The LandlordlordZONE podcast

In this podcast, Paul Sowerbutts, Head of Legal at Landlord Action and Sonia Rai, Barrister at Five Paper, explore how disability discrimination is increasingly impacting possession claims. With Section 21 set to be abolished, they discuss how tenants may raise Equality Act 2010 defences against eviction, particularly in cases involving rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. The episode highlights key legal risks, recent case insights, and why landlords must carefully consider proportionality and alternative actions before pursuing possession proceedings.

Selling a rental after section 21 is abolished? This podcast explains the new Ground 1A under the Renters’ Rights Act and why using it incorrectly could cost landlords up to £40,000.
Paul Sowerbutts and barrister Sonia Rai unpack the risks, strict notice rules, the 12-month ban on reletting or marketing, and the evidence courts will expect if tenants challenge your claim. A practical, cautionary listen for any landlord thinking about selling in the new legal landscape.

In this episode, Paul Sowerbutts of Landlord Action and barrister Sonia Rai of Five Paper break down the fast changing rules around pets in rented accommodation, ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force next year. Paul and Sonia dig into the real pitfalls, the surprising grey areas, and the crucial questions every landlord should be asking.
They also reveal the step-by-step process landlords must now follow, the deadlines that matter, and how a badly handled request could end up in Court or at the Ombudsman. If you want to understand the new pet rules before they hit, and avoid costly mistakes, you won’t want to miss this episode.

On the latest episode of the LandlordZONE podcast, barrister Sonia Rai joins us for an in-depth discussion on rent review clauses.

Join Nigel Lewis from LandlordZONE as he talks with Dan Clinton of The Mortgage Works and Andrew Harvey from Nationwide about the forces shaping today’s Private Rented Sector. In this episode, they break down the latest buy to let trends, upcoming regulatory changes, and how lenders are supporting landlords through an evolving market. Expect clear insights, practical guidance, and expert perspectives to help landlords and investors make confident, well-informed decisions.

In recognition of World Homelessness Day (10 October), this special edition episode explores the critical role landlords can play in helping to prevent youth homelessness in the UK. Our host Eddie Hooker sits downs with Stephen Elder, National Prevention Manager at Centrepoint, to dive into Centrepoint's early intervention work and explore how collaboration across the private rented sector can make a real difference.
*Figure mentioned at 5:33 'Over 118,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK last year' - figure based on UK data *Figure mentioned at 7:21 'only 67% of young who reached out to their local authority for support were assessed in England last year - figure based on England data

In this episode of The LandlordZONE, hosts Nigel Lewis and Eddie Hooker sit down with Damian Thompson, Director of Landlord at Nationwide, to unpack the future of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and what they really mean for landlords. With looming MEES changes, mounting upgrade costs, and a tangle of grants, loans and exemptions, the episode cuts through the noise.
What are lenders like Nationwide doing to support landlords? Are EPC upgrades as unaffordable as some claim – or are simple fixes enough for many? And how will the new Decent Homes Standard and EPC methodology shake up what landlords must do next? Tune in for straight answers in a time of policy uncertainty.

In this episode of The LandlordZONE podcast, Nigel Lewis and Paul Shamplina are joined by Suzy Hershman, Resolution Department Lead at mydeposits and Property Redress. We tap into Suzy’s 17 years of experience in complaint handling and negotiation to offer five essential tips every landlord should follow – from setting expectations at move-in to carrying out inspections the right way. Whether you’re a new landlord or a seasoned pro, Suzy’s insights will help you create hassle-free tenancies and happy tenants, which will be more important than ever once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law.

In this episode of The LandlordZONE podcast, Nigel Lewis and Paul Shamplina are joined by Theresa Wallace, Co-founder and Chair of The Lettings Industry Council and Compliance Director at Savills. With over 30 years’ experience, Theresa is one of the most influential voices in the private rented sector — championing higher standards and driving change across the industry. Together, they discuss the biggest challenges facing landlords and agents right now, including the Renters' Rights Bill, the future of Section 21 evictions, and how landlords can stay compliant. If you're a landlord or letting agent navigating the shifting rental market, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.

In this special episode of The LandlordZONE, host Nigel Lewis sits down with Eddie Hooker, CEO of private rented sector experts Total Property, to unpack the results of the 2024 Total Property Survey. With insights from nearly 3,500 landlords, tenants, and agents, this survey reveals the biggest challenges and trends shaping the rental market.
From rising rents and regulatory pressures to energy efficiency and the looming impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill, Eddie shares expert analysis on what these findings mean for landlords—and how they can navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the sector, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you stay ahead. For more details, read Total Property’s private rented sector survey 2024 report.