The LandlordlordZONE podcast

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.

In this episode of The LandlordZONE, Group Lettings Director for Andrews Property Group and President of ARLA Propertymark, Angharad Trueman, joins Nigel Lewis and Eddie Hooker to share her inspiring journey in the world of property. Tune in to find out about Angharad’s work championing the representation of women in property, what it takes to succeed, and how she plans to attract younger people into the profession. From navigating the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill to understanding shifting tenant demands, Angharad offers practical tips to help landlords and agents stay ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. ‍

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.