March 2016

As the start date for the Government’s new Flood Re scheme approaches the RLA has launched a new flood checker tool for landlords.

With the Mayoral Election just five weeks away the Residential Landlords Association is on the campaign trail in London.
We are lobbying to ensure all candidates are aware of the vital role that buy-to-let landlords play in providing housing in the capital, where demand frequently outstrips supply.

The RLA is delighted to announce the launch of an approved online version of the Rent Smart Wales Landlord Licensing course.

Proposals by the Bank of England to curb buy-to-let lending are premature according to the RLA.
The Bank claims increased buy-to-let lending is now a risk to the economy as a whole and wants to impose new controls, including strict affordability tests taking into account borrowers’ costs and personal income.

Representatives from the Residential Landlords Association will be attending industry shows and exhibitions throughout April.
The team will be taking part in debates, hosting workshops and meeting landlords at a series of events across the country.

The final few places are still available on a range of Residential Landlords Association courses running throughout April.

The Government has increased the fees paid by landlords applying to evict tenants by up to 30%.
In possession claims the fee for issuing proceedings will increase from £280 to £355 – a 27% hike.
And for possession claims lodged online through the PCOL system the fee will increase from £250 to £325, a 30% increase.

The Chancellor George Osborne delivered the Government’s latest budget last week.
While there were no major shocks for landlords he still managed to exclude residential property from the reduction in Capital Gains Tax, again proving he is no friend of the independent residential landlord.

RLA Policy and Communications Manager John Stewart will be appearing on Tessa Shepperson’s Landlord Law Live show delivering a free webinar on six critical problems facing landlords – and the work the RLA is doing to help members deal with them.

Following the success of our Ministers Housing Hustings last week the RLA is now hosting a second event in Swansea.
Landlords will be able to quiz candidates standing in the city – one of the most hotly contested areas of Wales – on issues surrounding the Private Rented Sector.