Policy makers across England, Scotland, and Wales are proposing various ways to regulate short-term lets and holiday rentals to help solve the problem of low housing stock for letting agents, landlords, and tenants.
Goodlord is preparing to launch "digital landlord onboarding" in an industry first, to save letting agents time and improve the experience for landlords - with digital signing of the agency's Terms of Business the first element set for release.
Experts in the lettings industry share their predictions for what 2022 will bring, from tenant demand and landlord housing stock to the impact of legislative updates.
Both average rents and void periods held steady during December according to the latest Goodlord Rental Index, the strong holiday season indicating a promising year ahead for the lettings market.
The government has published an open letter to landlords and agents with key messages to share with tenants on how to stay safe during the winter surge of Covid-19.
The impact of Goodlord's new Rent Collection product has already been felt, with 97% of rental payments made within a week of their due date thanks to automatic payment reminders.
Robert Bolwell, Senior Partner at Dutton Gregory, answers your questions on the upcoming legislation that agents and landlords need to consider in 2022.
Void periods dropped across England during November as demand for rental properties continued apace. The average cost of rent was also down, further fuelling tenant demand to snap up new properties ahead of Christmas.
The government has started to relax its Plan B guidance for estate and letting agencies, as it winds down the Covid-19 restrictions that were announced at the end of 2021.
From the end of the temporary Covid-adjusted right to rent checks to Making Tax Digital for VAT returns, landlords are going to need letting agents' guidance more than ever in 2022 when it comes to compliance.
The government has confirmed that it will set out new rules for when second homeowners letting out their properties short-term in England can access business tax rates. England's not alone in proposing new and updated legislation in the sector. As a housing crisis threatens the UK, policy makers are turning to the short-term and holiday let segment of the market in search of a solution.
Topics: Compliance
Letting agents are on track to bring the landlord experience into the 21st century thanks to new technology from Goodlord. In an industry first, the lettings technology leaders are gearing up to launch "digital landlord onboarding" - a new service which will save time for agents and improve the experience for landlords.
Topics: Goodlord Group
Goodlord agents and partners share their expert views on what the lettings sector could see in the coming 12 months. Ranging from increased efficiency in agencies to the Renters' Reform Bill, there are some solid predictions and advice for agents. The one thing that everyone's in agreement on? Stock will stay low, while demand will stay strong.
Topics: Business
The rental market has returned surprisingly strong figures for December, despite the impact the Christmas holidays can traditionally have on lettings. According to the latest Goodlord Rental Index, voids held steady month on month and rental prices barely shifted during December, as the strong demand for lets continues across the country.
Topics: Data
Alongside the guidance for moving home safely during Covid-19 under Plan B, the government has published an open letter to landlords and agents, signed by Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, with its Winter Plan advice on how to "encourage behaviours to help combat the virus and cascade the message of the importance of good ventilation to your residents." The letter highlights that good ventilation can also "help reduce condensation, dampness, mould and fungal growth and dust mites."
Topics: Covid-19
An analysis of tenant payments managed through Goodlord’s new Rent Collection product, which includes automated payment reminders to tenants, has shown that tech-enabled prompts result in over 97% of rental payments being made within 7 days of their due date. This compared to an average of 92% before the tool was introduced.
Topics: Goodlord Group
Robert Bolwell, Senior Partner at Dutton Gregory, joined Goodlord's CEO, William Reeve, in a CPD certified webinar, Lettings legislation in 2022: Looking ahead, to discuss the latest developments in the Regulation of Property Agents, the Renters' Reform Bill, and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
1. Regulation of Property Agents
Topics: Compliance
Void periods dropped across England during November as demand for rental properties continued apace. According to the latest Goodlord Rental Index, some regions saw voids decrease by as much as 30%. During the month, the average cost of rent was also down, further fuelling tenant demand to snap up new properties ahead of Christmas.
Topics: Data
The government has updated its guidance on the safety measures currently in place when moving home in England, as it starts to lift its Plan B restrictions. The government is no longer asking people to work from home, meaning that letting and estate agencies are free to arrange staff returning to the office. From 27 January, face masks will no longer be legally required, but guidance still encourages their use in busy and enclosed spaces. As before, all planned moves and viewings can continue and tradespeople can continue to work in other people's homes, unless self-isolation restricts access to a property.
Topics: Covid-19
Although there are fewer Covid-related deadlines on the horizon for 2022, there's still plenty going on in lettings legislation. Right to rent checks will return to normal, and landlords and agents alike will need to start digitising their systems for Making Tax Digital. Plus, you'll need to keep tabs on the evolving energy crisis and plans to increase minimum energy efficiency standards - and prepare for the Renters' Reform Bill white paper, expected to land in early 2022.
Topics: Compliance
