Category Archives: Property Rentals

News, Pet Friendly Rentals, Pets, Property Rentals

Will the Renters Reform Bill start a pet friendly renting revolution?

The UK Government’s forthcoming Renters Reform Bill could allow up to one million households to take on a pet for the first time, according to research by GoCompare Pet Insurance[i]. Among those set to benefit are older renters looking for specialist retirement housing, where companionship and wellbeing are increasingly important.

My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental specialist, supports the legislation and has long championed pet-friendly living, with many of their developments offering apartments welcoming residents and their pets. They say the new legislation will broaden this, ensuring even more retirees can share their homes with their pet companions.

A key provision of the Bill is the empowerment of tenants to request permission to keep a pet, with landlords required to consider these requests fairly and provide valid reasons if they choose to refuse. This move addresses the longstanding challenge faced by renters seeking pet-friendly accommodations.

Research highlights that pets are more than companions, they can improve mental and physical wellbeing. Studies show[ii] that 90% of pet owners feel mentally healthier thanks to their pet and are less likely to feel lonely, experience reduced stress and anxiety, and report higher levels of happiness.

Caring for a pet also provides routine and purpose, which can be particularly important after retirement. For 75-year-old Ann Gardner, having her dog Harry with her in retirement apartment has been life-changing. After relocating from Germany and Holland, Ann moved into Homefarris House in Shaftesbury, managed by My Future Living.

“Harry is such a big part of my life, and having him with me makes all the difference,” she says. “We go for lots of walks every day, and he’s even made friends at the coffee mornings, where they give him biscuits!”

Joanne Couch, Director of Finance and Operations at My Future Living comments: “For My Future Living residents, we understand pets provide such companionship, routine, and joy. We have always welcomed residents with pets subject to the rules of individual developments and now many more people will be able to rent in private rentals with their pets.

Another important element of the Bill is the move towards making Assured Tenancies more commonplace. My Future Living has preferred this type of tenancy for many years, as it offers residents increased security of tenure and peace of mind, giving them the confidence to plan their retirement without the fear of unexpected moves.

With the Bill expected to be reviewed and enacted by early 2026, older renters have a timely opportunity to plan a future where companionship, community, security and wellbeing go hand in hand with their choice of home.

For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

 

About My Future Living:

My Future Living is the leading UK retirement rentals brand, a subsidiary of ReSI Property Management Ltd. Specialising in high-quality, age-exclusive assured tenancy rental properties in secure and welcoming later living communities across the UK, My Future Living makes retirement renting easy and affordable. With 2,190 apartments tailored exclusively for those aged 55 and above, situated in modern purpose-built retirement developments along the coast, in vibrant cities, or picturesque market towns, we offer homes to suit every lifestyle and preference.

For more information, please visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk

 

News, Property, Property & Construction, Property Rentals, Proptech

Clock is ticking for housing associations to comply with Awaab’s Law next month, warns FourNet

Digital tools will be critical to meeting new 24-hour and 10-day health hazard deadlines, say digital transformation and customer experience specialists

Leading digital transformation and customer experience specialists FourNet have warned housing associations that time is running out if they wish to avoid fines, legal action, and reputational damage for failing to comply with Awaab’s Law.

Awaab Ishak – bathroom mould_ Pic – Greater Manchester Police

FourNet, which works with a range of housing providers across the UK, says technology and AI will be crucial to ensure tenants are kept safe and landlords comply with the new laws.

The legislation, which comes into force on 27 October 2025, imposes strict deadlines on social landlords to address health hazards such as damp and mould.

Under the new regulations, emergency hazards must be dealt with in 24 hours, while significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days. Landlords will also be required to provide written updates to tenants or offer safe alternative accommodation if repairs cannot be made in time.

The new rules represent one of the most significant compliance challenges the housing sector has faced in decades.

Richard Pennington, CEO FourNet

Richard Pennington, CEO at FourNet, said: “Awaab’s Law will transform the way housing associations need to operate. The new regulations put tenant health and safety at the very heart of the sector, and demand strict accountability.

 “Investigating hazards in ten working days and resolving emergencies within 24 hours simply cannot be managed without digital infrastructure that tracks every tenant interaction and automates every critical step.
 “Housing associations and public sector landlords need to be ready, and with the right tools, technology and expertise, FourNet can help keep tenants safe and landlords compliant.”

Tight timescales and mandatory reporting obligations mean that manual processes and outdated systems will not be enough.

 Social landlords will need integrated case management, AI-powered analytics, and workflow automation to meet the law’s demands and demonstrate compliance.

 For housing associations preparing for Awaab’s Law, FourNet says that means:
  • Interaction analytics that flag repeat complaints of damp or mould, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
  • Auto-Summary and Auto-Wrap tools that generate the written updates now required under the law.
  • Workflow automation to make sure repair requests are prioritised and resolved within statutory deadlines.
  • Integrated case management that gives staff a single, auditable view of each tenant’s journey.

FourNet already delivers secure cloud-based communications and customer experience solutions to a range of UK housing associations, central government, local authorities and critical national infrastructure organisations with high stakes compliance and security requirements.

James Rowell, Account Director at FourNet, said: “The housing sector has just weeks to ensure it is compliant when Awaab’s Law comes into force. The risk of failing to act is enormous – fines, legal exposure, and most importantly, the health and safety of tenants.

“FourNet’s solutions, ranging from Auto-Summary tools that create the written updates now required, to analytics that flag repeat complaints of mould, are designed to give housing associations complete visibility and control. With the right systems in place, compliance is achievable. Without them, landlords will struggle.”

Awaab’s Law is being introduced in phases following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 in Rochdale, caused by prolonged exposure to mould. The law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, will be written directly into tenancy agreements from October 2025.

You can read more about how FourNet can help keep tenants safe and landlords compliant with the new rules, here.

Property News, Property Rentals

Dilapidations: Top Legal Expert Shares Advice On How To Best Handle Disputes

A legal expert has shared his advice on how to best deal with dilapidations disputes – which are becoming an increasing issue for landlords and tenants in the commercial property sector.

Oliver Maxwell, a Senior Associate Solicitor at law firm Smith Partnership specialising exclusively in property-based disputes, said a “proactive approach” is key to ensuring disputes don’t become drawn out and expensive.

“Dilapidations disputes are becoming increasingly common,” Oliver said. “The law in this area is complex, and can create real problems for both landlords and tenants, particularly when commercial leases come to an end. Having a strategy in place, and getting quality advice at an early stage is essential.

“A property is probably the most valuable asset you’ll ever own, and so if you let it out to a commercial tenant, you need to make sure that they look after it to avoid it depreciating in value.

“Ideally dilapidations should be addressed and monitored throughout the course of the lease, and not just dealt with at the end of the term. Most modern leases will contain mechanisms to address breaches of repairing covenants throughout the term to ensure that the property can be kept in an appropriate state of repair and condition. Where these mechanisms are utilised, it can reduce the likelihood of a dispute arising when the lease comes to an end.

“When it comes to settlements, a proactive approach is important. This can allow the process to be more cost-effective, rather than completing extensive repairs.”

Here, Oliver explains what dilapidations are, how disputes arise and the best tactics for dealing with them.

What are dilapidations?

The term “dilapidations” refers to items of disrepair to commercial property caused by a breach of a tenant’s repairing covenants. In other words, where a tenant fails to maintain or repair the property in accordance with their lease obligations, dilapidations can arise.

Before any repair obligation can “bite”, the property (or some part of it) must be in disrepair. This means that the physical condition of the item in question must have deteriorated in some way.

The principal source of a tenant’s repairing obligations will be their lease, but they can also be found in documents that are supplemental to the lease, such as licences to alter or deeds of variation. Some tenants will want to record the condition of the property at the start of their lease, and seek to limit their repairing obligations by reference to that schedule.

Why do dilapidations disputes happen?

When a tenant fails to maintain or repair the property in accordance with their lease obligations, this can cause damage to the landlord’s reversionary interest. Put more simply, where a tenant fails to maintain or repair the landlord’s property, the value of the property can decrease.

During the term of the lease, the landlord generally has more options available. They can sue for damages, may be able to forfeit (that is, bring to an end early) the lease, or exercise what are known as “step in rights” (if the lease allows it) where they can carry out the work themselves and re-claim the costs from the tenant as a debt. These are known as “interim” dilapidations remedies. At term end, the landlord’s options are generally limited to damages only. These are typically referred to as “terminal” dilapidations claims.

Dilapidations disputes arise where the parties disagree about whether the tenant has complied with their repairing obligations under the lease, and to what extent. The starting point will almost always be the preparation and service of a Schedule of Dilapidations, setting out a list of allegations of breach with the costs of remedying them.

There are many reasons that disputes arise, but some of the most common are:-

  1. Disputes as to the scope of the works: Each lease will be different, and disagreements can arise as to whether (and to what extent) an obligation to repair applies to any given area of a property and the standard of repair that is required. There may also be obligations upon a tenant to reinstate alterations if any licence to alter and/or the lease dictates this. There may also be a requirement for the landlord to serve a notice to reinstate before this obligation is triggered. That notice may or may not be time-limited.
  2. Disputes as to the cost of the works: Even where the scope of the works is agreed, disputes can still arise as to what the true cost of the works will be. Very often, landlords will want to present their “best case” in any Schedule of Dilapidations. In response, the tenant may (quite legitimately) argue that the works the landlord is requiring are excessive and will result in a windfall.
  3. Lease interpretation: Following on from the above, words in commercial leases are often very deliberate and have very specific meanings. Sometimes, the obligations upon a tenant (depending on their wording) can mean that they are required to return the property in a “better” state of condition than when they were leased to them.
  4. Statutory safeguards: There are several pieces of law that can limit the landlord’s interim remedies and operate to reduce (or, in some cases, entirely extinguish) a landlord’s terminal claim for damages.

Oliver added:  “Each lease will vary, but a tenant might have an obligation to repair all of the structure or it could be limited to repairing the inside of the property only. They might have to decorate it. They might have to do things to it in order to put it in a more tenantable condition than when they took the lease on, depending on what the lease covenant says. The devil here is in the detail, and what the parties’ intentions were at the time that the lease was entered into.”

Advice on handling dilapidations disputes

“A solid understanding of the repairing obligations contained in a commercial lease is essential. Both landlords and tenants should be aware of what the obligations mean before a lease is entered into. If you are unsure about any of the clauses, ask your legal advisor.

If you are a tenant, consider trying to limit your obligations by reference to a schedule of condition and/or consider setting up a contingency fund throughout the lease term, which can be used to cover any likely repairs when it comes to terminating the lease.

Parties to a commercial lease should be considering the position on dilapidations both during and in contemplation of the end of the term. Plan ahead, and take advice in contemplation of key events happening. Regular inspections might help both parties to understand where they currently are and what (if anything) might be required at lease end. Do not ignore a Schedule of Dilapidations if it is served on you. Depending on whether it is received during or at the end of the term, you may have different options and safeguards available to you.”

Image Source: Unsplash

Property Rentals

Tenants – what are your rights if your landlord forfeits your lease?

If your landlord forfeits your lease you need to seek urgent advice to explore whether the landlord had the right to forfeit. If it did, you may be able to remedy the situation and be allowed back into the premises. If it did not have the right to forfeit, you will be allowed to return, and you may have a claim for damages.

Most commercial leases have an express forfeiture clause which applies if the tenant has breached the express obligations (covenants) in the lease.

If there is no clause in the lease, the landlord does not have a right to forfeit.

Commonly landlords will forfeit for non-payment of rent. For this type of breach, a landlord can proceed immediately with either forfeiture by peaceable re-entry or applying to Court to forfeit the lease and obtain an order for possession.

In the case of breaches other than non-payment of rent, there is a statutory process landlords must follow before they can forfeit. This involves the landlord serving a Section 146 Notice on the tenant giving them a reasonable period of time to remedy the breach, failing which the landlord can proceed to apply to Court for possession.

If permitted by the lease, a landlord can forfeit by peaceable re-entry for non-payment of rent only. This method involves a landlord or certified agent physically re-entering the premises and changing the locks.

Landlords may also apply to Court to forfeit a lease. The service of proceedings on the tenant demonstrates the landlord’s intention to forfeit the lease. However, the lease terminates only once the Court makes the order for possession. If a landlord has a Court Order to forfeit, it is rare that forfeiture could be deemed unlawful.

A landlord cannot enforce a breach of the tenant’s obligations committed after service of the proceedings, meaning a landlord is precluded from bringing further claims against the tenant.

Following forfeiture, the tenant’s possessions usually remain in the premises. A landlord becomes an ’involuntary bailee’ which means that they are responsible for ensuring there is no damage to tenant possessions.

The landlord is required to give tenants an opportunity to collect their possessions, failing which the landlord may proceed to sell the possessions.

The landlord is required to account to the tenant for the sale proceeds, less any costs of sale.

Tenants should know that even if forfeiture is lawful, they have a right to apply to Court for relief from forfeiture, the effect of which is for the lease to be reinstated by the Court. Relief can only be granted by the Court.

Where forfeiture was carried out by peaceable re-entry, the tenant has 6 months from the date of peaceable re-entry to apply to Court for relief.

Tenants can also apply for relief by way of a counterclaim to a claim for possession by a landlord.

In most cases of relief from forfeiture where the breach is non-payment of rent, the Court will grant relief if the arrears, the landlord’s costs of forfeiting and any interest accruing on the arrears are paid. Accordingly, if the tenant is able to show they are ready, willing and able to pay those costs, a Court is likely to grant relief.

A landlord is at risk of a damages claim if it unlawfully carries out forfeiture by peaceable re-entry. This may arise if the landlord does not have a right to forfeit, or if they have waived their right to forfeit.

As a tenant, if your landlord forfeits by peaceable re-entry, this could have negative consequences for your business, as you will not physically or legally be able to run your business from the premises. Such disruption may affect staff, reputation and your profits.

Even if a landlord has a right to forfeit, some comfort for tenants is that a landlord may waive this right by actions or communications which acknowledge the lease as continuing. This may include your landlord chasing you for rent, sending invoices, or even discussing your obligations in the lease with you.

Isabella Mason is a Solicitor at Taylor Walton Solicitors www.taylorwalton.co.uk

News, Property News, Property Rentals

UK’s Fastest-Growing Student Lettings Agency Opens New Bristol Office

Written by Naumaan Farooq

One of the UK’s fastest-growing student lettings agencies, loc8me, has marked another major milestone with the launch of a new branch in Bristol.

The company’s new space is located on Whiteladies Road in the heart of Bristol and represents a significant investment in the city’s thriving student market.

With the ability to accommodate thousands across a vast portfolio of managed properties, it will serve students in Bristol, Cardiff, and Bath while driving job creation and supporting the company’s continued growth.

The expansion further solidifies its position as a dominant player in the student housing sector, continuing its rapid growth strategy across the country.

Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Raffaele Russo from his Loughborough University bedroom, loc8me has been driven by a bold ambition to transform student lettings. Seventeen years later, the company has grown at an unprecedented pace, becoming one of the UK’s leading student accommodation providers.

Today, loc8me manages more than 2,500 properties and houses over 6,700 students across 13 major university cities, including Loughborough, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Durham, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leicester, Hull, Bath, and now Bristol.

With more than 500 landlords on board and a workforce exceeding 75 staff, the company is showing no signs of slowing down.

Raffaele attributes loc8me’s success to its unique approach – one that goes beyond simply providing student accommodation.

“From day one, our mission has been to offer more than just a place to live. We create communities where students can make lifelong memories, form friendships and create experiences that stay with them long after university,” he said.

“Our expansion into Bristol is a testament to the strength of our model and the growing demand for high-quality student housing. We’re investing in the future of student living and showing that we’re here to stay.”

The firm has built its reputation on offering modern, stylish, and well-managed properties, ensuring students feel at home while they study.

Unlike traditional lettings agencies, the company focuses on creating spaces that enhance the student experience, from social-friendly interiors to seamless property management services. This emphasis on quality has driven loc8me’s rapid rise and positioned it as a leader in the competitive student lettings market.

As student populations continue to rise, the demand for well-managed, high-quality accommodation is stronger than ever, and loc8me is capitalising on this trend with its new branch.

As the company continues to scale up operations nationwide, the Bristol launch signals another step toward its long-term vision: to redefine student living.

Reflecting on his journey from a single office to running a nationwide company, Raffaele added: “I started loc8me with just a handful of properties and a dream to do things differently. I wanted to create a lettings agency that truly puts students first while also building strong, trusted relationships with landlords.

“With a clear track record of success, an ever-expanding portfolio, and a commitment to continuous growth, loc8me is proving that its rise in the industry is far from over. If anything, this is just the beginning.

“Seeing where we are now is incredible, but we’re only getting started. We want to keep growing, keep innovating, and keep providing students with homes where they can thrive. Bristol is a huge step forward for us, and I’m excited for what’s next.”

News, Property News, Property Rentals

Reapit hosts industry leaders in discussion on the Renters’ Rights Bill opportunities & challenges

On Wednesday 12 February, Reapit, a leading technology provider to the property sector, hosted an exclusive legislative briefing and Q&A session in Westminster for UK estate and letting agencies, including Savills, John D Wood & Co. and Leaders Romans Group. Attendees gathered to discuss with industry experts and politicians the key challenges and opportunities the industry will have to navigate after sweeping changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill take effect later this year.

The Bill, currently awaiting committee scrutiny in the House of Lords, is the biggest reform to the private rented sector (PRS) in 30 years. Changes include removing fixed-term tenancies, evictions reform, stringent timelines on addressing hazards in properties, banning bidding wars, and preventing tenants from offering – and landlords or agents from accepting – rent in advance.

Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Kevin Hollinrake takes questions from Reapit clients on the Renters’ Rights Bill

Understanding the opportunities and challenges

Speakers including Kevin Hollinrake MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government; legal expert David Smith from JMW; and political consultant Simon Darby from PLMR took questions from attendees about the legislation and its impact on their businesses.

Beyond providing insights, the event also served as an opportunity for Reapit to showcase proactive changes being made to its platform ahead of the legislation’s implementation, which is expected in the autumn.

Reapit is also running a follow-up Hot Topic webinar on Reapit IQ, detailing the key steps letting agents need to take to get ready for Renters’ Rights.

Dr Neil Cobbold (Reapit) discusses the challenges and opportunities agents face under the incoming Renter’s Rights Bill

Agents urged to act now

Speaking at the event, Dr Neil Cobbold, Reapit’s Commercial Director, emphasised the urgency for agents to act: “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents one of the most significant changes to the lettings industry in decades. With some provisions potentially coming into effect as early as September, agents must be proactive in preparing.

“There are plenty of challenges including tenancy reforms and eviction changes, but there are also many opportunities for agents to make a real impact on their tenants’ and landlords’ experience by acting as their trusted industry expert.

“At Reapit, we’re committed to supporting the industry every step of the way with the right tech and training, to ensure agents can navigate these changes with confidence and continue delivering outstanding service.”

 

 

News, Property, Property Rentals, Retirement

Renting in a retirement community offers a ‘lock-up-and-leave’ lifestyle for retirees embracing adventure in 2025

As retirees plan for 2025, many are opting for a ‘lock-up-and-leave’ lifestyle by renting in retirement communities, which makes it easy to travel the world without the worry of leaving an empty home behind. My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental brand, highlights the growing appeal of this flexible and secure housing solution for adventure seeking retirees.
New research by Booking.com[i] reveals the top 10 bucket-list destinations for Brits over 65 years old, with New Zealand (24%), Japan (21%), and Australia (20%) topping the list. Notably, over half (56%) of respondents are keen to challenge the stereotype that global travel is for the young, and 27% report a newfound passion for exploration as they age.
Joanne Couch, Managing Director at My Future Living, said: “Renting in a retirement development offers the perfect mix of freedom and security. Retirees can travel knowing their home is safe, and enjoy long-term tenancies that provide a stable base to return to after their adventures. Whether it’s visiting family abroad, ticking off bucket-list destinations, or simply embracing a more flexible lifestyle, renting makes it all possible.”
My Future Living properties are designed to provide both independence and peace of mind. Many developments feature communal lounges and organise social activities, such as coffee mornings and local outings. Most properties also include a 24-hour careline and an onsite manager, ensuring added security for those venturing on extended trips.
Unlike private sector rentals, My Future Living offers lifetime assured tenancies, giving retirees the stability of a permanent home without the hassle of property upkeep or the uncertainty of short-term arrangements. This unique combination makes renting in a retirement community an ideal choice for those planning new adventures in 2025.
My Future Living now feature online property viewing videos for many of their properties, including this one-bedroom retirement apartment in All Saints Court in Market Weighton which is £725 per calendar month. Market Weighton is a thriving market town in Yorkshire with a lovely green, duck pond and Georgian and Victorian streets. The property is located close to the high street close to shops, restaurants and other amenities. Click here to view the online video and property details.
For more information and other available properties visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.
News, Property Rentals, Retirement

Downsizing in 2025 could be the key to free time and financial flexibility for retirees

The Autumn Budget could prompt older homeowners to reassess their financial and housing needs, says My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental brand, with moving to a smaller, more manageable home to release capital likely be a key focus for retirees in 2025.

Joanne Couch, Managing Director at My Future Living (pictured above) said, “Downsizing is about finding the perfect balance, a home that fits your needs today and allows you to live the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. For those considering downsizing, renting in retirement is becoming increasingly popular.

“Renting after selling up frees up capital, as well as time as people don’t need to maintain and clean a large property. Retirement apartments are designed for security, convenience, and community. Downsizing in 2025 can offer financial freedom, more leisure time, and a simpler, more enjoyable retirement.”

Five Tips for Downsizing

Joanna offers five tips for those considering downsizing in 2025:

  • Assess your housing needs – Evaluate what you truly need in a home. This can change as people age. Consider location, size, and features that will support your lifestyle and future needs.
  • Explore retirement rental options – Renting in retirement offers flexibility and can remove the burden of property ownership, allowing you to focus on enjoying life.
  • Plan financially – Consult with a financial adviser to understand the implications of selling your home, releasing equity, and reducing inheritance tax liabilities.
  • Declutter your home – Begin sorting through belongings before the move. Downsizing is an excellent opportunity to simplify and only keep items that bring value or joy.
  • Begin your search – Kick off 2025 by searching for a new home. Do your research online first, before narrowing down your search criteria and viewing properties.

“I now have a worry-free life and if something needs fixing its sorted very quickly which is great!”

One lady who downsized and is enjoying the social side of retirement living is 77 year old Jean Wray. She sold her home in North London, and downsized to rent an apartment in Homeshore House, a retirement development in Seaford in East Sussex for a quieter way of life and to be close to the sea.

Jean said, “I love being part of the community and helping get those who want to socialise to get out and about. We also have a communal greenhouse where we grow and share all our produce with each other. It’s a lovely way to get out, keep busy and meet new people.

“Homeshore House is the perfect place to live, not only because the surroundings and gardens are immaculate with trees dotted everywhere but I’ve got the beautiful South Downs on one side and the sea on the other. Right outside the development is a bus stop which means I can easily get into Brighton and Eastbourne.”

When asked about renting in retirement, Jean adds, “We used to own a lovely house but maintaining it was getting harder. We also wanted to free up some money so we could help our son with a deposit for his own place. I now have a worry-free life and if something needs fixing its sorted very quickly which is great.”

Most developments have communal lounges, gardens, a lift, guest suites and an onsite manager, plus there is a 24-hour careline in the majority of apartments for out of hours emergencies. Many of My Future Living properties are available on long term assured tenancies.

For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

News, Property News, Property Rentals, Retirement

Renters Reform Bill Passes Second Reading: My Future Living Pioneers Rental Security for Older Tenants

On 10th October the second reading of the Renters Reform Bill was passed, a crucial step toward improving protection for renters across the UK, with a focus on preventing unfair evictions and providing greater security. Leading retirement rental specialist My Future Living, with over 2,000 properties nationwide, has long championed rental security through assured tenancies—helping retirees feel safe and supported in their homes.

One couple’s story highlights the importance of secure housing in later life.

 

How Assured Tenancy Transformed Lives

For Michael Broome, 80, and Anna Harvey, 70, the start of 2024 was filled with anxiety. After 19 years in their rented bungalow, they were forced to move when the owner sold the property. Having retired from long careers at Sainsbury’s, they suddenly found themselves navigating an uncertain housing market, never imagining they’d find a new home that matched their needs—until they discovered My Future Living.

 

“We thought it would be impossible to find another place that felt like home,” said Michael. “Being forced to leave after so long was devastating. At our age, starting over wasn’t in our plans.”

After months of searching, the couple found a one-bedroom apartment in a retirement development called Oakhaven in Harwich through My Future Living. It wasn’t just a roof over their heads; it was a welcoming retirement community, full of like-minded individuals, offering amenities and services designed to enhance their quality of life.

 

“Moving here has been a dream come true,” said Anna. “We were so worried after losing our home, but My Future Living has given us a new sense of peace and security.”

For Michael and Anna, the assured tenancy meant that they would never again face the uncertainty of losing their home. This long-term rental security, provided by My Future Living, has allowed them to fully enjoy their retirement years without fear.

 

“A New Lease on Life”

“We feel like we’re on holiday every day,” Anna shared. “We spend time by the sea, and the community here is incredible. It’s transformed our lives.”

Michael added, “Knowing that we have an assured tenancy means we’ll never have to face that uncertainty again. It’s a huge relief.”

For Trevor Worrell aged 68 years (pictured above) who downsized to a one-bedroom flat in retirement development Marlowe Lodge in Croydon through My Future Living now enjoys the benefits of an assured tenancy. His assured tenancy agreement gives him peace of mind as he has protection from eviction and can stay in his home for as long as he wishes, plus the freedom to give the required notice and leave at any time if he wants to.

As the Renters Reform Bill moves forward, My Future Living’s model of secure, assured tenancies offers a blueprint for the industry. By providing retirees with modern, affordable homes and a sense of stability, My Future Living ensures that older tenants like Michael, Anna and Trevor can enjoy their later years in peace.

For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

 

About My Future Living:

My Future Living is the leading UK retirement rentals brand, a subsidiary of ReSI Property Management Ltd. Specialising in high-quality, age-exclusive assured tenancy rental properties in secure and welcoming later living communities across the UK, My Future Living makes retirement renting easy and affordable. With 2,190 apartments tailored exclusively for those aged 55 and above, situated in modern purpose-built retirement developments along the coast, in vibrant cities, or picturesque market towns, we offer homes to suit every lifestyle and preference.

For more information, please visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.

Property Rentals

Property inventories – the 10 must knows for tenants

You’ve found a property, filed the paperwork and been told it’s yours to move into, but before you can start packing up boxes and planning where the furniture will go, there is the matter of the paperwork – and of course, the deposit.
Included in that paperwork is an inventory – which can be a large, incredibly detailed document that to the untrained eye may seem unimportant.
But as a tenant, the inventory is one of the most important processes to complete which will help to protect both you and your landlord over claims for repairs or damages to the property and help to ensure a smooth process when you come to leave.
As an expert in providing property inventories, Handan Rolande, from Exact Property Services have provided our top ten ‘must knows’ for all tenants to help navigate you through the process.

What is a property inventory?

A property inventory is a detailed document which records not only what is in the property you are renting, but the condition of the fixtures and fittings at the start and end of a tenancy. It also evaluates everything from structural elements like floors and ceilings, the state of repair and meter readings. It will also tell you key information like the location of the water stop cock.

Why do I need an inventory?

An inventory and check-in report helps you as a tenant keep track of any changes during the tenancy. This will be used as the starting point for any disputes both during the tenancy and when it comes to returning a deposit at the end. With the deposit often being a substantial amount of money, it is an important way to ensure a fair resolution of any damages.

Who should carry out the inventory?

Some experienced landlords and letting agents conduct the inventory themselves but in most cases a separate and independent inventory expert carries them out. It is generally considered better if the person conducting the report is unconnected to the property to ensure impartiality. As a tenant, you can ask for it to be carried out by someone independent.

Who pays for the inventory?

Good news for tenants in England, Scotland and Wales: since the Tenant Fees Act (2019) came into force, landlords and letting agents in England cannot charge the cost of preparing an inventory. If an unscrupulous or inexperienced landlord tries to pass this cost on, you are not obliged to pay. If a tenant is asked to hand over a deposit without an inventory, they should be wary.
However in Northern Ireland it remains legal for a landlord to make these charges directly to a tenant.

What’s the difference between ‘damage’ and ‘fair wear and tear’?

There is an expectation that there will be what is known as ‘fair wear and tear’ when someone is living in a property. This is described as deterioration of a property and its contents which would happen naturally over time and includes things like minor scuffs on carpets or chips on paintwork. This is also why the starting condition of the property is so important to capture in the inventory.
However, with any deliberate or accidental damage, such as a large stain on a carpet or broken furniture, the landlord has the right to expect that the tenant covers the cost of repairs or replacement. However, there is an understanding that the costs claimed cannot be ‘old for new’ if the item damaged was not new when you moved in.

What is a check-in report? Is it different from the inventory?

A check-in report documents the condition of everything in the property when the tenant moves in. It’s also known as the schedule of condition and accompanies the inventory report. Ideally, the check-in should be carried out on the day tenants move in, and it’s beneficial for them to be present.

What is the check-out report?

When a tenancy ends and you have removed your belongings, a check out inspection is performed and the property’s current condition will be compared with the inventory records. This is when the differences between wear and tear and actual damage will be recorded as well as things such as reading the meters.  It is at this stage that decisions on whether the landlord will be requesting part, or all, of the deposit to cover damage will be made.
 If disputes arise, both the landlord and tenant need evidence to support their claims, found in the inventory and check-in report. If there is no inventory and check-in report, your landlord will have no frame of reference from which to make any claims.

Does the Inventory Report Need to Be Signed?

While it’s not mandatory to sign the reports, its recommended that you sign an inventory which you are happy with, to avoid potential disputes.

Do I need to be present for check-in and check-out?

You aren’t required to be present, but we would recommend it as it is an opportunity to raise any doubts or concerns about the inspection and ensure everything you agree on is documented. It’s a good time to raise any issues you might have and establish how these can be addressed.

Does the landlord have a right to conduct an inspection during the tenancy?

A landlord can inspect a property during the tenancy, which is known as a mid-term inspection. They can do this to ensure the property is being well-maintained and check the property against the check in report. It is a good time for the tenant to raise any issues you might have, such as repair needs or maintenance issues.