Why should you as a landlord Install a smart meter?

These days we are all turning towards greener and more efficient sources of energy, Smart meters can contribute towards this by enabling a flexible energy system whereby energy providers are able to access real time energy consumption data and react accordingly.

That sounds Great, What is a smart meter?

As part of the government’s net zero target, we need to look for ways to decarbonise electricity by making sure that as much electricity as possible is generated by renewables.

Having a smart energy system, which is enabled by smart meters, will help us make the most of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind energy by allowing energy companies to only run power plants at peak periods when the renewable sources won’t be able to cope.

Smart meters are very handy pieces of technology to have on a personal level too.
Being introduced across the UK as part of a government scheme and replacing the traditional meter (which includes pre-pay key meters), this new generation of meters cleverly measure how much gas and electricity is being used in near-real time.

The display shows this information, along with exactly how much the energy being used is costing too. Smart meters provide readings to the energy provider, meaning no more meter reading required.

There are currently two versions of the smart meter: SMETS 1 (the older version) and SMETS 2 (the latest version). The acronym SMETS stands for ‘Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications’.

The National Residential Landlords Association have written an informative article for landlords regarding the rollout of smart meters.

What are the benefit of smart meters to landlords?

Smart meters are able to send readings to a energy supplier on a half-hourly or daily basis, it eliminates the need for a landlord to attend a rental property to take a meter reading at the end of the tenancy.
A landlord can also keep an eye on any usage during periods of time that a property stands empty.

The smart meter can help at the end of tenancy in other ways too. As the smart meter sends meter readings directly to the supplier, there can be no dispute between tenant and landlord over the final energy bill costs.

How do I go about installing a smart meter?

You should contact your energy provider to get details of when smart meters are being installed in the area that your rental property is and arrange an appointment. The Energy Saving Trust give details as to how to go about this.

For further information, Smart Energy have produced a smart meter fact sheet guide for landlords.

Although not a legal requirement, installing a smart meter is a great way to avoid disputes at the start and end of a tenancy, so irrespective of the energy savings that can be gained by having one, stress free handovers are not an insignificant benefit.

What will it cost me?

Currently, there is No upfront cost of installing a smart meter, installation is free.

Keep up to date on our news posts.

very often we post news articles that can help you save money and time. So it’s a good idea to keep your eye on our latest news section!

Modern homes being built on Middleton recreation grounds.

That’s Right, 170 Energy efficient, fully modernised homes are now being built on top of throstle recreation grounds + Middleton recreation centre.

The development will be made up of 60 two-bed, 38 three-bed, 2 four-bed properties and four bungalows.

The site is being built by Wates Construction and due to be completed in autumn 2023, will even have an underground district heating system to supply heating and hot water, and each home will have off-street parking and an electric vehicle charging point.

This comes as predicted in our article about our South Leeds market update (a pretty compelling reason why you should always keep up to date with our market updates!).
South Leeds is now seeing the heavy investment from the council that it was due.

Whats the situation?

We predict that with the completion of this project LS10 and surrounding areas will experience a price rise, the exact percentage is hard to ascertain from this 1 example alone.

But via the myriad of other examples we have mentioned in our articles before, it is clear to see that a trend is revealing itself.

That trend being an upward trend, and from company data, we anticipate a price rise of up to 10% or more (In part due to Yours truly).

Keep up to date on our news posts.

very often we post news articles that can help you save money and time. So it’s a good idea to keep your eye on our latest news section!

Free Solar Panels For South Leeds Home Owners

Low-income Home owners in Central Leeds may now apply to the free solar panel scheme introduced by Leeds city council after they had secured £5.6m in funding.

The scheme is due until funding reserves are depleted, so the quicker you apply, the better your chances of getting some free solar panels fitted.

Head over to https://www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/leeds for more details on getting your free solar panels.

but why should I get solar panels?

Solar panels generate clean, green energy whilst insulation keeps cold air out by retaining heat and keeping your home cosy.

By saving energy, these upgrades could cut the bills of a typical Leeds household by around £156 per year.

Keep up to date on our news posts.

very often we post news articles that can help you save money and time. So it’s a good idea to keep your eye on our latest news section!

Will the Central Leeds Market Ever slow down?

It certainly seems that this is not within the realm of possibility for the foreseeable future.
As with a record number of students expected throughout 2022 and 2023, along with the property average price rise. Central Leeds is due for another massive expansion in the property market.

There’s never been a better time to invest.

As our general housing market report for 2022 suggests, House prices are continuing to rise, leading to an increased demand for housing via renting.

Central Leeds is set to orchestrate a monumental price rise across the greater Leeds area property sector.
Driven largely by the investments into the University of Leeds and other famous city centre institutions.

According to Knight frank Research, and shown here by the trend in the data. We are set for a UK wide expansion in the property sector, and no area will be more affected than south Leeds.

Due to the sheer volume of students headed towards Leeds.
It is estimated that this will have a proportional impact on the growth of small businesses in the area.
Thus driving growth in the job market.

this growth in jobs and prosperity has begun to attract people who would often avoid the city centre, to begin a migration towards it in order to claim their share of the prosperity.

Compounding the Nationwide Price rise alongside the influx of potential tenants and first time buyers.
It is becoming clear that the Central Leeds area, will be one of the area with the most financial potential.

don’t put this chance off, Central Leeds is where the money is at.

We Have a track record of achieving target or above target prices for our rental properties.
We also offer the smoothest experience when it comes to sales.
Starting from as little as 10% + VAT for fully managed rentals or 0.75% for the sales process.
We charge NO EXTRA FEES.
Our prices are unbeatable and our service is without parallel.

Another Incredible Quarter for South Leeds

The fertile grounds of the south Leeds lettings and sales market have once again proven fruitful.
Rental prices rocketing into the stratosphere with increases of as much as 10%.
According to our own data, the highest increases have been seen in LS10 and LS11.

If there is any time to let or sell your property, it is most certainly now.

As our general housing market report for 2022 suggests, House prices are continuing to rise, leading to an increased demand for housing via renting.

South Leeds is set to play a big role in the coming months, contributing to the increasing prices of housing in the greater Leeds area.
An example would be a 2 bedroom, unfurnished house in LS11 reaching for £750+.

These kind of figures were once thought impossible by many in the property industry.
However that standard has now been blown out of the water and a new one is in its place.

According to Knight frank Research, and shown here by the trend in the data. We are set for a UK wide expansion in the property sector, and no area will be more affected than south Leeds.

With the scrapping of HS2 to run through south Leeds, there has been a greater amount of investment from the private sector in the area to offset this.

Thus creating many more jobs in the private rather than public sector economy.

Naturally this growth in jobs and prosperity has begun to attract people who would traditionally not venture into the area to come in droves.

Compounding the Nationwide Price rise alongside the influx of potential tenants and first time buyers.
It is becoming clear that the south Leeds area, will be the area with the most financial potential.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity, South Leeds is set to take off.

We Have a track record of achieving target or above target prices for our rental properties.
We also offer the smoothest experience when it comes to sales.
Starting from as little as 10% + VAT for fully managed rentals or 0.75% for the sales process.
We charge NO EXTRA FEES.
Our prices are unbeatable and our service is without parallel.

We do full management of properties

With our fully managed service with fees ranging from 10% + VAT. None of these would be on your head! we aim to make the property management process a breeze from start to finish. We believe the only things you should be worrying about is where to take the next holiday!
Why not give us a call? 0113 345 3031

Why use switch properties?

get started now

With our fully managed service with fees ranging from 10% + VAT. None of these would be on your head! we aim to make the property management process a breeze from start to finish. We believe the only things you should be worrying about is where to take the next holiday!
Why not give us a call? 0113 345 3031

We’ve put together 5 tips for making sure your property is ready as the snow begins to fall, to ensure a headache-free Winter season.

Tip 1: Avoid Mould & Condensation

This season, the combination of poor ventilation, heating on and soggy items left on radiators make it the perfect conditions for condensation, which then leads to mould. Mould can cause a lot of trouble for Landlords, particularly if it’s not dealt with quickly. Not only is it ugly but it can also pose a health risk for Tenants so it’s something to take seriously and act fast to resolve. Make sure to remove any mould to prevent it from building up, and remind your tenants on how to reduce damp.

Tip 2: Check Your Insurance Policy

Ensure that your insurance policy in order, up to date and provides all the cover you require. This is even more important if you live far away or will be unavailable over Christmas and New Year. You could also consider adding home emergency cover to your policy.

Tip 3: Weatherproof Your Roof

Keeping the roof of your property in good condition is essential and never more so when we are facing a cold snap. Insurance policies will only cover properties that are reasonably maintained, so if your property suffers from wind and storm damage, they may refuse your claim if your property has not been reasonably maintained.

It is generally considered highly unlikely that a storm below 52mph would damage a well-maintained property. It is worth bearing in mind that loose ridge tiles probably won’t be covered on your insurance if damaged in winds less that those classed as at storm levels by The Beaufort Scale.

Buildings insurance policies usually cover loss caused by storm damage, but they must be able to ascertain that the damage was actually caused by a storm (and sometimes poor conditions alone do not constitute a storm).

One way they do this is by using The Beaufort Scale. This is an empirical measure that relates wind speed and it’s what most insurance companies refer to when it comes to judging storm-related claims. Some insurers say that only winds above a certain point on this scale are storm-force winds that could damage a building.

Tip 4: Prevent Burst Pipes

Probably the most common issue that Landlords face over the winter season is burst pipes. It is estimated that a fifth of all insurance claims over the cold season are from Landlords that have suffered the effects of burst pipes in their properties. Don’t become a statistic! Once the thermometer plummets below zero the pipes can freeze, blocking pipes and expanding to burst them.

Empty properties are most at risk, so if you manage your own property, particularly a Student one, and your Tenants are planning to go away over the break, now’s the time remind them of their responsibilities and to leave their boiler on low when they go. If your Tenants do find a burst pipe, make sure they switch the water off immediately at the stopcock to prevent further damage.

Tip 5: Double Check the Heating

This one might seem obvious but it is worth making sure that your property is warm enough. Nobody wants to live in a cold, draughty property.

Plus, cold conditions can also encourage further issues such as mould, a broken boiler and frozen pipes, it is well worth making sure your property is as warm as it can be. Your property’s heating can be improved by installing insulation, bleeding radiators and installing draught excluders around windows and doors.

It’s also advised that you call a Gas Safe registered engineered to check the boiler is in good working order, before temperatures really plummet.

Quite a lot to take in?

With our fully managed service with fees ranging from 10% + VAT. None of these would be on your head! we aim to make the property management process a breeze from start to finish. We believe the only things you should be worrying about is where to take the next holiday!
Why not give us a call? 0113 345 3031

With the weather drawing in, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of condensation that can lead to mould.

All sorts of everyday activity put moisture into the air around us. Cooking and cleaning can be the biggest culprits and the drops in temperatures lead to condensation. In the summertime, it’s easier to keep thing dry and ventilated, but in winter moisture can build up and this creates the ideal condition for mould.

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungus. It grows in moist environments where there is not much sunlight and can grow on all kinds of surfaces from fabrics to wood. Outside, it has an important job breaking down and decomposing materials, but inside it is an unwelcome guest. Mould reproduces via little airborne spores and can be tricky to get rid of once it takes hold. No one wants to live in a mouldy home, it’s unsightly, causes damage to whatever it grows on and can prove to be a health hazard, so prevention is key.

What causes damp?

Mould loves damp, so keeping your home dry is the key. But why would your home be damp? There are some common causes to watch out for:

• Wet weather – the Leeds climate can be particularly rainy in the winter seasons, which naturally puts more humidity in the air
• Drying wet clothes on radiator, cooking and showering all add water to the air in the house
• Cold surfaces collect condensation from the air which can create areas of damp – a quick wipe with an absorbent cloth wherever you see condensation collecting helps to get rid of the source of moisture
• Sometimes damp is caused by a structural or repair issue e.g., rising damp or blocked guttering – which you would need to let your agent or landlord know about so they could investigate it

How to prevent mould and damp in your home.

Keeping on top of the moisture in your home is the key to combatting mould. That means keeping your property well ventilated to avoid the build-up of condensation. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the amount of condensation in your home:

1. Open your windows daily to allow moist air to escape – even in the winter months. It’s good to get in the habit of opening your bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes each day when you get up to keep things fresh and ventilated
2. Use extractor fans and open windows when using the kitchen or bathroom
3. When cooking or showering, close the doors to stop the wet steam going into other rooms
4. It’s a simple one, but putting lids on your pans when cooking is an easy way of reducing moisture in the air
5. When you pop the kettle on for a brew, only boil the amount of water you need. Not only is it better for energy consumption but reduces the amount of steam (i.e., water) being put into the air
6. Leave a small gap between walls and furniture (especially when it’s a cold wall) so the air can flow around it
7. Similarly, try to keep cupboards or storage areas uncluttered, so that air can circulate around items in cupboards etc
8. It’s best to dry clothes outside but if you can’t, make sure it’s done in a well-ventilated room with an open window
9. If you’ve got a tumble dryer with a vent pipe, make sure it runs outside your property (e.g., through a window)
10. Make sure airways are not blocked, such as chimneys and air bricks
11. Keep heating levels at a constant temperature, especially in the winter
12. Use an absorbent cloth to dry any condensation or moisture when you see it e.g. around the bath or shower after use. This has the bonus of also making your bathroom easier to clean too!
13. Consider a dehumidifier to help draw moisture out of the air
14. Act quickly! If you see signs of damp or mould, don’t ignore it.

While there can be structural reasons for damp, most mould issues are caused by tenants not keeping their property properly ventilated. These simple tips will help you keep your home in top condition.

Onward and upward

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand new Landlord referral program, now you have the chance to get extra perks outlined below.

for every landlord you refer, you can make 5% of what we make from the properties we let for them.
in addition to a reduction in the rates that we charge you for your own properties.

This is a first for us, and indeed a first for the lettings agents in the area. We are hoping this new and innovative model will bring about success for everyone involved.

Helping each-other grow

We are firm believers of investing in our community, proven with our track record of community projects.

Our tenants and landlords shouldn’t think of us as just an agent or a middle man. But as a partner, we are here to grow together.

Bring your friends

There is a lot of money to be had, don’t miss out on the action and get involved. Direct your friends to our website, facebook, instagram and twitter.