Hello, I’m just after some advice on correctly serving a section 21 notice to ask tenant to leave as need to sell the property. Do they need to be given the most recent “how to rent” guide at point of serving notice, even if they were provided one at start of tenancy? I’ve had conflicting information and want to get it right. Thanks for any advice on this. Sinéad

Hi! Has anyone heard of reposit for taking deposits on residential buy to let’s? Does anyone use it/recommend it/advise against it? I’m keen to learn a little more about this alternative to the standard deposit method. Thanks!

Good evening! Happy new year to you all. Can anyone advise what guidelines they work to for chasing rent arrears from tenants so as to protect your investment/income but not be seen to be harassing tenants? In my former role as an accountant, chasing debt as early as possible was most successful but want to know if I’d get in trouble if I sent a gentle reminder letter 2-3 days after due date?

Hello I’m after some advice regarding letting furnished properties. Does anyone know if ikea furniture (sofas, beds) meet the fire safety regulations - summary below? We cannot find a label on the sofa which the landlord wishes to leave in a furnished rental but I cannot imagine ikea would not meet current standards? Can anyone advise if they have come across this with one of their properties and if so , what documents we need to prove the sofa / furniture meets standards? Thanks so much - “ Compliance with the regulations on furniture For furniture in a rental property to comply with the regulations they must carry a manufacturer’s label which must be permanent and non-detachable. - All upholstered items must have fire resistant filling material. - All upholstered items must pass the “match resistance test” as prescribed. - All upholstered items must also past the “cigarette test” as prescribed. - Bed bases and mattresses are not required to bear a permanent label but compliance will be indicated if the item has a label stating that it meets BS7177”

I occurs to me that if Landlords are selling up and sitting with some cash they may be looking at new opportunities. Well here is a curved ball for you to think about!! Those that know me will know I like to think outside the box!! Take a look at Cape Verde. All year round sunshine, voted in top ten resorts world wide, top kite surfing destination, tourism rose 115% from 2000 to 2017 with several new hotels. The main island in the group Sal has seen a steady rise in shops, restaurants etc. over the last few years. However due to Covid and a drop in visitor numbers there seems to be a number of properties for sale at less than £100k and tourist numbers are now increasing again. A big plus is that there are now flights from Newcastle and Glasgow as well as several south of the Tyne. It seems that the the second flight there from Newcastle last week was virtually full - and that's in November! So why not have yourself a holiday in the winter with loads of sunshine and put the cost down as a business expense on researching new potential property opportunities!!! I am sure the taxman will not object. P.S. Dont forget to book for the meeting on the 30th asap, as tickets are nearly all taken! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/november-landlords-meeting-newcastle-tickets-718486180507?aff=oddtdtcreator