Resources, support and community for landlords
The Independent Landlord offers clear, comprehensive and actionable guidance for the private rented sector in England.
It’s run by me, Suzanne Smith, a portfolio landlord and former corporate solicitor.
My #1 bestselling book, The Good Landlord Handbook, published by Century from Penguin Random House, explains how to operate successfully under the Renters’ Rights Act at every stage of the tenancy cycle.
You can buy it from Amazon, Waterstones or your local bookstore.*
To ask me questions, and have access to templates and courses in a supportive community, join my membership, The Independent Landlord Hub.
Resources for landlords and property businesses
The Hub.
For more support
The Good Landlord Handbook
The Newsletter.
Free in your inbox
Latest on The Blog
How to manage a rental property yourself
Are you thinking of managing your rental property yourself, rather than using a letting agent? With increased costs having squeezed…
Property auctions for landlords: buying and selling buy to lets
Many landlords are selling up at the moment because the numbers no longer stack up for them. The housing market…
Should you sell your rental property?
Are you a landlord in England who’s thinking of selling your rental property? Perhaps your tenants have served notice and…
PRS Database: how to register your rental property
The government announced on 9 September 2026 that it will start rolling out the PRS Database of landlords and privately…
How to reduce void period costs and risks during refurbishment or sale
Ever notice how costs seem to appear from nowhere when a property is unoccupied during a void period? This is…
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for landlords: How it works
It was a long time coming, but Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) finally started…
How the 2026 Budget impacts private landlords
Characterised by The Times as a “tax raise on landlords”, John Healey’s 2026 Budget for “ordinary people” will significantly increase…
Section 24 and its continuing impact on landlords
George Osborne holding the despatch box before his July 2015 budget speech introducing Section 24 Section 24 has had a…
Is a limited company best for landlords? The pros and cons
Until 2015, the answer to this question was fairly straightforward: it was not worth the time and effort for all…
The Renters’ Rights Act: my verdict one year after Royal Assent
At 19:41 on 27 October 2025, during the dinner-break adjournment in a debate on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a…
Can the average rental property make money?
Many landlords are looking at their numbers to figure out whether their buy to let rental property makes any money….
How to sell a rental property
Savills released data on 1 May 2026, the day the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, estimating that 254,000 previously…
Renters’ Rights Act landlord fines and civil penalties explained
The Renters’ Rights Act has sharp teeth. Local authorities can now impose civil penalties on landlords and letting agents of…
HHSRS changes: the new 21 hazards in 2026
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, or HHSRS, method of assessing hazards in housing was simplified on 23 June…
Landlord obligations for repairs: the law in England
The question of responsibility for repairs can often be a bone of contention between landlords and renters. The responsibility for…
About Suzanne Smith
As a portfolio landlord in Kent and a former General Counsel and Company Secretary of a PLC, I bring a unique perspective to the private rented sector.
My legal career began as a solicitor in a City law firm, before moving in-house for 25 years in the life sciences industry, with 12 years at the General Counsel level.
I became a landlord in 2019 and have a direct understanding of the strategic and day-to-day challenges that landlords face. I founded The Independent Landlord in August 2022 to help landlords navigate the changing private rented sector.
My best-selling book, ‘The Good Landlord Handbook’, was published by Penguin Random House in 2026. It helps landlords understand how to operate successfully at every stage of the tenancy cycle under the Renters’ Rights Act.
The Independent Landlord has a distinctive voice, making complex issues clear, balanced and actionable for all in the private rented sector.
* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases