ELA Office Team
22 May 2026
AGM & Expo Summary
Date: May 22nd, 2026 Time: 10.30, Location: The Space, Norwich
Attendance and Opening
Apologies for absence taken at the start.
Minutes of Last AGM:
Last AGM was held at Wensum Valley Hotel.
Minutes were available in members' welcome packs.
Vote to accept the previous year’s minutes: Passed unanimously.
Main Topics Discussed
1. State of the Rental Market and Legislative Changes
Renters Right Act:
Described as a radical and impactful new law affecting landlord operations.
Emphasised need for rigorous vetting and financial checks for tenants.
Landlords urged to adhere to professional standards to avoid significant fines.
Reinforced the importance of landlord associations (“ELA”) in navigating complexities.
Stressed the ELA is not-for-profit and run by volunteers; not focused on selling products/courses.
Selective Licensing
Reference to ongoing opposition to Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s selective licensing proposals:
ELA negotiated concessions:
Reduced fees.
Removal of landlords obligation to do 4 inspections a year and is now two.
Some form of licensing remains but less burdensome.
Ability to pay incrementally for portfolio holders.
Anticipated selective licensing expansion by Norwich City Council (now controlled by the Green Party).
ELA will continue to monitor and advocate on selective licensing issues for members.
Current Market Realities and Opportunities
Noted trend: Some landlords leaving the sector, creating opportunities for remaining/professional landlords.
Regional property shortage likely to increase rent prices.
High proportion of tenants cannot afford to buy, ensuring strong rental demand.
Advice: Well-located, well-maintained properties remain in demand; investment encouraged.
Personal anecdote: Speaker and spouse bought first buy-to-let 35 years ago at 15% interest rate—property remains continuously let.
Positive long-term outlook advocated—encouraged members to “ride out the storm.”
2. Financial Statements and Organisational Investment
Financial Results for Year Ending December 31, 2025:
£79,000 loss (majority attributed to revaluation of flats above office mainly an accounting item; storage unit deconsolidated and plans to expand back offices).
Significant capital expenditure on office refurbishment and rebranding (website, logo).
Office improvements have led to increased member engagement.
Transparency: Full accounts available to members upon request.
Cash Position and Strategy:
Organisation holds nearly £250,000 in cash reserves.
All office property and flats are owned outright.
Losses expected to continue in the short term due to planned investments and service expansion.
Firm commitment to careful use of reserves to enhance member services and expand influence.
Membership growth is a strategic focus going forward.
Emerging market opportunity: 6,000–8,000 landlords in Norfolk/Suffolk areas alone.
External Service Provision:
ELA now handling back-office functions for other landlord associations, e.g., “iHowz”.
Providing services (contracts, newsletters, websites, phone support) for a monthly fee.
Exploring further partnerships with Portsmouth, Devon, Cornwall, and other associations.
3. Votes and Organisational Decisions
Acceptance of Accounts:
Accounts presented as per packs; vote to accept accounts was unanimous.
Change of Accountants:
Proposed and approved switch from Lovewell Blake to Larking Gowen Vote was Unanimous
Larking Gowen expected to provide more dynamic, hands-on service; present at the expo.
Board Elections:
Directors up for (re-)election:
Phil Walters: Re-elected unanimously.
Oliver Wilkinson: Elected to join the board Unanimously
Chair (Paul Cunningham) Re-elected as director Unanimously.
Next Chair to be decided in board meeting in coming weeks.
4. Rebranding and National Expansion
Public Presence and Rebranding:
ELA’s increased engagement through local and national shows, including recent successes in Norwich and at Excel, London.
Feedback indicates strong recognition in the East but low visibility nationally.
Name Expansion:
Plan to run two websites:
Eastern Landlords Association (existing)
English Landlords Association (new, to cover all of England)
No plans to expand beyond England (excludes Wales and Scotland).
“Trading as” arrangement for the new name; no change to memorandum of association required at this stage.
5. Organisational Structure and Collaborative Initiatives
Team and Board Updates:
New staff: Cressie (from lettings agency background).
Existing team: Steve, Andy, Carol—longstanding, highly experienced.
Directors highlighted: Ollie (property industry knowledge), Trevor (maintenance and association support), Charlie Baker (mortgage broker, also speaking at event).
Voice of Landlords Associations (VOLA):
Formation of VOLA Ltd. to create a collective voice for landlords’ associations.
Six other associations involved to date; ELA is the largest participant.
Aim: Greater industry/media influence, coordinated action on legislative advocacy.
VOLA in early stages, with intention to grow prominence.
Inter-Association Partnerships and Potential Mergers:
Ongoing, friendly partnership with iHowz (back office/operational work).
Other associations (Devon, Cornwall, Portsmouth): Service collaborations considered.
Informal discussions about possible future mergers; currently no formal moves, but openness as leadership turnover occurs.
Emphasis on friendly, non-hostile collaboration; respect for local knowledge and presence.
6. Professionalisation and Member Support
Support with Regulatory Changes:
Strong message to members to update documentation/forms (e.g., new Section 13 rent increase forms, ASTs/APTs) to remain compliant.
Outdated documentation poses serious compliance risks.
Customised support for different rental scenarios—student lets, professional HMOs, “vanilla” buy-to-let, corporate lets, and lodgers.
Guidance offered for adjusting contracts to comply with new legislative requirements (e.g. Ground 4A in student let contracts).
Invited members to discuss their property portfolios and specialisms for targeted advice.
Membership Engagement & Growth:
Emphasis on expanding the member base to increase advocacy influence, particularly in light of new legislative challenges.
Acknowledged a “gap” in national landlord representation; ELA aims to fill this.
Noted importance of strong national voice and connections—partnerships with iHouse bring access to policy channels.
Action Items
Members:
Review and update all tenancy and legal paperwork; use only current documents/forms.
Reach out to ELA for up-to-date contracts and guidance.
Engage with ELA team and directors for specific property questions and sector challenges.
Board/Management:
Continue strategic investments (office expansion, staff, services).
Push for aggressive membership recruitment, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Expand back-office services for partner associations.
Boost VOLA presence and coordinate with other member organiations.
Finalise dual-website strategy and monitor results for potential structural changes.
Prepare for likely expansion of selective licensing in Norwich and other areas; keep members informed.
Follow-Up
Chair Appointment:
Board meeting in “a couple of weeks” post-AGM to select next Chair.
Availability:
Directors and ELA staff available for questions throughout today’s expo.
Offers of one-on-one follow up for financial accounts and deeper engagement.
Future Mergers/Partnerships:
Continue friendly dialogue with iHowz and other associations; remain open to further collaboration or future consolidation if mutually beneficial.
Ongoing VOLA Development:
Watch for updates as the Voice of Landlords Associations expands role and public profile.
Additional Notes
No change planned for Norwich office.
Questions about legal documentation and name changes clarified: Will operate dual branding, no fundamental constitutional changes at this time.
Contribution of longstanding directors and new staff celebrated.
Event adjourned with invitation to network, visit expo stands, and continue informal discussions.
End of Summary