Landlord News

Stay ahead of regulation, market shifts and portfolio opportunities

Rentals & Sales monitors government guidance, lender updates and property data daily so you can protect yields, stay compliant and move first when the market changes.

Housing Ombudsman3 February 2026

Navigating the Housing Ombudsman's Call for Fair Compensation: What London Landlords Must Do Now

The Housing Ombudsman has emphasized the need for a consistent and fair approach to tenant compensation following reports of maladministration. This article guides London private landlords on reviewing and improving their compensation policies to align with emerging standards, safeguard tenant relationships, and protect their reputations.

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Housing Ombudsman2 February 2026

Preparing for the Housing Ombudsman’s New Compensation Guidance: What London Landlords Need to Know

From 1 April 2026, the Housing Ombudsman introduces updated compensation guidance aimed at creating a unified approach to fair compensation across the housing sector. This article explains what the new guidance means for private landlords, practical steps to align policies, and how proactive handling can prevent disputes and foster better tenant relationships.

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Landlord Today31 January 2026

Ranked: Low-Cost Areas Driving Strong Capital Growth in 2025 – What London Landlords Need to Know

Rightmove's 2025 analysis highlights that lower-cost regions, particularly those outside London near universities and major employment hubs, have outperformed in capital appreciation, with some areas seeing asking price rises up to 18%. Meanwhile, the national average saw a slight decline. This article explores what these trends mean for London landlords, offering practical steps to evaluate investment opportunities and portfolio strategy adjustments.

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Landlord Today30 January 2026

When Compliance Fails: Lessons from a High-Profile HMO Shutdown in Tamworth

The forced closure of two HMOs owned by a prominent Reform UK councillor underscores the critical importance of rigorous compliance with safety and housing standards. This article examines the case's implications for landlords, particularly those managing HMOs, highlighting risk mitigation strategies and urgent steps to safeguard properties against enforcement action.

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Landlord Today28 January 2026

Government Caps Ground Rents and Bans New Leasehold Flats: What London Landlords Must Do Now

The UK government has introduced a cap on ground rents for new leases at £250 per year, reducing to a peppercorn rent after 40 years, and has banned new leasehold flats under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. These changes aim to increase affordability and fairness in the leasehold sector. London landlords should promptly review lease structures, update compliance procedures, and improve tenant communications to adapt effectively.

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Landlord Today28 January 2026

New Risks for Landlords: How to Protect Yourself Against Title Fraud and Illegal Sub-Letting

In 2026, UK landlords face rising risks of title fraud and illegal sub-letting, especially those with Buy To Let, vacant, mortgage-free, or high-value properties. Traditional insurance often excludes these risks, but new policies now offer legal cost protection. This article provides clear steps to safeguard your investments and respond effectively if issues arise.

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Landlord Today28 January 2026

Exeter's Housing Access Together Scheme: Practical Steps for London Landlords to Consider

Exeter City Council's new Housing Access Together (HAT) initiative invites private landlords to offer empty properties to tenants in need, providing financial incentives and streamlined processes. While based in Exeter, the scheme offers a practical model and lessons for London landlords grappling with void periods and compliance demands. This article breaks down what HAT means for landlords, highlights compliance essentials, and recommends immediate actions for various landlord profiles to optimise occupancy and safeguard income.

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Landlord Today27 January 2026

HMRC Intensifies Stamp Duty Scrutiny: What London Landlords Must Do Now

HMRC has sharply increased investigations into Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) declarations for second properties following controversies and recent surcharge rate hikes. London landlords must ensure accurate SDLT reporting, avoid misleading claims, and maintain robust documentation to navigate this high-risk environment. This article outlines the practical steps landlords should take immediately to safeguard their investments and remain compliant.

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Letting Agent Today26 January 2026

Navigating EPC C Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for London Landlords and Letting Agents

From October 2030, all private rental properties in the UK must meet minimum energy efficiency standards, requiring an EPC rating of C or higher or a valid exemption, with spending caps limiting upgrades per property. This represents both a substantial compliance challenge and a business opportunity for landlords and letting agents alike. Understanding the practical implications, risk factors, and strategic responses is essential for London landlords to mitigate penalties, manage costs, and leverage professional services.

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Landlord Today26 January 2026

Mortgage Works Cuts Buy-to-Let Rates: What London Landlords Should Do Now

Mortgage Works has reduced interest rates across several buy-to-let mortgage products, with the lowest now at 2.29% for a one-year fixed at 75% LTV. For London landlords, this presents a timely opportunity to review financing arrangements, consider refinancing, and plan future investments with potentially lower borrowing costs.

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Landlord Today26 January 2026

Landlord Fined Over £15,000 for Illegal HMO Letting: What London Landlords Must Do Now

A London landlord was fined £15,872 for renting out an unlicensed HMO with serious fire safety and maintenance breaches. This article explains critical compliance obligations for HMOs, practical steps landlords must take immediately, and how to avoid costly penalties.

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Letting Agent Today25 January 2026

Reposit’s Growth Signals a Shift in Deposit Practices: What London Landlords Need to Know

Reposit’s rapid expansion in 2025, including partnerships with over 300 agencies and major Build To Rent operators, highlights the growing role of FCA-regulated deposit alternatives in rental agreements. London landlords should reassess their deposit strategies, understand regulatory nuances, and prepare to engage tenants and agents on these flexible financial products.

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Letting Agent Today25 January 2026

Navigating the EPC Band C Deadline: What London Landlords Must Do by 2030

The UK government's revised deadline requires private rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of Band C by October 2030. While this extension provides landlords with additional time, significant challenges remain around funding, enforcement clarity, and upgrade feasibility—especially for older and complex London properties. This article outlines practical steps landlords should take now to mitigate risks and ensure compliance within the evolving regulatory framework.

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Landlord Today25 January 2026

Landlord and Agent Fined £12,500 Over Unlicensed HMO and Unsafe Conditions in London N17

A landlord and managing agent in London N17 were fined a combined £12,500 after failing to licence a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and allowing unsafe living conditions. Tenant complaints about damp, mould, and dangerous stairs prompted enforcement action, resulting in fines, an Improvement Notice, and the agent's addition to the GLA’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker. The property has since been licensed and necessary repairs completed.

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Landlord Today25 January 2026

Health and Safety Failures Cost Landlords Thousands: Practical Steps to Avoid Enforcement Penalties

Two landlords were recently fined over £7,800 for health and safety breaches, highlighting the urgent need for London private landlords to maintain rigorous standards on damp, mould, electrical safety, detectors, and gas certifications. This article explains the legal obligations, what went wrong, and actionable steps landlords can take to protect their investments and tenants.

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Landlord Today25 January 2026

NRLA Advocates Tenant Rights to Challenge Above-Market Rents in Wales: What Landlords Need to Know

The NRLA's 2026 Welsh manifesto proposes tenant rights to contest above-market rent hikes via tribunal, incentives for energy efficiency improvements linked to Land Transaction Tax rebates, and stronger enforcement by Rent Smart Wales. Landlords should prepare for potential regulatory changes affecting rent-setting, compliance scrutiny, and property upgrades.

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Landlord Today25 January 2026

Urgent: Navigating the 28.6% Surge in Buy-to-Let Repossessions – What London Landlords Must Do Now

Buy-to-let repossessions in the UK surged by 28.6% in Q3 2025, reaching 900 properties despite growth in lending and rental yields. This spike signals increased financial pressure on landlords, making mortgage affordability reviews and contingency planning critical. This article breaks down what the rise means for different landlord types and offers practical steps to protect your investment, along with how Rentals & Sales can support you through this challenging period.

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Landlord Today25 January 2026

Making Tax Digital: Why London Landlords Must Act Now to Avoid Compliance Risks

From 2026, UK landlords earning over £50,000 annually must comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD), involving digital record keeping and quarterly submissions to HMRC. Many London landlords remain unprepared, risking penalties and operational disruption. This article explains MTD's implications, practical steps tailored to landlord profiles, and how to manage the transition proactively with expert support.

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Landlord Today22 January 2026

NRLA Welcomes Government’s EPC 'C' Deadline: What London Landlords Must Do Now

The UK government’s new mandate requiring all rented homes to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least 'C' by 2030 marks a significant change for landlords. This article explains the practical implications for London landlords, highlights risks, and outlines clear steps to ensure compliance and protect rental income.

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Landlord Today21 January 2026

Heat Pumps and EPC C: Essential Steps for London Landlords to Meet 2028-2030 Energy Efficiency Deadlines

With the UK government tightening Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards, private landlords face mounting compliance demands. Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward urge landlords to consider heat pumps as a strategic solution to achieve EPC C ratings by 2028 for new tenancies and 2030 for all rentals. This article outlines practical implications, deadlines, available grants, and recommended actions for landlords across London to mitigate risks and manage costs in a changing regulatory landscape.

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Landlord Today21 January 2026

Navigating the First Fall in Rents for 15 Years: Practical Steps for London Landlords

In 2025, rents across Great Britain fell for the first time in 15 years, with London experiencing the steepest drop. This article breaks down what this means for private landlords, highlighting regional differences, operational impacts, and actionable strategies to adapt to these shifts in the rental market.

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Letting Agent Today20 January 2026

Soaring Rental Demand Meets Tight Supply: What London Landlords Must Do Now

Recent Propertymark data from November 2025 highlights a significant imbalance in the UK rental market, with demand far exceeding supply and pushing rents up by 4.4% year-on-year. Although tenant arrears remain low, affordability pressures are increasing, prompting landlords of all sizes to recalibrate rent setting, tenant support and compliance strategies. This article explores these trends, their practical implications for landlords and actionable next steps to manage this evolving landscape effectively.

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Letting Agent Today20 January 2026

Dwelly Hits 10,000 Units After Eighth Acquisition: What London Landlords Must Know Now

Dwelly's rapid growth to managing over 10,000 units following its latest acquisition highlights the operational and compliance challenges landlords and property teams must navigate. This article explains the significance of this consolidation, associated risks, and key steps landlords should take to protect their investments and maintain good tenant relations in a changing lettings market.

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Letting Agent Today20 January 2026

Knight Frank Launches New Investment Desk: What London Landlords Need to Know

Knight Frank has introduced an Investment Desk aimed at portfolio landlords, small-scale developers, and property entrepreneurs, offering integrated sales, lettings, and investment advice. This service helps navigate London's complex regulatory environment and optimise property portfolios. London landlords should evaluate their strategies in light of these developments and consider engaging with such expert services alongside legal and tax advisors.

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