Landlords urged to stay ahead of changing rules

Landlords across the North East are being urged to stay informed about changing property regulations, rising costs and legal responsibilities as the private rented sector faces increasing scrutiny.

Property tax specialist Martin Wardle, founder of TH Ward, is encouraging landlords and prospective investors to attend the fourth annual GB Landlords Property Conference at the Britannia Hotel, Newcastle Airport, on Thursday, November 12.

A co-founder of GB Landlords, Martin has spent around eight years helping property owners across the region navigate the challenges of the rental market through education and networking opportunities.

He warns that landlords who fail to understand their legal, safety, insurance and tax obligations risk facing significant problems.

Martin said: “Keep your eyes open. There is a danger that you just think, ‘I'm going to buy a house and rent it out’. But there are so many potential pitfalls.

“You can get massive fines because you haven’t got the right gas checks, electrical checks or other safety requirements, or you haven’t insured the property correctly as a rental property. 

“The possible pitfalls are many.”

The conference will bring together specialists in property regulation, taxation, management and investment, providing practical guidance on the changing responsibilities of landlords.

Confirmed speakers include property analyst Kate Faulkner OBE, Suzanne Smith, who will discuss the Renters’ Rights Act, and Sean Hooker, who will examine property redress reform.

Gareth Harrison, deputy agent for the North East at the Bank of England, will provide an economic update, while Timothy Douglas and Henry Griffiths of Propertymark will also address delegates.

Martin added: “This is a once-a-year opportunity to hear from people who are involved in the policymaking and influencing side of the industry at a national level and to get a real feel for what is going on.”

Last year’s event attracted more than 240 attendees and 50 exhibitors, with organisers expecting continued interest.

The conference also qualifies as structured training for certain Newcastle landlord licensing requirements, under which some property owners must complete five hours of training annually.

Martin says the event is designed to help landlords make informed decisions rather than encourage or discourage property investment.

He added: “Go in with your eyes open and absorb as much as you can before you start.

“The property market isn’t going anywhere. It will still be there in six months. Spend a bit of time getting up to speed and go in with all the facts.”

Further information and tickets are available through Eventbrite.

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