Every landlord should be aware of these top 15 websites
Chris Hogan, 13th June 2018, Landlords
The internet is awash with content from good to bad, with everything else in between. The rental sector attracts more than its fair share of dross so we've picked out the best to save you the trouble.
PROPERTY SITES
1: Upad
Online lettings is big business and Upad is the UK's largest lettings portal. Properties are listed on all the major property websites and shown to literally millions of prospective tenants. Use the website or download iPhone or Android apps.
2: Property Auction Action
This great site amalgamates all the property auctions in the UK and Ireland into one place, perfect for finding suitable rental properties to buy. You can sign up to receive updates by email too.
3: Rightmove
Probably the best property portal in the UK, Rightmove covers letting and sales but also offers a huge amount of statistics and analytical information. iPhone and Android apps available.
PROPERTY LAW
4: Property Mark
This website brings together five of the major membership organisations operating in the property sector including the NAEA and ARLA (note: not the NLA). It's an excellent source of information and strives to improve professional standards across the sector.
5: GOV.UK
You might be surprised to find that a government site offers useful information but the housing section of GOV.UK is very good, although it can be a bit dry. Often the first place to stop for those unsure how letting regulations work.
6: Landlord Law
Hosted by landlord and tenant lawyer Tessa Shepperson, this site cuts through the legalese to help landlords understand their rights and obligations. The forum is well populated and a great place to ask for help and clarification.
7: Landlord Action
Setup by Paul Shamplina, often seen on Channel 5's 'Nightmare Tenants' and many other TV and radio programmes, Landlord Action sells eviction and debt recovery services for landlords. The site offers very detailed legal advice and explanations around the tortuous laws and regulations surrounding the private rental sector.
FINANCE AND INSURANCE
8: Insure My Let Property
We might be biased but we firmly believe this is the best place to get all your property insurance and related services. Buy online, email or call our UK-based customer service staff - whichever suits you.
9: Mortgage Advice Bureau
This bureau has over a thousand advisers around the UK offering buy-to-let mortgage and advice. The website itself is also a goldmine of information about all aspects of lending, property and news.
10: Mortgages for Business
While the Mortgage Advice Bureau is good for beginners and landlords with small portfolios, Mortgages for Businesses is aimed at professionals managing property as a business. It's particularly strong on the ins and outs of using a limited company and has handy tools like a buy-to-let calculator.
BUY-TO-LET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
11: Landlord Vision
The online landlord software developed by Landlord Vision is very highly regarded. It's paid monthly, with three different levels and can be used from a phone or a computer. It's endorsed by both the RLA and the NLA and there's a free one month trial.
12: Property Hawk
Generally regarded as one of the best free landlord programs, Property Hawk doesn't have an app for smartphones but works in browser so it can be used from any connected device. Set up by a surveyor it also has frequently updated online magazine and blog sections.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
13: Landlord Zone
Probably the best all-round news and information website for property landlords and well worth visiting on a regular basis. Landlord Zone also has forums that are well-populated and active, making them far more useful than some.
14: Property Checklists
An interesting and useful take on property websites, this one offers all sorts of checklists for landlords so that they can be sure to cover all the bases. It's the brainchild of Kate Faulkner, an expert on all aspects of the property sector who's often on TV, radio and in the press. Well worth a look, even for seasoned pros.
15: Property Investment Project
To end on here's a completley different approach - the warts and all experiences of an unidentified private landlord that's become (in his or her own words) the "biggest landlord blog". The irreverent, funny and often very angry blogs are just the tonic when you feel you're all alone battling against unruly tenants and red tape!
