Day: 20 February 2024

From Corgis to cockatiels and Poodles to ponies – there’s no doubt we Brits love our animals.

 

And is it any wonder why?

 

Pets make loyal and loving companions, can alleviate anxiety and loneliness, reduce blood pressure and make us laugh.

 

So, as it’s National Love Your Pet Day today (20 February), we’re marking the occasion with four uplifting pet stories.

 

Poppy, the paediatric physiotherapy dog

 

When 13-year-old Evie needed to learn to walk again after a life-threatening respiratory illness, loving Labradoodle Poppy was by her side.

 

Poppy joined Evie, who has Down’s syndrome, at her weekly hospital gym sessions at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in December.

 

When things got tough for Evie, or she needed a little breather, she could stroke or play with Poppy to lift her spirits.

 

Thanks to the close bond between patient and dog – and the dedication of NHS staff and the charity Pets as Therapy – Evie was well enough to spend Christmas at home with her family.

 

Peggy, the Chinese Crested / Pug cross

 

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And in the case of Peggy and her owner, Holly Middleton, this may well be the case.

 

Peggy was crowned Britain’s Ugliest Dog last year. And she certainly is distinctive.

 

Hairless, apart from a white thatch of fur on her head, Peggy’s tongue permanently hangs down the side of her mouth.

 

But Holly won’t hear a bad word said about her. She told Sky News: “I think she’s really cute, I don’t think she’s ugly.”

 

Zebby the cat

 

Put your paws together for Zebby, National Cat of the Year 2023.

 

The moggie who lives in Derbyshire with owner Genevieve Moss is a hearing cat.

 

He alerts his deaf owner to noises around the home and provides endless cuddles and snuggles.

 

Genevieve, 66, says Zebby is her best friend and saviour and means she never feels lonely.

 

Alpacas Raymond, Rodney and Roy

 

Who says you can’t have a pet if you’re a clean freak?

 

Cleaning guru Sophie Hinchliffe (known as Mrs Hinch on social media) has a spotless abode and three alpacas.

 

Raymond, Rodney and Roy spend much of their time in the garden but regularly come into the kitchen for treats. (Alpacas like raisins, apparently.)

 

Sophie says her ‘furry boys’ have made her home complete. She told the Guardian her alpacas provide her with a sense of calm and contentment.

 

Are you a pet lover? If so, share a photo below of your furry, feathered or scaly friend.

Being a landlord is rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Over the years, we’ve seen and helped solve most of the mistakes landlords can make.

To help you navigate this complex terrain, here are the five most common mistakes we’ve encountered and how to avoid them, ensuring a more profitable and stress-free experience.

 

• Neglecting property maintenance

One of the gravest errors is failing to maintain the property. This leads to disgruntled tenants and costly repairs down the line. Prevent this by scheduling regular check-ups and addressing issues promptly.

• Inadequate tenant screening

Skipping thorough background checks can land you with troublesome tenants. Conduct comprehensive credit, reference and background checks to secure reliable and responsible tenants. It’s much more professional and less problematic if you get an excellent letting agency to do this for you.

• Not understanding legal obligations

A big one. A lack of knowledge about landlord-tenant laws can result in legal woes. Stay informed about your legal duties, including deposit protection and property safety regulations, like gas and electrical laws, to protect yourself and your investment. Again, a good letting agent keeps you on the right side of the complex and constantly changing compliance rules that govern rental properties across Teignbridge

• Poor communication

Failing to communicate effectively with tenants can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. Keeping open lines of communication and being transparent about expectations from the outset helps avoid issues.

• Ignoring insurance

Landlords often overlook the necessity of having adequate insurance coverage. Ensure you have the correct insurance to cover potential damages, rental voids, legal disputes and liability claims.

 

The letting agency advantage

To avoid these common mistakes, why not consider the expert services of our letting agency?

 

We have helped hundreds of landlords navigate the ins and outs of renting out their properties. From finding the ideal tenants to handling day-to-day management, we are here to ensure your rental investment is as profitable and hassle-free as possible.

 

Contact us today, and let us help you turn your property investment into a resounding success.