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.
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 LettingsThe Autumn Budget delivered by Rachel Reeves has sparked plenty of conversation across the property sector — and understandably so. While the headlines may appear broad, the impact on landlords, particularly here in Kent, is very real.
Continue reading Budget 2025 – What the Latest Announcements Mean for Landlords in KentAt Lifeboat Lettings, we work with landlords across Kent every day—many of whom are juggling full-time jobs, family life, and multiple properties. It’s easy to understand how a missed email or a forgotten renewal date can happen. But in the current climate of increasingly strict enforcement, the consequences of even a “simple oversight” can be financially devastating.
Continue reading Don’t Let a Missed Deadline Cost You Your Property: Why Compliance Is Non-Negotiable for Landlords
