Do you need a UK guarantor?

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our lives, one of the things that has emerged from it in the UK is a renewed love for pets. Some landlords have noted an increase in enquiries from potential tenants with pets and two Build-to-Rent (BTR) firms are among those welcoming them with pet stations and suitable, usable outdoor space. 

Handing over up to 5 weeks of rent when moving into your new rental home can leave your bank account looking a little sorry for itself. Maximise your chances of getting your deposit returned to you in full by taking a look below at some common pitfalls.

While the coronavirus pandemic has affected many areas of people's lives, often not in a positive way, one development that has been embraced by many of us in the UK is the increased use of online shopping and services options. This has escalated the rate at which mainly online retailers are growing and also, the rate at which some bricks and mortar retailers are losing business. Amid this development and the continued lack of residential homes in the right areas across the UK, the government has launched an unexpected consultation on the conversion of retail units into residential homes in England.

With Universities welcoming back in-person learning, many students will be planning to return to their student homes. At the same time, first year students for the 2021-2022 academic year will also begin considering where they will live when they take their next step in higher education.

As if the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic isn't enough for the UK's army of renters to cope with, with the UK set to sever ties with the EU from January 1 2021, the country could face a glut of returning expats seeking a rental home while they decide on their next move. 

As the end of a difficult year comes into sight, recent research delivers an unusual result in the UK's rental market; average rents in countryside locations rose in October, while city properties proved less popular with tenants and rents fell. This dynamic, which is a reversal from the same time a year earlier, means the difference in average rents between the two locations has narrowed.

Approximately 40 universities have reported coronavirus cases and as a result many face-to-face classes have been suspended. As the academic year begins, thousands of students are in self-isolation. The National Union of Students have revealed that 1 in 3 students would like to be released early from their rental obligations whilst fewer than a tenth have been provided with this opportunity. Why? 

Approximately 40 universities have reported coronavirus cases and as a result many face-to-face classes have been suspended. As the academic year begins, thousands of students are in self-isolation. The National Union of Students have revealed that 1 in 3 students would like to be released early from their rental obligations whilst fewer than a tenth have been provided with this opportunity. Why? 

A recent survey has confirmed that 2020 and the early months of 2021 have been difficult for the student letting sector, as average rents and demand for student rental homes declined notably.

As the UK's lettings industry picks its way through coronavirus-induced problems, it appears the global pandemic isn't enough to discourage new entrants to the market. John Lewis has announced plans to invest in build-to-rent on a number of its existing land sites, while Czech proptech firm Flatio has made an investment into what it calls mid-term renting in the UK.

As the UK's private rental sector (PRS) landlords work hard to support their tenants during the coronavirus pandemic, the industry has come under fire for the quality of housing on offer and a lack of future planning. Two separate reports from Shelter and the Institute of Housing (IOH) each criticise the provision of rental homes now and in the future, with accusations levelled mainly at the government.