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.

London Property Licensing10 February 2026

Havering’s New Licensing Schemes: What London Landlords Must Do by March 2026

From 18 March 2026, Havering Council will enforce borough-wide Additional Licensing for certain smaller and Section 257 HMOs, plus Selective Licensing for private rented homes in seven wards. Private landlords must apply ahead of the deadline, submit key safety and compliance documents, and pay fees to avoid penalties. This article breaks down the schemes, practical steps, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to different landlord types.

Havering CouncilAdditional LicensingSelective Licensing

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Landlord Today10 February 2026

UK Landlords Growing More Optimistic But Nearly a Quarter Still Reassessing Their Future: What This Means for You

The latest OSB Group 2025 Landlord Leaders study shows a significant rise in optimism among UK landlords, with 62% feeling positive about their future—up from 47% last year. However, 24% are still reassessing their positions due to ongoing cost pressures and regulatory challenges. This article explores these trends and offers practical advice tailored to London landlords managing various property types.

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Landlord Today10 February 2026

Preston Council’s 2027 Clampdown on HMOs: What Landlords Must Do Now

Preston Council is implementing an Article 4 Direction by February 2027 that removes permitted development rights for converting properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Landlords must prepare for mandatory planning permissions, review their portfolios, and engage in the consultation to protect their investments.

Preston CouncilArticle 4 DirectionHouses in Multiple Occupation

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Landlord Today6 February 2026

Rent Rises Now Lag Behind Inflation and Wage Growth: What London Landlords Need to Know

From January 2026, UK rental price increases slowed to 2.4% year-on-year, falling below both inflation and average wage growth. This shift impacts landlord pricing strategies, tenant affordability, and market competitiveness. We outline practical steps landlords can take to navigate this changing landscape effectively.

London landlordsrent risesinflation

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Landlord Today5 February 2026

Preparing for the 2026 Buy-to-Let Mortgage Maturity Wave: Practical Steps for London Landlords

A substantial £49.7 billion of fixed-rate buy-to-let mortgages, mostly originated in 2021, are set to mature in 2026. With nearly 40% of landlords planning to refinance that year—especially those managing larger portfolios—understanding this refinancing surge is crucial. This article guides landlords through the implications, practical preparation steps, and how to manage refinancing effectively to safeguard rental income and portfolio stability.

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Landlord Today4 February 2026

Shelter Signals Shift Towards Collaboration: What London Landlords Need to Know Now

Shelter's new leadership adopts a cooperative approach with private landlords, focusing on joint efforts to tackle rental sector challenges and changes to eviction regulations like Section 21 notices. This article explains what this means for London landlords and offers practical steps to prepare for evolving policies and partnership opportunities.

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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.

Housing OmbudsmancompensationLondon landlords

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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.

Housing Ombudsmancompensation guidanceLondon landlords

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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.

capital appreciationlow-cost housingRightmove 2025 analysis

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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.

ground rent capleasehold reformCommonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

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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.

EPC complianceLandlord obligationsEnergy Performance Certificate

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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.

Mortgage Worksbuy-to-letLondon landlords

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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.

HMO complianceLondon landlordsHMO licence

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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.

Repositdeposit alternativesFCA regulation

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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.

EPC Band CLondon landlordsPrivate rental sector

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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.

HMO licensinglandlord fines Londonproperty safety

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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.

buy-to-let repossessionsLondon landlordsmortgage affordability

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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.

Making Tax DigitalMTDLondon landlords

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