#LandlordTips

With sweeping changes to tenancy law due to arrive in April 2026, student landlords need to be more proactive than most. While Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) may get a formal exemption, private HMOs are still in the grey zone — and the consequences of getting caught out could be costly. Here’s what we know, and how you can stay ahead.   1. What’s Changing in April 2026? The Renters’...

Mortgage rates might have eased slightly — but borrowing for student HMOs is still tough. Between tighter lending criteria, rent cover ratios, and regulatory scrutiny, landlords face more hoops than ever. Here’s what lenders are really looking for in late 2025 — and what you can do to improve your chances. 1. Are Lenders Still Financing Student HMOs? 📌 Quick Clarification: Even if your...

The Renters’ Reform Bill is moving closer to reality — and for student landlords, it could change everything. The end of fixed-term ASTs, rolling tenancies by default, and stricter notice periods are all on the table.But what does this mean for student HMOs in practice? Are exemptions coming? And how should landlords prepare now? Here’s what we know (and what we don’t) as of November 2025.1. What...

Damp is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues in student housing. As winter sets in, landlords should be proactive in spotting, preventing and educating tenants about damp before it becomes a serious (and costly) problem.   Here’s how to deal with it properly. 1. What Causes Damp in Student HMOs? Most landlords think of damp as a leak issue — but in reality, it’s often caused...

Student tenants can be vocal — and with review platforms, Reddit threads and university forums readily available, bad experiences don’t stay private. But that’s not always a bad thing.Student reviews offer a window into what really matters to tenants — and where landlords often go wrong. Here’s how to turn feedback (even the harsh kind) into a sharper rental business. What Students Actually...

Rents have risen fast in the last 18 months — and for student landlords, margins are being squeezed by rising mortgage rates, energy costs, and regulation. But how do you know if it’s time to raise the rent? And more importantly — how do you do it fairly?This guide helps you assess whether an increase is justified and how to communicate it properly. 1. What’s the Market Doing Right Now?According...

Void periods are part of the game in student property — but that doesn’t mean you should just accept them. Whether it’s an empty summer, a last-minute dropout, or slow winter demand, smart landlords know how to reduce vacancy and protect their income. Here’s how to manage (and minimise) voids in 2025.1. Why Voids Happen — And Where Landlords Go WrongStudent properties follow a strict cycle. Miss...

Not all HMOs are created equal — and students in 2025 are more discerning than ever. Whether you’re planning a refurb or simply want to improve your property’s appeal, understanding what tenants value can make a big difference.This guide looks at the key ingredients of a student HMO that doesn’t just get let — it gets remembered. 1. Layout & Living Space: More Than Just BedroomsStudents want...

Student HMOs can be high-yielding — but they come with unique challenges. From arguments over cleaning to damage claims at the end of the tenancy, student lets can quickly descend into friction if expectations aren’t managed early.The good news? Most disputes can be avoided — or at least resolved fairly — if landlords take the right steps upfront. Here’s what to watch for in 2025. 1. The Most...

With mortgage costs still biting and Renters’ Reform adding new pressures, student landlords need to be more tax-savvy than ever. One of the biggest strategic decisions is how you hold your property — in your personal name or through a limited company. The right structure can have a huge impact on your income, tax bill, and long-term flexibility. This blog breaks down the pros, cons, and considerations...