For HMO landlords and agents worried about the Renters’ Rights Act, the mood at Manormind North might come as a surprise: not panic, but confidence, especially among operators already invested in compliance and standards.
A fortnight ago, I wrote about heading up to attend the round-table mastermind event, Manormind North, in particular to write about why industry collaboration matters (see article here).
Well, now I’ve been; I have had the conversations, and I’ve had time to reflect.
I can honestly say the mood in the room was far more positive than many might assume.
Yes, there were serious discussions, of course. And naturally, the Renters’ Rights Act featured heavily. But what stood out most was not anxiety.
It was confidence.
Practical Learning Still Matters
As always with Manormind, there were the “tips and tricks” – those small operational insights and takeaways that only come from speaking to people who are not simply using the same systems as you are, but are paddling the same metaphorical boat, day in, day out.
Whether it is about getting more from existing software, refining processes, or tightening up compliance workflows, there is always something useful to take home. Even after years in this sector, I never assume we can’t improve; in fact, I believe that adopting a baseline position of assuming there is room for improvement is key to making improvements.
Willingness to learn from one another is one of the strengths of serious HMO professionals in the sector.
It is peer-to-peer learning, and, when it comes to Manormind, the peer group is beyond impressive.
The Renters’ Rights Act: Why We’re Seeing it as a Shift, Not a Shock
Naturally, the Renters’ Rights Act dominated much of the discussion.
But the consensus around the table was almost unanimously steady, even positive.
There was a shared view that this legislation may accelerate something already happening: more landlords turning to professional agents because the volume and complexity of regulations are becoming overwhelming.
For those of us who specialise in HMOs and multi-let properties, it is a validation of what we already do.
Compliance is not an add-on. It is a base foundation upon which great service is then built.
When your systems are already robust, legislative change feels like adaptation, not wholesale reform and therefore, not panic.
The Myth of Tenant Mobility
One of the biggest concerns we see circulating, particularly on social media, is the notion that tenants will use the flexibility of periodic tenancies to constantly move home.
My opinion on this was the opposite before I attended Manormind, and as it turns out, there was a consensus in the room on this… and it was absolutely on my wavelength.
The reality is that moving is expensive. Deposits (the last one is locked in their existing until after they move, of course), first month’s rent in advance, time off work, transport and moving costs. It adds up quickly in terms of cost, and, of course, that does not account for the upheaval. Tenants don’t want instability in their lives any more than anyone else.
If an agent provides a great standard of living and proper, thoughtful, considerate management, there really is very little reason to assume churn will suddenly spiral.
In fact, the opposite may be true.
In a market where tenants have greater rights and expectations, those operators offering quality accommodation and consistent standards will likely see stronger loyalty.
Exceptional property management becomes even more valuable.
Standards Will Separate the Sector
If anything, the underlying theme of the day was this:
The gap between professional operators and casual landlords will widen drastically.
Those who cut corners will not just struggle, they will quickly find themselves on the wrong side of a tribunal or facing fines and potentially banning orders.
Those who rely on reactive management will be exposed.
Those who offer little beyond four walls and a shared bathroom may see higher tenant turnover.
But the agents and landlords who genuinely invest in standards, systems and top-quality service should feel reassured. The Renters’ Rights Act will not weaken professional operators. It will expose unprofessional ones.
In other words, no change in legislation should undo good practice. It should only reinforce it.
Bringing It Back to the Ipswich Market
I came away from Manormind feeling energised and encouraged.
Encouraged that serious operators across the country are focused on raising standards even further not seeing problems but solutions.
It is encouraging, too, to see that collaboration truly exists in what is undoubtedly a competitive industry. I heard a great phrase, though, recently, on a Podcast with Simon Gates – a well-known figure in the property industry: competition happens at the bottom – collaboration happens at the top.
Lastly, I am also truly encouraged that the work we do here in Ipswich at LEA Property Solutions is exactly the direction the sector needs to move in: matching tenants carefully not just to houses but to households; not just maintaining communal spaces but uplifting them, to create communities, not simply common areas; and providing a consistent, dedicated service, not just for landlords but also for tenants, which is all part of that retention strategy.
But energised too, not simply encouraged. Energised to continue striving, because, as I said earlier in this piece, you have to always look for ways to improve. If you do not, you stand still, but as the world moves forward, standing still means slipping backwards.
The landscape is changing, after all.
It always does.