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UK Landlord magazine

July 2007

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Editorial

Following the results of the Scottish elections, we asked Stewart Maxwell, the new Scottish Minister for Communities and Sport, to set out his plans for the Private-Rented Sector in Scotland. It is encouraging that the new administration in Scotland wants to work with the sector to increase professionalism and raise standards. In keeping with the Scottish theme, we also interviewed new NLA Scottish Regional Representatives David Kendall, Brian MacBride, and Jim Parker (Chairman of NLA Scotland) who talk about their service-orientated approach as landlords and their roles in building relationships with government in Scotland.

The NLA continues to work closely with local authorities, and six more have recently joined the NLA as associate members, bringing the total number to over sixty. NLA Chairman David Salusbury sets out the reasons why collaboration between the NLA and local and regional government is so important, and how to increase it.

As every good landlord knows, looking after your property is essential if you want to protect your investment and maintain a good relationship with your tenants. In this issue we tackle every aspect of maintenance and repairs, guiding you through everything from legal obligations and landlords' liability to repair, to choosing the best time of year to do repairs and finding the most efficient, cost-effective way of maintaining your property. With advice from John Socha (NLA Vice-Chairman), Richard Price (NLA Board Director), Jackie Taylor of the NLA's Advice Line and other NLA members as well as letting agents and lawyers, we have endeavoured to provide you with as comprehensive and practical a guide to maintenance and repairs as possible. And, since one way of increasing your property's value - and raising the rent! - is to expand or improve the property, you will also find information on loft conversions and extensions in this issue's special feature.

This issue also covers the latest news on HIPs, tax relief on zerocarbon homes, the market for sustainable homes, and the rising demand for high-value rental properties in Scotland.

As always, our aim is to provide a balanced mix of features, interviews and news items to keep you as up-to-date as possible. If there are topics you would like to see covered in the future, please drop me a line.

Andy Stern Editor
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• see the full contents for this issue

Rugg Review:
The Independent Review of the Private Rented Sector has been published. See how it affects you.

What's new?
• Scottish landlords face huge fines over EPCs
• NLA review of 2008
• Iain Wright’s speech to the NLA National Conference
• A match made in heaven?
• 71% of landlords expecting increase in rental arrears
• NLA: buy-to-let landlords not covered by payment holiday plan