Most landlords spend decades building portfolios designed to deliver two things: financial security during retirement and a meaningful legacy for their families. The focus tends to be on acquisitions, refinancing and tax efficiency while the portfolio is growing. The inheritance tax question often sits quietly in the background, acknowledged but rarely urgent, yet inheritance tax […]

The government has changed its tune regarding a landlord exodus, admitting it doesn’t know how many landlords have quit the private rented sector (PRS). Previously, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has claimed there’s no evidence of a landlord exodus and the size of the PRS has doubled since the early 2000s. However, in answer to a […]

Ben Twomey has announced his decision to step down as chief executive of Generation Rent after three years in the role. He is set to leave the position this summer, with the search for his successor already underway. Generation Rent has begun recruiting for a new chief executive, offering a salary of £68,000. Timing feels […]

The government have published a mandatory Renters’ Rights Act information sheet that all landlords need to give to their tenants. However, the government and councils are going to fine me £7000 for not giving tenants, who have lived there 25 years, a letter that the government has just brought in in 2026. With the amount […]

Councillors have been told there is no mechanism to prevent landlords and developers’ bulk-buying homes for conversion into houses in multiple occupation (HMO), despite mounting concern over concentrations in residential areas. Councillors on Belfast Council’s licensing committee raised concerns about ‘cash-only’ purchases in East Belfast, with several properties acquired together and repositioned as HMOs to […]

The Labour government has ruled out introducing rent controls, claiming “it will push landlords out of the market”. Despite some Labour MPs and London Mayor Sadiq Khan pushing for rent controls, the government continues to insist it does not support rent controls. The Scottish government have announced rent controls in Scotland will be introduced in […]

The government website with the recently released Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026 says:- “The Information Sheet is only valid when downloaded from this page. You must give the exact PDF found at the top of this page. You must provide this to the tenants by either: printing a hard copy, which is posted or […]

Statistics can change how an entire sector is perceived. A single number repeated often enough can shape public policy, influence legislation and define how millions of landlords are viewed. Shelter understands this better than most organisations operating in the housing debate. Headlines citing Shelter research frequently appear in national newspapers: “45% of renters face illegal […]

Hello, I have a joint student property fixed term of 11 months with an end date of 31st July. One tenant has a limited right to rent until 31st July. Property is wanted by landlord to move in themselves on 1st August. This was always know by the tenants before the contract was signed. On […]

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?