PDPLA

The Portsmouth & District Private Landlords Association (PDPLA) operates as an association for local landlords, aiming to represent, educate, and inform its members. Established in March 1985 by Keith and Malcolm Atkins, the organisation has grown to serve the interests of private landlords within Portsmouth and the surrounding district. The PDPLA focuses on providing support and advocacy for a significant group of property owners, noting approximately 4,000 private landlords in Portsmouth alone, with this number doubling when considering the wider area. The association's core objective is to promote and represent the interests of private rented sector (PRS) landlords.

The PDPLA facilitates monthly meetings where members can learn and share information relevant to local landlords. These gatherings often feature guest specialist speakers from various fields within the letting industry, who provide current information and address member questions. The association also plays a role in representing its members' needs and concerns to both local and national government bodies. The firm is affiliated with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), an affiliation that extends benefits and value to both organisations and their respective members.

This collaboration allows PDPLA members to access a broader range of resources and services provided by the NRLA. Membership with the PDPLA offers access to a variety of resources and services designed to support private landlords. Members receive up-to-date information through news, blogs, and articles pertinent to the sector, alongside a range of education courses and talks. The association provides practical tools, including the ability for members to borrow PAT testing equipment and InfraRed camera equipment.

Additional benefits encompass quality letting guides and resources, comprehensive landlord insurance options, and access to a landlord hyperfast broadband service. The firm also offers free tax investigation insurance and opportunities to network with fellow landlords and professional contacts. The PDPLA has evolved since its formation, becoming a Limited company and affiliating with national organisations to keep members informed about regulatory changes, such as deposit protection schemes and safety checks. The association's management and leadership are provided by a volunteer committee composed of elected, experienced members and working landlords.

This committee oversees the operations and ensures the association continues to work on behalf of landlords in the area. The PDPLA organises seminars, talks, training, and trade events, while also lobbying legislators and politicians to ensure fair business opportunities for landlords and well-maintained properties for tenants. While the PDPLA serves the broader private rented sector, the organisation demonstrates a specific engagement with issues pertaining to student accommodation in Portsmouth. The association has discussed student housing with the University of Portsmouth, addressing the outlook for the student housing sector, the number and quality of halls being built, and the role of private sector landlords.

The PDPLA actively monitors and reports on the student housing market, including the impact of events like the COVID-19 crisis on student housing in the city and trends in planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and student halls. The firm also highlights challenges such as the supply and demand of student housing, the pricing of purpose-built student accommodation, and the repurposing of properties for different tenures. This focus underscores the importance of student lets and HMOs within the local private rental landscape that the PDPLA represents.