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What is Landlord association?
Last verified 23 October 2026
A landlord association is a membership body for private landlords. For an annual fee it gives members an advice line, tenancy documents, training and a voice with national and local government.
Why it matters to landlords
Letting law changes often. After 1 May 2026 the Renters' Rights Act abolished section 21 and moved tenancies in England onto assured periodic tenancies, so tenancy agreements, notices and checklists written before then may be out of date. An association keeps its documents current and its advice line can tell you what applies to your property.
The largest is the NRLA, which says it has over 110,000 members, with landlord membership from £125 a year. Scotland has the Scottish Association of Landlords, from £115. Many towns and counties have a smaller regional association, often cheaper and with local knowledge of council licensing schemes. In Wales, Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing are a legal requirement whether or not you join an association.
An association is not software. It does not keep your rent and expense records or send your Making Tax Digital quarterly updates to HMRC, although some, like the NRLA, offer software as an add-on.
Example
Sam lets two flats in Leicester. A regional association membership gives him an advice line and up-to-date tenancy documents. He keeps his digital records and sends his quarterly updates with MTD software. The two do different jobs, so he uses both.
Landlord associations in the UK: what they offer →