• This piece by lettings expert Kate Faulkner OBE and the National Landlord Investment Show *

The consumer press is full of news about the Renters Rights Bill and its impact, focusing on the additional rights it grants tenants. Meanwhile, the property and trade press aimed at anyone lettings services or owning a property are focusing on the potential horror scenarios of the Bill, mainly caused by the loss of rights for landlords, most notably, the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions. 

Now, it’s true that the RRB will be a big change—for both tenants and landlords. Landlords will lose some rights, making letting property in England more difficult and risky. And, on the surface, for many tenants, their life as renters will get just that bit better – provided they can secure a rental in what is likely to be an increasingly competitive market. 

For those landlords who let a property legally and safely, treat their tenants well, and intend to be ‘landlords for life’, once the changes have been implemented, while compliance may become more demanding and the risk slightly higher, long-term landlords could see stronger returns as reduced landlord numbers drive rental demand higher. 

However, if you’re an accidental landlord—especially one managing a property without professional support—the message from the government is clear: either work with a qualified letting agent or consider selling up. 

The reality is, as landlords, we are used to seismic changes and we’ve managed to survive them to date, despite the many worries and fears expressed at the time. 

Over time, we’ve survived:

• The introduction of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) with its 29 compliance rules;
  
• Handing over deposits to licensed tenancy deposit protection schemes;
  
• Right to Rent checks;
  
• The complexities of GDPR compliance;
  
• HMO licensing requirements;
  
• Minimum EPC ratings.
  

On top of all these changes, for a time, we even managed to navigate our way through 47 changes made to regulations – at speed – during Covid. 

In addition, financially, the changes over the last few years have been brutal:- 

• Section 24 tax changes, meaning landlords pay tax on rental income rather than profit;
  
• Increases in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT);
  
• Reduction in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowances;
  
• Soaring mortgage rates.
  

If we can adapt to all of these changes and still find a way to succeed, we can, albeit with a lot of preparation, continue to provide much-needed roofs over people’s heads after the RRB becomes an Act.

Whether you need new property investment strategies, financial planning, legal support, compliance guidance, or energy efficiency support, working with industry experts will help you manage these changes effectively.

That’s why events like the Landlord Investment Show on March 19 at Old Billingsgate, London, are invaluable. Organised by Tracey and Steve Hanbury, this event brings together genuine experts who will help you make informed decisions for yours and your property’s future. Register for your free tickets to the National Landlord Investment Show here.