Landlords are working people – and we provide an essential service

‘Well, they wouldn’t come within my definition.’

That was the response of Keir Starmer, who, when pressed on how he defined ‘working people’, made a point not to include those who receive income from assets, like landlords.

Well as a responsible landlord, I want the Prime Minister to know that people like me put far more than just money into the properties we own.

Lots of people assume that being a landlord is a passive role, that simply gives me easy money for little to no effort, but in reality, it requires consistent effort, time, and adaptability – especially when balanced with my other work and personal commitments.

I have a property portfolio that includes family homes and house shares.

My initial capital came from personal savings – and I’ve always been annoyed at the assumption landlords come from well-off backgrounds.

I’m continually managing tenant relationships, ensuring maintenance standards, and staying up-to-date with changing regulations.

Starmer’s comments on landlords not being working people were as divisive as they were incorrect.

To me it seemed like ignorance, or an attempt to resonate with ranters and hinting at an anti-landlord stance in his government.

Instead of assuming landlords don’t ‘work,’ I’d rather see policies that support us in providing quality housing.

Pro-landlord legislation could include easing building regulations to increase rental supply and offering tax incentives for long-term rentals.

Landlording is just one facet of my career.

My primary focus is property development, where I manage projects from planning through to completion, alongside refurbishment and commercial-to-residential conversions.

I’m also a public speaker, sharing insights on industry trends, leadership, and personal development. This allows me to bring a forward-thinking, empathetic approach to being a landlord, prioritising clear communication and understanding.

And as a Chartered Security Professional, I contribute expertise in security strategy and risk management to ensure high safety standards across various projects.

So, I do have relevant expertise in my chosen fields, and for Keir Starmer to assume that means my job isn’t work means he is ignorant about the realities of being a landlord.

Working in these vibrant fields gives me a wealth of experience and helps me build relationships. Property is a people business, and meeting others helps keep you updated on how to continually improve.

I belong to known landlord networks, and I know that many of us provide quality housing, though negative experiences can lead to industry-wide stigma. Responsible landlords are essential.

While I bring in management companies to handle specific responsibilities like looking after heating and lighting, there are always situations that go beyond their scope and require me, as the landlord, to step in directly.

And that’s made easier by maintaining a direct line to my tenants.

I believe that human connection fosters trust and open communication, making it easier to address concerns promptly.

This personal approach enhances tenant satisfaction, and I don’t get any complaints about my style.

This can mean dealing with unique tenant needs, complex maintenance issues, or regulatory changes that need my immediate attention.

Despite using a management company, issues like a burst pipe, mould problems, or heating failures in winter can still come up.

One evening, for example, I’d just wrapped up a long day and was about to relax when I got a call about an urgent issue that needed immediate attention.

Suddenly, my ‘off’ time became an extension of my workday as I coordinated repairs, kept tenants informed, and arranged alternative solutions.

If doing that doesn’t qualify as work, then I don’t know what is.

A memorable moment of juggling roles happened when I was preparing a keynote presentation for a public speaking event while also coordinating a major maintenance issue at a property.

Balancing these two responsibilities – public speaking and property management – required quick thinking and careful planning.

After being notified of the issue, I had to leave the event to show up at the property and speak to the tenants directly to understand their concerns.

In between speaking arrangements that day, I arranged for three professional builders to attend the property and provide quotes to remediate the issue.

It reminded me of just how demanding property management can be, so demanding that I think it’s an insult to say it isn’t work.

Then there’s the challenge of unexpected maintenance, like a growing mould issue I experienced that required immediate intervention from professionals. That means more time, more money, more work. 

In these instances, property management often feels like a second full-time job.

Being hands-on lets me maintain a high standard of service and responsiveness, though it requires careful time management to meet the demands of each role.

On average, I dedicate up to five hours each week to managing my properties, often in ways that require focused time, energy, and financial investment.

Then, there’s the effort to stay informed on regulatory changes and maintain high standards, which can be unexpectedly time-consuming.

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 is an excellent example of the amount of effort required for landlords to understand new rules and regulations.

The role demands far more than people might imagine – and landlords deserve more understanding and less ignorance.

And if Keir Starmer doesn’t think what I do is work, well, he can try and spend a day in my shoes, and I promise he’d quickly change his mind.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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