We all have that sinking feeling when visiting a vacated property. I guess landlords would call it 'property management butterflys'.

Will it all go alright? As we wander around a property wondering what delights tenants will have left us as a reminder.

Follow this Nottingham landlord face his fears on re-visiting a rental property in Bulwell.

It all highlights the importance of a good inventory - use our Free landlord Inventory software.



Your darling Margo

'Live and Let Die' Landlords Look for more Variations on a Theme

We've all heard the terms, 'Buy to Let' and in more recent times 'Let to Buy' to describe those 'accidental landlords' that have been forced to rent out unsold property.

Well, Leaders letting agents have come up with another one -'Let and Rent', the phrase is been used to describe landlords who have been unable to sell their current residential property and have instead of buying a property moved to a rental property

Leaders’ managing director, Paul Weller said: “Many home owners needing to move are finding themselves trapped as they are unable to sell their property and are either not in a position or not inclined to buy while house prices continue to fall.

“With rental demand as high as it is, renting out a home instead of selling is an attractive solution for many people wanting to move. And renting gives the flexibility many people require in these times of uncertainty.”

Well here's another one describing the life of a landlord.

"Live and Let, Die"

I think that pretty well sums up the life of a landlord.

Less James Bond and more the cold realities of human existence.

Bringing landlords cold, harsh brutal truth in a cold economic climate.

Your Darling Margo

What does is all really mean? I mean life and the universe and everything. Answers should be in less than 10 words and ideally add up to 42.

Landlord The Show ( Only in America)

Yes, I can't actually believe it either.

But the yanks have actually made a program based on been a landlord.

Well it's not Dallas or Cagney and Lacey but they are working with difficult subject matter.

Landlord TV is bought to you by your Darling Margo

Property investment courses - landlords be aware

According to leading property magazine Property Week.

Buy-to-let property investment clubs have a new sales pitch

"cash in on the credit crunch"

The gurus and phsuedo property investment outfits now pronounce

‘Profit from the property crash!’

‘Exploit the falling price of property!’

‘Make money buying repossessed properties!’

‘Earn a fortune because of the credit crunch!’

All these slogans are aimed to pull in unsuspecting landlords and would be property investors.

They peddle the dream that all an individual needs is a desire to succeed and make money and property riches await.

Property investors and prospective landlords need capital
Unfortunately, since the credit crunch we know that prospective landlords need more than just determination and a desire to make money. They also need capital and increasing amounts of it. Now many of the best buy-to-let mortgage deals are only available to those investors who can put down 35% plus as a deposit.

Despite this some of the courses are encouraging first time landlords to use any means possible to scrape together a deposit including maxing out their credit cards.

Landlords - now is not the time to engage in this high risk behaviour. Why? Have a look at our forthcoming article on DEFLATION. Be aware be very aware!

Tailor-made tenants

The experts at Belvoir Lettings share their secrets on what makes tenants into ‘good tenants’ and how to attract them…


With the recent national boom in rental properties available, competition to secure the ‘best’ tenants is now stiff – but, with a bit of foresight and planning, you can always ensure you attract the right people into your property... and leave the undesirables standing at the door.

So, what makes a tenant into a ‘good’ tenant? The perfect landlord’s dream would have a secure monthly income and a responsible mature attitude, they would pay their rent on time EVERY month, treat the property with respect and be happy to look after the garden plus do minor interior maintenance – if they were also looking for a long-term tenancy you’d definitely be on to a winner!

“If you ask many landlords, a good tenant is one that pays their rent on time,” says Paul Cartwright, Proprietor of Belvoir South Hants. “However, in my experience, this is only part of it. I would add to this that a good tenant is someone who understands that all the little jobs around the house are actually their responsibility and not that of the agent or landlord. A good tenant is also someone who stays for more than six months and leaves the property in the condition that they found it (fair wear and tear excepted, of course). Plus, a good tenant understands that the agent/landlord cannot spirit boiler parts out of the air!”

But, how do we find these ‘perfect’ tenants?

“Use an agent,” says Paul. “A reputable long-established Lettings Agent will have a lot of practise at weeding out the undesirables. A landlord who lets only once or twice a year will not have the wealth of experience at recognising the signs of a less desirable tenant. Plus, present your property in the best possible condition. Good properties attract the best tenants.”

Although Paul suggests that you look out for telltale indicators that someone wouldn’t make a good tenant, he advises that you never rely on first impressions or instinct alone. “ALWAYS credit check. ALWAYS contact the employer. And, ALWAYS contact the previous landlord or agent,” says Paul. “One of our best tenants first walked into the office dressed in baggy jeans, earrings and with a skateboard under his arm. One of our worst was a company director whose business failed!”

And, of course, once you’ve found a good tenant you’ll want to hold on to them. “Retain the best tenants by maintaining the property in the best possible condition. If you look after the property, so will the tenants,” advises Paul. “Also, when the tenant reports maintenance problems, sort them immediately. If they have a problem with paying the rent be understanding but be firm. Overall, make sure you have a good working relationship with them. Landlord/tenant relationships come down to one thing – communication. The tenant must be comfortable talking to the landlord and the landlord must ensure that the tenant understands what is expected of him.”

To find your nearest Belvoir office, visit their website at http://www.belvoirlettings.com/

• How to find a good tenant – at-a-glance checklist
  
  Get references from their previous landlords
  Credit checks
  Contact their employer
  Meet up with them in person
  Ask them about their lifestyle and occupation
  Make sure they’re happy to make their monthly payments by standing order
  Look for tenants who want long-term lets
  Take a deposit
  Buy savvy – the best tenants will be attracted to the best properties in the best areas
  Get a good management agency, such as Belvoir, to find the ‘perfect tenant’ for you
  

Dogs Are not a Landlords Best Friend

Landlords hate pets, it's official, landlords don't like anything furry on four legs.

Why don't landlords like pets?

Well, they make a property smell, they're dirty and ruin the decoration, they disturb the neighbours both with noise and special packages left in communal areas.

The Dogs Trust are about to launch a campaign to show landlords and letting agencies that renting properties to tenants with pets can be straightforward.

As the rental market becomes more competitive with continued over supply it might mean that more landlords will be accepting pets because a property with a dog in it is better than an empty property.

However landlords should remember that 'a dog is for life and not just for a six month assured shorthold tenancy'.

My advice is if a landlord is looking to rent out a property to a tenant with a dog, a landlord should follow some basic tenant checks, with the dog as well as the tenant.

Go and meet the dog first before agreeing the tenancy. Is it big? Is it well behaved? Is it friendly? There's probably no need to do a credit check on it or ask for employer references, but it worth assessing if the dog is your kind of tenant.

Dogs are probably not a a landlords best friend but, landlords might have to grow to like them.

Love to landlords in a cold economic climate
Darling Margo

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