New tenants’ housing union set to challenge landlords and government

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New tenants’ housing union set to challenge landlords and government

Campaigners are preparing to launch a national housing union next year, saying it will give social and private renters, and leaseholders, the strength to challenge poor conditions and rising rents.

Suzanne Muna, the secretary of the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) said the aim is to create something that will ‘reshape the landscape’.

She believes tenants are being left to fend for themselves in unsafe and insecure accommodation while those with power look away.

Affordable rents an issue

Writing in the Big Issue, Ms Muna argues that government ministers ‘frame the crisis as one of supply alone, when it is in fact a crisis of affordability’.

She says many households are stuck in ‘insecure, unsuitable, dilapidated, overcrowded, accommodation’.

Campaigners accuse the government of being too close to large private developers and corporate social landlords.

She writes: “The developer’s goal is to maximise surpluses and profits, and their power is supreme.”

Ms Muna went on to warn that social housing providers are reportedly turning down poor applicants because they can’t afford the rent.

Tenants have no power

There’s also an issue with social landlords having permission to raise rents by CPI plus 1% for the next decade which will bring social rents closer to private market rents.

Ending Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions through the Renters’ Rights Act is ‘a very small step’, and leasehold reform ‘has faltered in the face of freeholder resistance’, she says.

She also fears that Awaab’s Law has failed to deliver the promised improvements and the law should cover private renters.

Decades of policy and funding choices have pushed the system backwards and Ms Muna adds: “Power has seeped away from tenants and residents because we have lacked a coordinated tenant and resident movement.”

Backed by unions

The housing union will offer support like a trade union, providing casework and neighbourhood organising, alongside national campaigning.

It intends to unite people, whether they rent from councils, housing associations or private landlords.

Rather than rely on landlords or politicians, SHAC plans to seek backing from the wider union movement.

The group says workplace unions have the resources and networks needed to build a national force for housing justice.

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How One Landlord Restructured £5m of Debt with Commercial Finance

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How One Landlord Restructured £5m of Debt with Commercial Finance

Large portfolios can generate significant income – but they also carry significant debt. Managing that debt effectively is crucial to maintaining cash flow and long-term sustainability. This case study shows how one landlord successfully restructured £5m of borrowing using commercial finance, reducing pressure and securing a stronger financial footing.

The Challenge

A landlord owned a portfolio of 25 properties with £5m of outstanding borrowing across multiple lenders. Rising interest rates and fragmented loan expiries were creating cash flow strain. Monthly payments were rising, and the risk of covenant breaches was increasing. The landlord needed a solution that simplified debt management and reduced pressure on liquidity.

The Solution – Portfolio Restructuring

An NACFB broker recommended consolidating the various loans into a single commercial facility. This involved:

• Refinancing all existing loans under one lender with a structured portfolio facility.
• Extending loan terms to reduce monthly repayments and smooth cash flow.
• Negotiating covenants that reflected the portfolio’s overall performance rather than strict per-property stress tests.
• Freeing up equity in selected properties to create a liquidity buffer for future resilience.

The Outcome

The landlord successfully refinanced the £5m debt into a single facility at 65% loan-to-value. Monthly payments fell by 20%, administration was simplified, and a £250,000 cash buffer was released. This improved resilience against rate rises and gave the landlord flexibility to pursue new opportunities.

Lessons Learned

• Think holistically – managing debt across an entire portfolio gives more flexibility than addressing each property in isolation.
• Liquidity buffers matter – releasing equity strategically can protect against future shocks.
• Broker expertise is critical – the NACFB broker’s lender relationships ensured covenants were realistic and commercially workable.

Why This Matters for Landlords

Many landlords still manage debt piecemeal, with multiple lenders and maturities. This creates unnecessary complexity and vulnerability. Portfolio-level refinancing through commercial lenders can reduce costs, improve liquidity, and protect long-term stability.

Conclusion and Takeaway

Commercial finance is not just for new acquisitions – it is a powerful tool for restructuring existing debt. With the right approach, even large and complex portfolios can be refinanced in ways that reduce risk and strengthen resilience.

Next Steps

If you would like to explore restructuring your own borrowing with an NACFB member broker, please complete the short form below and a consultant will be in touch.

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Published: 31 December 2025

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No final decision on EPC requirements for short-term holiday lets

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No final decision on EPC requirements for short-term holiday lets

The government has said no final decision has been made over whether short-term holiday lets will be included in energy performance certificate (EPC) targets.

The government has proposed, but not yet made law all private rented properties will need to meet EPC C targets by 2030 and 2028 for new tenancies.

The government claim they are committed to a balance of “supporting tourism and reaching net zero goals”.

No final decisions have been made

Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard asked the government: “What assessment they have made of the potential impact of changes to requirements for EPC certificates on properties used as short term holiday lets.”

In response, Labour MP Michael Shanks, said: “The recent consultation on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030, to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties.

“No final decisions have been made, and the government has proposed to maintain a range of exemptions available to landlords to ensure that required investment is fair and proportionate.

“The government remains committed to taking an evidence-based approach and will consider the balance between supporting tourism and reaching our net zero goals.”

The government is expected to release its findings from the EPC consultation in due course.

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