Your First loc8me Newsletter

At Loc8me, we’re more than just a letting agency, we’re on a mission to redefine student housing across the UK. With 2,700 properties in 14 different cities and a deep understanding of what student renters really want, we’re here to share insights, market trends, and stories from the ground that matter to landlords, tenants, and the wider property community.

I’m Freya Watson-Russo  and i’ve been with the company for 3 years, I am the Marketing Assistant and Academy Co-Ordinator, with each edition I will bring you a mix of expert advice, behind-the-scenes updates from the loc8me team, and spotlight features on our growing property portfolio, along real data-driven insights into the student market.

Whether you’re a property investor, student, or simply passionate about student lettings – welcome to the conversation!

loc8me Academy Hits the News!

I am super excited to share that the loc8me academy has been published in the news! 🎉

This is a massive opportunity for us, with new people coming forward wanting to join, these article covers comments from the Founder Raffaele Russo and myself on how this is beneficial to the future generation in paving ways for career paths in the property industry. I am excited to see how far we can go with the Academy and the future of it.

Ollie Coe

Isabel Tebbutt

Utility Team Expands Amid 28% Rise in Inclusive Tenancies

We have seen a large increase on the number of inclusive tenancies for the next academic year, seeing the utilities team expand with a new member of staff Shannon Stark. The team aim is to maintain more co-ordination and resources as we prepare for the next academic year.

Our current partners at Stack Utilities have teamed up with Howdens who are a contents insurance provider, who also offer a 24 hour mental health support line, as well as Ecologi who plant a tree for every inclusive tenancy. This shows our efforts towards the health and well being of our students and a sustainable lifestyle; from this we have noticed a significant increase in students choosing our inclusive package during their time at University.

Accounts Department Restructures and introduces Credit Controllers

Following a conversation with Rosy Banwait our Accounts Manager, we are pleased to announce the restructure of our accounts department.

Rosy commented: “The new team structure has allowed the current staff members to focus on handling daily operations whilst each Credit Controller focuses on actively pursuing rent arrears and supporting overall growth.”

We believe these changes will help streamline processes and optimise current workflows within the team. The revised structure will also enhance collaboration across different functions within the department and business, providing a more structured work environment.

With this new structure in place we are certain that this will create a positive impact on our landlords, making them feel confident that we are dedicated to maintaining standards.

Nottingham Exceeds Last Years Lettings Figures with A 53% Increase!

Despite ongoing shifts and uncertainty in the Nottingham student housing market in 2024, the team in Nottingham pioneered by Cavan Johnston have successfully challenged this by reaching a new company record.

With the rise in competition from PBSA developments to HMO applications and a call for competitive pricing the team have worked extremely hard in adapting and performing to this level.

This performance reflects the successes of proactive pricing strategies, team effort and a resilient demand for quality HMO offerings in a balancing market – we would like to congratulate the Nottingham Team in achieving the 53% increase!

Market Updates

Our Operations Director Sam Foulds alongside Fern Tebbutt MARLA have been keeping our landlords informed on the key changes that will affect landlords. We hosted a landlord open forum with clients across the country to understand what their questions and concerns might be. This gives our landlords a chance to ask freely and feel reassured, knowing that we are keeping them up to date and listening to their feedback.

Renters Rights Bill – Key Changes

The Renters Rights Bill is the biggest change in landlord-tenant law in 35 years, amending the Housing Act 1988.

Here’s what’s changing:

Abolition of Fixed-Term Tenancies– Tenancies will have no end date, offering tenants long-term security.

End of Section 21 Evictions – No more ‘no-fault’ evictions; landlords must rely on legal grounds for possession.

Ban on Pre-Tenancy Rent Payments– Rent in advance will no longer be allowed, impacting landlords and international students.

Mandatory Monthly Rent Payments– Termly payments will be replaced with monthly installments.

2-Month Break Clause for Tenants – Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time.

Increased Tenant Protections– Stricter eviction requirements and enhanced rent arrears protections.

PRS Database Registration – Landlords must register properties before advertising or letting.

Awaab’s Law & Housing Standards

Awaab’s Law: Aims to improve housing conditions by enforcing stricter landlord responsibilities. Though currently focused on social housing, it is expected to extend to the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

Landlord Redress Scheme: All landlords will need to join a mandatory resolution service before listing properties for rent.

Decent Homes Standard & HHSRS Review: New housing quality measures and revised risk assessments are expected by 2025.

At loc8me we will be keeping you updated as the government publishes more updates.

Useful Links 🔗

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Written by Freya Watson-Russo

For all enquiries marketing@loc8me.co.uk

01509 278751