Why Property118 Is Changing Its Tone

I would welcome a move away from sensational headlines – there are plenty of important things that are worthy to discuss.

As an example I would love to see the actual financial and contract conditions supplied by the intermediaries like Serco, plenty of drama but very few fact.

Going forward, RRB implement needs to be detailed and not speculated. Once it is in place we want to see real examples of the rent tribunals in operation, and real case studies of landlords trying to negotiate ASB under the new rules.

Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 17/11/2025 – 13:05
Hi Paul,

Thank you for your feedback, it’s much appreciated.

If you come across a specific example you think we should cover (for instance a live tribunal case or an ASB negotiation under new legislation) please flag it and we’ll endeavour to dig in.

Thanks again for engaging. We look forward to building this with the community and helping you feel more informed and more in control.

A more positive approach would be most welcome.
Some of us are in it for the long haul whether we want to be or not. CGT makes selling long held properties extremely unpalatable. I still predominantly like being a landlord, while my husband would sell up tomorrow if he could. Being bombarded with sensationalist negative media articles and having a partner with a negative attitude (caused mainly by the negative media articles) can be mentally exhausting.

Here’s a bit of positivity I can share.
I had an EPC assessment carried out last week on my lowest rated house. I had said repeatedly the previous EPC from 10 years ago was fraudulently low. Prior to that it was D57 then it was dropped to E47 when I applied for a cavity wall insulation grant. It had a huge list of completely unrealistic upgrades supposedly necessary to bring it up to EPC C. Anyway I had been dreading getting a new EPC done because there are no more practical upgrades I can do. It’s already had cavity wall insulation, more roof insulation, a new boiler and heating controls. An energy advisor had assessed It for solar panels and said there was too much shading from the neighbouring house. So according to the old EPC the best score it could get would be D64 without solar.
Anyway the time had come for a new EPC, so I gathered evidence of every upgrade over the last 12 years (photos, invoices, Building Control certificates) and selected a highly experienced EPC assessor. It scored C70. It’s such a huge relief and put a real spring in my step.

It is concerning it had sat on the EPC register as E47 providing flawed data for the government to base numerous policies on. How many more totally wrong EPCs are on the register? Even if it’s only 10% that’s a huge number. Based on my own portfolio I suspect it’s closer to 30%. Ten years ago it didn’t matter. There weren’t any serious consequences. Now it matters hugely. Landlords are selling houses on the basis of EPC scores. Tenants are being made homeless because landlords believe it isn’t financially viable to bring their houses up to EPC C. It would be tragic if people are losing their homes because of incompetent EPC assesors and a flawed system.

Any thoughts on the impact on private student lets when the 2 month notice period comes into force? Any revised strategies in light of such changes?

Improving the tone is worthy however the negative tone of anti landlord sentiment is growing and these people have the ear of government.

I have a good relationship with my tenants but I feel under attack from a wide range of third parties. Starting with my local council who view selective licensing as a source of revenue. They don’t listen hence they are now subject to litigation by a group of landlords.

Unless you start exposing and confronting the negative anti landlord factions outside of this forum you are wasting your time. Alternatively co ordinate the remaining landlords to speak with one loud voice.

Personally I have had enough of being vilified just because I’m a landlord. I will sell when I can. None of my tenants want to leave – they know how hard it is out there now that supply is dwindling. I will feel sorry for them but I’m not a charity.

I agree, It would be great if articles are more helpful rather than doom and gloom outlooks without any practical help. With that in mind investigative articles on these grants which are supposed to be available for Landlords to enable us to upgrade our EPC’s. It seems like they don’t actually exist. My property still has single glazing! Helpful articles on FREE HMRC bridging software, it appears they are not actually free. Helpful guidance on how to fight the double council tax on furnished long term rental properties (which is not mandatory but at the discretion of the council), they are not second homes. Just because it’s got a bed and a sofa it doesn’t mean someone can effectively move in and live as normal (like a second home), i.e. it has no cooking utensils etc. Reminding the government that as a landlord we were never permitted to pay into a pension plan (3K a year only) so our properties are our pension plan. However after having held property long-term, allowing for inflation my real profit after 26 years would only be 6K. So in theory we should pay no CGT. The massive tax reliefs employees get with their personal pensions is astounding. Level this up. Articles fighting for us would be great. Get the facts out there.

This is a good strategic direction. I subscribe to ft.com for a range of reasons and I regard this publication as having accurate facts and insight and can recommend this publication as a source of style. I personally dislike the Daily Mailesque style of sensationalism to get attention and I never click through on clickbait. Julian Treasure is another good source for communication good practice. He talks about “maximisers” and this something else I have generated a dislike of.

Been a member of 118 for years and always admired your abilities to share strength with fellow housing providers. Keep up the good work as a lot of us find strength from you Mark. Alan.

Thanks for all your hard work with this website.
Its one of many valuable resources.

Hope the new direction works well!

i am glad to hear this i was about to unsubscribe as i was fed up of the angry negative stance.