Watchdog outlines sale and rent back regulation

FSA axes 25-year mortgage rule

Housing providers and lenders have welcomed a watering down of plans to tighten lending regulations by the government’s financial watchdog.

Watchdog shuts down sale and rent back market

The Financial Services Authority has shut down the market for businesses that buy homes from struggling homeowners and then rent them back to them.

What's missing?

Own goals

OFT launches investigation into payday loans

The Office of Fair Trading has launched a review of payday loans amid fears that some companies were targeting people who cannot afford to repay them.

Cheated out of their savings

Abusive financial practices targeting the elderly are on the rise, but so are measures to protect vulnerable housing association residents. Alex Turner reports

Getting up to speed

With little progress on calls for an exemption, developing social landlords need to be aware of new procurement rules, says Bill Hull

Some food for thought

Landlords should assess their level of risk as the Bribery Act comes into force, says Kirsty Thompson, solicitor at Devonshires

Knocking down barriers

Finance Bill reforms aim to make it easier and cheaper to invest in the housing market. James Duncan, partner at Winckworth Sherwood, explains

The repairs rule book

Contractor Forrest launched a code of conduct for its repairs and maintenance workers last summer, improving customer satisfaction as a result. Here Sally-Ann Smith explains how it works