landlords - Best place to get information?

[PanannyPanoo]

My brother in law has serious health issues and is unable to work. He needs a lot of support and is constantly struggling with carers who don't turn up. The house next door is coming onto the market and we are thinking about buying it then renting it to him so we are on hand when needed. He is on housing benefit and higher level dla - awaiting pip assessment. His heath will not improve so we are thinking this will be a very long term arrangement
Is there anywhere particular I can find all the information I need. What are the best sites for the legalities. The rent will need to cover the mortgage.

The two landlord associations that provide info and training are the residential landlords association (RLA) and the national landlords association (NLA)

But...housing benefit when renting from relatives may not be possible.

thank you so much. From what I have found on the shelter site. providing it is formal tenancy. With deposit, safety certificates etc in a separate dwelling it is ok. Though not in Scotland.

It will of course need to be done according to all landlord law, but that is good news for you so far. The next thing to check is what your mortgage company and insurers will say.

Other thoughts - protecting both sides if he can't or won't pay, or if something happens to you. And financial feasibility - interest rates, maintaining the place, will the rent cover the mortgage, future changes for landlords (epc, tax changes, etc etc etc)

Renting to friends and family can go horribly wrong, hope it works but be very careful.

thank you so very much. This is all unknown to us at the moment and whilst we had found out lots from Google searches we hadn't come across either of the organisation you had mentioned, it is very hard to find answers when you don't know what to ask! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.

Wishing you all the best :-) mn isn't too happy with landlords so I can also suggest landlordzone once you have done your research. They won't support any poor standards but don't have the 'we hate you on principle!' That comes up here. Worth a read as it will show you what can go wrong. And there is a lot.

That is great. I haven't stumbled across that site We either. I will give it a read and hopefully get a bit more awareness.
We are hoping to ensure he has security and a forever home. with the addition that in 20 years or so we will have a pension.
I was immensely lucky to buy a house when they were affordable. I cant really understand the landlord animosity. I have been a tenant. If you aren't in a position to buy and need to rent then landlords are vital!
Thank you so much.

Are you able to buy the house outright because if you need a BTL mortgage there are a number of issues.

(1) They generally require a bigger deposit than a regular house purchase.

(2) They may have restrictions such as no DSS or no family lets.

(3) The rent usually has to be 125-145% of the mortgage payment. So if the mortgage is £500 the rent would need to be £625-£725 per month.

Therefore will the figures work?

You may be best off speaking to a broker who may have access to a wider range of lenders including some that may disregard the above and go off your earnings rather than just rental income.

Thank you so much. That is really useful. We have a 50-60% deposit.
I didn't know about your third point. I shall have to try that.

Lots of BTL mortgages are broker only. I have been very impressed by London and Country who are free and who came up with good options and suggestions.