Hey there landlords, welcome to your monthly update.

We know property rules and regulations aren’t exactly bedtime reading—but staying on top of them can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle. Here’s what’s new, what’s changing, and what it all means for you.

Goodbye Leasehold, Hello Commonhold?

Big news: the government’s finally pushing ahead with a proper shake-up of the leasehold system. Under new proposals, leasehold flats will be a thing of the past—and commonhold is stepping in to take the spotlight.

So, what’s commonhold? In short:

• You own your flat and a share of the building
• No ground rent
• More control over how your block is run

Sounds good, right? Here’s what else is in the works:

• Commonhold will now work for all sorts of buildings, including mixed-use and shared ownership

• Developers will have more flexibility (but with safety nets in place)

• Lenders get more peace of mind too—think mandatory insurance, reserve funds, and oversight to keep things running smoothly

• Stronger rules on who manages the place, how repairs get sorted, and what happens when things go wrong

• Homeowners will get more say in how budgets are set and rules are made

What does this mean for you?
If you’re investing in flats or managing leasehold properties, it’s worth keeping an eye on how this could affect your setup. The full legal changes are still in draft, but change is definitely on the way.

Renters Rights Bill: What Landlords Need to Know

Another bill making waves: the Renters Rights Bill. It’s working its way through Parliament, and it could be a game-changer for how you manage tenancies.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• Section 21 evictions (the “no-fault” ones) will be scrapped—so ending tenancies will need a valid reason

• Landlords won’t be able to ask for multiple months’ rent upfront—one month only, plus the usual deposit cap

• Bereaved guarantors (like a parent or partner) won’t be on the hook for rent if the tenant passes away

Why it matters:
This bill is all about rebalancing the rental market, and it could change how you screen tenants, structure agreements, and manage risk. We’ll keep you updated as it moves forward.

Planning & Infrastructure Bill: Easier Land Grabs?

Yep, that’s pretty much the gist. This one’s aimed at speeding up housebuilding, and part of the plan involves giving councils more power to compulsorily purchase land (even if the owner doesn’t want to sell).

Right now, councils have to factor in “hope value”—basically, what land might be worth if planning permission was granted. The new law would scrap that, making it cheaper (and easier) for councils to buy land for development.

Who could this hit hardest?
Rural and green space landowners. If you own or are thinking about buying land for future development, this might be one to watch.

Final Thought

These reforms are big, but you don’t need to navigate them alone. Whether you’re buying, letting, or just trying to stay compliant without losing your mind (or your margins), we’re here to help.

Got questions? Give us a call or pop by for a chat. Coffee’s on us.

Contact us today

Categories: Positive Accountant