News and Articles - Go Direct Lettings

There Has Never Been a Better Time To Get Started in Business

Have you ever had that feeling—- I WISH I WAS THERE THEN? Well we are glad to say— Stop worrying —- YOU ARE HERE NOW. There has never been a better time to Start your Own Business especially in this inflation, pandemic proof business. These are the top 10 advantages of becoming a franchisee with Go Direct Lettings. Deciding to invest in a franchise is a life changing decision and requires extensive thought, research and consideration before you take the plunge. There’s an array of benefits to joining a franchise, making it a popular decision with people who decide to…

What will the Election mean for Private Landlords?

6th December 2019Go Direct FranchiseUncategorised

As the General Election looms, we look at what it could mean for landlords in the Private Rental Sector ... Hopefully, the morning of 13 December will, at least, give us some clue as to what's next. Will it be Brexit done or a hung parliament with more dithering for another year? So, what could the election bring for the private landlord? The main political parties have laid out their blueprints for government ahead of, what is likely to be, one of the most decisive general elections in recent years. On the face of it, and I make no...

Tax Changes

11th November 2019Go Direct FranchiseAdvice, Landlords

There are further tax changes as of 6 April 2020. Landlords beware if you are selling in the New Year … Individuals, trustees and personal representatives (accountants) or anyone making a capital gain from the sale or other disposal of a property will have to make a “residential property return” and payment on account of any capital gains tax within 30 days of the completion of the disposal. The tax changes are, predominantly, aimed at second homes or rental properties, so do not apply where the disposal is a main residence. Like everything with HMRC, penalties and interest will be…

Electrical Safety

7th November 2019Go Direct FranchiseAdvice, Landlords, News

Although there is a legal requirement to have an annual gas safety inspection, there has not been the same demand on private landlords for electrical safety. However, provisions made in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 enable the Secretary of State to make regulations about electrical safety standards for properties let by private landlords. As of 25 October 2019, the Secretary of the State has the power to make the regulations which will provide the electrical safety standards to be met by all residential landlords. The standards specified or determined in accordance with the regulations are: Installations in the premises...

Abolition of Section 21

1st November 2019Go Direct FranchiseUncategorised

With all the changes within the property industry, we ask: ... should the abolition of Section 21 be seen as a threat or an opportunity? What a DYNAMIC industry we work in! There is one question. Has the housing market in the UK been so bad for so long that it needs reforming in nearly all avenues all at once? Let's just look at what is in the tubes now. I'm sure, from a Landlord's perspective, it can’t be the pending licensing legislation? NOOO. Not even the abolition of Mortgage Interest Relief, the dreaded Section 24? NOOO. It must surely...

Proposed Regulations, Licensing & Training

3rd August 2019Go Direct FranchiseUncategorised

Are you a serious Letting Agent? Revolutionary proposals are being set in place for agency regulation, licensing and training The government has published proposals for far-reaching changes to the way estate and letting agents are regulated, trained and licensed. The proposals have come from the Regulation of Property Agents' Working Party, set up last year by the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government and led by Lord Richard Best. In his report, the main recommendation is that a separate regulating body be established to oversee and guide the industry forward to a more professional and qualified industry. The Regulator...

Do you need an HMO Licence?

25th June 2019Go Direct FranchiseUncategorised

If you rent out a property to several tenants who are not members of the same family, it may be classed a “House in Multiple Occupation” (known as an HMO). Whereas up until 1 Octo ber 2018, an HMO was only applicable to property of at least three storeys, changes to the law now means that all properties could apply. Is your property an HMO? Your property is an HMO if both of the following apply: at least three tenants live there, forming more than one household* toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared * A household is either a single person…

Tenant Fees Act Explained

25th June 2019Go Direct FranchiseAdvice, Landlords, Lettings

The Tenant Fees Act is applicable to new, or renewed, tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 June 2019 in England. Aimed at reducing the costs that a tenant faces for their tenancy, it also shows tenants what the advertised rent includes for their chosen property with no hidden extras. What is the Tenant Fees Ban? The Tenant Fees Ban has three main points: Bans most letting fees Caps tenancy deposits paid by tenants Ensures Landlords/Letting Agents have provision for client money protection What can a Landlord charge? From 1 June 2019, the only payments that landlords or letting agents...

Government crackdown on buy-to-let rogues

12th November 2018Go Direct FranchiseLandlords, News

Government Funding announced for crackdown in the Buy-To-Let Sector. £2M is being made available for Local Authorities to bid for to assist with stepping up enforcement action against rogue landlords operating in the BTL Sector. It is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security. This funding will help further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle rogue landlords and ensure that poor-quality homes in their area are improved, making the housing market fairer for everyone.Heather WheelerHousing MinisterThe new funding to boost Local Authority action against rogue operators in the BTL Sector...

Rogue Landlords

10th April 2018Go Direct FranchiseAdvice, Landlords, News

New Legislation: There has been big news for landlords this month. On April Fool’s day, 1stApril 2018, the government announced it will be introducing Agency licencing. All agents or organisations will have to have at least one qualified person in the organisation. On top of that it has also stated the following, will introduce banning orders on rogue landlords and letting agents. Local authorities in England can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to issue a banning order against the landlord or agent. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 (Banning Order Offences) Regulations 2018 will result in landlords and agents…