National Residential Landlords Association

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is the United Kingdom's largest membership organisation dedicated to supporting private residential landlords across England and Wales. The association represents over 100,000 members, ranging from individuals letting a single property to professional landlords managing extensive portfolios. The NRLA was formed in April 2020 through the merger of two established bodies, the National Landlords Association (NLA) and the Residential Landlords Association (RLA). This amalgamation created a unified voice for landlords, aiming to provide comprehensive support and champion their interests within the private rented sector.

The primary mission of the NRLA is to inform, guide, represent, and protect landlords, while simultaneously promoting a professional and responsible private rented sector that benefits both property owners and tenants. The organisation offers a wide array of expertise and resources designed to help members navigate the complexities of property management, stay compliant with regulations, and operate their rental businesses effectively. Key services include a dedicated telephone advice line, staffed by trained advisors who handle approximately 2,500 calls per week, offering expert support on issues ranging from rent arrears to referencing and legislative compliance. Members also benefit from access to an extensive library of documents and guides, including tenancy agreement templates, checklists, inventory resources, and eviction notices.

The NRLA provides support for licensing requirements and offers a property management platform called NRLA Portfolio, which assists landlords in setting up tenancies and managing properties to meet their obligations. Furthermore, the association provides free tax investigation insurance for individual members. Beyond direct support, the NRLA delivers a comprehensive package of member benefits and savings. These include discounts on training and accreditation courses, with members receiving 20% off rates.

The organisation also secures exclusive discounts with various retailers, such as 10% off at TradePoint (B&Q) and 15% off at Carpetright, alongside reduced fees for tenant referencing and mortgage broker services. The NRLA keeps its members informed through legislative and industry updates, a quarterly magazine, and engaging events like NRLA Connect sessions and regular branch meetings held across the UK. A significant aspect of the NRLA's work involves advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of its members. The organisation actively engages with government, parliamentarians, regulators, and other stakeholders at local, national, and European levels to influence policymaking and ensure a fair legal and regulatory environment for landlords and tenants.

The NRLA conducts research to inform government policy and collaborates with industry bodies to build consensus on issues affecting the private rented sector. Regarding student accommodation, the NRLA actively addresses the unique challenges faced by landlords in this sector. The association has campaigned for specific amendments to proposed legislation, such as the Renters' Rights Bill, to ensure it is practical and balanced for student accommodation providers. This includes advocating for changes to student possession grounds to cover one- and two-bedroom student homes and enabling students to pay rent by term rather than monthly.

While purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is often exempt from certain reforms, the NRLA focuses on mitigating the impact on "off-street" student housing, warning that current legislative proposals could exacerbate existing shortages and affect access to higher education.