Useful Resources for Private Landlords
Entering the private rental sector and becoming a landlord can be a daunting task. There is a lot to learn and many rules and regulations that need to be followed. Landlords are now under more pressure than ever to comply with constantly changing legislation and licensing. These changes can be easily missed if you are not on the ball. In addition, landlords face many other issues such as problem tenants and difficult eviction processes.
Due to the wealth of information needed, many websites and apps have been created which are dedicated to helping landlords with all aspects of renting such as: new licensing, managing a tenancy, rent arrears, tenant referencing and so on. These can be of great benefit to landlords.
We have hand-picked some of the best websites and apps below:
National Landlord Association Website
Full individual membership to this website costs £89 per year. This gives you access to the NLA online library which contains resources on a variety of topics. There is also a support line and forum to ask any questions you have and to connect with other members. You will be updated on the latest landlord news and receive a free subscription to UK landlord magazine. If you want to get more involved, you can attend meetings and conferences that will be posted on the website.
One stand out feature of the NLA is that they will raise issues which concern landlords and fight your corner. Free tax investigation insurance and discounts on landlord development courses is also included.
Residential Landlords Association Website
£79.95 per year gets you Landlord membership to the RLA. This gives you access to their library of documents and guides, a support line, a news hub, and a member’s forum. They have a rating of 4/5 stars on Trustpilot showing that their members are happy with the service.
The website is extremely useful for landlords but does not have as many benefits as the NLA membership.
PIMS Website
This website is described as ‘Everything you need to start, manage and end a tenancy’. Landlord membership is £79.95 per year and includes: access to a large resource of information, free credit checks, member’s helpline, news and legislation updates, free forms and notices, personal indemnity cover of £50,000 and member’s discounts.
Free credit checks are useful when vetting a tenant and ensures you are thoroughly vetting possible tenants. PIMS has a Feefo rating of 98% indicating that members find the website useful and easy to use.
Source: pims.co.uk
Landlord Vision App
This app is designed by the NLA and is a cloud based property management device for landlords. With this app, you are able to manage your properties on the go and can access the software from desktop, tablet and phone.
Features of the app include: adding tenants, managing finances and documenting tenant communication. This app is brilliant for keeping track of your tenancies and organising your income and expenses.
Our View
These websites and apps are worth subscribing to as they do provide invaluable resources and really help with the renting process. You are also kept up to date on the latest landlord news and legislation changes so you can stay on track and make sure you are complying to any new rules.
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