The LandlordlordZONE podcast

What does it take to be a successful landlord in the new regime?

In this first episode of the LandlordZONE, we talk to lawyer turned self-managing landlord, Suzanne Smith, founder of The Independent Landlord blog and co-host of a weekly podcast called Good Landlording. Hosted by Nigel Lewis, Head of Content at LandlordZONE and Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, this podcast explores what it takes to be a successful landlord in the new regime. Whether you like it or not, the Renters’ Rights Bill is going to happen. So, how should landlords embrace the changes and get ready for it? We focus on the things that really matter to landlords, such as how they’ll be able to increase the rent in a fair way that balances their needs with those of their renters, and Suzanne draws on her own experience to offer advice for new landlords coming into the market.

Should landlords be worried about the new Labour government?

In this ‘election special’ episode of The Property Cast, we look beyond the initial flurry of activity to the longer-term impact of the new Labour government on landlords, with special guest, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme. Sean takes an active interest in politics in both his professional and personal life, meeting regularly with government and other stakeholders in the private rented sector to help shape policy and raise standards. Eddie, Paul and Sean explore the most pressing issues in Keir Starmer’s in-tray and debate the key decisions the new government will need to make. From the timescale required to scrap Section 21, to regulation, rent controls, raising standards, tax incentives and much more. Tune in to find out whether landlords should be worried now that we have a Labour government. For more insights from industry experts, our article ‘What does the General Election mean for landlords?’ shares predictions and highlights from London’s Landlord Investment Show, which was held on the eve of the General Election.

Unpacking the year’s top property stories 2023

In our final episode of 2023, we unpack the year’s top property stories. Our special guest, award-winning property journalist Nigel Lewis, has for the past three years been providing hot off the press property news and insights for the rental sector as LandlordZONE’s Head of Content. A ‘perfect storm’ of factors led to 2023 being the year we reached a real tipping point in the private rented sector, with tenant demand far outstripping the supply of rented property in most of the UK. But what were the top property stories that most piqued peoples’ interests this year? Listen to Eddie, Paul and Nigel’s lively and insightful discussion to find out the top topics that captured landlords’ attention in 2023, and hear their top tips for 2024 and beyond.

Renters (Reform) Bill: How will the changes to evictions affect landlords?

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest Paul Sowerbutts, Head of Legal at Landlord Action, to discuss how the proposed changes to evictions will affect landlords. How will scrapping Section 21 really impact tenancies and, given the delay in implementing the changes proposed under the Renters (Reform) Bill, what are Paul’s tips for navigating current and future tenancies? From a potted summary on how Section 21 works as it stands and how landlords can avoid the pitfalls of getting it wrong, to retaliatory evictions, the implications of changes to Section 8, and insights from the experts on what is happening on the ground with the courts, the bailiff shortage and the wider private rented sector, this episode is packed with advice from the coalface.

The Renters (Reform) Bill – what do the experts think?

In this bonus episode of The Property Cast, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme and Kate Faulkner OBE, one of the UK's leading property experts, explore their thoughts on the much anticipated Renters (Reform) Bill. Is it the game changer it is being billed as, and how will it make a difference to redressing the balance between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector? Sean and Kate explore some of the key components of the Bill, from the implications of scrapping Section 21 to whether the introduction of rolling tenancies will actually make tenants more or less secure. What do Kate and Sean think are the best bits of the Bill, and what are the biggest issues that will need to be addressed before it becomes law? Tune in to hear what the experts think and what landlords should do now. ‍

Propertymark’s perspective on lettings

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie is joined by Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme and special guest - a big hitter in the property market - Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents. With the private rented sector about to go through the biggest reform in 20 years, we explore Propertymark’s perspective on the impact of the proposed legislation on lettings, landlords and agents. We often talk about what makes a good agent, but what in Nathan’s view makes a bad agent? How do landlords avoid the bad ones? How can agents make sure they are a good one? And what are the most common errors and serious issues Propertymark comes across? Tune in to hear Nathan’s tips for landlords and agents and to hear more insights - from what one thing Nathan would change to keep landlords in the sector to whether landlord redress is the right way to raise standards, how market conditions are affecting agents, and much more.

The latest lettings legislation for landlords

In this in-depth private rented sector legislation special, Eddie and Paul are joined by David Smith, head of property litigation at JMW Solicitors. The discussion kicks off with the recent landmark Rakusen v Jepsen rent repayment order case, where David represented the NRLA and which, he explains, highlights how the interpretation of legislation changes over time. In the light of the Supreme Court case and with an increasing number of ‘property gurus’ damaging the reputation of the sector, should the Government be looking to reform rent to rent rules as part of the Renters’ Reform Bill? Property condition is already a major focus for reform through the proposed application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, but will the tragic death of Awaab Ishak be a game changer? And how will regulatory change be matched by enforcement? With so many legislative changes to contend with, is it time for landlords to take on a professional to manage their property, or should landlord education be compulsory, as it now is in Wales? What might the proposed new property portal for landlords in England look like – the ‘light touch’ version adopted by Northern Ireland, or the ‘harder touch’ Welsh approach? What are David’s concerns about the Renters’ Reform Bill from a lawyer’s perspective?  They may not have all the answers, but this podcast is jam-packed with expert insights and challenge around the often-overlooked details of private rented sector legislation.

Investing in buy to let in 2023

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla. Drawing on Zoopla’s latest data and Richard’s expertise, the trio explore the most important trends in the housing market, sharing their predictions for buy to let in 2023 and what they mean for landlords looking to invest or divest. As the nation re-evaluates its housing needs, we ask - what really needs to be done about the rental stock crisis? Why, despite the need for a vibrant and professional private rented sector, are so many landlords exiting? And why, despite an average 10% rent increase over the last 12 months and seven to ten enquiries per property, are so few new landlords entering the sector? Packed with insightful commentary and informed advice, this podcast is a must listen for anyone looking to understand the challenges and opportunities of the private rented sector today.

Top property stories of 2022

In this episode of the property cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Nigel Lewis - award-winning property journalist and Editor in Chief at LandlordZONE, the most visited landlord news website in the UK. As we approach the end of an extraordinary year characterised by economic turmoil and political uncertainty, Eddie, Paul and Nigel explore the impact of the year’s events on the private rented sector. Drawing on over 25 years’ experience as a property newshound, Nigel cherry picks the issues which have dominated and captured LandlordZONE readers’ attention. From rental yields to redress, stock shortages to stamp duty, pets, EPCs and so much more, this is a podcast packed with passion and predictions about what lies ahead for landlords. Between the three of them, Eddie, Paul and Nigel bring decades of expertise and informed opinion to our final podcast of the year.

Demystifying damp, mould and condensation for landlords and agents

In this episode of The Property Cast, we discuss the myriad of issues surrounding damp, mould and condensation – a common problem for landlords and letting agents alike. To explore this topic, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme, steps into Eddie’s shoes as host alongside Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action and COO of the HFIS group. Sean and Paul are joined by Julie Ford, HF Assist advisor, and Suzy Hershman, Head of Dispute Resolution at mydeposits. Tune in to hear tips, tricks and guidance from the experts and learn all you need to know about damp, mould and condensation. From prevention to what you should you do if the property does become affected, when to call in the experts, the role of the agent and advice on how to claim against the deposit.