AML Regulations for Landlords: What you Need to Know (& Why You’ll Need a Letting Agent)
New anti-money laundering (AML) regulations came into force on 14 May 2025, and they’re already reshaping the rental market—especially for student landlords.
11 Pitfalls Student Landlords Often Encounter (and How to Dodge Them)
At Bristol Digs, we know that student landlords want to balance a strong return on investment with providing quality, compliant housing that appeals to student renters.
Why Should Landlords Use an ARLA Approved Agent?
ARLA Propertymark was formed in 2017, when leading industry bodies including ARLA, NAEA, NAVA and more combined to form a single brand with the aim of the raising industry standards, promoting education and helping landlords protect and maximise their investment.
At Abode, we are proud to be part of ARLA Propertymark and were ARLA approved for many years before the new brand was formed. Our commitment to a quality service means we not only abide by, but aim to excel the high standard required to retain ARLA Propertymark membership.
So why should you use an ARLA Property Mark member? There a number of benefits for both landlords and tenants – read our latest blog post to find out more.
A Short Guide to HMO Landlord Insurance
Whether you’re a landlord with one House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) property or a whole portfolio, owning a buy-to-let property is a substantial investment and ensuring you have the right landlord insurance in place is crucial. Having the right landlord’s insurance gives you the safeguards and protection should something happen to the building or your tenants.
There are many different types of specialist landlord insurance and it will depend on your circumstances as to which cover options they build into a policy. This guide will detail some of the key areas to consider, but please speak to your insurance provider as the terms will vary between companies.
Tips on Making Your HMO Property More Energy Efficient
With the huge rise in energy costs in the past couple of years, making your HMO property more energy efficient has never been more beneficial to a landlords, especially if rooms are let and include bills.
Student and young professionals, despite their tighter budgets, are still keen to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint and choosing to rent a more energy efficient property is important to this group, and even more so if bills are not included in the rent.
How HMO Landlords and Student Tenants Can Work Together To Reduce Rental Costs
With the cost of living having increased substantially in the last few years, student tenants and their landlords are feeling the effects. However, there are ways that HMO landlords, letting agents and students can work together to help minimise living costs for tenants.
In this blog we’ll look at 6 key areas where proactive measures could help student tenants and landlords reduce rental costs.
12 Ways to Add Value to Your HMO Rental Property
As a landlord you want to maximise your investment in your HMO properties, whilst providing good accommodation for your tenants. With 35% of households living in social or private rented accommodation, there is good demand for rental property, but attracting a certain demographic and investing in your property takes careful consideration to ensure you get a return on your investment.
In this blog we look at the 12 ways landlords can add value to an HMO rental property and appeal to their ideal tenants, whilst keeping an eye on the budget and yield.
Why Are Student Landlords Setting Up Limited Companies for Their Rentals?
Since 2017 the number of limited companies being set up by landlords holding properties has tripled, with 300,000 being recorded in 2022. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of all new buy to let purchases are now made via a company structure.
This change in legal entity for many landlords of student properties was brought about by the alternations in the tax relief system which was announced in 2015, known as Section 24 and changed how landlords were taxed on their rental income.
This blog looks at why landlords with a portfolio of student houses have started switching to owning properties as a limited company and the pros and cons of such a move.
Should you Buy a Property at Auction to Let as an HMO?
If you’re a UK landlord looking to expand your student or HMO property portfolio or simply interested in buying a property to let, you may want to consider purchasing at an auction.
Property auctions can offer great deals and opportunities to buy properties that may not be available through traditional channels.
However, it’s also important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and risks involved in buying at an auction so that you can weigh up the pros and the cons.
2023 Buy to Let Property Market Predictions
If you’re a landlord or interested in buying a property to let, the turbulent economic situation of recent months may have put you off investing in this venture.