Imagine you are a landlord eagerly looking for a tenant. Now, after going through several applications, you finally come across someone with a good credit history and a steady source of income. Excitedly, you think your search is over, but after handing over the keys, you discover his darker side. Now what can you do? You can only make efforts to make them comply with your rules, but if this proves futile, you will be left with the only option of a costly eviction process as such a tenant might not leave voluntarily even after getting a notice. To avoid such unpleasant situations, tenant screening is important. Without a comprehensive tenant screening process, chances are high that you will get deceived each time.  Find a reliable tenant for your rental property so that you can remain stress-free. Safeguard your rental property by adopting the best tenant screening practices.

## Use a reliable screening platform


When everything is going digital, there is no reason to not embrace technology for screening your potential tenants. Several cloud-based tenant screening platforms now perform instant background checks to empower you with vital information to choose the best tenant for your rental property. Most of these tenant screening platforms are designed to ensure compliance with legal regulations and fair housing laws, which further reduces the risk of any discrimination claims and helps in making a decision. Moreover, by leveraging technology for your tenant screening process, you can save valuable time.

## Review all applications

A quick glance through the tenant applications is not going to help you. Instead, carefully review each of the applications while keeping a look for any inconsistencies or red flags. These can be gaps in employment, previous history of evictions or frequent change of address. One of the best things to ensure consistency and transparency in reviewing all the applications is to use a point system, where you can assign points to each criterion based on their importance and relevance to your rental decision. For example, assign more points to criteria like stable income and good credit score and fewer points to criteria like pet ownership, personal preferences, etc. The use of a point system will help you to easily compare all applications and prioritise only those who meet all the qualifying criteria that you can set yourself.

 
## Evaluate the credit history

 
You already know that choosing a tenant with financial stability means you will not have to bear a tenant who consistently delays your monthly rent payments. So, do not hesitate to request credit reports from all of them and evaluate their credit history by carefully reviewing their credit scores, examining their payment history, and so on. Yes, this is a daunting task, but you need to do this to avoid any potential payment issues. Look at their credit score, debt repayment history and defaults (if any).

 
## Verify employment

 
Employment verification ensures that a tenant will make timely rent payments without any excuses. So, verify employment either by requesting an employment verification letter or using third-party employment verification services. The second option is a bit costly for many landlords. So you can stick to the first one but can also search the contact address of their current employer over the web. Nowadays, most companies have a website or social media accounts where you can easily find their address and contact numbers.

 
## Check rental history


Usually, past behaviour is an indicator of future actions. So, checking the rental history of your potential tenants is vital. Contact their previous landlords and gather valuable insights into their rental history. You can ask about their habits related to property upkeeping or late payments or whether they left behind any damage to their property. Also, enquire about any past incidents where the tenant has exhibited any violent behaviour. Remember, such behaviour can pose a risk to the safety of your other tenants sharing the same rental property. Make sure you are talking to their actual landlords and not their friends or relatives posing as landlords. Sometimes, this happens as tenants evicted by landlords often resort to such tactics to fool their potential landlord.

Also, never discriminate against applicants because of their race, gender or ethnic identity during the screening process. Make it a habit of treating them fairly to foster a positive rental experience and a transparent screening process.

Lastly, if following these screening practices seems time-consuming, don't worry. Register at an online tenant screening platform that you can access anytime from anywhere and remain stress-free as a landlord. Our RentonCloud is a [cloud-based tenant screening platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) that flawlessly conducts a thorough tenant screening driven by artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. With its integrated database of credit rating agencies and third-party partners specialized in identity, KYC & AML checks, you will find a trustworthy tenant in minimal time. 


large_Tenant-Screening.png

medium_Tenant-Screening.png

small_Tenant-Screening.png

thumbnail_Tenant-Screening.png

Tenant-Screening.png

Safeguard your rental property by adopting the best tenant screening practices. Read on to know the best practices for tenant screening.

Best Practices for Tenant Screening

The landlord property management sector in England underwent a major transformation with the introduction of the [Renters Reform Bill](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/renters-reform-bill) on May 17th, 2023. This legislation established a single, government-approved ‘Private Rented Sector Ombudsman’ to provide “fair, impartial, & binding resolutions” for tenant complaints. Designed to be faster and less confrontational than court proceedings, this new system applies to most, but not all, private landlords in England.

1. The PRSO currently applies to landlords who are registered businesses or letting agents.-
2. Landlords who are individual private owners are not obligated to use the PRSO scheme but are still bound by relevant tenancy legislation.

In these cases, both tenants and landlords can seek guidance from their local council or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for alternative dispute resolution procedures.

## The Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code

To complement this system and ensure a more efficient complaint-resolution process for tenants, the Housing Ombudsman (HO) has introduced the [Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code](https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2.Complaint-Handling-Code-2024.pdf). Effective April 1st, 2024, this mandatory code outlines a clear framework for all landlords (including individual owners) to address tenant complaints efficiently and fairly.

### The HO’s complaint handling code outlines these key elements of effective complaint handling for landlords:

**Accessibility-** Provide multiple complaint channels (phone/email/online, etc.) for easy tenant access.

**Transparency-** Maintain a clear complaints policy outlining stages, procedures, & timeframes. Make the policy readily available to tenants.

**Timeliness-** Landlords are required to respond to complaints within 10 working days.
**Communication-**Deliver clear, easy-to-understand responses, explaining decisions when necessary.

**Confidentiality-** Handle all complaints confidentially.
**Equality-**Offer equal access to the complaints process for all tenants, with reasonable adjustments for disabilities.
**Fairness-**Train staff to recognize complaints and handle them impartially.

**Appeals-** Establish a clear appeals process and provide valid reasons for refusing escalation.

**Record-Keeping-** Maintain detailed records of all complaints and related communication.

## Complaint Process: How to Handle Noise Complaints from Tenants?

#### The following example focuses on noise complaints, but the general process applies to all types of tenant concerns. Here’s a breakdown:

- Inform tenants of their right to contact their local council, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or the Housing Ombudsman throughout the process of receiving the complaint. 
- Assign a dedicated person or team to handle the complaint.
- Maintain clear communication. Acknowledge complaints within 2 days and keep tenants informed about time frames and escalation options.
- Seek agreement from tenants when resolving concerns. Document all agreements/disagreements.

## How to Respond to Complaints?

Acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 2 working days (via email or letter). Investigate the complaint thoroughly, which may involve consulting experts, examining the property, or reviewing maintenance records. After the investigation, draft a formal response that includes:

- Acknowledgement of the complaint, including the date it was received.
- Summary of the issue(s) raised by the tenant.
- Final decision: “complaint upheld,” “complaint partially-upheld,” or “complaint not upheld.” 
- Clear justifications for the decision reached (refer to relevant legislation or tenancy agreement clauses).
- Explanation of the Stage Two appeal process (if applicable).
- Maintain detailed records of all complaint-related communications with the tenant. 

**Remedy**

If the complaint is upheld or partially upheld, clearly outline the specific remedy offered to address the tenant’s concerns. This could involve compensation, repairs, or other corrective actions. The remedy should be proportionate to the severity of the issue and it should detail all the specific actions that need to be taken by the landlord:

- Descriptions of the action/s to be undertaken.
- The parties responsible for carrying out the actions.
- A realistic time frame for completion of each action.

**Stage 2 Appeal**

If the tenant is unsatisfied with the response, explain the Stage Two appeal process (e.g., via email or form). A different professional within the landlord's organization should review this appeal to ensure impartiality. After a thorough review, the landlord should respond to the appeal within 20 working days, following the same structure as the Stage One response, outlining:

*Complaint Definition (as potentially refined during the appeal)*

- Decision on the Appeal (upholding, partially-upholding, or rejecting the appeal)
- Reasons for the Appeal Decision (with clear justifications)
- Offered Remedy (if applicable) and Outstanding Actions (if applicable, with timelines)
- Escalation to the Housing Ombudsman (if this is the final stage within the landlord’s internal process)

If the tenant remains dissatisfied after the Stage 2 appeal response, they have the right to escalate the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman Service. From then on, the HO will investigate the complaint and make a binding ruling. 

For additional resources on this topic, consider exploring landlord property management tools like [RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/). RentOnCloud’s dashboard acts as a one-stop shop for all communication related to tenant complaints. 

When tenants submit “Fix It” or “Raise a Task” requests on their accounts, they appear as designated tasks on the landlord’s dashboard. This eliminates the need for juggling multiple communication channels, minimizes the risk of miscommunication or missed deadlines, and ensures all relevant information is documented & readily accessible/ trackable






large_Tenant-Complains.jpg

medium_Tenant-Complains.jpg

small_Tenant-Complains.jpg

thumbnail_Tenant-Complains.jpg

Tenant-Complains.jpg

Many landlords get frustrated to deal with the tenant complaints. But they can easily avoid this by deploying proactive strategies. Read on to know how to deal with the tenant complains.

How to Deal with Tenant Complaints?

The introduction of the new “Restructuring Plan” in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) has changed the way financially struggling companies navigate insolvency proceedings. While this plan aims to give struggling businesses a better chance to restructure their debts and operations and avoid liquidation, it presents unique challenges and potential disadvantages for landlords, who are often major creditors in these situations. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the various ways the new Restructuring Plan in insolvency affects landlords.

**Key Changes and Why They Matter to Landlords**


In the past, landlords often held significant influence over company restructurings. Their large claims under leases gave them substantial voting power in procedures like Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs).  With the new provisions of the CIGA 2020, this power has been severely diminished. Now, if landlords overwhelmingly reject a plan, the court can still forcefully approve it through a legal doctrine called “cross-class cramdown,” if at least one other creditor class votes in favour. 

### Here's how this doctrine is applied in a typical insolvency hearing:

Creditors are categorized into different classes based on shared characteristics or economic interests in the company. Each class votes on the proposed Restructuring Plan.

Unlike in Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs), a minimum approval threshold is not mandated; but, the plan itself might specify a required approval percentage within each class.

**Critically, if at least one class approves the plan, the court can still impose it on dissenting classes (including landlords) under two specific conditions:**

No Worse-Off: The dissenting class (landlords) must be no worse off financially under the plan than they would be in a liquidation scenario.

Fair & Equitable: The plan must be deemed “fair & equitable” to all creditors, ensuring a reasonable distribution of future income and remaining assets.

As you can see, the cross-class cramdown doctrine has significantly reduced landlords’ leverage in the negotiation process. Once a court approves a Restructuring Plan, it becomes binding on everyone, including dissenting landlords. Landlords also have limited ability to pursue further action against their tenant/s to recover debts outside of what the plan dictates.

They can no longer take the actions they’d normally take to recover debts, even if it means they can’t get all their rent arrears back. Restructuring Plans can also modify terms like lease length or rental payment amounts. Landlords may be stuck with changes they consider unfavourable, with little-to-no recourse.

#### What Can Landlords Do?

The new provisions of the CIGA 2020 may have thrown many challenges down the paths of landlords. But, they aren’t totally powerless. Here are some key strategies landlords can adopt to protect their interests:

*Precautionary Measures*

>Landlords must revisit their existing lease agreements and identify clauses that might strengthen their position in the event of tenant insolvency. The clauses that could be helpful include:

- Forfeiture clauses that enable landlords to terminate leases and reclaim properties if tenants breach certain terms, including not paying rent on time.
- Preferential payment clauses that give landlords priority over other unsecured creditors in claiming outstanding rent.
- Strategic Objections

Even though their votes or objections might not guarantee plan approval, landlords can still benefit from voicing strategic objections during the voting process. For example, if a company tries to enforce a restructuring plan through cramdown at a court hearing, landlords can and must present a well-supported case to the court explaining why the plan is unfair or fails to meet the “no worse off” test. Seeking legal advice from a qualified insolvency lawyer is, of course, crucial before making such a case.

*Landlord Software Help*

[Property management software for landlords](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) can be an invaluable asset during insolvency hearings. The best property management software tools for landlords can accurately track rental payments with clear dashboards. Spotting late payments, arrears, and other trends that typically indicate financial trouble for tenants, becomes much easier with these tools. These tools can give landlords early warnings regarding their tenants’ financial discrepancies and they can take better proactive measures.

Plus, rental software tools for landlords also serve as helpful document management systems. They store and track all communication with tenants and give landlords centralized access to important lease agreements and other property-related documents. Landlords can swiftly retrieve key clauses like termination rights or forfeiture provisions, along with past emails and agreements with tenants, via these tools. Such easy and direct access to important information can drastically strengthen their position during insolvency hearings.

That’s why many forward-thinking landlords use RentOnCloud, the UK's first cloud-based platform for streamlining all aspects of property management. This rental software tracks income and expenses effortlessly, generates reports with a few clicks, and stores all lease agreements, communication records, and other crucial documents in one centralized location for swift and secure access. By embracing the innovative solutions offered by RentOnCloud, landlords can navigate the complexities of insolvency hearings with confidence and optimize their overall property management journeys.



large_How-Insolvency-Affects-Land.png

medium_How-Insolvency-Affects-Land.png

small_How-Insolvency-Affects-Land.png

thumbnail_How-Insolvency-Affects-Land.png

How-Insolvency-Affects-Land.png

How New Restructuring Plan in Insolvency Affects Landlords?

As tenants when we spot the ideal property to reside in, we do not want to miss out on it. Often a lot of us get rejected by landlords from the chance of renting a premier property we desire. There can be manifold reasons that can become barriers between you and your dream rental. It is critical to understand some essential factors that can enhance your probability of winning over your envisioned rental property. The rental property market in the UK is quite competitive. It can not only prove costly in monetary terms to rent a good property, but also demand some added efforts. If you want to lease an attractive property, you need to put forth your A-game.  

After conversing with many landlords and rental agents, we have listed some resourceful tips to help tenants ace the hearts of potential landlords.

## 1. Prepare an appropriate rental resume
A rental resume has become a must-have for prospective tenants seeking to land a lucrative property in Britain. Particularly, in the suburbs of the UK, most tenants create a rental resume embellished with various desirable aspects that landlords often seek. Your rental resume must cover details about your education, employment, earnings, and past rental history. You can also add the contact information of people ready to offer a reference. If you have a rental resume, you can expedite the selection process by forwarding your resume immediately post the property inspection.  
	
## 2. Create a solid first impression
Once you have forwarded your rental resume and the property owner has shortlisted you for an interaction, you must brace yourself to create an outstanding perception. Dress sharply and reach the landlord’s place on time. You can also use time-tested pleasing techniques like complimenting the landlord and investing efforts to make an engaging conversation. You can also research about things that the landlord might like to talk about before your first meeting. Such methods can help you make a lasting impact on the landlord.    

## 3. Make sure you have the required financial standing
It is best to ascertain from the onset the monetary obligations that you will have to bear if you are selected as the tenant for a given property. Then, you have to evaluate your financial position and determine whether you can afford the required rent and deposit sum. You should have the necessary amount of money on hand if you are in talks with the landlord to lease their place. Show the landlord that you have the financial stability to pay rent on time each month by providing proof of income and employment. Time is of essence in the aggressive rental property market, and you cannot expect landlords to give you extra time to meet your rental obligations. 

## 4. Showcase honesty
Landlords always prefer tenants who are upfront about all crucial information such as their employment details and credit history. Nobody likes to find out about such integral aspects from a third party and feel betrayed. Hence, you must remain as honest as possible about your personal background and financial position. If you feel that the terms of the rental agreement are not fair or reasonable, try to negotiate with the landlord to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Most landlords prefer to know about any issues beforehand and tend to be considerate to people who truthfully put forth their concerns.	
  
## 5. Bring some suitable landlord references
Landlord references provide much needed assurance to landlords about the eligibility of a given tenant for their property. Try to collect reliable references from your past landlords who can offer a positive prospect on your behalf. Most potential landlords are highly likely to choose tenants with trustable landlord references. 


## 6. Offer to sign a rental agreement for a longer tenure
A major chunk of landlords want a good tenant who will lease their property for the long term. The prospect of rental earnings for a prolonged period of time will be an attractive factor for anyone. In cases, where you are sure that the rental place has all the aspects that you want significantly, you can agree to [sign a lease](https://www.rentoncloud.com/feature/create-rent-agreement-sign-digitally) for more than a year or two. The landlord will be more willing to rent out his place to a tenant who brings the possibility of assured payment for an extended period. One can even consider paying some deposit and rent amount in advance to make it a better proposition for the landlord. 

## 7. Invest some extra efforts to gain an edge
Landlords like tenants who are ready to go above and beyond the ordinary to prove their eligibility. You can dedicate some additional efforts before meeting the landlord. You can take your spouse, children, and pet along with you to acquaint the landlord with your family. The landlord will also feel more comfortable when he/she meets your family in person. If the landlord has certain requirements or preferences, such as a no-pets policy, try to be flexible and willing to meet those requirements. Communicate clearly and professionally with the landlord. Avoid any confrontational or aggressive behavior, and try to resolve any issues that may arise in a calm and respectful manner. Such few ancillary measures can go a long way in increasing your chances of selection for the rental property. 

### Discover more such pivotal matters about rental property domain in the UK with RentOnCloud  
Convincing and dealing with landlords can feel like an uphill task for all tenants. When it comes to impressing your prospective landlord, you must stick to some special tactics. The tips that we have explained above can prove useful in enhancing your odds of getting selected for your aspired rental. RentonCloud is a bespoke platform that is simplifying the hassles associated with [rental property management](https://www.rentoncloud.com) for both tenants and landlords in the UK. We offer end-to-end support for both property owners and tenants and have created numerous successful rental arrangements for people across the country. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the rental property domain!


7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord

medium_7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord(800 x 400 px).jpg

small_7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord(800 x 400 px).jpg

thumbnail_7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord(800 x 400 px).jpg

7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord(800 x 400 px).jpg

Discover top 7 tips for tenants to impress potential landlords and secure your dream rental property. From showcasing your reliability to highlighting your positive rental history, these strategies will help you stand out as the ideal tenant.

Imagine a tenant refusing to vacate your property or having a noisy tenant who you want to immediately get rid of! Unfortunately, some unlucky landlords had to bear these scenarios every now and then across the world. In such a case, your [tenancy agreement](https://www.rentoncloud.com/feature/create-rent-agreement-sign-digitally) can play an instrumental role. 

In England and Wales, you are not legally bound to have a tenancy agreement as a landlord. You can set the tenancy terms orally, but things are different elsewhere. 

Well, it is best to have the tenancy terms informal only if you know your tenant in advance or have complete trust in him. So, if you are planning to renting your property soon or looking for rental accommodation, acquire some knowledge about the importance of tenancy agreements. 

## Reduces Potential Conflicts
 
As a tenant, do you know your options when you have paid the security deposit to your landlord, and your landlord claim to not receive the same? In such a scenario, having a tenancy agreement will help you get back your deposit without any hassles. Remember, a tenancy agreement clearly mentions the deposit amount and ways it will be protected. 

Yes, in case of intentional or unintentional damage to the property caused by you, a partial amount of the same can be deducted. Still, you can be assured of getting back the rest of the amount. A tenancy agreement is signed by both parties, so the conflict is resolved without any argument.

Again, a tenancy agreement often mentions certain dos and don’ts, like whether pets are allowed or not and the person responsible for conducting the minor repair works. With such clarity, it becomes easier for you as a tenant to know your landlord's expectations. At the end of the day, you can reduce any potential conflicts.   

## Serves As An Address Proof

Whether you are applying for a bank loan or willing to opt for a vehicle registration, you need documents, among which your address proof is essential. Your tenancy agreement qualifies as address proof. The reason is that it mentions your name, the start and end of tenancy date, and the full address of the property where you are living as a tenant. 

It also serves as valid address proof for preparing vital documents like a college identification card or driving licence. Although the documents demanded by UK banks vary from one bank to the other, a well-written tenancy agreement is a legal contract. So, it is accepted by most banks to open a bank account.  

## Protection from Illegal Eviction
 
Illegal eviction is a criminal offence, but that doesn't deter some landlords from forcing you to move out of their rental property. In such a scenario, your tenancy agreement can rescue you! Even if you are not getting any help from the police officers, you can be assured of getting justice. After all, a forceful eviction violates the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. So, the landlord must apply in court to evict you legally.

 
Having clearly drafted tenancy agreement is thus necessary for both tenants and landlords to protect their individual rights. Due to a lack of knowledge, sometimes it does not include many things to avoid misinterpretation by any of the two parties involved. 

The good news is that plenty of online property management platforms are available and offer a robust tenancy agreement within no time. Moreover, some also facilitate eSign and store the same digitally on a secured server. As a landlord, such a [property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) also helps in the free listing of your rental properties and offers a thorough screening of your potential tenants to eliminate future problems.  



large_Tenancy-Agreement.png

medium_Tenancy-Agreement.png

small_Tenancy-Agreement.png

thumbnail_Tenancy-Agreement.png

Tenancy-Agreement.png

If you are planning to renting your property soon or looking for rental accommodation, acquire some knowledge about the importance of tenancy agreements. 

Why Are Tenancy Agreements Important?

Are you moving to a new house? This can be exciting and stressful. So a lot of planning is needed in advance. Remember, boxing up all your belongings is a time-consuming affair. Again if you are not well prepared, it can cost you a lot of money! Surely, you would not like to spend money unnecessarily, especially when you can use the same in decorating your new home. So, let’s have a look at some of the mind-blowing money-saving tips while moving home. So, here we go. 

## De-clutter your home

Packing all the things in boxes makes no sense when there are plenty of broken or unused items. So, create a checklist of all the items. Identify the things that you can sell, throw away, or donate. This will help to reduce the cost significantly as the more you have, the more you will likely have to pay for the house removal service. Remember, while decluttering your home, you may come across some items that can be recycled, which means more savings! 

## Organize a yard sale

Once you have decluttered your home and know the things you want to sell, organize a yard sale. You can sell anything, such as houseware, plants, books, jars, etc. Moreover, you can also sell any furniture or any electrical appliance you would like to replace with a new one! Selling unused items by organizing a yard sale means having extra cash for removal service.  

## Don’t buy removal boxes

Think about asking your friends, relatives, colleagues or neighbours who have recently moved and have some spare removal boxes. You can also get some removal boxes for free from your nearest furniture or retail store. Do not forget to check at supermarkets as they usually receive their stock in big-sized cardboard boxes and will be happy to help you before sending the rest of the boxes to some recycling centre. Try to get cardboard boxes of different sizes to have the right-sized boxes for all the things you want to pack. 

## Pack smartly

Be creative during packaging, and instead of spending your hard-earned money on purchasing removal supplies like bubble wrap rolls and paper blankets, make use of old newspapers, towels, blankets, or even old clothes. You can safely use these stuff for cushioning your fragile items from any possible damage during moving, and yes, label all your boxes carefully. 

## Consider moving yourself

Hiring the services of a removal company can be costly. So, try to look for other options, like moving with the help of your close friends. Rent a moving vehicle, and you can actually save a lot. 

## Consider the cheapest day
 
If you think moving is not your cup of tea, book a removal company but consider the cheapest day for moving home. Although the cheapest day can vary from one location to other, you can consider moving home on Sunday, as most people choose Friday or Saturday so that they can have some time to settle in before resuming their work routine. This way, you can surely save some money. Also, don’t forget to compare the quotes of several removal companies to have the best deal! 

## Consume perishable food items

Do you have fresh fruits, vegetables or some milk in your refrigerator? Do you have some bottles of pickles, cranberry juice, or anything else that can leak and spoil your packed goods? If yes, it is highly advisable to consume them before moving home. This will avoid any additional expenses caused due to spillage. 

Lastly, don’t ever forget to keep a separate box for essentials such as can openers, first-aid kits, toiletries, eating utensils, canned food, etc. This will help you to save a lot of time and effort after moving into your new home. Also, if you are moving to rented accommodation, think about saving some more money by smartly paying your rent, storing your rent agreement, and managing all the receipts via [online property management software](https://www.rentoncloud.com/). 



Money Saving Tips while Moving home at end of tenancy

large_Money-Saving-Tips-while-Mov.jpg

medium_Money-Saving-Tips-while-Mov.jpg

small_Money-Saving-Tips-while-Mov.jpg

thumbnail_Money-Saving-Tips-while-Mov.jpg

Money-Saving-Tips-while-Mov.jpg

Are you moving to a new house? This can be exciting and stressful. So, let’s have a look at some of the mind-blowing money-saving tips while moving home.

Money Saving Tips While Moving Home

Are you a landlord concerned about difficult tenants? Are you worried about possible property damage or other problems with your tenants? Maybe you are overthinking, and you will never encounter these problems. Still, knowing what you must do if you experience all these can benefit you in the long run. Property management is not easy, but with knowledge and experience, you can have a smooth journey. Things can be tougher if you have multiple rental properties. So, here are some actions to take before and after renting your property. So, let's have a look.

## Before renting


 
### Following are the actions you can take even before renting out your property. 



#### Go for tenant screening

Some tenants can make your life difficult by making late payments, creating excessive noise, or worse, damaging your property. So, instead of facing these problems, opt for a thorough tenant screening. This way, you could be able to select the right tenants. Various online property management platforms offer an AI-blockchain-powered screening program to make the job easier for you. Such a program can also evaluate whether a tenant can afford the monthly rent or not? Such a piece of information could help you immensely to avoid problems of late rental payments. 

 
#### Make a list of your inventory

Start with making a detailed list of all the items in your rental property. This will be especially helpful if your property is well-furnished. It would be best to take photos of each room of your rental property from different angles. This move will help you evaluate the extent of damage in a worst-case scenario. 

 
#### Make a legally sound agreement

Your tenancy agreement is the document that can protect your interest as a landlord. So, it must be legally sound. It must include all the necessary details, such as the rental price, payment mode, security amount, property address, etc. Also, the start and end date of the tenancy, whether or not it is possible to do early tenancy termination or the person responsible for conducting small repair works (if any), and so on. 

## After renting



### Following are the actions that you must take after renting out your property.


#### Maintain effective communication

Having clear communication can resolve many problems. So convey your expectations clearly and try to be a good listener. If your tenant is not paying the rent on time, immediately call to ask the reason and then follow up. If you do not take action, your tenant will think that it is easy to stay without paying the rent month after month. Make sure to communicate via mail about late payments to have some written record as proof. If you are tired of reminding them repeatedly, convey that he must be ready to risk an early eviction. Establishing clear boundaries, such as a policy of no pets or no nails on the walls, can prove helpful for avoiding unpleasant experiences due to difficult tenants. 

 
#### Conduct routine inspections

Even if everything is going smoothly, you must make a rule of conducting routine inspections of your rental property. This can be twice a year or more, depending on whether you fear any potential property damage or not. The move will help you to resolve the maintenance issues before things go out of hand. For more clarity, you can compare the before and after photographs to evaluate the damage (if any). 

Lastly, if eviction seems the only option, go for the same and once again have complete control of your property. Moreover, it is best to have an [online property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) that you can access anytime! With the help of such a platform, you could learn to come out strong as a landlord. 



large_Concerned-About-Problems-wi.png

medium_Concerned-About-Problems-wi.png

small_Concerned-About-Problems-wi.png

thumbnail_Concerned-About-Problems-wi.png

Concerned-About-Problems-wi.png

Things can be tougher if you have multiple rental properties. So, here are some actions to take before and after renting your property.

Concerned About Problems with Tenants - What To Do?

Do you know that the global property management software market size may reach $2.70 billion by the end of 2030? Well, the residential segment is fuelling this growth, and landlords are fully aware of this development. Moreover, among these software programs, cloud-based platforms are enjoying dominance in the market (market share-61.13 %) as in such a case, there is no cost of installation and affordability. 

So, if you are a landlord and looking for property management software to increase your ROI, it is high time that you know the numerous ways; these platforms are making things easier for landlords and tenants.  

## Benefits for Landlords

- Attractive listing of your rental properties on its online platform. Such platforms also facilitate listing on popular property listing websites like Zoopla, Rightmove, Primelocation, and Gumtree.
- Thorough background check for selecting the right renters via trusted screening programs. It is vital to remember that poor quality tenants can make your life hell by late rental payments, causing intentional or unintentional damage to your property, creating excessive noise, and in the worst case having a criminal record! It also gives information about whether your rental applicants are in debt or not to have a brief understanding of their current financial situation. A thorough tenant screening can also save you from any legal issues(if any). 
- Easy access to powerful tools for creating rental agreements, bookkeeping, and automatic collection of rent. Some property management platforms also offer tools for easy chatting with your tenants and hassle-free maintenance of your property. 

## Benefits for Tenants

- Easy property search and quick application for rent with confidence 
- Seamless tracking of rental payments and safe storage of rent agreement
- Availability of smart tools for quick screening of landlords to help in making an informed decision
- Facility to set up a wishlist to find a property as a tenant 
- Tools for easy management of rental payments 
- Setting up a direct debit system if the landlord's preference is an online payment 
- Monthly update of the rental invoice for keeping track of invoices
- Easy communication with the landlord without revealing phone number or email address
- Notifications about due rentals, repair requests, rent agreement renewal requests, etc. 
- Facilitates communication with a handyman for quick repairs

Thus, property management platforms are advantageous for landlords like you and rental applicants. Built by a UK-based company, RentOnCloud is a similar [property management platform](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) that is user-friendly. The cloud-based platform uses blockchain–powered Zypass screening to ensure accurate background checks in a few seconds. It also helps you to go paperless with its built-in digital sign tool that empowers your tenant to sign the rent agreements digitally from any device.



large_Rentoncloud16122022.png

medium_Rentoncloud16122022.png

small_Rentoncloud16122022.png

thumbnail_Rentoncloud16122022.png

Rentoncloud16122022.png

If you are a landlord and looking for property management software to increase your ROI, it is high time that you know the numerous ways; these platforms are making things easier for landlords and tenants.  

How Property Management Platforms Are Making Things Easier For Landlords & Tenants

There exists incredible opportunities to yield high rental incomes for landlords within the United Kingdom. However, one would not want huge tax rates to chew off considerable portions of the fruits of their rental property investments. There are many buy-to-let allowable expenses that you might not know but can claim to scale down your tax outflows. 

## Five fantastic tax saving tips for landlord’s earning income from rental property!

The taxation domain can be befuddling for many, but some wise recommendations from experts are surely worth a try. Due management of our rental accounts and landlord costs can go a long way in optimising our tax obligations. If you are a landlord seeking handy ways to lower your taxes, we have the top 5 ways to reduce your tax liabilities. 

## 1) Avail of all rental income deductible expenses

As property owners, there are various spendings that make up buy-to-let allowable expenses and help lower our landlord costs in the form of taxes. You must not miss out on claiming deductible expenses that you incur during a given tax period to dilute the impact of income tax. It is critical to note that only those outlays that are entirely and exclusively attributable to the buy-to-let property are eligible for deduction in the rental accounts.

***The most common buy-to-let allowable expenses that landlords can claim encompass the following:***

- Rental management agent fees
- Legal and accounting charges
- Landlord insurance costs
- Property advertising expenses 
- Property repairs, cleaning, and maintenance charges incurred
- Ground rent and council taxes 
- Administrative landlord costs
- Labour cost for employees or contractors hired for services like cleaning or plumbing


Landlords should also be wary of the spends that they undertake during the initial acquisition of the rental property. Only revenue expenditures qualify for deduction from gross rental income. Thus, the costs connected to the purchase of the buy-to-let cannot be adjusted against any eventual rental income. Such expenses include legal charges, stamp duty, and building survey fees. These expenditures are summed together with the purchase price.

Similarly, the landlord costs related to renovation of the rental property, that are capital expenses by nature, cannot be deducted as regular costs against the buy-to-let earnings.  

## 2) Acquire rental property in a joint ownership

Given the skyrocketing prices of real estate properties, making a buy-to-let purchase singlehandely can be strenuous for many.  You can elect to invest in a rental property along with another individual as a partner. It will help you share the burden of a lot of landlord costs along with the applicable taxes. Under a joint ownership, there is a possibility to allocate the rental earnings proportionately in accordance to a predefined sharing ratio. Thus, partners can also plan to distribute their rental income in a manner beneficial from the tax saving perspective. 

## 3) Leverage your buy-to-let property mortgage

Borrowing a loan does comes with the perks of offsetting your tax liabilities. The income tax regulations permit taxpayers in the UK to claim the amount of interest related to the buy-to-let mortgage as a deduction. One is qualifiable to deduct interest on loans for purchase of property as well as undertaking renovations or improvements in the buy-to-let. It is necessary to understand that the interest deduction is available for corporate deductions and not for those engaged in the financing business.  

	
## 4) Establish a limited company

If considering your overall personal income you fall in the high tax bracket, you can contemplate setting up a limited company to handle your rental properties. It is a great tactic to tax your income as per corporate tax rates than the individual tax rates if your overall income is large. It is important to note that the rental property shall be held in the name of the company you incorporate. You can draw a defined payment as salary from the company for your individual needs. Maintaining the compliances of a limited company can be tricky. Hence, you should make an informed decision about setting up a limited company after weighing the landlord costs involved in comparison to the overall earnings.

## 5) Make the most of all available tax bands and carry forward losses if any

According to the income tax laws in the UK, your rental income is taxable after summation with other incomes as per the applicable tax band. You need to your other income along with your rental earnings and deduct eligible expenses to find your taxable income. If you have a partner whose overall income falls in a lower tax band, you can transfer the property in the name of your spouse. You must also ensure that you maintain utmost accuracy while calculating your buy-to-let allowable expenses and losses that are permissible to be brought forward and adjusted against your current income as well as those losses that can be carried forward to the succeeding year. 

### Bottom Line

There are various ways for landlords in the UK to optimize their taxes on rental receipts. Depending on your personal circumstances and available resources, you can make use of the relevant strategies. It is essential to go for tax planning well in advance to adopt useful strategies. You can consult [property tax professionals](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivsinghcoreadviz/) to manage your rental accounts and regulate your relevant tax liabilities. Stay tuned for more such resourceful information!






large_Rent-on-cloud-08112022.png

medium_Rent-on-cloud-08112022.png

small_Rent-on-cloud-08112022.png

thumbnail_Rent-on-cloud-08112022.png

Rent-on-cloud-08112022.png

If you are a landlord seeking handy ways to lower your taxes, we have the top 5 ways to reduce your tax liabilities. 

5 Ways To Reduce Tax Of The Landlord’s Income From Rental Property

The UK is known for its chilly and wet weather during the winter months. From November through to March temperatures typically drop, and sometimes cause hazards such as ice. 

Being prepared for potential downpours, ice, and snow during the winter months will put landlords in a great position. It will also ensure that tenants are safe and happy during these cold months.

After all, no tenant wants to have to deal with a leak or burst pump any time of the year, let alone during the festive season. 

Keeping a rental property safe this winter should be at the top of every landlord’s agenda. Here are the top tips landlords can follow to safeguard properties from adverse weather.

## Cold weather often causes pipe issues

Cold weather is one of the main causes of burst pipes. When the temperature drops, pipes can freeze, inflate and split. Pipes that are over 100 years old, often installed in older homes, are sometimes unable to endure the wintry weather. 

According to [Severn Trent water company](https://www.stwater.co.uk/my-supply/tap-water/my-water-pipes/water-pipe-responsibility/), the owner of the property must check with the insurer if they have suitable cover for potential leaks. In addition to this, tenants rely on landlords for guidance about potential issues with the property so landlords must be in the know. 

Landlords have a duty of care when it comes to the safety of their tenants so keeping them informed and in the know is crucial, especially during the winter months where issues are more likely to occur. 

Failure to detect pipe fixtures issues is an easy mistake to make, but as a landlord, you are accountable for any issues with pipes or plumbing fixtures. 

Getting a professional to carry out the appropriate checks will help landlords understand if pipes need changing. This is an essential preventative measure that will ensure that landlords do not breach the industry standard.

## Ventilation and boiler checks are essential

During the winter months, people are likely to spend more time at home and consume more electricity to keep their home warm. However, this is prone to cause some issues.

Condensation problems are more likely to transpire during these colder months. This can cause mould to form and result in tenants getting sick. Simply making use of bathroom vents and extractor fans will prevent mould from forming. 
 
In addition to this, boiler breakdowns can occur due to rust forming. By getting a boiler check annually, bleeding radiators or replacing an old gas boiler with a heat pump or electric boiler, landlords can keep tenants out of the cold this winter. 

## A well-informed tenant is a safe tenant

Often property maintenance takes a turn for the worst when the tenant is misinformed or there is a lack of information readily available. 

Educating tenants on how to use systems is likely to prevent issues from occurring, keep tenants safe and prevent them from panicking if mishaps do arise.

For example, a landlord who shares the location of taps could help a tenant quickly stop flooding if a leak does occur. Whereas a tenant who is not informed about this information might panic about the situation and make the leak worst.

Including key information that all tenants should know about the property in a tenant information pack will keep occupants safe if these instances do occur. [Recent figures reveal](https://hfis.co.uk/knowledge/tenant-welcome-pack/)
that two-thirds of landlords provide their tenants with this information – however, a third (33%) do not. 

Providing tenants with an information pack that can be easily accessed from any device and outlines everything they need to know will keep them safe during the winter months.  

## Home security is crucial 

Winter is the time of year that burglaries are more likely to take place in England, but the good news is there are effective measures that can be put in place to prevent this from happening. 

Making sure that windows and doors are not only properly fitted but also locking them properly whenever away from home can help to keep the property and its belongings safe. 

[In a survey](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268444817_Understanding_Decisions_to_Burglarize_from_the_Offender's_Perspective) of 422 burglars, the behaviours of burglars were analysed. Findings show that 60% of participants admitted that if a property had an alarm, it would discourage them from carrying out the crime.

In addition to this, a [Co-op survey](https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/hub/securitytips) revealed that CCTV cameras were the biggest deterrent, yet only 14% of homeowners use these in their homes.  

Investing in CCTV cameras, burglar alarms and fitting doors and windows with locks will ensure that the property is secure and help ward off burglars.

Following these top tips can help to ensure that tenants and your rental property are kept safe this winter - and will ensure you get the most from your tenancy all year round. 

By using our tools for landlords, including chat threads and rental agreements, you can improve your renting experience and relationship with your tenants. Find out more about our service here.


large_Safe-home-in-Winter.png

medium_Safe-home-in-Winter.png

small_Safe-home-in-Winter.png

thumbnail_Safe-home-in-Winter.png

Safe-home-in-Winter.png

Rentoncloud outlines how landlords can keep their rental properties and tenants safe this winter.


Keeping A Rental Property Safe This Winter - The Top Tips

If you are someone new to the house renting domain, you might feel anxious about how to rent a house. Landlords also can be a bit unsure about finding the right tenant. How to choose a good tenant? What questions should landlords ask tenants? There are a multitude of factors to consider and what can prove useful is the process of tenant referencing. 

## What do you mean by tenant referencing?

Tenant referencing denotes the process that landlords or property agents utilise to discover and confirm relevant background information about a given tenant. Tenant referencing for property owners act as landlord reference checks that help determine the eligibility of a given person to become a tenant. Through this check, landlords can gain better assurance regarding the trustability of the tenants about aspects like their ability to pay on time, use of the rental property in the right way, and the probability of any criminal history.    

## What are the top tenant-referencing FAQs that you must enquire about as a landlord?

There are multiple facets about any prospective tenant that landlords need to contemplate during the tenant referencing process. Are you wondering about what questions should landlords ask tenants? Here are some of the key questions that you must enquire about from any individual as part of landlord reference checks before giving your nod to a rental agreement:

## What do you do for a living?

This question is useful to realize the employment status and income levels of anyone who wishes to rent your buy-to-let property. The details about their job or business will help you gauge their approximate income levels and their ability to fulfill the rent, maintenance fees, and deposit requirements for the rental house. You can also get insights about whether the person is not involved in doing any illegal activities. Landlords can also ask for reference letter from the employers to get an added assurance about the occupational status of the prospective tenant.

## Why are you looking for a new rental property to rent?

Getting to know the reason behind why one is seeking for a new rental property will help you understand elaborately about a person’s motive. There are might be a variety of reasons that your prospective tenant needs a rented place. He/she might be new to the place and have recently shifted there for occupational purposes. There might also be chances that the previous landlord evicted them for some undesirable cause. If there is any illicit intent involved on the side of the tenant then such an enquiry can help you uncover it. As per the reason for the person’s search for new rental place, you can inquire about aligning questions.

## Do you have any family or pets who will accompany you to live in the rental home?

Another critical inquisition needs to be about how many more people will accompany the individual to rent the home. If they shall bring their family to stay with them at the rental property, it is critical to know about the number of members, their age, and whether your property can accommodate them appropriately. It is also imperative to know whether they have any pet that will reside in your rental property. You must check into the possibility of whether the prospective tenant’s pet can cause any harm to your rental property and other furnishing items inside. It is best to ensure that there are least chances of any nuisance that can lead to troubles with the neighbors.  

## Will you be willing to permit landlord reference checks with past landlords?

In case the tenant has rented buy-to-let properties before from other landlords, you can conduct landlord reference checks. Thus, you must ask the prospective tenants about whether you have their consent to make enquiries with the past landlords. If the tenant is reluctant to allow you to contact his/her past landlord, there might be some foul play involved. Landlord reference checks can offer you elaborate insights regarding a person’s suitability to become your tenant. 

## Are you okay to oblige to the requirements of the tenancy arrangement?

As landlords, different people have different set of conditions for tenants, in line with the legal framework, that they must comply. Your tenant must be ready to follow the rental application process and related obligations. You must inform them about the dos and don’ts and the documents that they need to provide. If there are any issues or ambiguities regarding the paperwork and legal formalities, it is better to discuss and clear them beforehand.

1. Important tips for tenants to enable them to undergo the tenant referencing process easily
2. Organise your paperwork adequately on-time
3. Notify the referees that you give during the landlord reference checks in advance
4. Be as direct and truthful with your answers as possible
5. Get in talks with suitable guarantor beforehand
6. Take into account your financial position for the probable rental expenses appropriately
7. Research properly about the prospective rental property and landlord 

## Choose RentOnCloud to gain incredible insights revolving rental property in the UK!

[RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) is a revolutionary platform in the [virtual rental management](https://www.rentoncloud.com/feature/create-rent-agreement-sign-digitally) space that can support both landlords and tenants immensely. We have a great set of functionalities to help landlords address their rental property needs and manage aspects like tenant referencing. Tenants can also land their dream rental property with our assistance in the most efficient way possible. Our team also comes with useful rental property information from time to time. Contact us today to know more!








large_5-Questions.png

medium_5-Questions.png

small_5-Questions.png

thumbnail_5-Questions.png

5-Questions.png

How to choose a good tenant? What questions should landlords ask tenants? There are a multitude of factors to consider and what can prove useful is the process of tenant referencing. 

5 Common Questions for Tenant Referencing to Ask from Rental Enquiries

## Investment property market trends, affordable houses for sale, buying house on budget

Once you resolve to tread the path to become a landlord, you start with the first step of buying a good property. Since real estate investment demands huge sums of money, we all need options of affordable houses for sale. There is not much respite when it comes to the prices of properties in the UK. As per [reports](https://www.statista.com/statistics/751619/house-price-change-uk/) by Nationwide Building Society, the average house prices in the country rose by a whopping 10 percent between November 2020 and November 2021. In April 2022, according to [Office for National Statistics](https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/housepriceindex/april2022), the average price of houses in the UK was £ 2,81,000. This figure is £ 31,000 more than that for the same time in the preceding year.  These investment property market trends point that finding affordable houses for sale can be a tough task for many. If you are planning on buying a house on a budget, you need to stay on top of such investment property market trends and seek guidance from real estate experts to streamline the task. Team RentOnCloud comes with some of the most pressing considerations that you should analyse when buying rental properties.

## Location and condition of the potential property

The topmost factors that you need to evaluate while buying a potential property are the location and current state of the property. Ideally, the property should be situated in a nice neighbourhood and must allow easy access to basic amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, schools, and hospitals. Most tenants prefer to rent properties with such accessibility. Again, when buying house on budget choose the location of the property wisely.

The condition of the property at the time of purchase is again critical to help you estimate future costs on repairs and renovations that you will have to incur. It is advisable to undertake a professional inspection of the complete property to figure out any underlying problems. A good bargain in the form of an old house may not actually be cost-effective if you end up sparing a fortune on reviving it. Find out if you can undertake the renovations on your own or you need to engage a third-party contractor for the same. There is a possibility of delay in such renovation projects that can lead to no rent periods for a prolonged time. You also need to decide between investing in a newly constructed house or opting for an existing one. New constructions tend to be costlier than acquiring a prevailing rental home. Examining a mix of all these parameters will help you find affordable houses for sale. 

## Property tax
 
Taxes are an inevitable aspect of any investment proposition. You should evaluate the applicable amount of property tax when buying house on a budget. Steep property taxes can siphon off a big chunk of your rental profits. Usually, the property taxes in prime metropolitan areas tend to be much higher than the countryside and the suburbs. You might elect to explore for rental properties in such areas than outrightly finding one in the major part of a city. It also does not mean going for houses in remote areas without a decent neighbouring circle. You must weigh the overall costs and rental requirements before the final decision.  

## Expected cash flows and return on investment

The next fundamental concern that you should consider is about the predictable cash flows you can possibly generate from the potential property. You must look into factors such as the probable rental income, the operating expenses, rise in intrinsic value with price appreciation, depreciation, and tax benefits. After accounting for all critical incomes and expenditures, you must have a positive cash flow over the long term to ensure that you can sustain your rental property endeavour.  

## Insurance costs

We all cannot do away without an insurance for our property. They are your safety net but it does entail significant spending. When buying the buy-to-let property, you should determine the amount of insurance coverage you need and the resulting insurance premium that you have to bear. You should also look into whether the region that you property is located in is prone to increased insurance premium due to more probability of natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.

## Management of the rental property

Another critical aspect to ponder when buying a rental property is the amount of administrative efforts, it shall require. You might either elect to take the rental property and tenant management responsibilities on your own shoulders or engage a property management firm. The cost of hiring such an rental administrative company also means incurring making a separate monetary allocation that can go up to 10 percent of your rental earnings. Firms also charge a distinct fee for screening and finding suitable tenants for your property. Thus, while contemplating the property you must buy, also figure out the amount of management efforts and the consequent costs that you will have to invest. 

## Switch to [RentOnCloud](https://www.rentoncloud.com/) for easing your rental property woes with a click!

We are a client-centric and innovative platform for landlords and tenants to help them with multiple property related aspects. We offer services like assistance for finding the right buy-to-let property and landing good tenants along with property tax and accounting support. Make RentOnCloud your go-to property management partner.   







large_5-points.png

medium_5-points.png

small_5-points.png

thumbnail_5-points.png

5-points.png

Team RentOnCloud comes with some of the most pressing considerations that you should analyse when buying rental properties.


Best Practices for Tenant Screening

Best Practices for Tenant Screening

How to Deal with Tenant Complaints?

How New Restructuring Plan in Insolvency Affects Landlords?

7 Tips for Tenants to win over a potential landlord

Why Are Tenancy Agreements Important?

Money Saving Tips While Moving Home

Concerned About Problems with Tenants - What To Do?

How Property Management Platforms Are Making Things Easier For Landlords & Tenants

5 Ways To Reduce Tax Of The Landlord’s Income From Rental Property

Keeping A Rental Property Safe This Winter - The Top Tips

5 Common Questions for Tenant Referencing to Ask from Rental Enquiries

Top 5 Considerations When Buying Rental Properties