How Can You Be An Ethical Landlord?

Date Published 16 February 2026

Renting out property for people to live in would on the face if it seem to be a good and decent thing to do. Of course there is the return on investment aspect that requires a profit to be made, however that's really no different from any number of other ways of doing the same thing.

It often seems that today being a landlord isn't something that is seen as doing something beneficial for the community, even though an estimated 4.9 million households were in the private rented sector, almost one in five of the total number in England.

The truth is that most landlords want to act in a way that is of course totally within the law, but above and beyond that when it comes to treating tenants properly too.

The incoming changes the Renters' Rights Act will be introducing will offer a different landscape for how landlords must operate, but what else can be done to make sure you are managing your rental portfolio with an ethical approach?

Good relationships

Any transactional situation should be based on trust. When it comes to the rental sector that cuts both ways. Tenants need to show they can be trusted to take care of the property and pay rent on time, while landlords have to abide by the many and ever-changing laws, rules and regulations governing the rental sector.

It's not always easy for a property owner to take on the role of landlord. Dealing with tenants who might have genuine concerns about maintenance or other issues can be draining and 'not what you signed up for'!

Of course having long-standing relationships with local contractors also need to be based on trust. When you need an emergency plumbing situation resolved or have a need for any type of work done it can be a problem finding the right people to do it. As property management specialists we have built up tried and trusted contacts across the board who we know will get the job done to the highest standards at the most competitive prices.

These are some of the reasons why so many successful landlords use a lettings management service like the one we provide - it really does make life easier and much less stressful.

Regulation

Another way that a bond of trust can be created is by being part of an organisation that is recognised as making sure things are run along ethical principles.

We are Certified and Accredited by Propertymark. As such, we are governed by their Code of Practice which provides a framework of ethical and professional standards at a level far higher than simply demanded by law. We believe this gives both tenants and landlords peace of mind.

We are also registered with The Property Ombudsman who carry out proactive audits to check that businesses are operating in line with best practice as set out in the General Membership Obligations and/or Codes of Practice.

Morals or ethics?

For us there isn't really a difference. While an ethical way of doing things is largely understood to be in line with professional rules of conduct, morals are more usually personal beliefs in regard of what's right and wrong.

It could be said that morals are based on conscience while ethics come from established guidelines, although for us it comes down to a simple rule of treating everyone we deal with in a straightforward, honest and open way.

If you are a landlord with property in West Sussex and would like to work with a lettings management service that shares your values talk to us.

We've built up a reputation built on outstanding customer satisfaction - call Lettings Director Ian Colban or Property Manager Julie Fivash on 01903 608 080, email us or click here to find out exactly how we do it.