This may be helpful for everyone a guide published on Landlord Zone to what is damage and what can be regarded as fair wear and tear. Here is the link Fair wear and tear – what is it and how is it applied - Fair wear and tear – what is it and how is it applied?

Newcastle are looking to renew yet again the original licensing areas which have been licensed I think for 15 years so far! I suggest that Landlords respond as if they get little response they presume that everyone likes and supports the renewal! Dear Stakeholder, We are currently consulting on proposals that could see the renewal of selective licensing schemes in areas of Newcastle for a further five years, starting from 30 September 2026, when the current schemes come to an end. There are currently nine selective licensing areas in operation across Newcastle. Under the new proposals, we are seeking views on renewing selective licensing schemes in the following areas: - Byker Old Town - Allendale Road - Greater High Cross All private rented properties within a designated selective licensing area must be licensed unless legally exempt.Further InformationMore about property licensing in Newcastle: (https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/property-licensing-schemes-newcastle) Read the full Cabinet Report, including evidence supporting the proposals:Available online (https://democracy.newcastle.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=857&MId=14692&Ver=4) Have Your SayWe invite landlords and stakeholders to share your views on the proposals between 1 August 2025 and 26 October 2025 by visiting:👉 (http://www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/) Upcoming Information Events Join us at one of our public consultation events to learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback: - Wednesday 3 September | 5:00–7:00pmWelbeck Road Evangelical Church, Welbeck Rd, NE6 2HU - Wednesday 10 September | 5:00–7:00pmWest End Customer Service Centre & Library, Condercum Road, NE4 9JH - Wednesday 17 September | 5:00–7:00pmCouncil Chamber, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, NE1 8QHEach session will include a short presentation (5:00–5:30pm) followed by a Q&A.

Northumberland Council Private Rented Service have opened up the booking for their all day event which is being held at Blyth Town Football Ground on Thursday 18 September and supported by GB Landlords. As usual this is a free to attend event with refreshments provided and as usual a varied list of speakers who will include our own Approved Mortgage Solutions and Sweeney Miller Law, along with a selection of Trade Stands. The full agenda can be found on eventbrite. If you have property in or are thinking of investing in Northumberland then this will be a good event to attend. Why not check this out and register to come along today at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/annual-countywide-landlords-forum-tickets-1535914033219?aff=oddtdtcreator

It seems that where there is a repayment plan in place this will be suspended if the tenant advises them there is a repair issue or similar. The Tenant has a week to provide evidence but they do not contact the Landlord for their side of the issue! It seems that any HB is then diverted to the Tenant and not held by DWP pending it being resolved because it is their money!!!!!!!! I also pointed out that it was a breach of the Agreement as rent could not be with held because of repair issues so technically they were acting illegally. Several others including the NRLA rep agreed that it was wrong not to seek both views before stopping the payments or even advising the Landlord of the dispute and even then, I did point out that it was not their money but State money provided to put a roof over their head and if the did not use it to pay rent then it was effectively misuse of public funds and could be classed as fraud! You can imagine how well that went down! Also remember that the maximum repayment amount has gone down from 25% to 15% of the benefit so dont ignore any missed payments and chase immediately. It could be worth speaking to your Council PRS team as they have a fund to maintain Tenancies and may be able to py any missed payments provided it is only a month or two. It is cheaper to do that than pay Temporary Housing costs!

Being a landlord isn't just about collecting rent-it's managing people, properties, and peace of mind. What's your go-to move when a tenant hits you with an unexpected request?