October is always one of the busiest months in the property industry calendar, and this year was no exception. Over the past few weeks, I attended the Corporate Engagement Awards 2026, the Landlord Investment Show Manchester, NRLA London Connect and a series of housing and dispute resolution discussions in Jersey.

While each event had a different focus, many of the conversations were remarkably similar. Whether speaking with landlords, letting agents, policymakers or industry partners, the same concerns continued to surface.

What struck me most was that landlords are not responding to a single change. Instead, they are trying to navigate multiple reforms and compliance requirements at the same time. From preparing for the Private Rented Sector Database, to understanding future regulatory changes and maintaining day-to-day compliance, there is a growing need for clear, practical guidance.

Here are the key lessons I took away from a busy month on the road.

Landlords want clarity, not more headlines

At both the Landlord Investment Show Manchester and NRLA London Connect, one theme came up repeatedly: landlords want clarity.

Most accepted that the private rented sector is changing and that new requirements are part of an increasingly professionalised market. However, many expressed frustration at trying to determine what action is needed now, what can wait and how different requirements fit together.

The upcoming Private Rented Sector Database was a common discussion point. Landlords wanted to better understand what information they may need, how registration could work alongside existing licensing schemes and how they can prepare in advance rather than rushing to meet future deadlines.

The appetite for information is clearly there, but landlords are increasingly looking for practical explanations rather than broad policy announcements.

My top tip: Schedule a quarterly compliance review. Spending an hour every few months checking upcoming regulatory changes is far easier than dealing with several requirements at once.

Compliance is becoming more difficult to manage

Another recurring theme was the administrative challenge of compliance.

Many landlords spoke about the difficulty of keeping track of deposit protection requirements, safety certificates, inventories, licensing obligations, inspection records and tenancy documentation, particularly when managing multiple properties.

The challenge is not necessarily understanding individual requirements. It is ensuring that everything is organised, accessible and up to date when needed.

As compliance expectations continue to grow, landlords increasingly need systems and processes that help them stay on top of their obligations.

My top tip: Create a dedicated compliance file for every property. Include deposit protection details, prescribed information, certificates, tenancy agreements, inventories and inspection records. Having everything in one place can save considerable time and stress.

Good evidence is more important than ever

As someone involved in dispute resolution, this was perhaps the most consistent message throughout October.

During our regional mydeposits deposit dispute workshops, which have taken us to locations across the country, we explored real-life dispute scenarios with landlords and agents. Time and again, the difference between a successful and unsuccessful outcome came down to the quality of the evidence available.

Many landlords assume photographs alone will be enough. In reality, the strongest cases are often supported by detailed inventories, signed check-in reports, inspection records and clear communication throughout the tenancy.

Strong documentation benefits everyone. It provides clarity for tenants, supports landlords when issues arise and can help prevent disputes escalating in the first place.

My top tip: Think beyond photographs. Detailed inventories dated correspondence and written records of agreed actions can be just as valuable when demonstrating what happened during a tenancy.

Collaboration still matters

One of the highlights of the month was attending the Corporate Engagement Awards 2026, where the partnership between mydeposits and Centrepoint received recognition.

While the award itself was a proud moment, it also reinforced something I saw throughout October: the best outcomes are usually achieved when organisations and individuals work together.

That collaborative spirit was evident at industry events, during our workshops and in discussions with housing professionals and policymakers. Some of the most valuable insights came not from formal presentations, but from conversations with landlords sharing their experiences and challenges.

Many were facing similar issues, from understanding upcoming reforms to balancing investment in compliance while maintaining sustainable rental businesses. Hearing how others have approached these challenges remains one of the most effective ways to learn.

My top tip: Take advantage of industry events and professional networks. The opportunity to share experiences and learn from others is often just as valuable as the formal content.

The bigger picture

After a month spent speaking with people across the sector, one thing is clear: landlords remain committed to providing good-quality homes, but they are doing so in an increasingly complex environment.

The strongest message I heard was a desire for certainty, practical advice and clear communication. Landlords are not looking for shortcuts. They simply want to understand what is expected of them and how best to prepare.

Events such as the Landlord Investment Show Manchester, NRLA London Connect, our regional dispute workshops and the discussions held in Jersey all help bring these conversations to the surface. They provide an opportunity to hear directly from those working at the sharp end of the sector and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face.

As we move towards the end of the year, I expect the themes that dominated October’s conversations to remain front of mind: compliance, preparation and staying informed.

The conversation certainly doesn't stop here. In the coming weeks, the mydeposits team will be exhibiting at The Negotiator Conference and Scottish Letting Day, while our nationwide deposit dispute workshop programme continues with our next stop in Newcastle.

If October demonstrated anything, it is the value of getting out into the industry, listening to the questions being asked and sharing practical knowledge that helps landlords and agents navigate an increasingly complex sector. We look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead.