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Landlord Associations - General Concepts and Membership Benefits
Some landlords let a single property, while others have huge portfolios of properties. Landlord associations appreciate that all landlords are equally important and share common concerns and problems.
Some national landlord associations have over forty local branches. Membership of a local organisation gives landlords information on current, local issues. This is becoming increasingly important, as much new legislation, such as HMO (house in multiple occupancy) licensing, often has to be interpreted by the Local Authority. However, the quality of these local groups can vary greatly, depending on the time and resources that the voluntary staff devotes to their running.
Each organisation offers benefits for their members, including:
(a) Various discounts, e.g. insurance.
(b) A magazine, giving tips and advice.
(c) Free forms and tenancy agreements.
(d) Campaigning on behalf of landlords, with regard to legislation.
(e) Training courses, to keep landlords up to date with the latest practice and procedures.
MAJOR LANDLORD ASSOCIATIONS
These include:
Residential Landlords Association (RLA)
National Landlords Association (NLA)
National Federation of Residential Landlords (NFRL)
Residential Landlords Association
Contact details:
Address: 1 Roebuck Lane, Sale, Manchester M33 7SY
Tel: 0161 962 0010 / 0845 665 5000
Website: www.rla.org.uk
Geographical Coverage
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
The RLA is an effective voice for landlords, having established its roots some 35 years ago. It offers landlords support and advice, along with training opportunities. Additionally, it promotes innovative ideas for improving standards and saving money. Whether expanding a property portfolio, or in need of help dealing with day- to-day tenancy management, the RLA can often advise.
With over 60,000 properties under their control, RLA members benefit from having access to a range of products, services and advice:
(a) Free telephone support on all aspects of creating, managing or ending a tenancy.
(b) RLA Members' magazine.
(c) Access to the website "Members' Only" area.
(d) Landlord Meetings.
(e) Training Courses.
(f) Free advertising.
(g) Free Tenancy Agreements.
(h) Lobbying government.
Discount schemes currently enjoyed RLA members include:
(i) Preferential insurance and mortgage policies.
(ii) Discounted credit checks.
(iii) 25% discount on first RLA training course, and other discounts.
Membership gives complete access to benefits including:
1. Tenancy Agreements.
2. Documents & Legal Notices.
3. Free Legal Help Desk.
4. Residential Property Investor Magazine.
5. Member Discounts.
6. Discounted Mortgages & Insurance.
7. Landlord Training Course Discounts.
8. Tenancy Deposit Scheme Subsidy.
National Landlords Association
Contact details:
Address: 22–26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ
Tel: 020 7840 8900 / 020 7840 8937
E-mail: info@landlords.org.uk
Website: www.landlords.org.uk
Geographical Coverage
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The National Landlords Association is the largest Landlord Association with over 12,000 landlord members throughout the UK. With its head office near Westminster, the NLA lobbies central government, and through its national branch network, protects and promotes landlords' interests. The Association is committed to encouraging the supply of good quality accommodation under sound management.
With members from all areas of the U.K. between them responsible for thousands of tenancies, the NLA is expanding its position as a leading national landlord organisation.
The NLA strives for a society with a sector that is a safe, secure and viable investment, operating in a free-market. The Association works with national and local government for a thriving sector where the legislation provides an equitable balance between the interests of landlords and tenants.
Specific aims are to:
(a) Lobby government at all levels by participating in working parties and committees, examining specific aspects of the private-rental sector.
(b) Encourage good standards of management by promoting codes of practice.
(c) Create an effective regional and local branch network that co-operates with local and devolved government.
(d) Develop, promote and offer a range of services designed to meet the needs of private landlords. The NLA is now sponsoring a tenancy deposit scheme that will be administered by its insurance partners, Hamilton Fraser Insurance Solutions plc.
National Federation of Residential Landlords
Contact details:
Address: 8 Wellington House, Camden Street, Portslade, East Sussex BN1 1DU
Tel: 0845 456 9313 / 01273 423295
E-mail: info@spla.co.uk
Website: www.nfrl.org.uk
Geographical Coverage
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The NFRL is a non-profit making organisation, representing residential landlords throughout the UK. It has over 6,000 members, organised into a network of twelve regions, containing local branches. These are run by local volunteers with support from the Administration Office in Portslade, near Brighton, along with other Affiliated Associations. The branches represent landlords in the area, working with local government, universities and colleges, employers and housing groups.
The Federation seeks to achieve and maintain quality accommodation for rent and high standards of management in the private rented sector, whilst protecting landlords' interests at both local and national level. Landlords receive convenient access to a range of information, advice, services and support, which would be difficult to find elsewhere.
Supported by more than 30 years of experience, the NFRL exists to give practical help and advice to private landlords and buy-to-let investors. Their services are designed to help landlords operate professionally, cost-effectively within the many complex laws. The NFRL offers an extensive range of services that save time and money, whilst improving efficiency. Services include a member's helpline, tenancy agreements and a flexible low cost insurance scheme. They are also developing a range of training courses, to be held in venues throughout the UK, and offered at a discounted rate to members. Current courses include "Tenancy Deposit Protection"', "Housing Health & Safety Rating System" and "Beyond Inventories - helping to minimise disputes". A free, quarterly newsletter keeps members up to date with news from all branches. A free, quarterly journal, "Successful Renting", focuses on national strategy, legislation news and details of negotiations with government.
The annual subscription for each of the above associations is £70-£75.
Alan Boswell Group
Contact details:
Address: Harbour House, 126 Thorpe Road, Norwich
Tel: 01603 218000
E-mail: info@alanboswell.com
Website: www.alanboswell.com
The Alan Boswell group, whilst not itself a landlord association, provides useful information for those seeking a local landlord association. It provides information on local associations throughout mainland U.K. The most suitable landlords association can be found by selecting the region (from a map on the website) in which the majority of properties are located.
Conclusion
The advice and information provided by landlord associations is invaluable. Regardless of the size of a landlord's property portfolio, they can advise on every aspect of property management. Such associations also provide a full range of services, some free of charge, giving practical help to landlords. They also lobby government, at all levels to ensure that legislation is "landlord friendly"
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