renting

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.

If talk between you and your partner this Valentine’s Day turns moving in together, there are a few practical things you should know first.

Here at Liberty Blue Estate Agents, we pride ourselves on being as helpful as possible.

But dishing out relationship advice is a step too far – even for us.

So, if you’re considering moving in with your partner, we’ll leave the big decisions and lovey-dovey stuff down to you.

However, if you decide to co-habit, we have some useful, albeit unromantic, advice for you…

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Welcome to Waterford Property Watch, the seventh in our series of in-depth discussions on what’s happening in the local property […]

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

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 […]

How to find a rental property in Waterford If you have been looking for a rental property in Waterford recently […]