Tag: Property Lettings

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Let It Snow: How To Make A Rental Feel Homely At Christmas

Snowflake, Ornaments, Christmas tree decoration

It’s no secret that most rental agreements contain a significant number of things that you can’t do in your property, with no nails or screws in the walls often being high up on the list. But that really doesn’t mean that you can’t make your rental feel like your home. So, let’s look at six simple ways that you can introduce some Christmas spirit into your home this festive season.

1. Put Up A Christmas Tree. Or Three!

Houseplants are one of the best ways to make a rental property feel like a home, so when the festive season arrives, make sure you put up a Christmas tree and adorn it with decorations that make you smile. If you want to really get into the Christmas spirit, there’s nothing stopping you putting up a few more smaller trees throughout your home.

With proper maintenance, a real tree shouldn’t cause any damage, but if you want to be extra cautious, the high street is bursting at the seams with some incredibly realistic looking artificial trees that you’ll be able to enjoy season after season.

2. Create a Cosy Atmosphere

Don’t panic if you aren’t permitted to light candles in your rental property, as there are plenty of other ways to create a super cosy ambience that feels warm and welcoming as soon as you step inside. Fairy lights can be arranged on table tops or placed into glass jars to provide soft lighting, and LED candles can look remarkably realistic when placed into hurricanes or nestled within other decorations on a coffee table or mantelpiece.

And if you’re keen to introduce some festive scents into your home this Christmas, simply pop a few reed diffusers on console tables and shelves throughout your home or invest in a water diffuser that will allow you to use essential oils to create your own personalised scent blends.

3. Play With Pattern and Texture By Layering Soft Furnishings

From festive bedding sets to throw pillows and blankets, layering soft furnishings is an excellent way to quickly transform the way your home looks and feels without making any major decor changes. You could even invest in a large rug with a festive pattern or colour scheme, which can be neatly tucked away in a cupboard or under the bed throughout the year.

If your rental property has blinds and you want to soften your windows, it is incredibly easy to hang a light curtain or wall hanging by using a tension rod that won’t cause any damage. Window dressings not only look great, but they can also help to keep the warmth in and contribute to a cosier atmosphere in your home.

4. It’s All In The Details

Even the smallest things can make a huge difference to the way your home looks and feels, so no festive accessory is too small or insignificant. From switching out your usual bathroom soap dispensers for festive alternatives to swapping your regular kitchen tea towels for those featuring a festive pattern, design or colour palette, incorporating Christmassy touches into every room can bring joy to even the most mundane everyday tasks.

Window and mirror stickers are just one example of a small yet simple home accessory that can instantly transform the feel of your space. From elaborate winter scenes to simple snowflakes, window stickers cling to glass and don’t leave any traces behind once they are removed.

5. Incorporate Art

Looking at colourful artwork has been proven to make us happy, and the great news is that there are now ways to hang things on walls without needing to make any holes.

But if you want to do everything you can to minimise the chance of damage, you could also simply prop pictures, prints and artwork up against the wall on a nightstand, console table or mantelpiece. This method also makes it super easy to refresh the art in your space to create different moods and atmospheres to suit your mood or the season.

6. Don’t Forget Your Outside Space

Whether you’ve got a garden, a courtyard or just a front doorstep, some carefully placed festive decorations can help you to ensure that even the outside of your rental property feels homely this Christmas. Outdoor fairy lights can be used to adorn balconies or trees, and there are a variety of ways to hang a Christmas wreath on your door without needing to make any unnecessary holes.

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How Will The Renter’s (Reform) Bill Affect Landlords And Tenants?

Renter's (Reform) Bill

On the 17th of May 2023, the government introduced the Renter’s (Reform) Bill to parliament. 

Bills of this kind are required to go through an extensive parliamentary process prior to actually becoming law. As of now, the Bill is due to go through its second reading on the 23rd of October 2023, in the House of Commons.

If you’re a landlord or tenant wondering how you’ll be affected by the proposed changes, this guide is for you. Keep reading for a complete run-down on the Renter’s (Reform) Bill.

What is the Renter’s (Reform) Bill?

The Renter’s (Reform) Bill aims to address England’s current housing crisis by bringing in “a better deal for renters”, and is set to legislate for terms set out in the 2022 white paper titled ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’. This includes abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions and reforming landlord possession grounds. 

Who Will the Renter’s (Reform) Bill Affect?

Stated in the Bill itself, the terms outlined by the government promise to “improve the system for both the 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords in England”.

The Bill seeks to protect renters who have continued to face “a precarious lack of security” with regards to current legislative terms such as the ‘no fault’ evictions’.

It is no secret that there has been a major rental crisis happening across the country for some time, with thousands struggling to find homes, and those that are managing to source housing often being disappointed with the standards of living they are met with. 

The Bill highlights that nearly a quarter of private rented homes “do not meet basic decency standards” for living, and aims to set out a Decent Homes Standard to the rental sector in the future.

It also aims to support responsible landlords who are continuously being met with certain issues, such as being “undercut by a minority of criminal landlords”.

What is Included in the Renter’s (Reform) Bill?

Developed in consultation with both landlords and tenants over the course of the past five years, the Renter’s (Reform) Bill promises to:

  • Abolish ‘no fault’ evictions: The Bill will entirely dispose of Section 21, shifting to a simpler tenancy structure that allows for periodic tenancies only. This will give more security to renters and allow them to challenge poor living spaces and rent increases with confidence, safe in the knowledge they won’t be unfairly evicted.
  • More comprehensive possession grounds: This means landlords will still be able to easily recover or repossess their property in situations when the tenant is at fault.
  • Stronger protections against backdoor eviction: The Bill will enable tenants to appeal excessively above-market rents which are clearly in place for the purpose of forcing them out. If needed, an independent tribunal will be called in to make a judgement on the rental market price for individual properties.
  • A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman: This will provide a fair and impartial resolution to landlord/tenant disputes, in a far quicker, cheaper, and more binding manner than an entire court system.
  • A new Private Rented Property Portal: This will be designed to support landlords in getting to grips with understanding their legal obligations, and provide tenants with information needed to make better judgements and decisions around their tenancy agreements. Local councils will also be given access to this support to help them target enforcement activity when needed.
  • Right to request for pets: Under the Bill, landlords must consider pet requests and cannot unreasonably refuse. In order to support this term, landlords will be able to claim for pet insurance if any damage has been done to their property.

As well as these terms, the Bill has laid out its priority for utilising a modern, digital service within the private rental sector, with the government working in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to support this.

What Does the Future of the Renter’s (Reform) Bill Have in Store for Landlords and Tenants?

Further down the line, the government also aims to add these terms to the list set out above:

  • Decent Homes Standard: This hopes to provide renters with safer, better quality homes, removing those houses that are substandard from the local communities in support of the government’s Levelling Up mission to halve the number of non-decent homes in the country by the year 2030.
  • Illegalise blanket bans: This will make it impossible for landlords to have blanket bans on certain tenants who receive benefits or have children, minimising unfair discrimination in the private rental sector.
  • New enforcement activity reports: This requirement will mean councils have to report on local enforcement activity, supporting the government in identifying criminal landlords. 

How Much Notice Will Landlords Get on the New Bill?

When the Bill comes into play, the terms outlined will apply to all new tenancies granted on or after its commencement date. For existing tenancies, the new terms will apply until the expiry of a tenant’s fixed term, or else on a date set out in the regulations.

If you’re a landlord looking to rent your property and need a bit of help navigating the rules and requirements to get your home on the rental market and tenants in, why not get in touch with us today. One of our friendly team will be happy to help.

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Common Questions During Short Let Valuations

Valuations

Valuations determine a building’s monetary value and are done for both sales and lettings properties.

Valuations allow us to determine what the property is worth, as a whole or on a nightly basis (depending on whether it is sales or lettings), but they also give both parties a chance to ask any questions about the property, the process or to raise any concerns they may have.

Below we list some of the most common questions that are asked during valuations across our short-let properties.

What would you need me to leave?

Your home must be fully furnished and have everything that is needed for a short-term stay. We have a list that we send to you of all of the essential items. This includes kitchenware e.g. pots, pans and utensils, plates, glassware, hoover, and cleaning items such as a dustpan and brush, mop and bucket etc. 

Do I leave bedding and towels?

You will need to supply a duvet, mattress protector, pillows and pillow protectors but we provide the bedding, e.g., the duvet cover, sheets and pillowcases and bath and hand towels.

Who does the photographs?

Either our in-house photographer can take the photos or we can pay for them to be done by a professional photographer. We recommend professional photos on the basis that the average user on Airbnb takes 11 minutes and 31 seconds to book a property, so your property needs to stand out from the crowd.

Who sorts issues/fixes things? And how are these paid?

We have handymen who can come and fix any issues from wobbly toilet seats to broken beds. We always ensure that these are dealt with as quickly as possible to reduce any stress or inconvenience for guests.

As well as this, we have a list of vetted plumbers and electricians should we need to use them.

The cost of repairs and/or maintenance will come out of your settlement statement. However, these will all be approved by you first and if it has been a guests fault, we will do all we can to recoup the costs.

How involved in the process do I have to be?

We take care of everything, from setting up your property profile with professional photographs right through to ensuring guests enjoy their stay and everything that happens in between. You don’t need to do anything once you hand the property over to us.

Are there call-out charges?

Nope! One of the advantages about using Hopewell, is that we are a Bristol based company, so we’re always on hand for any issues that arise, whether that is in office ours, in the evening or over the weekend.

How long until my property can go live?

Your property can go live as soon as you are ready and is led by your schedule. We can get your property set up and live in as little as 24 hours on both our website and Airbnb.

When will I get paid and how?

You will receive payments on the 7th of every month and this will be for all bookings from the previous month.

Who will the guests be?

Guests can be anyone! Business travellers, tourists, even Bristol residents during their house sale. 

Can I use the property still or are there restrictions?

There are no restrictions as such, all we ask is that you honour any bookings that are already in place and provide as much notice as possible if you are wanting to use the property.

What let type best suits my property?

This depends on your situation and how long you are wanting to let it for. We may recommend going down the mid-term route if you only wish to let for 2-4 months. If longer, short-term may best suit your requirements. However, we can do a combination of both to hopefully ensure maximum bookings and profit!

So, if you’re thinking of getting your property ready for the short lets market, we hope that we’ve answered some of your questions and concerns. If you’re ready to start earning money through your property, get in touch today for a free valuation!

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The Benefits of Tenants Insurance

Tenants insurance

When renting a property the last thing tenants think of is taking out tenants insurance.

For many tenants, when they think about issues that may arise at their rental property they assume that resolving and/or fixing these issues is solely the landlord’s responsibility. However, this is a myth. 

It is a landlord’s responsibility to insure their property and take care of the bricks and mortar, but they aren’t responsible for insuring your belongings. Therefore, it is a tenant’s duty, if they wish, to ensure their possessions are protected against loss, damage, or theft.

Below we explain what tenants insurance is and the benefits of taking out this type of coverage.

Do you need insurance?

It isn’t often a requirement but you may find that your tenancy agreement states that having this type of cover is mandatory. Make sure you read through your agreement thoroughly and comply with your landlord or lettings agency. Failure to do so could result in you being in breach of your tenancy agreement.

Having insurance can also give you peace of mind. Losing your possessions to fire, flooding, or burglary can be devastating. By taking out contents insurance you can rest assured that if you were to lose anything it can be replaced and it isn’t you that has to take the full financial blow.

The cost of having to replace even a few items can quickly add up. By paying a small monthly fee for insurance, you could end up saving yourself a lot of money should the unforeseen happen.

So, what’s covered in tenants insurance?

Tenants insurance will cover the majority of your belongings in the event of flooding, fire, theft, or accidental damage. However, many policies also cover the following:

  • Furnishings and appliances that belong to the tenant
  • The loss or theft of keys to the property and the cost of having an alarm system fitted and locks changed
  • Any cash of credit cards stolen from the property
  • A set amount to cover spoilt frozen food as a result of an incident such as a powercut
  • Accidental damages to electrical items, such as TVs, tablets, and phones
  • Alternative accommodation if an incident such as a flood or fire causes the tenant to move out for a period of time

It could also be worth getting accidental damage insurance if you are renting, which can also be called tenants liability cover or tenants’ contents policies. This covers accidental damages to your landlord’s property/its funishings, for example spilling wine on the carpet.

Liability cover can also pay out for some of the most common reasons a landlord may deduct money from your deposit. Your landlord will expect the property and what is within the property to remain in good condition, however, accidents happen and this is when having liability insurance can come in handy.

It is worth noting that liability insurance will not cover damages that are caused by wear and tear or anything that has been damaged on purpose by you, your housemates, or guests.

Can I get insurance as a student?

If you’re heading off to university, you may want to protect your belongings, which you can do through students’ contents insurance. There are many policies out there but before you decide on one there are a few things you should check. For example, you may be covered by your parent’s home insurance, or if you are living in student halls, contents insurance may be included in your accommodation costs.

In summary

It is important to remember that even though you are renting from a landlord or lettings agency, it is not their responsibility to insure your belongings. Protecting them against unforeseen events such as flooding, fire, or theft is up to you. And if you are already considering taking out tenants’ insurance, it may be worth adding on liability insurance to cover the cost of any accidental damages that may occur throughout your tenancy. Top tip; remember to report or note down any damages that occur, whether caused by you or someone else, as soon as possible.

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Keeping Rentals Energy Efficient

energy efficient

As the cost of living rises and the current climate crisis becomes increasingly apparent, energy efficiency finds itself at the forefront of many conversations. Following a dramatic increase in energy bills up and down the country, homeowners, landlords and tenants are tightening their purses and keeping their eyes peeled for viable solutions.

That said, an ear to the ground isn’t always enough and a proactive approach to energy management is often most effective. In the following article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of energy efficiency, discussing why it matters and explaining how to stay one step ahead as a landlord.

What Do We Mean By Energy Efficient?

Before we jump into the specifics of energy management, it’s worth understanding what we mean by ‘efficiency’. In Layman’s terms, energy efficiency refers to an appliance or property’s ability to achieve a desired result without using unnecessary power or waste. For example, a well-insulated home will maintain a comfortable temperature without the need for excessive heating or cooling devices.

In order to quantify a property’s efficiency, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are used. By grading a building from A to G, EPCs allow landlords and tenants to better understand the efficiency of their property. Properties with an EPC rating of ‘A’ are likely to attract far more tenants than those with lower ratings, implying that both bills and carbon footprints will be lower.

Why Does Energy Efficiency Matter?

So, why is energy efficiency so important? As mentioned above, inefficient energy usage leads to greater carbon emissions, higher bills and environmental damage. This is bad news for the natural world as well as your wallet. The good news, however, is that ensuring residential homes are operating efficiently can work to negate these effects; even the smallest changes can have a significant impact when implemented on a global scale.

Improving the energy efficiency of a rental property may seem like an impossible task but, with the right knowledge, homeowners, tenants and landlords could save themselves hundreds of pounds every year.

Improving Your Property’s Energy Efficiency

From long term lets to HMOs and student tenancies, managing property can feel a little like navigating a minefield at times. As a landlord, however, it is well-worth taking the time to make sure your premises are as energy efficient as possible. This will help to attract prospective tenants and reduce unnecessary outgoings.

Below, we’ll run through a few tried and tested ways to keep your rental property energy efficient.

Lower Your Boiler’s Flow Temperature

As it stands, heating bills place a real strain on landlords and tenants’ wallets. That said, a comfortable home and low heating bills needn’t be mutually exclusive. By lowering the flow temperature of your boiler by just one or two degrees, tenants could experience savings of around 10% on their heating bills, without sacrificing warmth during the colder months.

Let It Breathe

To maximise airflow and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your radiators and heating systems, it’s important to check that they’re not covered or blocked. Placing sofas or large furniture in front of a radiator may keep your back warm, but it means that your system will be working twice as hard to heat the rest of your home. By keeping radiators clutter-free, a property will circulate heat far more efficiently.

Upgrade Your Insulation

It is worth noting that lowering the thermostat and unblocking radiators is only as effective as your home’s insulation. If heat is escaping through poorly insulated walls, roofing or windows, your heating bills will certainly reflect this.

Loft, wall and window insulation should be the first ports of call, but there are plenty of ways to reduce heat loss and improve a property’s energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Draught excluders, carpets and curtains are just a few tried and tested means of improving a building’s insulation.

Switch Them Off, Or Switch Them Out

From televisions and computers to desk lamps and kettles, our homes are full of electrical devices, all of which use energy. It is worth thinking about the efficiency of these appliances and whether more efficient alternatives are available. For example, switching traditional bulbs for LED equivalents can reduce electricity usage by up to 80%. That’s good news for landlords and tenants alike, improving efficiency and lowering bills.

To ensure your property is the best it can be, why not employ the expertise of a property management service such as ourselves? We take care to fully understand the requirements of each of our clients and offer a range of packages tailored to suit your needs.

Get in touch to speak with an advisor today.

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How To Attract Long-Term Tenants

long-term tenants

There is no shortage of long-term tenants looking for a home. In fact, there’s not enough property to house the influx of renters easing back into school and work. Ads receive hundreds of responses as desperate office workers and university students race to land a room.

But for landlords, the issue isn’t attracting tenants. The real work lies in drawing in the right kind of tenant to your property.

While the average rental duration is on the rise, many major cities such as Cardiff and Leeds still see a relatively quick turnover of tenants. It takes around 22 days to fill a vacancy. Collectively, landlords lose an estimate of £547 every year to void periods.

Benefits Of Long-Term Tenancies

A steady stream of short-term tenants can seem appealing at a glance. And for some properties – like holiday homes designed for platforms like AirBnB – it’s the most lucrative business model. But unless you’re letting a summer cottage out in Swanage or West Bay for vacationers, offering your property to long-term tenants offers more stability. 

That’s currently in short supply if you’re a landlord. High inflation rates have slashed into a once lucrative rental market. Reforms that will ban “no fault” evictions threaten to saddle landlords with difficult renters and tedious tussles in court.

Short-term lets also aren’t for landlords who let as a side business. Frequent turnovers mean more handling, dealing with tenants, and maintenance in between. If you have little time, managing a short-term let can quickly become a pain.

Your Guide To Drawing In Long-Term Lets

If you’re looking to let long-term, how do you attract tenants that can give you a steady, low maintenance source of income for years?

Don’t Rush the Screening Process

Hundreds of applications and eager tenants are jostling for space. People will naturally want to put their best foot – and offer – forward in hopes of locking down a property. Unfortunately, a keenness to dot i’s and cross t’s doesn’t automatically make someone a good candidate. How sure are you about a tenant’s ability to pay rent on time? Can you really trust these people to care for your property?

There’s no direct test that will give you answers. But you can infer using data from a few sources. For instance, payslips and proof of employment will tell you about a tenant’s financial capacity. Criminal checks can increase confidence in trustworthiness. If a tenant isn’t a first time renter, you can reach out to their previous landlords for valuable insight you can only get from experience.

Renovate and Repair

While people may settle for shoddy and poorly kept rooms in the interim, they’ll be thinking of searching for new lets even before they completely unpack their belongings. The first step in keeping tenants around for the long haul starts with making a home they’ll hate to leave. 

Nobody wants to go home to peeling paint. Sprucing up your property can work wonders for encouraging tenants to stay longer. Preventive maintenance will make everyone happier. Landlords won’t have to deal with fixes for longer, and tenants won’t have to deal with the disruption caused by a leaky pipe or mouldy walls.

Supply Useful Utilities

Homeownership is the lowest it’s been in years. Faced with rising mortgages and a scant number of low to moderately affordable housing, people are putting off buying homes in favour of renting.

Coupled with many still trying to financially rebuild after the pandemic, anything that can help save a few pounds is a welcome boon. Furnishing your property with essential yet pricey household appliances–also known as “white goods”–can make it an attractive option for first time renters who have yet to purchase their own.

Allow Some Redecorating…

Fully-furnished homes may be nice to look at, but they don’t actually encourage long-term renting. While renters technically don’t own your home, it will be theirs for the next couple of years. People want places that feel like their own.

So give tenants a little more leeway in terms of decorating. Most tenants won’t take a hammer to your walls, and simply want a few touches that make the space theirs. If storage is the problem, pre-installing hooks and other mounting systems will save your tenants time and keep new holes from peppering your drywall.

…And Pets

Few perks are as divisive among landlords as pets. On the other hand, an ill-behaved pet can cause a lot of damage. It can also be a nuisance and cause of complaint from neighbours or your apartment’s management.

But pet ownership is also a sign of a good tenant. Pets take real work, and healthy-looking animals can mean a tenant knows how to be responsible for something in their care. Plus, with 62 percent of households owning some sort of pet, allowing pet ownership is a competitive advantage. Tenants will be less likely to move out after they find a quality let that allows pets.

Offer Maintenance Help

The larger a property is, the more intimidating its upkeep. While amenities like pools and gardens can seem like fantastic perks, looking after them can weigh down on a tenant after a while, prompting them to search for something more low maintenance.

Keep tenants enamoured with your property by providing help. Fill the garden with plants that’ll be easy to look after. Leave shears–or even better, a lawnmower–on the premises for use. If the property has a pool, offer to share the responsibilities–just remember to outline everyone’s duties clearly in your contract.

Above All, Prompt and Clear Communication

Even the most attractive amenities and perks can be soured by a poor relationship between landlords and tenants. Decorating limits, pet permissions, maintenance duties–everything can be talked about and negotiated. If a tenant finds you difficult to talk to or contact for concerns, you may find them leaving even a perfectly well-kept property.

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7 Landlord-Approved Hacks To Decorate a Rental Home

Decorate home, funiture, plants,

Your home is an extension of who you are. The choice of paint, trim, and decorations are all reflective of a homeowner’s personality. 

Unless, of course, you’re living in a rental home. There’s considerably less freedom to customise when you’re living in a let. Most agreements prohibit tenants from making major changes or drilling holes through the wall. And there is some decor that even the strongest adhesive can’t hold up.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate and have to settle for dull and drab. Here are 7 renter-friendly hacks for bringing your rental home a little closer to the Pinterest home of your dreams.

Decorate Your Floors

When you enter a room, the first thing you notice is typically the wall decor–maybe it’s a bold and brash painting, or an intricate work of macrame art. Or perhaps an ostentatious piece of furniture that draws your eye first, big and commanding in the middle of a room.

Walls and furniture often take centre stage because tenants gloss over flooring. Yet floors are as much of a blank canvas as your walls. And there are many ways to bring it to life–without using a drop of paint or leaving behind residue that’ll break your tenancy agreement.

Rugs and runners come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. If you’re on a budget–and large area rugs can get expensive fast–you can layer several smaller pieces to add character to your plain floors.

Add Depth With Floating Shelves

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t decorate and walls have to be kept bare. While drilling is prohibited for many lets, you can get around the restriction with floating shelves. 

Many floating shelves can be affixed using a strong adhesive, which kits should already come with. You can even install shelves with exposed brackets. Normally you’d need screws to mount these, but non-damaging adhesive wall screws can do the job as well without making holes.

These renter-friendly fixtures are usually decorative and can only bear the load of a few ornaments. But that’s okay. Like rugs, you can stagger floating shelves in different configurations to maximise the available space.

Decorate with Your Memories

Removable wallpaper can still feel like too pricey of a job for renters, especially if you’re only staying for a short period of time. It also doesn’t stick as well on textured walls, like brick. Depending on the quality of the panels, you might end up with wallpaper that leaches toxic materials, or are fire hazards.

A safer and more affordable way to spruce up walls without repainting or covering the whole thing up with wallpaper is through collages. Lain out gallery-style, photo walls add a nice personal touch to your space. Check out some affordable tricks to bring your own photography into your home.

You don’t need frames if you don’t have them. Neither will you need nails. Using bare photos gives wall collages an eclectic and crafty vibe. Plus, card stock weighs next to nothing and can easily be mounted using removable adhesive like Blu Tack.

Small Touches, Big Impact

When you decorate a space, it can be easy to get lost in the big projects like installing wallpaper or swapping out furniture pieces. But in interior design, even the more understated elements of a space go a long way in tying an aesthetic together.

Some effortless ways to bring your personality to your home without breaking the bank: throw pillows, curtains, and couch blankets. Curtains are relatively easy to install, and come in a limitless array of designs. Throw pillows make even old and generic sofas look cosier. Drape a blanket over it, and it’ll look like a piece straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Ornaments are also key for curating the essence of your chosen aesthetic, whether it’s the free-spirit of boho or the edge of industrial. Place knick knacks strategically on coffee tables and end tables. Take photos and keep an inventory of existing decor so you can stay on-theme when you shop for new items.

Clever Small Space Solutions

Without the ability to add built-in closets or overhead cabinets, renters have limited storage to work with. Fortunately, you can carve out a lot of new space in your small flat with a little bit of creativity. 

Position furniture at an angle near the corners of your room. Use the space behind it to store organisers and boxes. Use multipurpose furniture, like coffee tables and ottomans that double as storage spaces. Skirted tables look good, let you cover a table you may not like, and give you an accessible space for stashing your stuff. If your closet’s starting to clutter, freestanding rails will make your flat look like a high-end boutique while giving you more room for next season’s outfits.

If you’re fond of having friends over, small flats can feel limiting. But with convertible and expandable furniture, you can entertain groups without having to buy large tables or more seating. Nested tables offer more dining space. Convertible sectionals can transform your living room into a guest bedroom when needed.

Open Up Spaces With Mirrors

Walls can make a space feel claustrophobic, especially when it’s found between two open areas, like your living room and kitchen. Homeowners typically deal with that problem by knocking it down.

Unfortunately, a major remodelling project is not an option if you’re renting, but what you can do instead is play with mirrors. Mirrors, when placed strategically, can create the illusion of space and make rooms seem bigger and brighter.

If making things bigger than they appear is the goal, choose oversized mirrors with simple frames. Ornate frames can make a space look more cluttered. Place them at eye level and near light sources like windows and lamps; the reflections will give the room an airy, spacious vibe.

Illuminate With Chic Lighting

Stock lighting for lets is often–to put it simply–hideous. Many landlords don’t put much thought into lighting beyond basic ceiling lights. Many renters accept it as part of living in a rental because contracts often prohibit rewiring.

Yet there’s a world of possibility between the unsightly bulbs your flat comes with and the elaborate fixtures you see on Pinterest. Renters can revamp and light up a room without picking up a single tool. 

Floor lamps are both functional and decorative. If you’re limited on floor space, consider tucking them neatly against corners to brighten the perimeter of a room. You can also place small lamps on your shelves and end tables to chase away dark spots and create cosier task areas for work or study. If lamps are too much for your decorating budget, you can get creative with cheaper fairy lights and plug-in lights. For ugly ceiling lights, out of sight is out of mind–especially with beautiful DIY lampshades and covers.

As limiting as your landlord–and budget–can be, you can still make a rental home feel like your own. All it takes is a little time, creativity, and clever placement.

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How to Make Your Rented Space Feel Like Home

Over the last few years the majority of us spent more time at home, giving many time to rethink their home decor and getting their DIY on. But for those who live in a rented space it can be difficult to put your stamp on it and create somewhere that really feels like your home. 

Below are some tips on how to make a rented space feel like yours without breaking the bank or the terms within your contract.

Fill the space with plants

Purchasing plants and flowers to fill your space is a great way to make it feel more homely. Not only do plants look great, but they also help to clean the air and remove toxins. There are some beautiful plant shops within Bristol, check out Fancy Plants, Sprouts of Bristol, Mila, and Bush Bristol.

Having the colour green in your home is also proven to promote feelings of peace, relaxation, growth and can help with stress relief. Discover more about introducing shades of green into your home here.

No good at keeping plants alive? Check out this list of hard to kill plants.

Buy soft furnishings

Another quick way to create a homely vibe within your space is through comfy cushions and cosy throws! There are so many colours, fabrics and textures to choose from, so even if you are playing with neutral tones or bright pops of colour that may already be within the rental space, the possibilities are endless.

You can pick up great cushions and throws from most supermarket home aisles, or shops such as Dulemn, Homesense and Ikea.

Artwork

Picking up a few prints is a great way to transform a space, add colour and personality to a room. If you’re worried about putting holes into the wall try using Command Strips or place pictures and frames on side tables, dressers, shelving units or even on the floor if you have a larger piece.

Lighting

Having too much light in a room can make it feel oversaturated, but too little light and the space can feel gloomy. Even the best-styled room can look flat if the lighting is inadequate. Try a mix of floor lamps, table lamps and even candles to transform a space or adding different types of bulbs to existing light fixtures.

Mirrors are also perfect for reflecting natural light around a room, this is great for smaller spaces and can make them feel brighter and airy.

Accessorise!

Accessorising is a quick way to transform any room, space or corner. This could be through soft furnishings, candles, photos, vases, decorative accessories or rugs. There are some great independent shops in Bristol where you can buy beautiful home accessories such as Mon Pote and Fig1.

Or check out a local charity shop or vintage store to pick up some quirky, budget friendly home accessories.

Photo: Mon Pote

Get creative with storage

Rental properties can often lack storage, especially if it’s a studio or small flat/apartment. This can lead to clutter and make a space feel smaller, but you can quickly improve this by purchasing storage furniture, using nice looking storage boxes as side tables, hooks for the back of doors, or getting decent underbed storage or wardrobe organisers.

Get painting

Another great way to transform a room is by painting it a different colour, it can do wonders! If you’re dealing with a small space, try using lighter shades, if it’s a large room, have fun and choose a bright colour or darker shades for optimal cosy vibes.

However, if your landlord isn’t keen on the idea of you painting the walls, switch things up and paint a few items of your furniture in accent colours to help make a room pop!

So, there you have it, our top tips on making any rental space feel more like yours. The space you live in should feel like home as much as possible, no matter if it is your own property or not and this can be achieved by implementing a few of the above tips.

If you are currently looking for your next rental, whether this is mid-term or long-term, get in touch or check out our current properties over on our website.

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Long Term vs Short Term Lets: What’s the Difference?

As a buy-to-let landlord, one of the key decisions you’ll have to make is whether to let your property long-term or short-term. 

Profit, of course, is the factor that drives this decision. However, calculating which type of letting will be more profitable is a bit more complicated than just looking at the average earnings of long-term and short-term rentals.

The revenue a property will generate is dictated by unique factors such as location. Your own needs and capacities as a landlord will also factor into how you’ll lease out your property. Short-term and long-term lets both have pros and cons that will make each type more or less suitable for your investment portfolio.

To help you decide which one is right for you, let’s first break down the advantages between short, medium, and long term lets.

What Is A Short-Term Let?

A short-term let is a property that is rented out to tenants for a period of ninety nights or less. The period can vary based on local council regulations. The only area with a hard limit is London, which caps short-term lets at ninety calendar nights a year. These types of properties usually cater to holiday makers.

Advantages

Higher Profit

It’s not hard to see why more than 2.7 percent of the UK’s landlords have moved to the short-term letting market. The rapid growth of platforms like AirBnB and Booking.com is proof enough there’s serious money to be made in these lets. Properties can earn thrice as much when leased for the short-term.

Flexibility

Short let properties give you tighter control over who leases your property and void periods. This ability will be especially appealing for landlords who are letting holiday homes they plan to occupy themselves during certain parts of the year.

Faster Tenant Turnovers

Difficult tenants are a landlord’s worst nightmare. In London, rogue tenants can leave behind an average of £41,358 in damages. With short-term lets, getting stuck with a bad tenant is less of an issue. Even if you do find yourself with a difficult tenant, you’re won’t be legally bound to put up with them for more than a few weeks or days.

Disadvantages

Unpredictability

Short-term lets pay out more per day. However, the trade-off for such high yields is stability. You may find yourself in prolonged void periods, especially if your rental is in a holiday destination where demand is seasonal.

Higher Maintenance Costs

Holiday makers may not be the most conscientious tenants. As they’re only residing in a property for a few weeks–even days–they may not be as careful with your facilities as long-term tenants. Faster turnover also means your rental will need to be cleaned and checked for damages more frequently.

Requires More Effort To Manage

Landlords of short let properties will constantly be managing the flow of tenants. You’ll either find yourself fielding questions about the property, or assisting current guests. Landlords managing multiple properties or who buy-to-let for passive income while working a full job may struggle to give tenants the attention they require.

What Is A Medium-Term Let?

Medium-term lets are a happy middle ground for landlords. Like short lets, medium lets are fully furnished and have utility bills baked into the rates. These homes are ideal for professionals looking for accommodations while on temporary work assignments, or families who are renovating their homes and need a place to stay in the interim.

Advantage

Flexible Yet More Manageable

Medium lets are ideal for landlords who want to reap higher yields and while minimising maintenance duties from quick turnovers. The tenancy duration of a medium let can last anywhere from a month to 8 months.

Disadvantage

Smaller Demand

Short lets have holiday makers and weekend warriors, and long lets have families looking to settle down. Looking for tenants for a medium let is trickier. The variability of the tenancy periods and demand can make it difficult to effectively plan against vacancies.

What Is A Long-Term Let?

Long-term lets are properties that are rented out for longer than 6 months, although typically landlords set the minimum lease period to a year. Long-term letting is the traditional model in the buy-to-let industry, and attracts families and individuals looking to put down their roots.

Advantages

Steady Source Of Income

Stability has always been the main draw of long-term lets, making it ideal for landlords working full time elsewhere. On average, private renters live in homes for 4.3 years. Given a healthy portfolio of long-term lets, landlords can establish a very lucrative source of passive income. Landlords won’t have to chase after payment, as these are required to be taken by standing order at a set date every month.

Takes Less Effort

With long-term lets, much of the daily maintenance and upkeep falls to the tenant. Barring any major repairs for structural damage and wear and tear, it’s up to renters to keep the property clean and livable. Landlords also won’t have to communicate with a stream of changing guests.

Easier To Secure Financing

If you’re planning to take out a mortgage for a buy-to-let property, the only choice you may have will be to rent it out long-term. Because of their riskier and less stable nature, many lenders still hesitate to approve loans for short-term lets. Some banks consider listing a property on AirBnb a breach of contract for residential mortgages.

Disadvantages

Lower Yield

Once the i’s have been dotted and the t’s have been crossed, rates are locked in place for the rest of the lease period. You’ll be unable to increase rent even if market rates rise in your area. Rates are also simply lower for long-term lets, 

Risk Of Bad Tenants

Long-term contracts will be hard to break. The process of evicting a difficult client can also be a drawn out and expensive affair. Even tenants who refuse to pay rent can take months to legally remove from a property; you’ll be paying mortgage and utilities in the meantime.

More Paperwork

Individuals and entire families call long-term lets home for years. Landlords of these properties are bound by more regulations that were established to protect the safety of both tenants and landlords. Legally, landlords must pass inspections, secure certain safety certificates, and register a tenant’s deposit under one of the government’s approved schemes.

Across the UK, rental rates continue to rise for short-term and long-term lets alike. Landlords can further capitalise on the industry’s growth and maximise their profit by choosing the rental property that fits their needs and capabilities.

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Property Jargon Busters: Top 12 terms you should know!

Property

Are you looking to rent or become a landlord and are having difficulty understanding the property expert jargon? If you’re finding yourselves overwhelmed or confused by the terminology, and are struggling to move forward with your move or purchase, then take a look at our jargon breakdown for some helpful information on some keywords. 

HMO 

This initialism stands for ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ and is sometimes  referred to as a ‘House Share’. This is when three or more people, who are not from the same household, live in one property and share facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas. 

HMOs are popular amongst University students and can also be regularly occupied by young professionals looking for somewhere cost-effective to live after leaving home or University.

PCM and PW

PCM stands for ‘Per Calendar Month’. This can be in reference to rent, which will be paid to the landlord or Letting agent monthly. This is the most standard practice when it comes to rent payments, bills and other contractual obligations. Similar to this, you may also have come across PW which means ‘Per Week’. 

STC 

While house hunting you may have come across STC, but what does this mean? Once the property owner has accepted an offer , the property will be moved to the sold ‘subject to contact’ status, meaning that the property owner is awaiting legally binding contracts to be signed and returned by the potential buyer. At this stage, the property will be close to being removed from the market. However, if for any reason the contracts cannot be completed, the sale will fall through and the property may go back to the market, allowing other potential buyers to view the property and make an offer. 

Assured shorthold tenancy

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (or AST) is an agreement between a tenant and landlord in which the tenant is given security of tenure for an agreed length of time, usually 6-12 months. Since being introduced by the Housing Act in 1988, it is now a default and applies to most tenancy agreements in England and Wales used by Private Landlords and Letting Agents. 

A key feature of an AST agreement is that using sections 21 of the Housing Act 1988, Landlords can evict tenants without reason; However this may be changing soon due to government changes to the private rented sector. 

Short Lets 

You may have seen on our own website or through our social media, that we often use the term Short Lets. This is an abbreviation for ‘Short Term Lettings’ and can refer to any property we have available to rent for as little as one day, to one month. If you think of Airbnb, where you might go to search for weekend breaks or city escapes, these will most likely be Short Term Lets. 

Long Lets

Long Lets is an abbreviation for ‘Long Term Lettings’ and quite literally is for people who are looking to rent for a longer term. Our Long Term Lettings will be properties that we are offered on either 6 or 12-month AST contracts. If you are looking for somewhere to live permanently, then these are the properties you will want to search for. 

Mid Term 

Although other letting agents offer Medium Term Lettings which can be contracts of three to eight months, our ‘Mid Term’ Lets are a bit different here at Hopewell. With our Medium or ‘Mid Term’ Lettings, we offer fully furnished properties that are available to rent on a month-by-month basis, with all bills included in the price. 

These properties offer more flexible terms and are perfect for people who need temporary accommodation either between homes, for ongoing home renovations, or are visiting the area for a longer period and would prefer not to live out of a hotel. 

To Let 

When a new property comes onto the rental market, it will be listed with the ‘To Let’ status. This means the property is available for viewings and to accept offers. 

Let Agreed 

Once a property has an offer accepted, the agent will change the property listing to a ‘Let Agreed’ status. Similar to STC, the property is close to being removed from the market, but it hasn’t received all the necessary documents to finalise the tenancy. If the documents and contracts needed to finalise the tenancy aren’t received by the agent, then the property could be reverted back to the ‘To Let’ status, opening it up to new viewings and offers. 

If you see a property you like and it is under ‘Let Agreed’, it might still be worth saving the property. If the tenancy is finalised, the property will then become unavailable, as it will have been removed from the market. 

Property Manager 

Property Managers deal with the day to day of properties within our short or long term portfolios. Our team of expert property managers are here to help our tenants and landlords with whatever issues or questions the property may incur. When you stay in a ‘Managed Property’, all correspondence regarding the property will go through our Property Managers and they will be your first port of call. From listing the property, arranging viewings, and managing cleaning and repairs, our Property Managers are here to ensure both landlords and tenants have the best experience possible. 

Landlord 

A landlord is a person who owns the property and allows others to use it in exchange for payment. If you are looking to rent and are going through an agency, then the likelihood of you meeting your landlord during the renting process is slim. However, if your property is not managed by the agency you have rented through, then your landlord will be your first port of call when something needs addressing in or with your property. 

If your property is managed by your letting agent, then all communication between the landlord and tenant will go through the agency, meaning you will contact your Property Manager for any faults, fixes, or queries you may have. 

Tenant

A tenant is a person who rents and occupies a property that is owned by a landlord. 

Is there still some property jargon we haven’t quite cleared up for you? Feel free to tweet us @hopewellbristol and we’ll be happy to help! 



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13 Questions You Should Ask When Screening Tenants

19% of all households in the UK rent private property. That’s a little over 4.4 million renters. The size of the private renting sector can make it challenging for landlords to sift through applicants. How can you make sure that the people you are letting your property to can be trusted to maintain it and pay rent on time?

A key step in the process of property letting is to have an in-person interview with applicants. You will gain much insight from potential tenants and weed out those that might prove troublesome. To help you with this process, here are 13 questions that you should ask applicants during the screening session.

1. Why Choose to Rent?

The best place to start is to ask why the applicant is renting. It’s a simple question to answer that cuts straight to the heart of the matter, and will allow them to feel more at ease by opening up about themselves.

Usually, their response will be that they’re either finally moving out from their parents’ home to live independently, they need a place that’s closer to work, or they’re currently saving up in the hope of eventually buying their own home.

2. When Do You Plan to Move?

A more practical question, this immediately lets you know if you and the applicant’s schedules align. Having a lengthy void period can be detrimental to your finances, so if the applicant doesn’t actually plan on moving into the property within a reasonable date, you can end the screening now and save each other time. 

3. Have You Ever Rented Before?

Experience in renting can be a big difference maker for how well an applicant will treat your property, while also giving you an idea as to how long they might rent your property.

A first-time renter is unlikely to know what their responsibilities are as a tenant. In that case, you will have to take the time to inform them to ensure your property is well taken care of. 

For those who do have previous experience, you can probe a little deeper into their history of renting to scope out how they might be as a tenant. 

4. If You Have Rented or Are Currently Renting, How’s Your Relationship With Your Latest Landlord?

This follow-up question for experienced renters can hint strongly at how your relationship with them could play out. 

Whatever positives and negatives they bring up should key you in on what they find important as a tenant. If they air out grievances about valid issues like their previous landlord neglecting repairs or being hard to reach, take the opportunity to reassure them that you have processes in place to address such issues.

5. Have You Ever Been Evicted?

While there may be reasonable answers to this question, any other answer than “no” should give you pause. At the very least, asking this during the interview process will give applicants the time and space to explain themselves. Extenuating circumstances must be considered in order to treat applicants fairly. 

6. Do You Have References?

A formal application process will check for references, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the question up front during the interview. This is another way to find out early on if the applicant is prepared for tenancy or not. An applicant that either can’t or won’t provide a reference is likely not a good candidate for letting your property.

7. How Long Do You Plan On Renting?

Conventional wisdom would have it that you only get tenants that can rent for, at the very least, six months. Having to repeat the arduous process of getting a new tenant any sooner than that is not worth the time and effort. However, you may be in the rare situation where you plan on renovating the property you’re letting sometime soon, but you still want to have a tenant in the meantime. In that case, allowing for even shorter contracts may be an option.

8. Are You Looking for Improvements to the Property?

You want to make sure that the tenant is okay with renting the property as it is. Closing the deal without either party acknowledging this particular issue may result in an unhappy, demanding tenant. You do not want your relationship to start off on the wrong foot, with the tenant complaining immediately about the furniture or the heating. 

9. Will You Have Other People Living With You?

The person you’re screening or the people coming in to view your property may not be the only ones who will actually be living in the property. The place may not have enough space for the number of people that the applicant plans on moving in with. More tenants may also increase the wear and tear on the property.

Most importantly, there are legal requirements that need to be met for multiple people renting the same property. All tenants need to be named in the tenancy agreement. If it’s a joint tenancy, any one or all of the tenants can be held liable for paying the whole rent. Insurance terms may also put a hard limit on how many people can live in a property. Ask for the ages of the other occupants and how they might be related to the applicant.

10. Do You Have Pets?

51% of adults in the UK own a pet. With that figure in mind, there’s a fair chance that some of your applicants will have a pet. You do have the right to refuse applicants with pets for a good reason. If you are only letting a small flat, it’s reasonable to decline applicants that have a big dog. This is why it’s also important to ask what kind of pet an applicant may have, if you’re open to having pets in your property.

11. Do You Smoke?

Smoking can cause property damage and may even pose as a safety hazard depending on your property. It’s understandable to have a strict no-smoking policy because of these concerns. Around 5.5 million adults in the UK are smokers, so it’s a fair question to ask and address as soon as possible. There is no law that outright bans smoking in rented properties, but you can include a clause in the tenancy agreement that establishes terms on smoking in your property.

12. What Do You Do for Work?

The more obvious reason for asking about the applicant’s job is to gain some insight on how reliable they will be at paying rent. A tenant with a full-time, high-paying job ideally shouldn’t have trouble settling bills, but there may be some cause for concern if the tenant is a freelancer.

The less apparent reason is to help you figure out the potential behaviour of the applicant. If they are normally working the graveyard shift, it could be difficult to contact them. Someone who works from home may put your property through its paces much faster than someone who has to go to the office throughout the work week.

13. Do You Have Any Questions?

It’s good to remember that this process isn’t supposed to be an interrogation. It’s a conversation where both parties would like to come to an agreement and benefit from one another. By opening yourself up to their questions, you’re showing them that it won’t be a lopsided relationship and that you can be trusted to be transparent.

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Top 5 Things To Know About Bristol

View over Bristol Harbourside during balloon fest

Are you new to living in Bristol? Or are you looking to relocate to the city? There are many wonderful things to know about Bristol – which we’re sure even the born and bred Bristolians won’t know! All of which are great reasons to want to make the big move. See why people love living in this part of the South-West and why they end up staying for life. 

Location

Firstly, it’s undeniable that Bristol is in a great location. Close to Cardiff, Bath, Swindon and just 120 miles from London. Positioned on the M4 corridor, Bristol has terrific travel links by both car and train. Whether you’re a professional or a student, there are many benefits to being located in Bristol, and easy travel access can bring beneficial opportunities.

Being the largest city in the South West and home to two Universities – The University of Bristol and UWE – this often makes Bristol a hub for many events and activities, from festivals and parades, to corporate events. There is always something going on for everyone. 

Work 

Named one of the happiest places to work in the UK, Bristol is said to be a big city with a small-town community. The working culture in Bristol has been influenced by the modern hybrid working styles popular in London, which have grown nationwide in recent years. With multiple coworking spaces and many companies now offering hybrid opportunities, it offers more comfort and flexibility for employees, which can improve their overall wellbeing. 

Bristol is also a huge hub of creative industries, with them being one of the key building blocks of Bristol’s modern economy. This could play a big part in Bristol being such a happy place to work, as people in creative positions claim to be the happiest at work! 

Sustainable 

If you’re an eco-warrior and love all things green, then Bristol might just be the perfect fit for you! In recent years, Bristol has been crowned the greenest city in the UK, scoring the highest for recycling and air quality and awarded the Green Capital Award in 2015. Bristol has long been a centre of alternative living and was ranked as the vegan capital of the world, according to Chef’s Pencil. 

Bristol is a Fairtrade city, trading fairly with nearly five million workers in 58 developing countries. It was also the UK’s first cycling city, being the first to receive government funding, pledging to double the number of people biking on its streets over three years. 

Culture

Bristol is a bustling multicultural city, which embraces multiple different cultures, religions and values. In 2019, Bristol has named the best place to live for under 26’s outside of London, after being recognised for being ranked highly for many factors from mental health and wellbeing to music events, sports facilities, and even 4G strength. It has also been named the kindest city in the UK, and the most artistic city in the UK. 

History 

Bristol is an interesting place and always has something wonderful going on, which is well reflected in the city’s history! For example, did you know that from 2012 – to 2021, the city had its own currency? And until 1840 Bristol had its time zone which ran 10 minutes behind London. 

As well as these, the city holds many other wonderful historic facts. The dark fruity drink Ribena was invented in Bristol in 1933 by a University of Bristol scientist, which grew in popularity during the war as an alternative source of vitamin C. Bristol Zoo, which is due to move from its famous location, is the fifth oldest zoo in the world! And the first-ever bungee jump took place on the 1st of April in 1979, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 

Looking to make the move to the big city? Visit our website to see how we can help you find your perfect property. Or contact our team at hello@hopewell.co.uk for more info!