While landlords face rising penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act, councils across London are collecting only a fraction of the fines they have issued. Research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) show boroughs imposed almost £8.7m in civil penalties between 2023/24 and 2024/25 but recovered less than £3m. In total, more than 1,300 penalties […]

I am a private landlord defending a Housing Act 2004 tenancy deposit penalty claim in the County Court (Bromley). I am acting as a litigant in person. The claim is now potentially worth up to £14,400 across four ASTs using Superstrike v Rodrigues and Szorad v Kohli arguments. I have a strong defence, but I […]

If something needed to change, how easily could your portfolio adapt?

In February 2026, Property118 took HMRC to the First Tier Tribunal (Tax). The hearing went on for 10 days. We took this action because, since late 2023, HMRC has argued that the use of an indemnity for existing mortgage liabilities to be taken over by a company is a discloseable tax avoidance scheme. This is […]

It’s hard to believe, but in six weeks we’ll have the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and with it the biggest regulatory earthquake to hit PRS landlords in a generation. On 1 May, Section 21 goes, every tenancy becomes rolling, landlords face a national database, stronger pet rights, capped rent reviews and £40,000 fines. […]

The government has confirmed what information must be included in new tenancy agreements for the Renters’ Rights Act. Landlords will need to give this information when creating a new tenancy on or after 1 May 2026. It’s important for landlords to know that you will not need to provide this information to an existing tenant […]

Tenants in south west London face eviction after two separate cases, with a council acquisition in Richmond and a large private landlord move in Colliers Wood hitting the headlines. In Richmond, more than 30 households at Garden Court, opposite Kew Gardens, have been told to move out as landlord Dorrington prepares to sell the block […]

The government has claimed that “it’s not fair” landlords pay less in tax than their tenants, arguing that the wealthiest should contribute the most. In a debate in the House of Lords, a Labour peer said government reforms are intended to make the tax system “fairer.” The Autumn Budget increased tax rates on dividends, property, […]

Homebuyer demand picked up in February as falling mortgage rates drew more people back into the market, with London accounting for much of the increase. That’s according to Connells Group, which enjoyed new applicant registrations rising by 1.5% year-on-year across Great Britain. The activity makes it the strongest February for buyer demand since 2022. In […]

The government has confirmed it has no plans to amend overcrowding rules under the Housing Act 1985. In a written answer, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said ministers will not review the statutory overcrowding standards but intend to introduce new regulations for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The news comes as the government […]

More than half of the estimated 9,000 PRS homes in Blackpool’s latest selective licensing area have now been registered, with landlords who haven’t done so facing the prospect of fines or prosecution. The scheme, covering eight wards, has been in place for almost a year. It requires a £772 licence and, so far, 30% of […]

What would happen if you stepped back from those decisions?

Most landlords have a clear idea of how much income their portfolio produces. They know the monthly rent, the costs, and what remains once everything has been paid. Over time, that figure becomes familiar. It is part of the rhythm of the business, but there is another question that is asked far less often; How dependent are […]

What does your portfolio actually give you today?

It is a question most landlords never ask at the beginning. In the early years, there is no time for it because yuu are focused on buying well, keeping the numbers working and gradually building something that feels worthwhile. Then, one day, usually much later than expected, the question appears. Not a sign that anything is wrong […]

For many landlords, the inevitability of eventually having to repay mortgages was never regarded as the best outcome, just the default one. At one point, you probably did have a plan; most likely something along the lines of sell a few properties at retirement, clear some debt, and simplify things over time. That’s perfectly sensible, […]

The government has published an information sheet on the Renters’ Rights Act, warning landlords that they could face a £7,000 fine if they fail to provide it to tenants by 31 May 2026. The document outlines key changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and rules on rent increases. […]

Temporary accommodation is often described as a short-term solution. In practice, it has become one of the fastest-growing costs in the entire housing system. Across England alone, councils are now spending around £2.8 billion a year on temporary accommodation. Just a few years earlier, the total was far lower. In simple terms, spending has more than […]

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database will help tackle illegal subletting, claims the government. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all landlords must register in the database, which will include information about their properties that tenants can access. As previously reported by Property118, one in five landlords discovered their property was being sublet on platforms such […]

The London Assembly Housing Committee has warned that low awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act among London renters could undermine reforms. The committee reports that more than 65% of renters in the capital have either not heard of the Act or do not understand what it means for them. The committee is calling on London […]

Demand continues to outstrip supply as landlords leave the market due to the Renters’ Rights Act, claims a new report. Propertymark’s Housing Insight report reveals the number of registrations per member branch has jumped to 87, with the average number of applicants per member branch sitting at seven people per property. The news comes as […]