Landlords in Medway have another important date to add to their calendars.
Medway Council has confirmed that its new selective licensing and additional HMO licensing schemes will begin on 4 January 2027, introducing new licensing requirements for thousands of privately rented properties within designated areas.
Continue reading Landlord Licensing Is Expanding in KentPhase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act is moving closer, and we now have confirmed details of the new national landlord database.
The Government’s Register Your Rental Property service will begin rolling out across England from 15 December 2026, with landlords required to register themselves and each qualifying rental property.
Continue reading The New Landlord Database Is Coming: What Kent Landlords Need to Prepare NowFrom 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.
Continue reading Landlord Court Fees Have Increased: What Does This Mean for You?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.
Continue reading HHSRS Changes 2026 – Why Routine Property Inspections Matter More Than Ever for Kent LandlordsWhen 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:
Continue reading Section 8 Grounds Replacing Section 21 – What’s ChangedSince 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.
Continue reading Renters’ Rights Act Notice Periods: One Month or Two? What Kent Landlords Need to KnowFor 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.
Continue reading The Kent Rental Market Has Changed. Here’s What Landlords Need to Know in 2026The 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.
Continue reading Rising Costs, Slowing Rents: What Kent Landlords Need to Know in 2026Recent research suggests that landlord sales are continuing to reshape the private rented sector (PRS) across the UK. While headlines often imply a mass exodus, the reality is a little more nuanced and, importantly, full of opportunity for landlords who take a step back and review their position properly.
Continue reading Landlords Selling Up: What’s Really Happening to the Rental MarketAs we come to the end of another year, it’s natural to pause and reflect on everything that has shaped 2025. The progress we’ve made, the challenges the industry has faced, and the community that has continued to trust us with their properties and investments.
This year has brought plenty of change, both within the lettings sector and here at Lifeboat Lettings and while change can be demanding, it has also strengthened our commitment to supporting landlords and helping them stay confident and compliant in an evolving market.
Continue reading A Year of Growth, Change and Community at Lifeboat Lettings
