The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors announced this week that the increase in demand for rental homes has reached a nine-year high. That could be why last week’s buy-to-let coverage in Bricks and Mortar sparked such a frenzy of debate online. Tenants wrote to say that they wanted more protection from unfair landlords; landlords wrote to complain of the obligations foisted upon them by “nanny Blair’s” tenancy deposit scheme. Whatever your view on the matter, it pays to know your obligations and rights.

Calling all landlords: The tenancy deposit scheme comes into effect next month. Whether you let one property or 50, do your homework now. The government website at www.communities.gov.uk explains how it affects you. Unsure of what tax you should be paying? Landlords who let multiple properties could be considered to be running a rental business. Check out www.hmrc.gov.uk/findout , and click on the box that says “landlord”. Other websites for your favourites folder are: the National Landlords Association, www.landlords.org.uk ; the National Federation of Residential Landlords, www.nfrl.org.uk ; Landlord Zone, www.landlordzone.co.uk ; and the very useful Residential Landlords Association, www.rla.org.uk .

Attention tenants: Tellingly there are far fewer official bodies representing tenants, but these groups cover most areas: The homelessness charity Shelter has a website with lots of tips on a range of subjects, including renting agreements, sharing and subletting: http://snipurl.com/1bhxy Comprehensive, if not beautifully presented, information can be found on the Citizen’s Advice Bureau site: http://snipurl.com/1bi1t Landlord Law has a section for tenants at http://snipurl.com/1bhxb, some factsheets are availble to members only — subscription costs from £15 for one month. There is also a free Q&A every week.

lucia.adams@timesonline.co.uk

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