Author: Contend Legal

  • Share Codes Explained: Right to Rent Checks for Tenants and Landlords

    What is the Right to Rent Check? The Right to Rent check is a legal requirement for landlords in England. Before renting out a property, landlords must check that every adult tenant has the right to live in the UK. This rule was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to prevent people without legal…

  • Service Charges and Utility Bills Explained for Tenants

    Understanding Service Charges Service charges are additional fees that tenants may pay on top of their rent. These charges cover the cost of services provided by the landlord or managing agent for the upkeep and management of the building or communal areas. Service charges are most common in flats or buildings with shared spaces, but…

  • Renting Your Property to the Council: A Landlord’s Guide

    Introduction to Renting Out to the Council Renting out your property to a local council means leasing your home directly to the council, rather than to a private tenant. The council then uses your property as part of its social housing stock, providing accommodation for people in need within the community. This is different from…

  • Rent Inventories and Check-In Reports: Your Essential Guide

    What is a Rent Inventory? A rent inventory is a detailed written record that describes the condition and contents of a rental property at the very start of a tenancy. It usually includes a room-by-room breakdown, listing items such as furniture, appliances, carpets, curtains, and even the state of the walls, floors, and windows. Photographs…

  • Rent Books for Landlords: Legal Requirements and Tips

    What is a Rent Book? A rent book is a document that records rent payments made by a tenant to a landlord. Its main purpose is to provide a clear and accurate record of all payments, helping both parties keep track of what has been paid and when. This is especially useful if there are…

  • Refuge Housing: Safe Accommodation for Domestic Abuse Survivors

    Understanding Refuge Housing for Domestic Abuse Refuge housing is a type of safe, temporary accommodation designed specifically for people escaping domestic abuse. Its main purpose is to offer a secure place to stay when home is no longer safe, giving victims and their children a chance to recover and rebuild their lives away from harm.…

  • Possession Orders Explained: Your Rights and Next Steps

    Understanding Possession Orders A possession order is a legal decision made by a court that gives a landlord the right to take back possession of a property from a tenant. Its main purpose is to resolve disputes when a landlord believes they have a legal reason to end a tenancy, such as rent arrears, breach…

  • How to Prove Illegal Subletting as a UK Landlord

    What is Illegal Subletting? Illegal subletting happens when a tenant rents out all or part of your property to someone else without your permission. This could mean letting out a single room, or even the entire property, to another person. Most tenancy agreements in the UK clearly state that subletting is not allowed unless the…

  • Overhanging Tree Branches and Roots: Legal Overview

    Introduction to Overhanging Tree Branches and Roots When a tree grows close to the boundary between two properties, its branches or roots can sometimes extend into a neighbour’s land. Overhanging branches may block sunlight, drop leaves or fruit, or even damage fences and structures. Invasive roots can disrupt paving, drains, or garden beds, leading to…

  • Key Steps and Timeline for Buying a Home in the UK

    Introduction to Buying a Home Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in the UK. Whether you are a first-time buyer or moving up the property ladder, understanding the process can help you make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. The home buying journey in the UK typically…

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