Listen Up Landlords podcast

Are you a new landlord just starting out in the business, or an experienced investor looking for the inside track on what’s going on in the private rented sector? If so, Listen Up Landlords is the podcast for you. Brought to you by the UK's largest landlord membership organisation, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) it will bring you the very best information, insight and analysis when it comes to renting homes, along with practical advice on how to make the best of your properties. Presenters, NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle - a landlord himself - and landlord, property developer and broadcaster Richard Blanco will be joined each month by expert guests from across the industry to shine a light on the issues affecting you and your lettings. This could be anything from new legislation and tax changes to boosting your kerb appeal. By landlords, for landlords, Listen Up Landlords will feature stories and views from individuals from the buy-to-let market, to support those just starting out and to share best practice. About the NRLA The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is the UK's largest membership organisation for private residential landlords, supporting and representing over 110,000 members and associates. We support and represent private residential landlords across England and Wales, providing expertise, support and resources, campaigning on behalf of our member and promoting the contribution landlords make in the provision of safe, legal and secure homes. Find out more at www.nrla.org.uk

Episode 52: Listen Up Landlords Live! Renters Rights, energy efficiency and investment 04/25/2025

Episode 51: Landlord affordability and finding the right tradesperson 03/27/2025

Episode 50: Unpacking the Government's energy efficiency plans 02/28/2025

Episode 49: Leasehold and succession planning 01/30/2025

Episode 48 – A Christmas Special 12/18/2024

Episode 47: The Budget Unpacked 11/29/2024

Episode 46: HMOs and mental health in housing 10/25/2024

Episode 45: A Renters' Rights Bill Special 09/27/2024

Episode 45: A Renters' Rights Bill Special In this episode of NRLA podcast Listen Up Landlords presenters NRLA CEO Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco take a deep dive into the contents of the Government’s new Renter’s Rights Bill Ben and Richard are joined by Theo Plowman of the British Property Federation (BPF), landlord Carolyn Uphill, whose portfolio includes student lets, and NRLA Policy Director Chris Norris. The team unpacks the contents of the new Bill in terms of the key differences between the new proposals and the previous administration’s Renters (Reform) Bill, and the likely consequences. Carolyn discusses the impact on the student market and the student repossession ground, with Theo discussing the impact of other elements of the legislation. Chris explains what happens next in terms of the progression of the Bill through Parliament – and the work the NRLA is doing in lobbying MPs for sensible tweaks to the proposed new legislation to ensure it is fair to both landlords and tenants. For all podcast enquiries email    ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu.  More information · Our is your comprehensive resource for navigating these reforms and will be kept up to date as the legislation progresses. As part of that, we have published answers to a range of frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t covered, feel free to email out team at . · The, being held on November 6 will offer a unique opportunity for property professionals to find out more about the Bill - and the changes we can expect to see - from expert speakers from across the industry. Tickets for the event, which will be held at Birmingham's NEC, are selling fast, so to find out more and book your place, . /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/33229797

King’s Speech: the lowdown 07/25/2024

Episode 43: Election reaction 07/11/2024

Episode 42: A General Election Special 06/28/2024

Episode 41: Local authority enforcement and property fraud 05/30/2024

Episode 40: Renters (Reform) amendments and permitted development rights 04/29/2024

Episode 39: New research on landlords and the economy and changes ahead for EPCs 03/22/2024

Episode 38: Landlord taxation and holiday lets 02/26/2024

Episode 37: Licensing issues & ebike safety warning 01/25/2024

Episode 36 – An NRLA Christmas Special 12/19/2023

Episode 36 – An NRLA Christmas Special In this episode of Listen Up Landlords, presenters NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle Richard Blanco welcome a panel of guests to look back over the last 12 months and forward to 2024. This was the year to Government finally published its Renters (Reform) Bill, at the same time as – following years of low interest rates – base rate hit 5.25% and average mortgage rates rose to well over 6%. The supply crisis in the Private Rented Sector has worsened, with latest figures from Zoopla indicating on average 25 people are looking at every available property to rent. But its not all doom and gloom. The NRLA has seen wins in areas such as rental reform, with the Government making a number of concessions as a result of NRLA campaigning, as well as u-turning on the introduction of unrealistic minimum EPC C energy efficiency standards. It has also announced plans to reverse the freeze on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and end the practice of disaggregating HMOs. Ben and Richard are joined by Kate Faulkner, Managing Director of Property Checklists, Russell Quirk, Managing Director at Proper PR, James Kent, Managing Director and founder of compliance firm Safe2 and Martin Reynolds, Chief Executive of Simply Biz Mortgages to unpick the changes we have seen over the past year, and what we can expect to see happen next. . If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords. More information To download a transcript of the podcast ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu. If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA For all podcast enquiries email   /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/29144083

Episode 35 - A Rental Reform Special 11/30/2023

Episode 34: Energy efficiency and the affordability crisis 11/01/2023

Episode 33: Lets with Pets and Conference Season 09/28/2023

Episode 32: Trade troubles and garden maintenance 08/30/2023

Episode 31 – Call to reverse benefit freeze and giving something back to your community 07/26/2023

Episode 31 – Call to reverse benefit freeze and giving something back to your community In this episode of Listen Up Landlords, presenter Richard Blanco discusses NRLA calls to reverse the decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates – a move which has seen more and more tenants struggling to make ends meet. LHA rates are used to calculate benefit payments for housing costs. Historically rates were set at the average rental price for an area, with the sum regularly reviewed. However the rate was reduced to the 30th percentile in 2011. They were frozen between 2016 and 2020 when they were realigned to the 30th percentile once more at the outset of Covid, based on rental prices as of September 19. They have remained at this level despite real-world rents going up by more than 10%. In just over two years to August 2022 the number of households facing a shortfall in their housing benefit increased by 50%. The NRLA has been campaigning on the issue for some time, asking the Government to reverse the freeze, to support both the 38% of private renters in receipt of housing benefit, and the landlords housing them. Richard is joined by Leeds Landlord Jessica Reehal who owns 22 properties in Leeds and rents mostly to families in receipt of benefits and Julie Ford, who is a tenancy mediator for the Property Redress Scheme and runs the NRLA course on Tenant Finance. They talk about the issues they are experiencing on the ground and what needs to change. Joseph Taylor of the Landlord Advice Team joins us for our regular update on the hot topics on the phonelines, before Richard talks to landlord MaryAnn Richmond-Coggan, who built a successful rental portfolio in South East London, before opening a farm and community garden in Kent, running a charity enabling youngsters from the city to experience the great outdoors. She talks about buying at the right time, the challenge of refurbishment and giving something back. If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords. For all podcast enquiries email   ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu. More information To download a transcript of the podcast If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA To find out more about the NRLA campaign on welfare and benefits . /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/27570273

Episode 30: Building safety funding and challenging times in Wales 06/29/2023

Episode 30: Building safety funding and challenging times in Wales In this episode of Listen Up Landlords, presenter Richard Blanco is flying solo to examine the thorny issue of funding for building safety works. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy new fire safety requirements have left tens of thousands of tower blocks across the country requiring vital remedial works, with the argument over who should fund these works still raging. The Building Safety Act was intended to provide financial remedy for blocks of 11m or higher (so called ‘high-risk’ buildings). In some cases, the developer is responsible for rectifying defects and in other cases leaseholders must contribute, up to a certain amount. However no financial help is available for an estimated 1.3 million leaseholders with flats in low rise blocks, and so-called Non-Qualifying Leaseholders in taller blocks, many of whom are landlords. The implications are far-reaching for landlords who own more than three properties in the UK, who don't qualify for protections. The NRLA conducted a survey recently to gather data to bolster its campaign for a building safety remediation scheme that would fund all necessary remedial work, irrespective of ownership. We are joined by Alison Hills, Senior Associate at Tees Law and Maggie Brodie, co-leader of the Unqualified Leaseholders Campaign Group to examine the issues and potential solutions. Danny McKeown-Henshall of the Landlord Advice Team joins us for our regular update on the hot topics on the phonelines, before we look to Wales to examine the impact of the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act. New Ministry of Justice figures reveal that since the announcement of the new Act at the start of last year, possession claims in Wales have increased four-fold. We speak to the NRLA Operations Manager in Wales, Steve Bletsoe to find out more about what’s going on and, in the wake of the release of new NRLA paper what the NRLA wants to see happen to boost the supply of homes to rent. More information  If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords.  For all podcast enquiries email    ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu.  To download a transcript of the podcast /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/27321498

Episode 29 - A Renters Reform Special 06/01/2023

Episode 28 - Anti-social behaviour and investment 04/26/2023

Episode 27 - Clive Betts MP housing special 03/31/2023

Episode 26 - Rent to rent and news from north of the border 03/03/2023

Episode 26 - Rent to rent and news from north of the border In this episode of Listen Up Landlords presenters NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco examine the controversial issue of rent to rent and look north of the border to see how changes in the rental market in Scotland should act as a warning over the potential impact of rental reform. This week we learned the outcome of the Rakusen v Jepson rent-to-rent appeal, in which the Supreme Court ruled a Rent Repayment Order cannot be made against a superior landlord where the rent-to-rent firm has failed to license a property. The ruling had yet to be made at the time of recording, however Ben and Richard spoke to Al Mcclenahan of not-for-profit tribunal organisation Justice for Tenants and rent to rent specialist Stephanie Taylor to find out more about the practice. They explore what rent to rent is, what can go wrong and – if you think rent-to-rent is for you – how to do it right. Joe Taylor, of the NRLA advice team, looks at the issues concerning landlords contacting our support line this month, focussing on . And later John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) looks at the changes that have taken place in Scotland over the last five years. Many are similar to those set to be introduced in England, and John reflects on the knock-on effects on landlords in Scotland – and what lessons can be learned. He also discusses recent changes brought in in Scotland as part of the response to the cost-of-living crisis. SAL is currently pursuing a Judicial Review against the Scottish Government – supported by the NRLA – over what it describes as an ‘unfair and discriminatory’ rent freeze and eviction ban. ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu.  If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords.  For all podcast enquiries email    More information  To download a transcript of the podcast If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA For more about the . /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/26115846

Episode 25: Walker Report Special 01/31/2023

Episode 24 - A Christmas and New Year Special 12/21/2022

Episode 23 – Disaggregation and a new project to tackle homelessness 11/30/2022

Episode 23 – Disaggregation and a new project to tackle homelessness In this episode of Listen Up Landlords presenters NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco talk to Daryn Brewer, Managing Director of house share company Prop Pods about the issue of disaggregation. Disaggregation sees Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) split into individual units for taxation purposes, rather than the property being treated as a single dwelling. Where this happens landlords can see council tax bills soar by thousands of pounds Supported by the NRLA, Daryn is spearheading a . He explains the impact of disaggregation on landlords and what he wants to happen next. Danny McKeown- Henshall, of the NRLA advice team, looks at the issues concerning landlords contacting our support line this month, from to . And later Chief Executive of Crisis, Matt Downie joins the show to talk about a new project set up by the charity in conjunction with the NRLA to help formerly homeless people and households into private rented accommodation. As part of the scheme, landlords who work with Crisis will be offered the full support of NRLA membership and training, whilst tenants will be guided by Crisis’ expert housing and support teams. Matt explains more about the scheme, the benefits of getting involved for landlords and tenants and how you can get involved. If you enjoy the podcast, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords. For all podcast enquiries email   ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu. More information To download a transcript of the podcast If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA For more information on the NRLA and Crisis project . /episode/index/show/listenuplandlords/id/25176648

Listen Up Landlords podcast

TOPICS