Is It Time to Change the Narrative?
At Property118, we have always aimed to present a truthful and unflinching view of the challenges faced by landlords. For over a decade, we have addressed some of the most difficult topics in our sector. From Section 24 and the erosion of finance cost relief, to regulatory upheaval and legal complexity, we have never shied away from difficult conversations.
However, recent feedback has prompted some deeper reflection. A long-standing reader recently said to me, “The news on Property118 is getting a bit depressing.” That comment stayed with me. On reviewing our recent output, I could see how someone might reach that conclusion.
There is no doubt that landlords have faced a challenging environment. Yet the overall picture is not entirely bleak. Thousands of new landlord companies are being formed each year. Rents are strong in many areas. The private rented sector continues to grow and evolve. Many landlords are adapting successfully and finding opportunity where others have stepped back.
These stories matter just as much as the problems we highlight. In fact, they may matter more if we want to help landlords remain confident, resilient, and forward-looking.
This article serves two purposes. First, we would like to ask for your help in shaping our future editorial direction. Should Property118 place more emphasis on balance? Would you like to see more articles focused on what is working, and why some landlords are thriving despite the wider media narrative?
If so, we would be very grateful if you would scroll down and leave a comment below this article. Our editorial team will be reading every reply, and your collective views will influence their thinking far more effectively than anything I could say on my own.
Second, we would like to hear about what you are doing. If you have found ways to grow, adapt, or simply hold steady in the current climate, please consider sharing your experience with the wider community. Whether it relates to tenant selection, regional strategy, portfolio structure, mindset, or management systems, we would love to hear about it in your own words.
You can submit a short article or question using the link below:
👉 Share your story or question here
You are also warmly encouraged to join the discussion below this article. Whether you agree with this proposed shift in tone or not, your perspective is welcome. We are particularly keen to hear from those who feel that balance is important, as well as from those who prefer us to remain strictly focused on highlighting challenges.
The strength of Property118 has always come from its readership. If we are to evolve, that evolution should be shaped by you.
We look forward to reading your thoughts and experiences.
Kind regards,
Mark Alexander
Founder, Property118.com
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Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 22
3:53 AM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 14/07/2025 – 10:38
Agreed. A bit tiresome.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
9:10 AM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Dave at 14/07/2025 – 22:12
Unfortunately, the RRB will take away all control landlords have and put control in the hands of the tenants. Once again, I invite anyone to come up with anything in the RRN which is positive for tenants or landlords?
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
9:17 AM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 15/07/2025 – 09:10
What is your solution?
Selling up or something else?
I’m really keen to hear from people with solutions and alternatives.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
11:56 AM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark Alexander – Founder of Property118 at 15/07/2025 – 09:17
Rule 1, never let to any tenant who is likely to qualify for legal aid. Legal aid is like a free lottery ticket where the tenant may not win but the landlord always loses.
Rule 2, price your property above the local housing allowance so as to have a valid reason to reject all on benefits. Take heed of Angela Rayner’s comment and avoid benefiting from the public purse.
Rule 3, Reference all prospective tenants, not just up to their eyeballs but right up to the sky. If they do not qualify for Rent Guarantee Insurance, do not let to them.
Rule 4, take swift action (Moneyclaim) against rent arrears, spare no quarter.
Rule 5, do not even consider anyone who is not in full-time work.
Rule 6, increase rents every year by the maximum the market will allow, no more keeping the same rent for many years.
Rule 7, do not tolerate any deviation from the letter of the law by the tenant, after all landlords have been held to the letter of the law for years.
Some, but by no means all, solutions. Now, will someone please come up with some benefits of the RRB, I really would like to know.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
12:20 PM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 15/07/2025 – 11:56
I agree with all of these apart from point 5. However, if you’re applying this more broadly to include guarantors then I agree with that point too.
I would add another. Do consider pets, because people with pets usually stay longer, struggle to find accommodation and are often willing to pay higher rents for this reason. However, always insist on viewing their current home and looking for signs of pet damage, particularly lawns, doors, furniture and skirting boards. Also insist on meeting the pets. Make sure they show you their true home, i.e. the address on their proof of residence documents and bank statements.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
12:38 PM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark Alexander – Founder of Property118 at 15/07/2025 – 12:20
The requirement for full-time work is to ensure that the tenant needs to sleep at night and thus does not disturb others.
Once, I acquiesced to a request to keep a few tropical fish. The tank when full weighed over a tonne, exceeding the design weight limit of the floor.
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 363
1:29 PM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I see that 118 is at it again today with another slant on why PRS landlords should sell up. This time it is about large landlords who are quietly selling up and leaving the market. Apparently “It’s an indicator that something (unspecified but horrible no doubt) is coming” The strapline is what do the big boys know that you don’t? Why not follow those in the know and sell up as well? Here’s our handy form.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
2:31 PM, 15th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 15/07/2025 – 13:29
The article you are referring to is clearly labeled as the author being David Coughlin of Landlord Sales Agency. It is an advertorial.
We need to run sponsored article and Advertorials to keep the lights on.
You don’t have to read his articles. Please understand they are not written by Property118. The name of the Author is clearly shown below all article titles on the website and in our Newsletters.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
10:07 AM, 16th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 15/07/2025 – 11:56
Difficult to reject on point 2 alone. Many have other benefits that can meet the rent top up. Or do you suggest (like I have done) that these other benefits are for actually living on and so displacing them to pay the rent means they will be automatically living beyond their means?
I have often thought about using the EPC and the ‘average’ utility consumption as a way of showing that their income will not allow them to adequately heat the property to the levels require to maintain a healthy environment (and so stop the trauma of damp and mould due to lack of heating) based on the amount of money they have to live once any top ups are accounted for.
Interesting to note that Councils take account of utility costs when deciding if a T can get extra financial help or not…perhaps time LL’s started taking account of this too knowing that claims of damp and mould are inevitably going to increase again this coming winter if the tenants fail to put the heating on because they can’t afford it….
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
10:55 AM, 16th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 16/07/2025 – 10:07
I think that should be an article. Would you consider drafting and submitting one?