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
10 practical tips to reduce Renters’ Rights Act risks
Much has been written about the increased risks that landlords will face when the Renters’ Rights Act is fully implemented,…
How to prepare for the changes in the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Bill promises to be the biggest shake up to the private rented sector since the Housing Act…
Comparison of online letting agents including OpenRent
Now that OpenRent are now charging an extra £50 for landlords to advertise on Rightmove as an “optional extra”, many…
Practical Guide to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, and has started to come into…
Leasehold reform: service charges, major works, qualifications for managing agents
The government published a new consultation called Strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services on 4 July 2025 with proposals…
The latest on the implementation of leasehold reform (2025)
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 made the statute book in May 2024 during the “wash up” period shortly…
Landlord guide providing tenant-friendly gardens
Why is do so many rental properties in England have grotty gardens? I don’t get it. A good garden adds…
Tenants’ legal responsibilities for repairs and maintenance
Whilst there is, quite rightly, much discussion in the media about the legal obligations of landlords, there is less recognition…
The new Right to Manage (RTM) rules for flat owners
The right to manage rules in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 have long given the right to leaseholders…
Guide for HMO landlords
Are you thinking of investing in an HMO property? Are you wondering what the rules are and how much harder…
Let’s celebrate successful women in property investing
When you think of a landlord or a property investor, what picture comes to mind? For those who remember the…
EPC proposals for landlords: Your questions answered
The government launched a consultation on Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes on 7 February 2025, and the…
How much do selective licensing and HMO licences cost?
The licensing of rental properties in England is complex. Although there is mandatory licensing of large HMOs ((5 or more…
Top 7 landlord questions about the Renters’ Rights Bill
With the new rules for landlords due to come into effect in 2025, I answer the top 7 questions I’ve…
Landlord guide to Selective and HMO Licensing
It is important for landlords to keep tabs on whether they need a licence to let their property, even if…
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