  While this may sound like a good idea from one ...

We’ve all seen the programmes on daytime TV – Homes under the Hammer and so forth – there are more and more of them popping up discussing the housing market and how buying via auction can sometimes be quite lucrative.  With all things considered – and with the housing market the way it is right now – is it still worth buying a property at an auction?  If so, what sh...

You only have to look at the various changes in the value of various properties in the UK over the past ten years to see that what we are paying in terms of investment and mortgage purchase is on the up and up.  At Family Homes, we have kept a close eye on the housing market over the past year, and 2016 was somewhat dramatic – with a rise peaking in April only to be hit by a...

Here at Family Homes – and in my role as Managing Director and property investor – we’ve all had to keep in line with recent changes that the government has made to certain rental and property laws as a result of cracking down on rogue renting.  We’re obviously all too happy to continue providing our expertise and services in line with the latest in legislation and adv...

Here at Family Homes, we’ve helped both sides of the coin when it comes to home and property law – landlords and tenants – and one of the most popular enterprises facing landlords in this day and age is the concept of the investment properties.  As managing director, I’ve been able to take a closer look at an increasing interest in what is being called Serviced Accommo...

I was recently interviewed by BBC Radio Kent with respect to the new “right to rent” changes. I would like to make you aware of updates that effect us all. In January 2016, the government introduced new legislation allowing only those legally permitted to stay in the UK the so-called “right to rent”, regardless of individual ability to cover rental costs....

You will never enter into a rent agreement with the expectation that your property will be worse for wear at the end of the term.  You are within your rights to request that any tenants you allow to stay in your property treat their home with respect and that they report any damage to you for immediate repair.  However, as our team have discovered through various cases, there...

It was my pleasure to meet the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP at an event organised by the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey – Gordon Henderson MP. The Transport Secretary spoke about the Southern Train strikes, the new Bus Services Bill, the new Heathrow Runway and the proposed new Thames Crossing. He clearly knew his brief and was happy to answer any questions. He also has a nu...

As you know, last year the government announced changes in legislation to crack down on rogue landlords. The Government have confirmed that new measures will come into force on 6 April....

Welcome to my first Family Homes blog. I will be writing a new blog every few weeks focused on the property industry. As a business, Family Homes provides a range of property related services which includes lettings, sales, tenancy and landlord services and property management. This means the blogs will reflect a broad range of property related subjects. You can find out more ...

  Do you use a Family Homes Assured Shortland Tenancy Agreement ? If not, here are six reasons why you may be putting yourself at risk: If your agrement does not comply with the latest tenancy deposit legislation, you can be fined up to three times the deposit and lose the right to eviction. If your agreement does not include crucial conditions for your tenants to adher...

There are some grants available to landlords to help them with such things as installing energy efficiency measures, improving the standard of a house in multiple occupation, and renovating empty properties in areas where there is a shortage of housing.  Many of these grants are administered by the local authority, so the availability and eligibility will depend on the locatio...

With uncertainty over pensions and interest rates on savings, many people are turning to buying property as an investment with the intention of renting it out.  Whatever the reason for wanting to become a landlord, there are some points that you need to take into consideration first.  ...

Why come to us? We have highly skilled debt negotiators Your case will be undertaken without delay We do not charge upfront fees. All monies recovered on behalf of landlords are deposited in ‘Client Trust Accounts’ We are able to settle in whichever payment method you prefer, BACS, Cheque, Cash Complete peace of mind, for you the landlord! All it takes is one pho...