With an end to tenants’ fees and new regulations imposed on landlords, many people are reconsidering their positions on owning rental property. However, while there are more pressures on landlords now than there have been in the past, we’re still confident that the busy Guildford property market needs landlords and the rental properties they bring with them.

Let’s take a closer look.

What issues are landlords facing in 2025?

Anyone thinking of becoming a landlord should be aware of the risks they’re taking on, as well as the additional pressures created by new legislation. Going into a new venture with your eyes open will help you manage the risk and keep your goal in perspective.

Landlords have always taken on a certain degree of risk, such as irresponsible tenants not paying rent, the property standing empty when tenants can’t be found and having to cover the cost of repairs. Fortunately, these risks can be mitigated against through finding responsible tenants with good references and who plan to stay in the property for the long-term. 

In addition to obvious risks, recent governments have strengthened legislation around letting property. 

Landlords are now legally required to submit energy performance certificates and gas safety certificates. If you’re letting a furnished property, the furniture needs to conform to certain safety standards. 

It has become illegal to let a property that doesn’t have an energy rating of E or above – upgrading a property can eat into your rental income. But if you’re a responsible landlord, you’re probably meeting these standards anyway. 

With the proposed ban on no-fault evictions, landlords will have fewer choices open to them if their own circumstances change. (NB: you can sell a property with tenants in it – find out more here)

While these pressures sound like bad news for landlords, it’s important to remember that they offer protection for them too. With more accountability, tenants and landlords both have clear responsibilities – this makes it easier to sort out any problems that might arise. 

Why should I become a landlord?

Here in Guildford, Surrey, in South East England, the property market is strong and there is a steady demand for rental accommodation. 

Surrey offers the best of both worlds – beautiful countryside and a gentle pace of life, but just a forty-minute train journey from Central London. These advantages mean that Guildford is always popular with renters and we often see several tenants chasing each property! It also means there is rarely a long break in between tenancies, so landlords don’t lose out on rent. 

While landlords in other areas of the country might be facing the challenges of finding tenants and losing rent in between tenancies, this is rarely a problem in the South East. 

Property in the South East continues to gain value year on year. This means that anyone buying property is likely to see a good return on their investment. And if you rent it out too, you’ll gain an income from it in the meantime. 

It’s also worth noting that – like any job or any investment – being a landlord is not for everyone. You might enjoy meeting tenants and feel good in the knowledge that you own a property in addition to your own home. Or you might find the risk simply too stressful.

Let property in Guildford with Cobbles

Whether you’re a career landlord or just starting out, Cobbles are here to help. We try to make landlord responsibilities as smooth as possible, with tenant referencing, rent collection or fully managed services. As independent estate agents, we don’t mind sharing a bit of ad hoc property letting experience either! Our landlord pages describe your responsibilities – read here to find out more. Or if you’d just like to have a chat and find out what Cobbles has to offer, get in touch today on 01483 457 000 – we’d love to hear from you.