Landlord

Are you a property investor, buyer, seller or landlord? Or do you just have a healthy interest in Ireland’s property sector?

Introducing The Waterford Property Watch Podcast from Liberty Blue Estate Agents – your regular 15 – 20 minutes of helpful information and advice from experts you can trust.

The Waterford Property Watch Podcast from Liberty Blue Estate Agents is packed
with engaging discussions, offering you wonderful insights into local property trends, expert advice on selling and buying, and genuine tips to help you make the best decisions in today’s market.

Welcoming new tenants can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition.

A well-prepared property makes a great first impression and can set the tone for a successful tenancy.

Here are five key steps landlords should take before handing over the keys to new tenants.

Being a landlord can feel overwhelming. From rent collection to legal compliance and maintenance issues, the responsibilities can quickly pile up. However, with the help of a reliable estate agent, these tasks can be managed seamlessly. Choosing the right agent with great Google reviews will not only make your life easier but also help you maintain your property’s value and ensure a steady rental income. Did you know that, with over 1,000 reviews, Liberty Blue are Ireland’s No. 1 5-star reviewed Estate Agents? Read some of our reviews here.

Gardens can boost a rental property’s appeal, often making it more attractive to potential tenants – especially during May, as spring is here and summer is around the corner. But, as beneficial as they may be, gardens can also be a source of friction between landlords and tenants, particularly when it comes to garden maintenance responsibilities.

To skillfully swerve such disputes, landlords should adopt a proactive approach.

I wanted to discuss the significance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with you today. The EICR is a crucial document resulting from an assessment of the electrical installation in a property. It serves as proof that any provided appliances are safe, bear at least the CE marking, and assures the safety of the equipment in use. It is imperative that this assessment is conducted by an experienced and qualified electrician or an approved contractor.

I wanted to bring to your attention the recent Council inspections taking place on privately rented accommodation.

Waterford City and County Council are actively enforcing the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, impacting all privately owned homes available for rent, including those under the HAP scheme.

Today’s property article centres around an essential aspect of property management – the Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER). In simple terms, it’s a certification that evaluates the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings.

Why is it crucial? Well, for starters, a higher BER translates to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and an increased potential value for your property. Even a small difference in BER grades can significantly impact heating costs and environmental impact. Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a property or simply aiming to cut costs and enhance sustainability, the BER provides valuable insights into the improvements your property might need.

If you’ve just inherited a rental property, then you may be wondering what your options are.

While you won’t need to make any decisions on the spot (it usually takes many months to settle an estate), it’s good to start thinking about the issues you’ll have to address in time.

The first is what you intend to do with the property. Assuming you don’t want to move in yourself, your options are to:

Continue to rent the property out. That way, you’ll earn a monthly income and have a long-term investment that you could later pass on to your family.

Sell the property and use the funds to pay debts, invest or spend how you wish.

Let’s look at what each scenario involves.

Maintaining a rental property in Waterford isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about safeguarding your investment and keeping your tenants happy and safe. That’s why regular property inspections are so crucial.

They help you spot potential issues before they become costly repairs and ensure your property remains a place people are proud to call their home.

Planning to renovate your rental? There’s one thing you should know before you start pulling up carpets or ripping out cabinets.

It will help you avoid a costly and avoidable mistake that many landlords make, and it’s this.

Don’t let your emotions cloud your decision-making…

Are you interested in hearing what’s happening in the Waterford residential property market right now?

In the video and report below Regina reviews 2023’s residential property sales market and gives an update on what’s happening in the market so far this year.

Here are five little things that can make a big difference when it comes to building goodwill and rapport with […]

Forecasters predict this winter will be cold and dry – making it likely we’ll get lots of snow. 

While this is excellent news if you’re a skier, if you’re a landlord, it means there’s no room for complacency when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

Freezing temperatures can cause all sorts of property damage, so it’s vital that your rental is ready for the tough months ahead.

Here’s a list of seven ways to winter-proof your property to avoid expensive repair bills and ensure that you and your tenants can rest easy on cold, dark nights.

As any experienced letting agent or landlord can advise you, ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to rental properties.

And that’s why it pays to follow the Scouts’ motto and “be prepared”.

Being prepared for any eventuality can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown catastrophe if you’re a landlord.

With that in mind, we’ve created a Landlord Emergency Kit.

Let’s dive into five essentials that can save the day.

So, you think you’ve mastered the art of letting properties?

With every tenant you place and every lease you renew, you grow more confident in your prowess as a confident, caring and capable landlord.

But are you one of the best landlords in Waterford?

We’ve put together a quick quiz to help you find out…

It’s up there with late rents, messy tenants and broken boilers on a landlord’s Headache-ometer. What are we talking about? […]

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap?

After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is an option worth exploring.

Here, we explore the dilemma of renting out a property instead of selling.

Being a first-time landlord can feel daunting. There’s a lot to do before you can get your property rented out – such as repairs, legal obligations, admin, tenant-finding, contract signing, and so on.

But don’t fret.

A good letting agent will help explain all the ins and outs of the process. And can do most of the work on your behalf.

In this three-minute read, we discuss some of the essential steps you need to take before renting out your property.

It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience.

If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your tenancy deposit back in full.

In this quick read, we go through ways to make moving out easier for you and your landlord.

Whether your rental property is a blank space you just sleep in, or it’s a new family property, it’s important to make it feel like home. So, how can you fall in love with your rental without breaching tenancy rules?

You could be a long-term renter or maybe an house-sharer, but one thing is for sure, making the space your own will immediately change the way it looks and feels.

In this quick read, we look at ways to love your rental without falling foul of any tenancy agreement rules and stipulations.

Commenting on the latest Daft.ie Rent Report for Q 4 2022, IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, has […]

If you’re a seasoned landlord, chances are you’ve experienced at least one out-of-hours call from a panicked tenant about a leaky toilet or boiler breakdown. Why is it these things never seem to happen at a reasonable hour?

Repairs and maintenance of your rental portfolio can be costly and stressful, so having trustworthy tradespeople is invaluable. You need someone who you know will get the job done and (hopefully) won’t charge you exorbitant fees to do so.

For newer landlords, finding a good contractor should be at the top of your to-do list.

Inspections are a key part of managing a tenancy so it’s imperative that landlords get them right. Here are some top tips to ensure landlords don’t miss a thing. A two-minute read.

We’ve all heard horror stories about nightmare tenants who cause huge amounts of damage to a rental property, leaving the landlord up to their neck in repair bills and legal costs. Or maintenance issues that were left and became problematic.

Thankfully, there are ways landlords can minimise these risks and one key strategy is to conduct regular inspections.

Don’t let con-men trick you out of your hard-earned money. Read on to discover what the ‘fake landlord’ scam is and how to protect yourself.

The fake landlord trick has been around for years, but current market conditions mean that some renters are particularly vulnerable to this con right now.

Here’s how the fake landlord scam works..

This two-minute read looks at some simple steps landlords and tenants can take to reduce the risk of condensation causing mould, damp and disputes.

What causes condensation?
When moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, AKA: condensation.

This can often cause unsightly mould and, in extreme cases, be unhealthy. Not just in terms of physical health but because it’s a common breeding ground for disputes between landlords and tenants.

This two-minute read looks at the changing rental market and what it means for landlords.

With the rental market changing enormously over the past decade, savvy landlords need to stay on their toes to make the most of their investment.

What Waterford tenants want…

In this three-minute read, we examine the dangers posed by carbon monoxide.

We recently read a statistic about carbon monoxide detectors that left us scratching our heads. According to the NSAI, a whopping 55% of Irish homes do not have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Did you know that by law, any room in a rental property with a solid fuel-burning device or a gas appliance (such as a boiler) should have a working CO alarm? You can find the minimum standards required in an Irish rental property here.

Welcome to our November Property blog

This month I am focusing on the residential rental property market. In terms of activity very little has changed with respect to supply and demand.

As of today, the 10th of November, while writing this blog there are 11 properties in total for rent on Daft in Waterford City. This includes 3 student properties. There are a further 8 in the County of which one is a holiday home and only available until April to rent.

In this two-minute read, we look at how landlords in Waterford can make sure their rental investments stand up to the challenges of winter weather.

With winter officially only a few weeks away, the time is now ideal for landlords to take steps to ensure their properties are prepared for whatever December to February serves up.

By putting a winter property maintenance plan in place, you’re setting yourself and your tenants up for a trouble-free winter period.

Dear Liberty Blue,

One of my tenants is complaining of noise late at night made by one of the other tenants in the building, upstairs. This is a teenage girl who has taken up the drums. In fairness, the noise is only going on until 8 or 9 pm but still, this downstairs tenant is fed up with it because it is going on every evening for about an hour.

Any suggestions? All has been peaceful between these two apartments until now!

I am in the middle of selling my house. My family and I are moving further out of Waterford City and buying a new house there at the same time. My problem is that the buyer of my house seems to be moving very slowly, or their solicitors are. We have been delayed now 9 weeks since we went sale agreed and it is starting to make me feel very nervous about my house purchase. The people we are buying from are chasing me every day. What can I do? 

I am in the middle of selling my house. My family and I are moving further out of Waterford City and buying a new house there at the same time. My problem is that the buyer of my house seems to be moving very slowly, or their solicitors are. We have been delayed now 9 weeks since we went sale agreed and it is starting to make me feel very nervous about my house purchase. The people we are buying from are chasing me every day. What can I do? 

Maria Clifford, Director Liberty Blue, discusses the Health and Safety obligations of landlords in her latest video (which you can […]

In this three-minute read, we look at why regular inspections should be central to your property management strategy. When you’re […]

If you’re looking for a property to rent out, it’s important to understand the numbers involved. You may have inherited a property and are thinking of letting it. Use the information here to identify if that is a prudent thing to do or if the capital from selling the property could be better invested.

In this two-minute read, we show you how to keep calm and in control when letting your Waterford property.

The idea that investing in rental property is easy passive income is a myth. Letting and managing rental property can be stressful, especially for inexperienced or accidental landlords.

This month sees the championing of Stress Awareness Month; an annual event which recognises the dangers of modern-day stress and provides valuable coping strategies. If you are wading through tenancy treacle, read our top tips to temper your tension.

In this three-minute read, we explain why it pays for landlords to review the management of their property.

Spring is traditionally a time for a good tidy up and clear out. If you’re a landlord, it’s also an excellent opportunity to give your property management strategy a once-over.

Taking the time to review what is and isn’t working with your investment will save you money and energy further down the track.

You should never underestimate the importance of carrying out annual rent reviews to maintain the value of your property. Not only do rent reviews keep your income at the current market value but they also ensure your property achieves the maximum potential price, should you wish to sell. Find out why in this 2 minute read.

When it comes to renting your property, the most important thing you must do is to select the right tenant. There are no second chances, you must get this right from day one. Afterall your property may be one of the biggest assets you own. Do not leave things to chance. If you do not choose the right tenants, you will enter a world of financial and emotional stress.

The past year has presented a challenge to many landlords who find themselves with a vacant property which may require both work and new tenants. It has been especially tricky for landlords living outside of Waterford. Despite everything, the rental market throughout Waterford has been very strong. We are attracting good prospective tenants who are relocating to Waterford, seeking quality rented accommodation.

Liberty Blue Magazine is Out Now!!

Hot off the press!! Selling Waterford: the Liberty Blue Magazine

Maria Clifford, Auctioneer, discusses making an investment in property post-COVID 19 Are you wondering when is the right time to […]

Regina discusses the ins and outs of how to be a successful landlord in 2020. Her landlord tips and tricks […]

What does the Rent Pressure Zone mean to Waterford landlords? Following the big news about the rollout of the Rent […]

Waterford Landlord Advice Event Update Thank you to everyone who came along to our inaugural Landlord Briefing event in March. […]

Why are Waterford’s rents still such good value? Daft.ie released their quarterly rent report for Q3 2018 with some surprising […]

The Landlord and Tenant Relationship – Communication is key There is so much in the media that pitches landlords and […]

How to find the best rental agency in your area There are so many rental agents available in the property […]