New research from the Business Development Research Consultants has found that private landlords are increasingly renting to housing benefit claimants even though they are concerned about the upkeep of the property and payments. The proportion of private landlords in Britain letting to benefits claimants more than doubled, increasing from 9 per cent in the last
TENANTS IN WALES are proving to be much more positive about stock transfer than their counterparts in Scotland. Two ballots this month have ended in ‘yes’ votes. In Rhondda Cynon Taf, they voted 58% in favour of a move to RCT Homes on a 55% turnout. Earlier, tenants in Monmouthshire voted 60% for a transfer
It is D-Day for Home Information Packs (HIPs) as they finally become law today, although many concerns still persist over their introduction. Fears remain that there is still a shortage of inspectors, particularly of energy assessors, which delayed the original May start date. Local authorities say they will face difficulties in ensuring compliance, especially if
Fire chiefs have warned that the growing number of immigrants living in dangerously overcrowded housing are at risk of a major fire disaster. Peter Holland, chief officer of Lancashire fire brigade has ‘serious concerns’ particularly over houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are often unlicensed and overcrowded. HMO occupants are likely to die in a
New mortgage lending in November fell again according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ figures. Only 33,000 new loans were granted – 17 per cent less than in October 2008, and a whopping 59 per cent in year on year figures. First-time buyers have to find an average deposit of 18 per cent of the
The latest issue of ROOF continued to make headlines over the weekend with the Sunday Express and the Observer quoting our lead story about the YouGov poll suggesting a million people had used their credit cards to meet home loan repayments or rent in the past year. Several papers also reported the International Monetary Fund’s
The Policy Exchange warns the next government that it must be prepared to make ‘radical and immediate cutsâ to spending, or face a debt crisis. It said that the next government must cancel the increases in spending, because it was ‘much easier not to raise spending than it is to cut it laterâ. The Policy
WE’RE TAKING a break but will be back with all the latest news and views on housing and homelessness on Monday, January 8.
Guide to Renting London Property Once you have decided to rent a property, register with letting agents or property websites to receive email alerts when suitable properties come onto the market. Some websites also let you save properties to your own shortlist. Bring a viewing checklist to compare properties and note any questions. Where and
The level or arrears and repossession should be lower than the early 1990s, the head of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) said yesterday, as the short-term financial position of many borrowers had been improved by low interest rates. Lord Turner added he is still considering regulating the size of mortgages being made available â limiting