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
How to buy a property with sitting tenants in England
Now that the Renters’ Rights Act is in force, it is more difficult to obtain vacant possession. This is because…
Step-by-step guide to entering into a new Assured Periodic Tenancy
The Renters’ Rights Act changed the way we set up tenancies in England on 1 May 2026. The default is…
Becoming a landlord for the first time: 7 tips to thrive
It can feel pretty daunting when you first start out as a landlord. It certainly was for me, when I…
How to carry out UK Right to Rent checks (2026)
Landlords in England must check that everyone aged 18 or over who will live in their rental property has the…
The Written Statement of Terms under the Renters’ Rights Act
Section 12 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced a new requirement for landlords and letting agents in England to…
How to deep clean a rental property
Whether you’re a tenant looking to get back their full deposit, or a landlord wanting to ensure their property is…
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…
The new EPC minimum energy efficiency standards for landlords for 2030
On 21 January 2026, the government confirmed that private landlords in England and Wales will need to ensure their properties…
Insights from The Independent Landlord 2026 subscriber survey
I’ve been running The Independent Landlord for almost four years. With the bulk of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation now…
How I got an EPC C for a Victorian terraced house
The government announced in their Warm Homes Plan that “landlords will need to upgrade their properties to meet EPC Band…
How to avoid being scammed by rogue or fake letting agents
Did you know almost anyone can set up shop as a letting agent? Unlike solicitors, accountants, and chartered surveyors, agents…
What are the new rules for landlords in 2026?
2026 is turning out to be the most significant year for private landlords since the Housing Act 1988 came into…
The end of the ground rent “AST trap” evictions for leaseholders
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 brought an end to the so-called “AST trap” for leaseholders on 27 December 2025. The…
When a landlord dies: legalities and practicalities
The death of a landlord raises questions on both sides of the tenancy. The family of the deceased may not…
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.
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