PR: What are the most common legal or financial risks landlords overlook—and how can they better protect themselves in 2025?
MB: Landlords can face significant risk if they fail to keep pace with evolving safety obligations, including gas and electrical safety requirements, fire safety standards and EPC regulations. Non-compliance in these areas can lead to enforcement action, financial penalties and restrictions on serving possession notices.
Another common issue arises from using inadequate or outdated tenancy agreements that no longer reflect current legislation. This can leave landlords exposed to disputes and limit their ability to enforce key terms. Similarly, poor handling of deposits, failure to serve prescribed information correctly, or non-compliance with Right to Rent checks can invalidate possession proceedings and result in financial sanctions.
Non-compliance with eviction procedures is also a frequent pitfall, often leading to delays, increased costs or notices being deemed invalid. In addition, landlords may be exposed to rent arrears without adequate legal safeguards or appropriate insurance cover in place.
These risks can be significantly reduced through regular legal reviews, compliant documentation and seeking professional advice at an early stage.
PR: With ongoing tax changes and tightening margins, how can landlords make smarter financial decisions when managing their portfolios?
MB: With ongoing tax changes and tightening margins, landlords need to take a more considered approach to financial decision-making. This includes understanding the tax implications of different ownership structures, such as holding property personally or through a limited company, and factoring in the increasing costs of compliance when assessing overall profitability.
Regularly reviewing financing arrangements and exposure to interest rate changes is also essential, particularly when margins are under pressure. Taking early professional advice before acquisitions, disposals or refinancing can help landlords structure decisions correctly, reduce legal and financial exposure, and avoid costly mistakes later on.
PR: What legal or compliance changes are currently top of the agenda for landlords, and how can they stay ahead of future regulation?
MB: Key legal and compliance changes continue to shape the landscape for landlords. Ongoing reforms to possession and eviction processes have made it increasingly important for landlords to follow correct procedures and keep documentation in order. At the same time, there is increased regulation around property standards and enhanced tenant rights, placing greater compliance obligations on landlords.
Looking ahead, potential changes to rent controls and licensing requirements may further affect how rental properties are managed, while local authorities are taking a more active role in enforcement. To stay ahead, landlords should closely monitor legislative developments and carry out proactive compliance audits to identify and address issues early.
PR: How can landlords benefit from working with specialist advisers, and what are the advantages of taking a more professionalised approach to investing?
MB: Taking a professional, adviser-led approach to property investment can significantly reduce the risk of disputes, penalties and enforcement action. It also enables clearer strategic planning, whether landlords are looking to grow their portfolios or plan an exit in the future.
Working with specialist advisers allows for more efficient handling of transactions, disputes and ongoing compliance, while helping to protect the long-term value of the investment. Ultimately, treating property investment as a regulated business rather than a sideline places landlords in a stronger position to manage risk and adapt to an increasingly regulated market.
