News Archives - Lifeboat Lettings

Posted on 12th August 2026 12th August 2026

Kent Buy-to-Let in 2026: Are the Opportunities Still There?

What is actually happening in the Kent rental market – and are there still opportunities for buy-to-let investors in 2026?

The latest figures make interesting reading.

Rents are still rising across many parts of Kent, while property price growth has been relatively modest in some of the areas we work in. At the same time, we’re seeing tenants becoming more selective, enquiries slowing and some properties taking longer to let.

Posted on 4th August 2026 4th August 2026

Making Tax Digital Is Here – Are You Ready?

On 7th August 2026, the first quarterly submission deadline arrives for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.

For many landlords and self-employed individuals, this marks one of the biggest changes to the UK tax system in recent years.

Posted on 13th July 2026 13th July 2026

Landlord Court Fees Have Increased: What Does This Mean for You?

From Monday 13th July 2026, a range of court and tribunal fees increased across England and Wales following the Government’s annual review of HM Courts & Tribunals Service fees.

At first glance, many of the increases appear relatively small.

Posted on 1st July 2026 1st July 2026

HHSRS Changes 2026 – Why Routine Property Inspections Matter More Than Ever for Kent Landlords

The HHSRS now assesses 21 potential hazards that could affect tenants’ health and safety. The standards haven’t changed—but the way councils assess and enforce them has.

On 23rd June 2026, the Government introduced an updated Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) – the framework used by local authorities to assess health and safety hazards in privately rented homes.

Posted on 18th June 2026 18th June 2026

Section 8 Grounds Replacing Section 21 – What’s Changed

When the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1st May 2026, Section 21 was officially abolished.

For many landlords, this immediately raised a worrying question:

Posted on 4th June 2026 4th June 2026

Renters’ Rights Act Notice Periods: One Month or Two? What Kent Landlords Need to Know

Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1st May 2026, we’ve received more questions about tenant notice periods than almost any other aspect of the new legislation.

Posted on 13th May 2026 13th May 2026

The Kent Rental Market Has Changed. Here’s What Landlords Need to Know in 2026

For the past few years, landlords across Kent experienced an exceptionally strong rental market. Properties were letting quickly, rents were climbing rapidly, and tenant demand often far outweighed supply.

Posted on 30th April 2026 30th April 2026

Today’s The Day – The Renters Rights Act Phase 1 is Live

After months of discussion, preparation, and industry-wide change, the new Renters Rights legislation comes into effect today.

This has been a long time in the making.

Across the sector, letting agents, landlords, and property professionals have been reviewing processes, updating documentation, and adapting how tenancies are managed in anticipation of this moment.

Posted on 14th April 2026 14th April 2026

Landlords Urged to Act as Council Enforcement Powers Increase

The upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Act are fast approaching, and with a confirmed start date of 1st May, we’re now seeing the government take significant steps to ensure the new legislation is properly enforced.

Posted on 2nd April 2026 2nd April 2026

Rising Costs, Slowing Rents: What Kent Landlords Need to Know in 2026

The lettings landscape is shifting again and for many landlords, 2026 is already presenting a new set of challenges.

With borrowing costs rising and rental growth beginning to stabilise, we’re seeing a change in the balance that landlords have benefited from over recent years. At the same time, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act is adding another layer of uncertainty.

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