INDUSTRY NEWS

NRLA podcast: New rules on pets and the student landlord challenge

Sally Walmsley 22 January 2026

With implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act now just a few months away, we look at two key elements of the legislation – new rules on pets and the unique challenges faced by student landlords.

Presenters Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco are joined by Sandy Bastin Sandy Bastin, Director of Resolution, of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and Scott Fryer, policy manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

With many landlords concerned about pet damage Sandy outlines the scale of the issue, outlining the importance of detailed condition reports pre-tenancy, and how to approach claims, with Scott addressing the grey area around the suitability of certain pets for certain properties.

Landlord Support Adviser, Connor Cathcart joins us to talk about calls coming into the Landlord Support Line, and letting agent Sally Hatcher, founder of Sally Hatcher Estates, in Kent joins us to talk about student letting.

Sally, who works with landlords and students in Canterbury, talks about challenges landlords are facing around notice periods this academic year and the likely impact on the sector going forward.
You can listen to the podcast via the NRLA website here, by clicking the banner below, or tuning in on your preferred streaming service. 

If you enjoy the show, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords. 

For all podcast enquiries email [email protected]  

ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the ‘Your Account’ section of the NRLA website. Select ‘Other’ then ‘NRLA Podcast’ from the dropdown menu. 

To read a full transcript of the show click here

More information

  • To visit our Renters’ Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition click here. 
  • The NRLA’s award-winning training academy runs a comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training offer. Click here to book your place. 
Sally Walmsley
About the author
Magazine and Digital Editor

Sally is the Magazine and Digital Editor for the NRLA. With 20 years’ experience writing for regional and national newspapers and magazines she is responsible for editing our members' magazine 'Property', producing our articles for our news site, the weekly and monthly bulletins and editorial content for our media partners.