Wednesday June 14, 2017

I am thinking of changing my business card to read “Damiano of the Yard” since Government seems determined to turn landlords and letting agents into officers of the law. Already we must check that tenants have a right to reside in the UK and face big fines or imprisonment if we default. The latest consultation […]

Monday August 29, 2016

Few people shed a tear when bank stress test results are announced. Indeed, one professional colleague recently speculated that the introduction of thumb screws might improve the process.  But while bank stress test results hit the headlines, the results from banks own stress tests on private landlords fails to make the news. On a mortgage […]

Thursday June 11, 2015

Like never before, housing has been in the crosshairs at the very top of Government. It played a crucial role in pre-election debates, and the Queen’s Speech, which included Right to Buy legislation and regulation on lettings agents, proved that housing will be central to the Conservatives’ next five years in office. It feels slightly […]

Friday January 16, 2015

Well, that’s another Christmas behind us and our call-out teams have dealt with the thankfully minor dramas encountered by our tenants over the festive period. Onward into 2015 to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Last year I spent so long on the Newcastle to London train I am on first name terms with many of […]

Sunday October 12, 2014

October sees two important changes to regulation in the residential lettings sector, one of which we welcome as long overdue, another as a slightly sinister move to have us act as border police. First the welcome legislation. From October letting agencies must offer a redress scheme to tenants. Reputable agencies that have joined a regulatory […]