The earliest associations were started in the seventies, and there are now many throughout the U.K. Some have memberships ranging from  just a few whilst others have several thousand. An "umbrella" National Federation of Residential Landlords was formed in 1996 and most serious associations are now affiliated.

Housing policy is administered by each Local Authority and the standards vary considerably. Whilst central Government makes the regulations -  the Local Authorities take it upon themselves to interpret it how they see fit, so Landlords need to be heard by Local Authorities. Some of the major areas of concern are Housing Benefit, Licensing, Fitness Standards, Furnishing & Gas regulations.

Unity is Strength

Landlords have seldom been consulted, in the face of this and other legislation and persons of a like mind have gathered together to form associations to put a united front to Local Authorities and to draw local media attention to issues of concern. Central Government now encourages Local Authorities to set up a dialogue with Landlords, but there is a danger that consultation with individual landlords will be seen to comply, but landlords will in fact have no influence. National Government now consult with invited representatives of the NFRL who sit on working committees when formulating Government Policy.

Initially the benefits were an exchange of information and views, but strategies developed from this on formulating collective responses and getting (where possible) into dialogue with the Local Authorities. During the early nineties insurance rates went through the roof, and it was only by banding together that deals were struck with major brokers and rates started to moderate. Even now there can be wide variations in insurance rates. The three major insurance brokers specialising in this field are Hamilton Fraser, Alan Boswell and The Bateman Group. Most Associations are linked to one of these and receive a commission from the broker which is used to subsidise the running of the Association. Needless to say all associations are keen to promote the insurance, as the bigger the portfolio the better rates and terms can be negotiated on behalf of Landlords.

What is the Westcountry Landlords Association?

Founded in 2007 the Association is run by a voluntary committee of experienced Landlords, elected by the membership. Member driven, looking at things with "fresh eyes".

There is more than one Association in my area,
how do I choose, and why have duplication?

Competition is good for keeping the associations active and helps driving standards upwards; it also gives choice especially if one feels that an association is failing to meet the needs of it's members.

We believe we are in the forefront of providing services to our members. We hold regular meetings in Plymouth and Bristol offering advice surgeries, stationery, web services, newsletter and insurance.

I live miles away and can't attend meetings or advice surgeries.

We have what we believe is the best Web Site in the U.K. and have developed systems for you to email us on a dedicated form with any tenancy problems. You can submit Problem Tenants for our central database, receive our newsletter and latest additions to Problem Tenant list (by email). If you are not connected we also have a 24-hour answer phone service and someone will get back to you usually within 24 hours. Our insurance also offers a free legal helpline.

Why is your membership fee only £25

It is for others to decide their level of fees and services offered, but as previously mentioned our Insurance scheme is extremely successful and subsidises the membership. We have NO PAID  committee members, we do not anticipate any need for any increases in the foreseeable future.

Who are your insurers and why recommend them?

The Bateman Group, a long established insurance broker, who entered the rented property market  in 1998, and choose us to work with them in developing a scheme. This package was designed in collaboration with ourselves for the benefit of Landlords. The rates are very competitive and the cover we believe more comprehensive than the competition, with no occupancy restrictions or need for weekly visits in unoccupied property, varying excess rates and other features. All policies are underwritten by Norwich Union and are available to non members at a small additional premium (ideal for owners who have an agent working on their behalf).