First, for Portsmouth Landlords in particular, there is a new consultation about a mandatory licensing scheme for HMO landlords. This does not just mean mandatory licensing but reintroduces licensing for all HMOs, including 3 adults forming 2 or more households (so a couple with a lodger or friend would be a HMO for example)

Do respond to the consultation, if you are affected pay particular attention to the space requirements. As a result of discussions with PDPLA they are not as onerous as the first draft, but we strongly advise you check against the spec.

Details here https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-say/consultation-on-additional-licensing-of-hmos/

Energy grants- with costs going through the roof, it may be worth looking at energy saving measures. Help is at hand from government grants for upgrades. Our regulator Propertymark has the details https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/government-boiler-upgrade-scheme-open.html?utm_campaign=13224268_Propertymark%20Newsletter%2024%20May&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotmailer&dm_i=Z6K,7VFWS,T9T1KZ,W5DL6,1

More sad news of landlords and investors getting conned by so called "property educators", have you ever wonder why rent to rent goes wrong (at least in some cases) Here is evidence that the people going on the courses are themselves being conned;

https://www.propertytribes.com/property-training-refunds-dirty-tricks-t-127656322.html

This is why we think it is important to include R2R in the enforcement strategy in the local authority licensing scheme. We will continue to push the case that where a landlord is a victim of poorly run rent to rent operators, the landlord is treated as a victim rather than an offender.

By contrast, we are proud to be Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme members, here is why it is important https://www.propertymark.co.uk/professional-standards/rules/cmp.html

Redress schemes for landords? Whatever next? Actually it might not be as bad as it sounds and if it were to kill off ambulance chasing no win no fee legal claims firms whipping up disgruntled ex tenants it could actually be quite good, PDPLA have invited Sean Hooker of ThePRS to explain it all at their next meeting, as you know we encourage membership https://pdpla.com/members/event-calendar