Akiva worked in the charity sector and property management before joining the legal team at Landlord Action. He has helped countless landlords get back possession of their property from some of the most difficult tenants.”
Alex Nolan, Senior Training Manager at NRLA, provides expert training on HMO management, tenancy processes, and rental sector legislative updates.
Alphaletz is designed to be a simple, cost-effective solution to these problems. Their mission is to free you from the burden of spreadsheets and paperwork, so you can free up time and keep an eye on your profits.
Partner at Xeinadin. Xeinadin is a leading provider of accountancy services and business advice for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals across the UK and Ireland.
Established in 1860 to care for abandoned animals, Battersea aims to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. In 2023, we helped 2,529 dogs and 2,450 cats across our three centres. Our work means we see day-to-day the many animal welfare issues facing dogs, cats and the people who care for them.
With over 170 locally-managed offices of letting and estate agents nationwide, Belvoir can provide you with the best service and advice to suit your needs
Ben is the Chief Executive of the NRLA. Prior to taking up his position at the NRLA, Ben was the operations director at Touchstone, part of the Places for People housing group, and was also the managing director of a leading deposit scheme in Northern Ireland. Ben is also a landlord.
David Coughlin is a Cambridge University graduate with more than 20 years’ experience trading property across the UK. Known for maximising and reinvesting capital gains, he has built a substantial property portfolio and is widely regarded as a leading figure in the UK property sector. He has been recognised by the press as one of the UK’s most successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs, noted for both the scale of his property interests and his long-term, strategic approach to the market. David played a key role in raising standards within the quick house sales sector. He was a founding member of the National Association of Property Buyers, working in consultation with The Property Ombudsman to help establish best-practice guidelines for the industry. His stated aim is to challenge traditional approaches and reshape how property is bought and sold in the UK, with a focus on transparency, professionalism, and better outcomes for all parties involved.
CEO of Hamilton Fraser
The HFIS group started as a niche insurance broker focused on the private rented and aesthetic sectors in 1996. Now an established company of over 11 brands and services to the industry, the HFIS group includes Total Landlord, six time award winner of ‘Best Landlord Insurance Provider’ and Hamilton Fraser, ‘Best Specialist Insurance Provider 2023’. Over the years, they have grown to include government authorised schemes such as mydeposits and targeted acquisitions, extending our roots through partnerships with trade bodies and regulatory organisations.
Helen has been writing about property for many years and as well as writing for LandlordZONE and other property industry titles, has worked for Trinity Mirror’s local newspapers, and started her career at the Brighton Argus.
Kim has a strong background in the lettings industry, having worked in Property Management since 1999. Starting out as a Property Manager, she then worked her way through the ranks, spending several years at Countrywide Plc, before receiving her promotion to Director of Property Management and joining Romans in 2018. Now as Group Director of Property Management for LRG, Kim oversees the running of a large, national team who serve circa 60,000 tenancies across the UK, whilst developing the division’s range of services for new and existing customers.
The Landlord Sales Agency retains unrivalled experience in the landlord property sales industry having purchased over 300 buy to let properties over the last 15 years. Their expert knowledge provides them with a unique understanding of the challenges you face, both in running your properties and selling a property portfolio.
Since 1999, LandlordZONE® has been the UK’s leading landlord website, providing property news, advice, legal information and insight for the rental property industry. With over 60,000 members worldwide, LandlordZONE brings an online community of landlords and agents together and provides them with a forum for public discussion on the latest property news. Supporting the journey of a landlord is at the heart of what we do – the website provides free access to comprehensive, educational and reliable information that landlords can utilise throughout their landlord journey. We are dedicated to the publication of unbiased and factual news reporting, working with various property professionals to create a trustworthy, professional and respected community for anyone interested in property.
Leaders is one of the UK's premier estate and letting agents, with more than 100 branches across the country offering a host of property services.
MFB is an award-winning mortgage broker covering all areas of property finance, including buy to let, commercial, and homebuyer mortgages, as well as development and short-term finance. With over 33 years of experience, our team’s knowledge and expertise are unrivalled, making us the broker you can trust. We pride ourselves on our 4.9-star Trustpilot rating and strive to deliver excellence for every single client. When you work with MFB, we take the stress out of your mortgage application process. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we’ll find you the best rate for your needs, giving you confidence in your property finance decisions. We proudly recommend MFB as LandlordZONE's official Mortgage Broker Partner, recognising its expertise in the field.
Maria is a journalist who oversees the operations of LandlordZONE behind the scenes, producing news articles and content focused on the private renter sector. She delivers clear, well-researched, and engaging stories that connect with a wide audience, working alongside editor Nigel Lewis.
Michael Lever is a commercial property specialist with a career spanning more than five decades, with particular expertise in rent reviews, lease renewals, business tenancies, and shop property. Educated at the City of London School, he began his professional career in 1967 at Montagu Evans in London before joining his late father’s firm, Fineman Lever & Company, chartered surveyors, in 1971. In 1975, Michael established his own practice, pioneering a specialist focus on rent review and lease renewal work. Originally based in Harrow, North West London, he later relocated his office to Ledbury, Herefordshire, while continuing to advise on properties primarily across London, the South East, and North West England. Alongside client work, Michael has made a longstanding contribution to professional practice and market understanding through extensive writing on rent reviews, business tenancies, and commercial property. Since the late 1970s, he has published a series of influential pamphlets and booklets on rent review methodology, negotiation psychology, auctions, and retail investment, many of which have been widely cited and adopted across the profession. His work has been referenced in legal texts and academic commentary, reflecting its impact on industry thinking. Michael’s writing and commentary have appeared in leading property, legal, and business publications, including the Financial Times, Estates Gazette, Property Week, Retail Week, Investor’s Chronicle, and professional journals serving solicitors, surveyors, and arbitrators. In 1995, he was awarded a prize for an essay on the future of town centres and retailing in a competition sponsored by Marks & Spencer, and in 1996 he received a Certificate of Academic Standing from the The Law Society. He has also served as a guest editor and contributor across a range of professional platforms and newsletters, and since 2022 has written regularly for the LandlordZONE monthly newsletter and contributed to its commercial property forum. Michael is known for a tailored, analytical approach to rent reviews, combining technical expertise with commercial insight. His services are frequently recommended by chartered surveyors, solicitors, accountants, and business advisers, and many clients have worked with him on a long-term basis.
The National Landlord Investment Show is the UK’s Number One landlord & property investment exhibition. Our shows connect thousands of landlords, investors & property professionals and are a beacon for anyone with an interest in buy-to-let or the private rented sector. We have everything you could conceivably need as a landlord or potential investor, including Legal Advice, Finance Suppliers, Investment Opportunities, Tax Experts, Property Management, Education & Mentoring, Proptech, Furnishings / Decor and myriad other helpful services.
CEO of the UK's largest franchised property inventory management and property compliance reporting company - No Letting Go and CEO of Kaptur Software, mobile data collecting software for the property industry. A passionate supporter of the property industry. Previously developed the largest and most successful RE/MAX estate and letting agency in Kent and co-founded Search24 a specialist conveyancing search reports business.
Nigel Lewis is a property writer and editor with a 27-year track record working for national newspapers, magazines, websites and also leading content media agencies and portals. He has worked on a variety of titles including the Daily Mail and also edited Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and Location, Location, Location magazines. Other roles have included being Head of Content at both PrimeLocation.com and Zoopla.co.uk, and he has appeared many times on TV and radio shows including the BBC’s One Show, LBC, Radio 5 Five Live and Talkradio stations. As well as editing LandlordNEWS he also writes estate agency websites, news platforms and leading property portals as well as for Phil Spencer’s MoveIQ platform. He also has one of the larger property industry followings in Twitter.
Paul Shamplina is the founder of Landlord Action.
We are a consumer redress scheme, authorised by the Government since 2014, to provide an impartial service that considers consumer complaints about a variety of property related issues. All property agents who carry out estate, lettings and property management work, have a legal responsibility to belong to a redress scheme and, if at any point, the consumer feels the service one of our members has provided falls short of what is expected, they may be able to raise a complaint. We also provide redress for other property professionals which includes landlords, and we offer dedicated tenancy mediation helping to resolve tenancy issues and prevent cases needing to go to court. Please note the Property Redress Scheme is not a regulator or an enforcement agency.
RWInvest is an award-winning property investment company with over 17 years of industry experience and an extensive track record of successfully completed housing projects.
Ryan Shaban is a skilled paralegal at Landlord Action with a strong background in civil litigation and property law. He has successfully navigated contentious disputes, including possession claims and debt recovery. Along with experience in the property licensing sector, he has developed a sharp understanding of property regulations and legislation. Currently en route to qualifying as a solicitor, Ryan offers insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of property law.
Sean Hooker is the Head of Redress at Property Redress. He is a Qualified Adjudicator (ACIArb), CEDR Accredited Mediator and has a Professional Award in Ombudsman and Complaints Handling Practice (Queen Margaret University and Ombudsman Association).
In-depth knowledge of tenancy deposit schemes, end of tenancy deposit resolution and complaint handling. With over 11 years in the industry and an understanding of some of the challenges faced by landlords, agents and tenants my training focuses on best practice evidence for negotiation, early resolution and adjudication.
I have been a qualified solicitor since 2010 and have worked with HFIS since 2012. With nearly two decades of experience in the lettings industry, I oversee the day-to-day operations of several key schemes at HFIS, including the mydeposits tenancy deposit protection scheme, Property Redress - the government-authorised consumer redress scheme for sales, lettings, and property management agents, and Client Money Protect, the largest client money protection scheme for independent property agents. Throughout my career, I have worked at the forefront of the significant regulatory and industry changes that have shaped the lettings sector over the past decade.
Having built up a small portfolio of these properties he managed them alongside his full-time career in further and higher education. Tom subsequently founded the first landlord website in the UK back in 1999 – LandlordZONE – and is also a recognised writer on the subject of residential and commercial property. Tom has been a regular contributor to real estate journals, blogs, and a speaker at property events for nearly 20 years and now spends his time researching and writing articles for LandlordZONE. He is also regularly quoted in articles.
Starting as an insurance broker in 1996 specialising in property and medical indemnity insurance, these two sectors remain at the heart of everything Total Landlord does. With over 25 years’ experience, Total Landlord continues to raise industry standards, deliver outstanding customer service, and find innovative and practical solutions for their customers’ unique needs. Total Landlord have always been there to help to support the things that matter most and provide a lifetime partnership with our customers.
mydeposits was founded in 2007, giving landlords, agents and tenants an alternative to the other two deposit protection schemes. Now, over a decade later, mydeposits are proud to still giving you a choice by offering all two types of deposit protection, insured and custodial.
Landlords owe a duty of care to their tenants to make sure, as far as is reasonably possible, to be sure a property is safe, both at the commencement and during the course of a tenancy. This Court of Appeal case in 26 February 2019 relates to a council tenancy, though its implic
Landlords are being warned to beware of scammers renting out parking spaces outside their properties following a expose on national radio. Landlord Simon Gallagher had to install bollards after someone began advertising his tenants driveway to commuters for �8 a day. <p i
Welsh landlords renewing their licence with Rent Smart Wales after 23rd November now need to organise regular mandatory property inspections. The new condition - introduced by Rent Smart Wales for any new landlords signing up from 1st July and any rene
A woman hoping to convert her 32-bedroom hotel into an HMO after being hit hard by Covid could spark a trend for more owners moving into the private rented sector. Andreani Ahooie, whos run the https://www.longviewhotel.com/" target="_blank" Longv
Hundreds of landlords face trying to find new tenants for their student HMOs after the University of Warwick ditched its property management scheme. Under its Head Lease Scheme, landlords signed-over their houses to the university for years at a time for guaranteed rent, which
Tenants may complain, or as in the following case, the councils inspectors may deem it to be the case, that the system supplied is inadequate for safe living. The Aldford Two LLP v Bristol City Council appeal (2010 Residential Property Tribunal - RTP) against an improveme
Increasing numbers of landlords are being forced to issue a second Section 8 notice to tenants who have stopped paying their rent as the sector grapples with the crazy evictions rules in place now, it has been claimed. The UKs leading lettings industry trade body ARLA P
John Howard has had a lot of fingers in different property pies over the past 45 years, working his way up from being the son an estate agent to a major figure within the property industry. As well as being a significant portfolio landlord he is also a developer and consultant,
The lettings market is evolving very fast and with extensive experience in the sector, https://www.martinco.com/" Martin & Co MD Eric Walker - who is also a https://www.theprs.co.uk/" Property Redre
Many landlords may remember noughties loudmouth Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles for his outspoken rants and the million-pound deal he landed with the BBC. But few will have suspected that Moyles, who these days is much thinner and greyer than his bad-boy days, can now be counted in thei
A little known date in HMRCs tax calendar is not as easily remembered as the 5th of November, a date we never forget, but its the 5th of October; an important date in the tax calendar because its exactly half way through the tax year and it has imp
A landlord is fighting to get his money back after two if his HMOs were left in an appalling state after a three-year contract with London-based RHP Properties went disastrously wrong. Gulam Sumar handed over the two six-bedroom houses in Harrow to the Walthamstow company in ear
Radical new proposals for energy efficiency in the private rented sector could see landlords fined up to £30,000 for not improving their properties and tenants given the ability to claim compensation. The Governments consultation on its energy efficiency regulations sets out
A sick woman fighting to get �13,000 back from Touchstone Education says she feels raped� by her dealings with the property investment training firm. The woman who wants to remain anonymous has appeared in a video on the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BK
Its important to ensure that the tenancy deposit rules (including service notices) are applied to the letter�, as otherwise a new fine can be added each time a tenancy is renewed when the statutory rules are not followed correctly on the first one. When a tenancy deposit
For a start, there are more people in rented accommodation who do jobs that cant be done at home, but for those that can there are often restrictions. For those lucky enough to be in a position to do their jobs from home there are some real advantages. Cutting out long commut
For the past six months journalist Nigel Lewis has been penning the news articles for LandlordZONE and doing his best to fill the seat of Tom Entwistle. Here Landlord Action's
Grounds for Possession - Assured Shorthold TenanciesThe Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Housing Act 1996 lays down certain circumstances (grounds) under which a landlord may successfully apply to court for possession.The grounds for possessio
A woman who paid �13,000 for courses with property investment training firm Touchstone Education is fighting to get her money back after falling ill. The woman who wants to remain anonymous - first paid Touchstone Education �1,000 for an online course and then another
People often rent out their home when working abroad or going on extended travel, and they would naturally expect to return to live in their own on return. However, tenants are entitled to security of tenure for their contracted term safe in the knowledge that they can stay in the prope
With high street administrations and missed rent payments becoming commonplace, commercial property quarterly rent payment days are currently being highlighted in the media, with the last one, June 24th just having passed. Understandably, these deadlines are cau
The Coronavirus has affected all parts of the economy, including rentals, but tourism in particular has been hard hit. It meant that holiday lets came to a complete standstill during lock-down, whereas the traditional long-term lets have been far less affected. Short lets, altho
Self-professed millionaire landlord and YouTube property investment guru Paul Smith has been savaged by two national newspapers over the weekend after he suggested to his 12,000+ subscribers that they use the governments bounce back loans to invest in property. The scheme hel
The guarantor is the landlord's insurance policy against tenant default. The guarantor pays the landlord the rent if the tenant defaults, he pays the landlord all his losses, expenses or damages where the tenant fails to carry out his of her full obligations under the lease.This article
As councils across the UK rail against the spread of HMOs, the NRLA says it's not landlords' fault that there is such high demand for this kind of rental property. </h3>Wirral councillors have railed against HMOs whilerejecting one highly criti
After a consultation and a green light from the Secretary of State, the city's new property licensing net is set to get much tighter on June 6th. </h2>Brighton and Hove Council isset to hit landlords with some of the toughest licensing rules in
A large local authority in Cumbria is calling on landlords who own empty properties they can't rent out during the Coronavirus crisis to open them up to the council's guaranteed rent scheme, and help homeless people. </h3>Private landlords in C
Exploring the future of rental deposits, including lifetime deposit schemes and tenant-managed custodial options, to enhance affordability and flexibility.
Repairs and Maintenance: Residential landlords (private and social landlords) are being advised by
Short-termlet landlords and property agents are being encouraged to offer NHS staff afree place to stay during the pandemic. A new industry initiative - https://www.nhshomes.co.uk" target="_blank" nhshomes.co.uk - is hooking up medical
Re-possession: During the presenthealth crisis, with everyone on virtual lock-down, new lettings areon hold, but when normality resumes, as it surely will, people willwant to let out their own homes on a temporary basis. Whether
One of the UK's largest insurance companies says there is no legal framework available to it that would enable the insurance giant to pay claims now that evictions have been suspended for three months by the government. One of the UKs lar
Today (Wednesday 18 March) is https://mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/" Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) shttps://mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/" MyWhole Self Day , which is all about encouraging employees andcolleagues to embrace and share their identitie
The other week, I had the opportunity to shadow the Harrow Council Housing Enforcement Officers, who feature with me on for Channel 5's Nightmare Tenants Slum
Landlords who use WhatsApp to communicate with tenants are exposing themselves to legal action from the global communications giant, which is owned by Facebook and in the UK is the most popular way to text friends and family. The free-to-use service has quietly ushered in new te
Read our interview with a London landlord who is significantly out of pocket after signing up to a three-year guaranteed rent scheme recommended to her by a reputable letting agent. A landlord is urging othersto be wary of letting their pro
The tenant fees ban and its five-week cap on deposits does not come in fully for all tenancies until later this year, landlords should note. Government authorised tenancy deposit protectionprovider https://www.mydeposits.co.uk" id=
Tenant & Landlord Breaks: A break clause is common in both private residential tenancy agreements and commercial leases, therefore it is highly advisable that both landlords and tenants are familiar with the nature of break clauses in their lease and understand their rig
Following our recent article on property investment academies and the questionable activities of some operators, we asked the leading player in the market what should happen next. Last monthLandlordZONE shone a light into the famously Wild W
Thousands of people in the UK live rent free in return for providing services and sometimes, just companionship. But the sector is unregulated and such tenancies are a huge risk for both tenant and landlord alike. An investigation by Landlo
Storms & Floods : Given the severityof the bad weather and floods in some areas of the country recently,the past weeks have been an extremely anxious time for some tenantsand landlords. Unfortunately itappears that these worries are not goi
Section 21 : Not every landlordor agent would consider handling a possession claim themselves, butthe good news is, it can be done the system is designed for LIGs litigants in person. Everyone has theright to speak for themselves in co
Commercial Property :A commercial lease is based on contract law and a contractual agreement between landlord and tenant. The rules laid down are those as agreed in the lease agreement and are largely unencumbered by statutory rules, unlike the case with a residential tenanc
Holiday Lets : With the changes tothe tax rules many buy-to-let landlords are thinking of creative waysto overcome the loss of income. Their inability to claim tax reliefon their mortgage interest and the removal of their wear and tearallowance has made a
The Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 Part II deals with the leasing of Commercial (Business) Premises in England & Wales.Commercial (Business Tenancies) Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, Part II The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act) is an important piece of legislation in
Its producers are looking for landlords who need help with a nightmare tenant or letting agent and are happy to feature in the show. Are you one of the millions of landlords who tune in to watch Channel 5s regular Nightmare Tenants Slum L
LandlordZONE understands that the huge task of sifting through 1,000's responses to the governments consultation on evictions reform, and the likely long process of getting the law through Parliament, will take at least 18 months. Landlo
Private Rented Sector Consultant a private rented sector consultant at letting focus and tenants renting guide David Lawrenson
Article 4 direction : Birmingham CityCouncil is introducing a city-wide direction for houses in multipleoccupation (HMOs) from 8 June 2020. An Article 4planning direction means that planning approval will be required forthe conversion of a famil
Capital Gains Tax: Owners of second homes and buy-to-lets that they have previously lived in should be aware that as from April 2020 the tax relief period allowed against capital against tax (CGT) will be reduced. As it is a present,when you se
Letting Agent Contracts: One common question asked by landlords is, "how do I terminate my relationship with my letting agent?"For one reason or another, landlords sometimes wish to end their relationship with their letting agent and want to know how to go about it.Requests
General Election: Part of Laboursbid to be elected on 12th December is a raft of taxraising measures aimed at buy-to-let landlords and second homeowners. Jeremy CorbynsLabour party manifesto launch last week outlined a n
Condensation andmould : This time of year,as the temperature drops, both new homes and old homes aresusceptible to the formation of condensation and unsightly mould: newhomes because they are effectively a sealed box, and old homesbecause they often lack ef
The colder weather is here again, its that time of year coming; you feel that cold chill in the air, the snow and ice will soon arrive, and you know its time to get out that winter coat, scarf and gloves.You also know that cold wet weather on the way will test your rental properties and tenant
Portfolio Landlords: Buy to let lender Paragons recent research shows that professionaland larger-scale landlords are still investing and are increasing the size oftheir portfolios through more targeted investments. With an average portfolio
New rules that came into force in March allow https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/landlords-sue-cold-damp-homes-law-tenants-renting-housing-a8776671.html" tenants to sue landlords for issues like cold and damp. A broken heating system or poor ventilation that
Commercial Property : A recent High Court decision in Co-Operative Group Food Ltdv. A&A Shah Properties Ltd (2019) relates to an authorised guaranteeagreement (AGA) dispute, in this case an agreement involving a guarantor of theoutgoing tenant. <p id
The Government has announced its intention to scrap Section 21 notices for eviction in an effort to offer tenants more long-term security.
Commercial: A new set of mandatory rules introduced from 1stApril 2019 and though the document itself is titled a first edition, itsupersedes 3 previous editions published as codes of practice. The RICS (Royal Institution of Ch
Security: Renovating a buy-to-let property can be a great way for landlords to increase the rental income
Abandonment: When times get hard the instances of tenants leaving without notice are known to increase. Doing a runner�, skipping� moonlight flitting� walking away� or gone away� and in the words of the immortal song;
Tenancy Deposits: According to TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) less than 1% (0.85%) of tenancies they handle have resulted in a deposit dispute in the year to March 2018, nevertheless its important to get it right when dealing with tenants' deposits.Cleaning was the most com
Viewpoint by Tom Entwistle As winter approaches outside temperatures drop and the perennial landlords problem of winter condensation and black mould rear their ugly heads again.The question is, how do you know if this is caused by the building or the tenant, or is it a co
Landlords' Tax: Internet sites, such as AirBnB, have increased the number of landlords letting to lodgers and to guests on short stays. There are specific tax benefits to this type of letting business which are expanded upon below.Furnished holiday letting</st
Section 21: Most tenancies will never require the service of a Section 21, Housing Act 1988, (eviction) notice. However, on those occasions when it does become necessary, and you just never know, landlords (and agents) will thank their lucky starts they complied with the rul
Asbestos:Asbestos regulations were last updated in 2012 , bringing the UK in line with EU regulations, which means the current regulations have been in place long enough for most
The Application Form You should always use a comprehensive Tenancy Application Form when taking on a new tenant. You need a completed application for each adult tenant in the property.The Tenancy application form is a very important starting point for any residential or comm
End of an AST: Questions: What happens when an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) comes to an end? Will the tenant have to leave or does she need to sign a new agreement? What if a tenant wants to leave early? How long can a periodic tenancy last?When the fixed term (minimum of
Landlords often buy flats which are either Leasehold or Shared Freehold. What are these tenures and what should landlords look out for in these different forms of ownership?Leasehold is one of three forms of tenure (property/land ownership) almost exclusively peculiar to the United Kingdom, thoug
Landlord's Access to Property: Many landlords will have experienced a tenant denying them access to a property - whether for an inspection, viewings or legal duties. Its easy to understand the view of Its my property, I can enter when I want, but unfortunately th
New Rules for Section 21 :Landlords and Agents need to be aware of the changes affecting Section 21 rules and Notices and other changes for the letting of residential properties in England (and in many cases Wales) introduced during 2015 . This article explains the new rules
Many landlords have long suspected that the DCLG approved national calculation methodologies and software programs were seriously flawed when they produced EPC ratings for buildings following energy assessments.So news that new software is being introduced which is claimed to be more accurate is
Serving Notices: Landlords and agents often get confused as to how they should serve Notices on their tenants.Ordinarily it wouldnt matter what method is used, but if you end up in court with a possession or money claim, or some such court action, then what and how you se
Tenant are Consumers: The UK Consumer Protection law applies to letting agents and landlords alike when they advertise a property to let or create a new tenancy. It also applies to most private landlords when they deal with letting agents, unless they operate as a company.
Obtaining Possession Using Section 21 Notices Updated October 2016This article explains how to gain possession of your residential rental property in the most efficient way possible. You may just want your property back for your own use, or to sell, or you may be having prob
Winter Condensation: Its that time of year again, a time when tenants are most likely to complain about the mould appearing in those corners of the property where the walls and ceilings are really cold, and hot air with moisture always rises to the top. If its black mo
Tax Relief: Starting from 6th April 2017, those landlords with mortgages will have tax relief on their buy-to-let mortgage costs gradually reduce over a 4-year period.Many landlords dont have a mortgage (up to 50% it is said), so this change does not affect them, but many
Rent Arrears: At this time of year, soon after the Christmas spending spree, inevitably rent payments begin to suffer. If you are having problems with rent arrears, this article should help.As in most areas of life,prevention is better than cure . To re
Tax Return 2016-2017: As a general rule, and as outlined in the previous articles in this series on tax returns, landlords can claim the expenses of running and maintaining their rental properties.If the rent you charge includes additional services like water, or council tax
Tax Return 2016-17: With some costs its very easy to decide: a repair to a drain, downspout or roof tile are all allowable expenses, but what about replacing a broken single glazed window with a new plastic frame and double glazing, what about decorating and installing a
Penetrating damp, just as its name implies, is where water leaks into a building from outside the structure, through the walls or roof. Less common is where an internal leak from a water or drain pipe leaks into the structure of the building.Common causes of penetrating damp are: <ul <l
Fire Regulations in Rentals: There are several regulations relating to fire safety within rental dwellings; some affect all dwellings whereas others apply mainly to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).This looks complicated, but fire safety management in reality boils down t
Damp & Mould: You may have seen or heard of the 1970s TV series Rising Damp, which featured a landlord and his tenants (lodgers in this case) which rather implies that all rental properties are troubled with this kind of damp.Far from the case, but some are. In fact the
Renting Standards: Specialist residential property solicitor Amanda Sutcliffe of Bray & Bray looks at the importance of keeping a rental property in good condition.Research conducted by Endsleigh Insurance and TrustMark claimed that over 75% of landlords s
Sub-Letting Licenses: (SOLITAIRE) LIMITED Appellant and CHERRY LILIAN NORTON and other cases [2012]Landlords of leasehold buy-to-let flats are often asked to pay a fee (sub-letting licence or registration fee) to the freeholder when seeking permission to sub-let their flat,
Validity of Section 21 Notice: Amak Property Investments v Laura Sonny [2016]This case was an appeal by the tenant following a county court judgement relating to the validity of a s21 notice on the basis that the landlord had not complied with the deposit protection (MyDepo
Essential guide to rent reviews: why reading the lease is crucial for landlords and tenants to navigate rent adjustments effectively.
Tenant Agreement: The Law of Property Act 1925 talks about having a maximum of 4 tenants on an agreement. So what to do when you have 5, 6 or more tenants sharing a house?There is a common misunderstanding of the rules here. Landlords and agents sometimes think or have heard
Advance Rent: Piggot v Slaven and Johnson v. OldThere are two important cases which clarify (though not necessarily decisively) the position on landlords accepting rent payments in advance. One concerns the accepting of the final two months rent in advance, a common devi
Following some confusion and debate about a deferral for the new standards following the MEES* deadline in April 2018, the new government has confirmed that changes to the EPC rules, preventing landlords from renting out homes below rating E, will definitely be introduced from April 2018.Accordin
Responsibility for Repairs: Who is responsible and who is obliged to pay for repairs to leasehold blocks and flats? What is the procedure if repairs are unnecessarily delayed or not carried out to the leaseholders satisfaction? What is the Section 20 procedure?T
Essential guide on how to conduct a rent review, covering key clauses and best practices to protect landlord and tenant interests.
Test Case Yeomans v Newell [2016]:When a landlord is in breach of the tenancy deposit rules he or she is prevented from serving a valid s21 notice for possession proceedings. Despite the fact that the tenancy deposit legislation has been in force since April 2007, landlords
Test Case: Superstrike Ltd v Marino. RodriguesThe case involved a landlord who had taken a deposit from the tenant before the deposit protection rules came into force in April 2007, since changed by the Deregulation Act 2015 see below. When the tenancy later became a st
Test Case: Leeds City Council v Broadley [2016]This case and the subsequent High Court ruling has brought some clarification about who is liable to pay council tax, tenant or landlord, when a rental property is vacant due to a tenant vacating early, that is, before the tena
Ending a Tenancy: What are the rules governing the ending of a statutory periodic tenancy (SPT) by the tenant, especially when the periods of the tenancy are not the standard 1 month?The answer to this question is not easily defined as it is not covered by one rule or a sing
Deposit Scheme Scam: Mydeposits says it is aware of a new scam being used by a fraudulent company imitating mydeposits and targeting landlords and letting agent members of the mydeposits Custodial scheme in England & Wales.The scam uses an email which imitates one from m
Freezing Pipes: This time of year, as we head towards colder weather and freezing conditions, buy-to-let properties and indeed all rental properties are vulnerable to potentially expensive winter water damageIn this article digital inventory app developer Imfuna Le
Guide to commercial tenancy rent-free periods and full repairing leases, explaining tenant obligations on lease expiry or termination.
Landlords and letting agents should by now be conversant with the 2014 regulations on blinds and curtains and the measures necessary to prevent accidents with children. It is particularly important to ensure that blinds and curtains supplied in rental properties meet these regulations, otherwise,
Chartered surveyor Clive Scrivener says properly regulated leasehold remains an efficient and proven structure for complex residential buildings.
North Warwickshire Council wants to restrict HMOs despite its very small percentage of shared housing.
Justice for Tenants has predicted a surge in Rent Repayment Order claims following the Chancellor’s failure to get a licence.
Paul Shamplina has warned that the Renters’ Rights Act could prove catastrophic for landlords trying to evict non-paying tenants.
RICS UK survey identifies a clear shift in mood across the commercial property sector
The Renters’ Rights Act ends Section 21 “no-fault” evictions; landlords must now use Section 8 grounds, with longer notice periods.
Rachel Reeves’ admission of breaching housing law neatly illustrates the challenges landlords face in keeping up with legislation.
Landlords across the country are enjoying better profits and yields than they have for several years, new research shows.
“Landlords rush to sell ahead of Renters' Rights Bill as taxes, rates, and reforms squeeze profits. Time to act is now.”
Landlords learn practical strategies to navigate 2025 property tax changes, from inheritance tax to SDLT and CGT planning.
Landlords have been warned to avoid the spread of phantom rumours about the Renters' Rights Act.
The London lettings agency at the centre of the Rachel Reeves selective licensing scandal has released a statement.
Landlords in Hillingdon will have the chance to comment on a new borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme.
The Chancellor has been accused of “glaring hypocrisy” by a landlord impacted by the licensing scheme she pushed for in Leeds.
Many claims the Renters' Rights Act is pushing more landlords out but George Osborne's Section 24 changes are the real culprit, says expert.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has apologised to the Prime Minister for failing to get a selective licence for her London rental property.
The day of the long-awaited abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions has finally arrived
The Law Society has warned that the courts aren’t ready for an expected rise in hearings created by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Most of Westminster’s private landlords will be covered by a huge new selective licensing scheme when it launches next month.
An Edinburgh landlord has been fined for renting out an unlicensed flat in the first prosecution under the country’s short-term lets licensing scheme.
A startup on a mission to revolutionise student rentals aims to sign up one million students within the next year.
The government has squandered a chance to help both animal-loving tenants and landlords, according to pet campaigners.
The Mortgage Works is improving its application process and speeding up lending decisions for landlords.
Landlords and agents face a draconian and new set of investigative powers given to councils by the Act.
The huge reforms that the Act bring in are now law although secondary legislative and regulatory changes will be needed to make it go live fully.
Islington to increase coverage to ten wards and raise the scheme's per-property fee to £850.
The government has promised to publish a timetable on when Awaab’s Law will include private landlords.
Landlords in Northern Ireland will soon have to pay more for an HMO licence as part of a crackdown on the sector.
Landlords and tenants are both feeling the pinch as affordability remains stretched across the PRS.
The prospect of the passing of the Renters Rights Act means for many landlords, the exit lights are flashing
The Renters’ Rights Bill is almost here. Change is certain but timing isn’t. Now’s the moment to prepare, not pause.
Landlords in Bury hoping to convert their property to an HMO could soon have to meet tougher planning restrictions.
A new AI tool aims to help renters secure a rental property by sending alerts to their inbox before other platforms.
A group of six leading freeholders and property industry groups have failed in their High Court bid to reverse last year’s leasehold reform legislatio
The Telegraph appears to be at odds with its readers after a supportive article about rental reforms drew widespread opposition.
London’s 20% affordable fast-track aims to revive stalled sites and boost housing starts, but delivery - not policy - will be the real test.
Local councils are using arm’s-length companies to serve Section 21 eviction notices, impacting landlords ahead of upcoming legal changes.
Most brokers’ landlord clients are set to slim down their portfolios if National Insurance is applied to rental income.
Don’t let the headline mislead, it must be tempered by a realistic appraisal of the markets
Rental reform campaigner labels PRS policies an “unmitigated disaster” as he celebrates the imminent Renters’ Rights Act.
A summary of the Renters’ Rights Bill’s legislative path and the forthcoming changes it brings to the private rented sector.
A letting agency has been set up in the capital for socially minded landlords keen to be part of a more inclusive PRS.
Renters' Rights Bill has been voted through by MPs and will now go to the King for Royal Assent.
The Autumn Budget lands 26 Nov 2025. Tax hikes may target landlords—stay alert to NI on rental profits, CGT changes & MTD rollout.
Nottingham Council has announced new penalties to tackle poor practice – but admits it is late to the party.
Councillors in Rotherham are pushing ahead with selective licensing despite opposition from both landlords and tenants.
Medway Council has announced plans to introduce both selective and additional licensing schemes next summer.
Croydon landlords face having to join a selective licensing scheme in the borough after a five-year break.
Rightmove launches free webinar to help landlords prepare for major legal changes from the Renters' Rights Bill. Join Oct 22 at 7pm.
Landlord sell-offs fuel student housing crisis, increasing homelessness risk as students face sudden displacement and councils struggle to cope.
New Home Office data shows that Right to Rent fines have surged to more than £4.2 million since late 2024.
Landlords renting out homes in parts of Scunthorpe now need a selective licence.
A National Insurance grab could create renewed investment from older landlords and reshape the BTL market.
Renters are most likely to turn to social media to solve issues caused by mould as they are unsure about their legal rights.
Universal Credit changes and LHA freeze leave landlords facing longer arrears, slower recovery, and greater financial risk.
Student rental arrears could climb when the Renters’ Rights Bill is introduced, a letting expert has warned.
More landlords in a key London borough are to face selective licensing if councillors in Enfield get their way following a 12-week consultation due to
The government has dismissed MPs’ calls to conduct a comprehensive review of the “dysfunctional” County Courts.
With experienced landlords leaving in their droves, we now see an influx of accidental landlords
Labour deputy leader hopeful Lucy Powell has praised the government for taking on landlords' "vested interests".
A leading letting agent has expressed disappointment over Labour’s unwillingness to listen to concerns about the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Housing ministry data shows 'landlord selling up' remains a key reason why tenants have to move out and seek help from their council.
Asylum leasing offers landlords guaranteed rent, but risks, strict contracts, and ethical issues mean due diligence is essential.
Green Party's anti-landlord stance sparks sell-off as landlords fear policy impact - exit firms report surge in portfolio sales.
MPs will have their last chance to study the Renters’ Rights Bill when it goes back to the House of Commons next week.
Reeves signals possible tax hikes ahead of Nov Budget, with NI on rental profits still under review amid fiscal tightening.
Generation Rent has taken the credit for keeping ‘pro landlord’ amendments out of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
More landlords in Leeds will need to apply for a licence when the council launches an extended scheme next February.
Commercial landlords are facing a nightmare situation; a race to upgrade their energy efficiency standards, many with an uncertain outcome
Comments made by Paul Johnson to NRLA as Labour tries to position private landlords are 'ripe for extra taxes' ahead of next month's budget.
An energy efficiency expert has warned landlords to “do it right or don’t bother” when it comes to insulating their properties.
The John Lewis Partnership is to start work on building 170 rental homes in Reading.
Landlords, agents and charities have warned that inadequate Local Housing Allowance rates are pushing renters to the cliff edge.
Peer says during Lords debate that Renters' Rights Bill is not proportionate in its approach balancing tenant and landlord needs.
A Scottish firm is hoping to convince landlords in the West Country to let it take the strain in the short-let market.
Councils issuing no-fault evictions via legal workarounds, despite pledges to abolish Section 21.
A landlord who destroyed his tenant’s home following an illegal eviction has been ordered to pay her £53,000 in damages.
A staggering 98% of homes with external wall insulation installed under the ECO scheme need work to correct major issues.
Hounslow says it is on the hunt for rogue and non-compliant landlords and agents within its borders.
Peers are hoping they can convince the government to reconsider key changes to the Renters’ Rights Bill around possession grounds.
Landlords face a tough 2025: tax hikes, digital reporting & the Renters' Rights Bill demand smart planning to protect income & stay compliant.
The PRS should fund local authority regulation, says the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Millennial landlords account for a record 50% of shareholders in new buy-to-let limited companies set up this year.
Cost of premium is always front of mind when landlords take out insurance, but under-insuring can be a very costly mistake
Properties that let the sector down are in the minority, a regulation expert will tell the upcoming NRLA conference.
Renters in London and the South East now need to spend less of their pay on rent, according to Propertymark.
Tenants who are afraid to blow the whistle on bad practice are inadvertently contributing to poor HMOs.
MP's £2k HMO-linked hospitality sparks debate on PRS ethics. Landlords face rising scrutiny, compliance pressure, and policy shifts.
A landlord who illegally kicked out his tenant and took their belongings has been fined.
A court ruling has highlighted the importance of informing tenants when landlords move their deposit between schemes.
Landlords and letting agents are being warned by official bodies to be vigilant against payment diversion fraud within the private rented sector.
Good landlords are leaving the PRS - rising costs, regulation, and tax changes are driving out the best in the sector.
Letting agents report that landlord instructions have fallen to their lowest level since May 2020.
A landlord who was criticised by a judge for his “appalling behaviour” must pay tenants a whopping £25,542.
A Conservative government would abolish stamp duty on primary residences but not for second home purchasers or landlords, leader Kemi Badenoch reveals
A Tory activist says the PRS will shrink if the government presses on with “politically motivated tax raids”.
Wales has cemented its position as the top yielding landlord location in the UK during the third quarter of the year.
Struggling to maintain rental profits? Learn 5 key steps to protect your margins - from setting the right rent to smart insurance and cost reviews.
What are the implications of renting to a 17 year old or someone who is under the age of 18?
Oldham Council plans to introduce a borough-wide Article 4 Direction requiring landlords to get planning permission for HMOs.
Landlords and agents with properties in Bradford have failed to pay more than £1.5 million in civil penalty notices since 2018.
Landlords in Thurrock have managed to halt the Essex borough’s selective licencing scheme, forcing the council to respond to a legal claim.
A landlord who didn’t visit his unlicensed rental property for more than a decade has been handed a £9,360 rent repayment order.
Build-to-rent giant Grainger has been handed a high-profile boost after billionaire Mike Ashley acquired a 3.1% interest.
Hundreds of thousands of tenants could get the housing element of Universal Credit incorrectly stopped, warns a benefits expert.
A new Private Members’ Bill aims to keep empty properties on the valuation list and hold private landlords to account.
Scottish councils could get more choice in how they design and apply visitor levies on accommodation including short-term lets.
A tax advisor has urged landlords to get hold of new software ahead of the 6th April implementation date.
Average rents in England hit their lowest levels for nine months during December, although 2026 could still be a record-breaking year.
Landlords spend between 25% and 45% of their gross rental income on running costs, including maintenance and insurance.
A record number of licensing schemes launched in the UK last year as councils took advantage of more relaxed rules.
A rogue landlord who repeatedly put vulnerable tenants at risk has been banned from letting properties for two years.
Average UK rents fell slightly to £1,317 in December, down 1.5% on the previous month but still 2.6% higher than December 2024.
Landlords in Portsmouth have urged the government to draft legislation minimising collateral damage to the PRS.
Landlords in Northern Ireland have been urged to share their views on proposed extended notice to quit periods.
A licensing expert warns that the swathe of legislative changes will lead to a “race to the bottom” in 2026.
Havering Council is to launch new extended selective and additional licensing schemes in March – and is hiking fees for both.
Generation Rent and the Renters’ Reform Coalition have renewed calls for rent controls, arguing that the Renters’ Rights Act does not go far enough.
The government has confirmed that short-term let landlords should soon expect to be part of a registration scheme.
The number of buy-to-let mortgage products has surged by 68% since last Christmas, while average mortgage rates for investors have fallen.
Anger is growing over the government’s failure to introduce the delayed Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.
A landlord who blamed the council’s website for his failure to make a licence application has been handed a Rent Repayment Order.
The Green party has admitted it doesn’t want to get rid of private landlords - just make life more difficult for them.
The number of tenants being asked to provide a guarantor has jumped sharply in the last year, according to Generation Rent.
Telford & Wrekin Council has revealed that landlords would be expected to pay a hefty £1,522 fee under licensing plans.
Landlords in Scotland should brace themselves for a potential rise in property income tax, according to one financial expert.
A man has been jailed for 21 years for attempting to kill his landlord in a violent attack.
A judge has ruled that simply plugging in a microwave is not enough to turn a room into a self-contained flat.
Some large lettings agents are denting residential landlords’ rental yields by over-inflating property management costs, says a London firm.
A landlord pair have been fined for renting out an unlicensed and unsafe HMO where the fire brigade was called.
Scotland’s first Reform UK councillor has warned that build-to rent owning pension companies are going to accelerate rising rents.
Landlord Adam Lawrence admits he prefers first-time buyers to investors when selling his properties.
Nearly a third of homes for sale in London on Zoopla are former rented properties, prompting fears that more landlords are quitting.
A legal expert has urged landlords to consider rent rises before the Renters’ Rights Act brings in tighter rules next May.
A landlord group has warned that maintaining detailed records will soon be vital for landlords and their agents.
VSD Properties UK Ltd has lost a £200,000 legal battle after failing to pay rates on a commercial property for years.
Generation Rent has renewed its calls for rent controls in Wales ahead of Senedd elections next May.
The average length of time private renters spent in their current home is at an all-time high, according to the English Housing Survey.
Licensing application delay reveals a “very poor state of administration” that could have broader consequences, says property lawyer.
Leaseholder landlords wanting to offer tenants superfast broadband will have more rights under new government plans.
Research by Co-op Insurance reveals that 11% of renters have received a Section 21 eviction notice during their current tenancies.
A landlord family has been told to pay more than £900,000 for illegally converting an HMO.
Tenant group Acorn has had complaints of Norwich councillors being “disrespectful and hostile” towards its members dismissed.
Higher Rate Additional Dwelling (HRAD) tax brought in £5.4 billion during the last financial year, a rise of £870 million.
Letting agents have blamed property taxes as one of the reasons for a big fall in landlords putting rental homes on the market.
Stoke-on-Trent Council will quiz tenants to help decide whether it needs to tighten up policies around HMOs.
Conservative councillors have called for a full investigation into Labour colleague Farhaan Rehman's position at three property firms.
Landlords are being urged to share their experiences of housing disrepair claims and the role of claims management firms.
Rental demand has dropped to a six-year low after net migration fell sharply, and first-time buyers took advantage of better mortgage deals.
Landlords could be fined if they fail to stop tenants continually putting rubbish in the wrong bin under new waste regulations.
A landlord mistakenly believed his property had been licensed by a rent guarantee firm which scammed him out of £15,000.
Additional licensing and an Article 4 direction are a step closer to being introduced in Telford & Wrekin.
A landlord and letting agent have been ordered to pay a total of £41,400 for renting out a cockroach-infested property in Cardiff.
The average possession case with continual rent arrears cost London-based landlords £22,968 in unpaid rent this year.
Well-intentioned regulation doesn’t automatically translate into better outcomes, according to the NRLA.
Hello Neighbour has teamed up with Currys Business to help landlords save money when buying appliances.
A leasehold lawyer has urged the government to go further in its reforms after one property manager was quizzed by the Housing Minister.
Hundreds of investors who were scammed out of more than £13 million up to a decade ago can now try to get their money back.
Landlords in Stockton have slammed the town’s selective licensing scheme as an “own goal” and an “exercise in futility”.
The Property Franchise Group predicts that the Renters’ Rights Act will drive higher landlord costs, which will be passed on to tenants.
Thousands of defunct telephone exchanges around the UK could become residential blocks as BT gives up the leases.
A landlord has been fined £14,000 after he left tenants with no working smoke detectors, fixed heating, electrical supply or front door.
The government has revealed that 2.4 million landlords will have to pay more in property tax by the end of this Parliament.
A couple illegally sub-let a Solihull Council property while living 130 miles away in Essex.
Great Yarmouth landlords have convinced their council to cut its proposed selective licensing fee and reduce inspections.
Landlords in Northern Ireland must now guarantee that electrical safety checks have been carried out at all private tenancies.
Landlords are worried that the Scottish government is preparing to hammer its PRS with a property income tax hike in the Budget.
More than 924,000 of England’s private rented homes are non-decent, putting tenants’ health and safety at risk.
Environmental health officers have warned MPs they face an additional enforcement burden once the database is launched.
A landlord and his property management firm have been ordered to pay £7,589 after he failed to demolish a home extension.
Accidental landlords will be hardest hit by the Chancellor’s tax grab, according to one lettings agency boss.
Landlords of most privately rented homes in Hackney will need a licence to let out their property from next May.
Local politicians have urged colleagues to consider introducing additional licensing and an Article 4 direction in Telford & Wrekin.
Two Southend-on-Sea landlords have paid the price for failing to repair serious hazards in their properties.
Higher taxes on property income could push typical rents up by £20-25 per month, according to analysis by the NRLA.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hit landlords in the pocket by hiking tax rates on property income by 2% in today’s Budget.
Eddisons has bought competitor Network Auctions to become one of the largest property auction houses in the UK.
Landlords remortgaging in the first half of the year have withdrawn the most equity to expand their portfolios since 2018.
Alvarine Coulton is proud of being named Landlord of the Year in the National LIS Awards – an award she previously won in 2022.
Westminster Council has launched its major selective licensing scheme, covering most of the city’s landlords.
London has rebounded as the strongest and largest rental market after three years of post-pandemic wobble.
The Welsh government has insisted its Rent Smart Wales scheme has had a positive impact on the PRS.
Landlords are increasingly turning towards semi-commercial property to expand their portfolios.
Landlords have warned that new rental rules will force them to delay or reduce energy-efficiency works.
AI and automation will make legal requirements under the Renters’ Rights Act manageable, predicts a technology expert.
Landlord Action has reported its busiest month in more than two years, with instructions from landlords to serve eviction notices up 62% year-on-year.
The government has no idea how the Renters’ Rights Act will impact the tribunal that considers rent appeal cases, says David Smith.
Scottish politicians have lamented the lack of younger landlords and called for the sector to be given more respect.
Property monitoring technology provider ResiSure has been appointed as a recognised supplier by the NRLA
Software firm Qualisync has launched AskLettie - a WhatsApp-based reporting and 24/7 tenant triage tool to manage repair requests.
Paul Shamplina has poured water on the government’s assertion that evicting anti-social tenants should be easier after 1st May.
Europe’s first rent-to-own real estate fund is buying up rental properties from big landlords exiting the market.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has welcomed stronger powers in the Renters’ Rights Act to clamp down on rogue landlords.
The Mortgage Works is cutting rates on selected buy-to-let products by up to 0.20 percentage points.
Short-let landlords would have to charge guests a nightly fee if Rachel Reeves goes ahead with plans in the Budget.
Tenants have been urged to check carbon monoxide alarms and heating systems to prevent illness and death from gas poisoning.
Landlords have been warned that the window to serve a Section 21 notice is closing before the Renters’ Rights Act kicks in.
Local councils fined landlords at least £26.4 million from 2022 to 2024 for housing offences.
More than half of landlords (51%) who’ve made renovations during the last five years regret their decision.
The NRLA refused to be included in the government’s Renters’ Rights Act press release in protest about a lack of detail around reforms.
