What is a Landlord Association?

A landlord association is a membership organisation that provides landlords with professional support, guidance, resources and representation. Landlord associations help property owners understand their legal responsibilities, keep up with changes in legislation and manage their rental properties more effectively.

Depending on the organisation and level of membership, members may receive access to landlord legal advice, tenancy agreements, possession notices, professionally drafted documents, landlord training, compliance guidance, legislative updates and member discounts.

Joining a landlord association in the UK can be particularly valuable when dealing with issues such as rent arrears, possession proceedings, tenancy disputes, property compliance or changes in landlord legislation.

A good landlord association should provide practical support for both experienced and first-time landlords, helping members reduce risk, remain compliant and deal with problems before they become costly.

Is It Worth Joining a Landlord Association or Landlord Organisation?

For many landlords, joining a landlord association can be worthwhile, particularly as property legislation and compliance requirements become increasingly complex. Membership can provide access to professional support, reliable information and practical resources that may save landlords both time and money.

One of the main benefits of landlord association membership is having somewhere to turn when a problem arises. Issues involving rent arrears, possession, tenancy disputes, deposits, property compliance or difficult tenants can quickly become costly if they are handled incorrectly.

A good landlord association can also help landlords keep up to date with changes in legislation and provide access to legal guidance, landlord documents, tenancy agreements, notices, training and member benefits.

For new landlords, membership can provide valuable guidance from the start. For experienced and portfolio landlords, access to specialist support and up-to-date resources can help reduce risk and make managing multiple properties more efficient.

Ultimately, whether a landlord association is worth joining will depend on the quality of the support, resources and benefits provided. Landlords should compare the cost of membership, legal support, documents, training and other member benefits before deciding which landlord association is right for them.

What Should You Consider Before Joining a Landlord Association?

Before joining a landlord association, it is worth comparing the services, support and benefits included with membership. The cheapest membership may not necessarily provide the best value, particularly if important services require additional fees.

Consider the following when comparing landlord associations:

• Legal advice and support – check whether landlord legal advice is included with membership and what areas of landlord and tenant law are covered.
• Landlord documents – consider whether membership includes access to professionally drafted tenancy agreements, notices, letters and other essential landlord documents.
• Membership cost – compare the annual membership fee and whether important services or resources involve additional charges.
• Training and education – check whether landlord courses, training and compliance resources are available to members.
• Legislative updates – a good landlord association should help members keep up with changes affecting the private rented sector.
• Member benefits and discounts – consider whether discounts on property-related products and services could reduce the overall cost of membership.
• Residential or commercial support – landlords with commercial property or mixed portfolios should check whether the association supports their particular type of property.
• Geographical coverage – make sure the organisation provides appropriate support for the country or jurisdiction in which your rental properties are located.

The best landlord association to join will depend on your individual circumstances. A landlord with one residential property may have different requirements from a portfolio landlord, letting agent or commercial property owner. Comparing the support you are likely to use is therefore more important than choosing an association based on membership price alone.

What Are the Benefits of Joining a Landlord Association?

The benefits of joining a landlord association can extend far beyond simply receiving information about the rental market. A good association can provide practical support, professional resources and guidance to help landlords manage their properties, protect their rental income and remain compliant with changing legislation.

Key benefits of landlord association membership can include:

• Landlord legal advice – access to guidance when dealing with tenancy disputes, rent arrears, possession, deposits and other landlord and tenant issues.
• Professionally drafted landlord documents – access to tenancy agreements, notices, letters, forms and other documents required when managing rental property.
• Legislation and compliance updates – information about changes to landlord law, regulations and compliance requirements that may affect your properties.
• Possession and rent arrears support – practical guidance for landlords dealing with unpaid rent, breaches of tenancy or the need to recover possession.
• Landlord training – courses and educational resources designed to improve knowledge of property management, landlord responsibilities and legal compliance.
• Member discounts and benefits – discounts on selected products and services that landlords may regularly use when managing or maintaining rental property.
• Support for new landlords – guidance for those entering the rental market and needing help understanding their responsibilities.
• Support for portfolio landlords – resources and professional guidance that can help experienced landlords manage larger property portfolios efficiently.
• Residential and commercial landlord support – some landlord associations provide specialist resources for different types of property and landlord.

The value of membership will depend on the services provided by the individual organisation. Before joining, landlords should consider which benefits they are likely to use and whether the landlord association membership provides appropriate support for their type of property and circumstances.

National Landlord Associations and Organisations in the UK

A national landlords association will cover England, Wales, and Scotland members. The two national associations are:

• The British Landlord Association – The BLA
• The National Residential Landlord Association – The NRLA

You can find out from your council housing department if you have any local or regional organisations in your area.

Local and regional organisations generally do not have the same resources, support, or influence as the national ones.

However, local ones have a good knowledge of local issues and a much better understanding than the national associations.

Local associations are significant; some work alongside national ones to provide a better service with a louder voice.

The BLA and the NRLA are one of the largest membership organisations in the UK. 

The BLA claims to be the fastest-growing national landlord organisation in the UK. Given its impressive list of free services and competitive membership, its rapid growth is unsurprising.

How are the National Landlord’s Association funded?

Generally, they are funded by fees charged to members who join. They also receive payments for the products sold through them, such as building insurance, credit referencing, deposit protection, and data sales to third parties for marketing purposes.

The BLA does not sell its member’s data.

Revenue is also generated from advertising through various media that associations use.

British Landlords Association – (The BLA)

The BLA is a national landlord association and is the only one that covers the commercial & residential sectors. Membership is available for landlords or letting agents to join.

National Residential Landlords Association

The NRLA is an organisation for landlords in the UK, with over 65,000 members.

The two associations, the NLA & RLA, have recently merged to create the NRLA. The total membership is likely to be around 65,000+.

The NRLA’s campaigning skills and reach far exceed those of other associations. The NRLA runs a helpline for members Monday through Friday.

iHowz iHOWZ is not a national association. However, it is another excellent organisation. Founded in 1974, iHOWZ seems to have a solid, loyal member base.

We were not able to ascertain their total membership numbers. iHOWZ offers numerous services, all of the primary services others provide.

It is an association that is enthusiastic about what they do and the service they provide. Their website states: “Many organisations do similar, but iHowz exists purely to help, not make a profit nor pay directors large sums”.

You can choose which one best suits you and your requirements.

Commercial Property Landlord Association

The property industry has two sectors: residential and commercial. Commercial landlords seem professional, usually full-time landlords with long-term investment property portfolios.

Members who require landlord advice have access to commercial property solicitors. The other membership benefits are the same as those for residential members. 

What is the cost of joining an association?

The cost of joining a national association varies. However, there are many small local ones too. The only downside to obtaining membership with a local organisation is you are unlikely to receive the benefits you would receive by joining a national association.

The information and list provided will help you choose which one best suits you. The membership fee varies from full free membership to membership costing £160 to £75. The fee structure depends on which association and level of membership you take.

Membership benefits vary from local and national organisations, with national ones providing a more comprehensive range of services.

Is there a good association that I can join?

To our knowledge, the BLA does not take a commission on eviction services, legal services, and so many other products.

This, of course, means members will receive 100% of the discount passed to them. The BLA does not allow advertising through its website or social media platforms. The only exception to this is charities the BLA supports, like (CAP) Christians Against Poverty.

The BLA staff, including the CEO and its lawyers, are 100% dedicated to helping members and campaigning for landlords to be treated fairly. They are unpaid volunteers working full-time, which allows them to offer a unique service to landlords nationally.

How do I join a national association?

You can join by visiting the website or contacting them by telephone. The two national associations, The BLA and the NRLA are happy to discuss their benefits and products with you.

Once you join and become a member, log in to your membership account. Apart from legal advice, you can do most things online.

The NRLA has formidable resources and campaigning experience.

List of associations in the UK 2026

• British Landlords Association (The BLA)
• Devon Landlord Association
• Guild of Residential Landlords
• iHOWZ Southern Landlord Association
• Scottish Association of Landlord (SAL)
• National Residential Landlord Association
• Westcountry Landlord Association
• Jersey Landlord Association
• Darlington District Private Landlord Association

Please let us know if we have missed any organisations on this list. To access the websites, click on the links above.

Reasons why to Join the British Landlords Association

1. Legal Support: The British Landlords Association offers comprehensive legal support, including advice on tenancy agreements, eviction procedures, and landlord rights, helping you navigate complex legal matters with confidence.

2. Tenant Screening Assistance: The British Landlords Association provides tools and resources for effectively screening potential tenants, reducing the risk of renting to unreliable individuals and minimising vacancy periods.

3. Legislative Updates: Stay informed about changes in legislation affecting landlords with timely updates from the British Landlords Association, ensuring you remain compliant with evolving regulations and laws.

4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow landlords through networking events, forums, and online communities facilitated by the British Landlords Association, fostering valuable relationships and knowledge-sharing.

5. Educational Resources: You can access a wealth of educational materials, including workshops, seminars, and online courses covering topics such as property management best practices, maintenance tips, and financial strategies.

6. Negotiated Discounts: Benefit from exclusive discounts and deals negotiated by the British Landlords Association with various service providers, including insurance companies, maintenance contractors, and property management software providers.

7. Tenant Dispute Resolution: Receive guidance and support from the British Landlords Association in resolving tenants’ disputes, helping mitigate conflicts and maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships.

8. Advocacy Representation: The British Landlords Association actively advocates for landlords’ rights and interests at local, national, and governmental levels, influencing policy decisions and legislative initiatives that impact the rental market.

9. Property Investment Advice: Tap into expert advice and insights from seasoned property investors and industry professionals affiliated with the British Landlords Association, empowering you to make informed decisions and maximise investment returns.

10. Community Support: Join a community of like-minded landlords who share your passion for property investment and rental management. The British Landlords Association provides support, encouragement, and camaraderie.

To join the BLA, click here; it’s only £89.95 per year.

Last Updated: 1st of August 2026

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