Landlord Products / Services
Which is the best Landlord Association for you, but more importantly, do you actually need to join one?
Let’s go through the details, including my personal take on it all.
Fair warning: this will be useful, but terribly dry. Don’t blame me, I’m talking about Landlord Associations. I may as well be talking about chalk.
I’ve been toying with the idea of joining a Landlord’s Association for a while, but I’ve never actually pulled the trigger. But I’m definitely going to join one this week, it’s just a case of choosing the right one. Decisions, decisions…
While I’ve yet to make up my mind, I thought I may as well share *why* I’m even contemplating joining one, and why you may also want to join one. They’re useful for every type of landlord, whether it be new and inexperienced, seasoned, or anywhere in-between!
Page contents
- What is a landlord association?
- Which landlord associations are available to join?
- What are the benefits of joining a landlord association?
- Should I join a landlord association?
- Have you joined one?
What is a landlord association?
They’re essentially support networks for residential landlords (and letting agents).
They’re resourceful hubs where Landlords can go for help and practical advice; whether to seek advice on tenant related problems or any rights and responsibilities you may have as a landlord. That includes being kept in formed of any new or incoming landlord regulations and how you can comply.
Landlord law is continuously changing- new regulations and legislations are being introduced regularly, particularly in the recent times, and it goes without saying that all landlords need to comply with their legal obligations, otherwise could face heavy penalties, or even worse, endanger tenants. So it’s a really good time to join an association for that added (and perhaps crucial) support.
Most of the larger associations (including the ones I have listed below) provide telephone support (which can be incredibly useful) and a whole bunch of resources, like downloadable forms e.g. tenancy agreements, all types of possession notice, rent arrears letters, inspection letters etc.
Which landlord associations are available to join?
I’ve spotted quite a few active landlord associations, but many are niche to certain locations around the country. Also, many of them, simply, are represented by shockingly poor websites and I really wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending them.
The following Associations are definitely the most reputable and popular nationalised options (please note, these associations support landlords in England & Wales)…
| Association | Price from | Notes / Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
Association | Price from £39.00per quarter | This is the one most people have been recommending. The support (particularly in the Q&A section) seems very active.Available Packages
Includes
| More Info |
Association | Price from £85per year | Available Packages
Includes
| More Info |
What are the benefits of joining a landlord association?
Generally, Landlords Associations offer the following, or variations of…
- Advice and support on all landlord-related issues (telephone support included)
- In-depth analysis of current Landlord issues in the UK.
- Landlord regulations and standards are constantly changing, there’s always some new law being introduced/discussed or some court case changing the way landlord law works- joining an association is a good way of keeping up to date.
- Analysis and explanation of complex legislation
- Access to legal documents such as tenancy agreement templates and eviction notices
- Discounts on commercial services
- Meet fellow landlords to listen & discuss landlords issues
- Strengthens the voice of the landlord community, which can be particularly useful when petitioning against unfair regulations, for example.
…and a whole lot more.
Here are a couple of generic quotes I found on a few of the association’s websites from members, which will give you a gist of what they have to offer…
I joined [insert association] to enhance my credibility as a landlord. It’s also useful to meet other members and keep up-to-date with the latest information and legislation.
Worth joining not least for the up to date information about changes in law etc
I use the [insert association] mainly to keep up to date with legislation changes for landlords and for downloading documents like letting agreements, receipts for deposit etc
Good website and telephone advice when required.
Should I join a landlord association?
It’s completely up to you, there’s no legal requirement to do so.
The associations support all individual landlords regardless of their portfolio size. If you want to keep on top of legal issues, have access to the latest landlord news and get input from experienced and professional landlords, then it may be worth joining one.
If one day you find yourself in a landlord dilemma (e.g. tenant has fallen into arrears), you may find yourself alone, confused, and unsure of how to resolve the problem. Being a member of an association will give you that extra support you need by guiding you through the process.
Also, bear in mind, if you join one but don’t feel the benefit, you can just revoke your membership.
Have you joined one?
If so, which one, and why? Are they worth it? What are the differences between the associations? Are there any major differences?
Know of any other Landlords Associations?
If I’ve missed any credible Landlords Associations out, please let me know, and I’ll add to the pile. Thanks in advance, folks!
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
Perhaps consider the Guild of Residential Landlords? www.all4landlords.com