Sources of Advice

If a landlord is using a letting or managing agent, they should be able to provide some free essential advice about housing law as part of their services.

The local authority or local Citizens Advice can also provide simple information on housing law.

Some excellent leaflets are available from the GOV.UK website.

Landlord or letting agent associations usually offer members free essential advice. If more detailed legal advice, representation or advocacy is needed, then it may be necessary to consult a solicitor. Make sure the solicitor used is experienced in residential lettings law. It is best to go by personal recommendation, and the local association will be able to suggest suitable firms. Firms specialising in work for landlords often advertise on landlord-related websites on the internet. Remember to keep receipts for any legal costs incurred because it may be possible to obtain tax relief against these payments.

Be careful when reading blogs: there are many urban myths out there, and online advice is not always a reliable source of information.

Useful Contacts

Many of the most valuable contacts are on the internet, and most libraries offer free internet access for those without access to the internet. Alternatively, the library can provide telephone contact numbers for different services within a local area.

Membership of a Landlord/Agent Association

There are some associations, and it is worth considering paying to join and become a member. Membership normally includes:

  • a regular newsletter giving advice
  • updates on housing law or policy as they change
  • the chance to make representations on proposed changes to regulations, the law or tax
  • discounts for services such as insurance
  • individual advice if there is a problem.

Associations sometimes hold periodic meetings where there is an opportunity to meet others and discuss issues and problems. Through the network of other members, you can obtain ideas and procedures to resolve the problems on managing more successfully.

A landlords’ association that operates nationally is the Guild of Residential Landlords - https://www.landlordsguild.com.

An agents’ association that operates nationally is the Private Rented Sector Professionals - https://www.prsp.co.uk.

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