Landlords from across the Borough heard about Simple Lets, new digital tax rules and changes to renting laws at Broxbourne Council’s latest Landlord Forum.
The event, held in the Council Chamber at Bishops’ College on Tuesday 20 October, opened with an overview of how the Council’s Simple Lets scheme supports landlords. Landlords who sign up can have the deposit and first month’s rent paid in advance, receive a cash incentive payment and have their landlord insurance costs reimbursed. The scheme also offers property inspections, a free tenancy agreement with a written statement of terms and support to help tenants sustain their tenancy.
Thickbroom Chartered Accountants then explained Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, which requires landlords to keep digital records and send regular updates to HMRC. The rules are being phased in from April 2026 depending on income and landlords were encouraged to review their record keeping now so they are ready.
Propertymark outlined the changes brought in by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Section 21 “no fault” evictions have ended, fixed-term tenancies have been replaced by periodic tenancies, and there are new rules on rent increases and grounds for possession. Tenants can also now ask for permission to keep a pet.
Propertymark also set out proposals for privately rented homes to reach an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030, with updated assessment methods expected from 2027. Broxbourne is already ahead of the national picture, with 52 per cent of properties rated C or above, compared with 44 per cent nationally.
Landlords interested in Simple Lets can contact the team at simplelets@broxbourne.gov.uk.
The next Landlord Forum will be held in April 2027. Forums take place twice a year; every October and every April.