This week’s landlord news highlights growing dissatisfaction with letting agents, a sharp rise in possession cases, widespread unpreparedness for upcoming legislation, and a recent criminal conviction involving rental properties.
Letting Agents Receive Poor Marks from Landlords
Recent data from proptech company Goodlord reveals that while 68% of landlords use full management services from letting agents, a significant 59% feel the fees charged do not reflect the value of service provided. Only 6% of landlords reported satisfaction with both the service and fees of their letting agents.
The primary complaint centres on poor communication, with 48% of landlords citing this as their main frustration. Letting agents themselves express concerns, with 20% stating that excessive administrative tasks consume their time, limiting their capacity to address other issues and hindering business growth.
A Goodlord spokesperson commented, “The issue isn’t that agents aren’t working hard enough, or even that they’re not delivering. It’s that the value of that delivery isn’t always visible.” Effective communication remains crucial, especially with forthcoming changes affecting the private rented sector (PRS).
Possession Cases Surge Ahead of PRS Reforms
Landlord Action reports a 60% increase in possession cases during March, alongside a 75% rise in enquiries—the largest ever recorded by the organisation. Section 21 eviction instructions rose by 43% in the first quarter of this year.
There is concern that once section 21 notices are abolished, the volume of section 8 notices will increase, placing additional burdens on courts due to the more complex, court-driven nature of these claims. Landlord Action notes that “landlords who had paused are now moving, and moving faster, progressing cases that had previously been delayed.”
Majority of Landlords Unprepared for Renters’ Right Act
A survey conducted by Togal, a free online self-assessment platform, indicates that 84% of landlords are not ready for the Renters’ Right Act (RRA), with 58% at risk of non-compliance. The assessment evaluated safety compliance, documentation of tenant communications, tenancy paperwork, repair tracking, and dispute resolution.
Out of nearly 400 landlords assessed, only 16% were deemed ‘mostly compliant,’ while 58% fell into a high-risk category. James Ashford of Togal emphasised, “It is no longer enough to say you sent a document or fixed a repair. You need to be able to demonstrate it with a clear, time-stamped trail.” He added that the RRA “changes the burden of proof,” signalling stricter requirements for landlords to evidence their compliance.
Landlord Convicted for Facilitating Cannabis Farms
Marc Anthony, a landlord, has been convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis after allowing seven of his properties to be used as cannabis farms. Bedfordshire Police began investigating in 2022 and seized over 600 plants from the properties. Anthony acted as landlord for two properties and as letting agent for three others, profiting financially from the illegal activity.
A police spokesperson stated, “We are committed to putting an end to this activity across Bedfordshire.” This case underscores the importance of vigilance in property management to prevent criminal exploitation.
What this means for landlords
Landlords should carefully evaluate the value and communication standards of their letting agents to ensure fees are justified and services meet expectations. The surge in possession cases suggests landlords are preparing for legislative changes, but this may also lead to increased legal complexity and court involvement.
With the Renters’ Right Act imminent, landlords must prioritise compliance by maintaining detailed, time-stamped records of all tenant interactions and property management activities. Failure to do so risks non-compliance and potential legal challenges. Additionally, landlords must remain vigilant against illegal activities such as drug production in their properties, which can lead to serious legal consequences and reputational damage.
Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog
TLA Training Academy
The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.
Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/
Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/
TLA update
The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/
Source: www.landlordlawblog.co.uk
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