Landlord Guides
Practical step-by-step guides for private landlords managing 1-2 rental properties.
Inventory and Check-In Checklist for Rental Properties: Protect Your Deposit Claims
A thorough inventory is your strongest evidence in any deposit dispute. This practical checklist covers exactly what to document, photograph, and record at check-in to protect your position as a landlord.
10 min read · 14 April 2026
HMO Licensing: Does Your Rental Property Need a Licence?
Not sure if your rental property counts as an HMO? This guide explains mandatory and additional licensing in England, how to check your council's scheme, licence conditions, and the penalties for operating without one.
11 min read · 7 April 2026
Tenant Referencing Without a Letting Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide
Self-managing landlords can run professional tenant reference checks without a letting agent. This step-by-step guide covers credit checks, employer references, previous landlord contact, affordability, and right-to-rent verification.
11 min read · 2 April 2026
Storing Tenancy Documents Securely: What Every Landlord Must Keep and How
Private landlords must store tenancy documents securely and know how long to keep them. This guide covers every document you need, legal retention periods, GDPR obligations, and the best ways to organise and protect your records.
9 min read · 30 March 2026
Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs and Maintenance: What the Law Requires
A clear guide to your legal obligations as a private landlord in England for property repairs and maintenance — covering Section 11, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, response times, and what happens if you fail to act.
8 min read · 15 March 2026
Landlord Tax Guide: Rental Income, Allowable Expenses, and Self-Assessment
A straightforward guide to tax obligations for private landlords in England — covering how rental income is taxed, what expenses you can deduct, the mortgage interest relief changes, and how to file your self-assessment return.
7 min read · 15 March 2026
Managing Your Rental Property Without a Letting Agent: A Practical Guide
Everything you need to know about self-managing your rental property — the advantages, the challenges, the essential tasks you must handle, and the tools that make it manageable.
8 min read · 15 March 2026
Private Landlord Insurance: What Cover Do You Actually Need?
A practical guide to the types of insurance private landlords in England should consider — from buildings and contents cover to rent guarantee and legal expenses — and how the Renters' Rights Act changes affect your risk profile.
7 min read · 15 March 2026
Right to Rent Checks: A Practical Guide for Private Landlords
How to carry out right to rent checks correctly as a private landlord in England — covering acceptable documents, the online checking service, follow-up checks, and the penalties for non-compliance.
8 min read · 15 March 2026
Tenant Deposit Protection Rules: A Complete Guide for Landlords
A clear guide to tenancy deposit protection for private landlords in England — covering the three approved schemes, the 30-day deadline, prescribed information requirements, and the severe penalties for getting it wrong.
7 min read · 15 March 2026