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.
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Latest on The Blog
What makes a rental property attractive to families?
Families make up almost one third of households in the private rented sector in England, or 1.3 million households, yet…
What the 2022-2023 English Housing Survey reveals about the PRS
The English Housing Survey is a comprehensive annual government survey which is the main source of information about housing in…
Landlord Guide: How to Ride out a Downturn
With the economic downturn brought on by the cost of living crisis, inflation and the steep increase in interest rates,…
Section 24 and its impact on the Private Rented Sector
George Osborne holding the despatch box before his July 2015 budget speech which introduced Section 24 Section 24 has had…
How to use Social Media to accelerate growth for your Property Business
Have you ever wondered if social media is more trouble than it’s worth for landlords and other property investors? Or…
How to Avoid the 5 Classic Landlord Refurb Mistakes
Refurbishment is an activity that pretty much all landlords will carry out on their rental properties at one time or…
Why ESG and Sustainability are important to Private Landlords
Environmental concerns and sustainability are high up the political agenda, not least for private landlords. However, ESG, short for Environmental,…
What does a Responsible Landlord actually mean?
When the Renters Reform Bill was published in May 2023, Michael Gove was quoted in the press release as saying:…
How can landlords make good profits?
Thinking of becoming a landlord for the first time? Wanting to expand your buy to let portfolio? Unsure how to…
7 ways to screen your property investments
When evaluating a potential property investment, the focus is usually on the numbers, to see if the deal “stacks up”…
How to find the best location for your next buy to let property
Have you been wondering where the best location is for your next buy to let? There’s so much conflicting advice….
Introducing my new blog for landlords
The first day of the refurb of Project Alice in April 2022 Hello! This is my very first blog post…
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.
When I was a new landlord, I’d been unable to find the content I was looking for. To fill this unmet need, I founded The Independent Landlord in August 2022.
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 everyone in the private rented sector.
* As an Amazon Associate and a Waterstones affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases