Membership Changes for 2026 – What You Need to Know

As we move into 2026, we want to keep members fully informed about some important changes to ELA membership, why they are happening, and what you may notice during this transition.

We understand that change can raise questions, so this blog sets out the details clearly and, we hope, reassuringly.

Updated Membership Structure for 2026

For many years, ELA operated a single flat membership fee of £70 (12 years since the last change from £65). While this served us well, it no longer reflected the different ways members engage with the Association, nor the increasing demands placed on the service.

From 2026, we have introduced a more structured and transparent membership model:

• Single Membership: £85 (tax investigation for named account holder)

• Joint Membership: £105 (tax investigation for 2 named account holders)

• Company Membership: £135 (tax investigation for the company tax structure)

  
  

This updated structure allows us to better align fees with usage, representation, and the level of support provided, while ensuring the Association remains sustainable at a time when regulation, enforcement, running costs and member demand are all increasing.

Reassurance to Members

We remain one of the most competitively priced landlord associations in the country. As a member‑owned, not‑for‑profit organisation, every pound of revenue raised is reinvested directly back into supporting landlords and standing up for landlord interests in an increasingly challenging environment.

Every member matters. Each membership strengthens our collective voice and directly contributes to our ability to lobby local and national government, challenge unfair policy, and ensure landlords are properly represented.

We will always do what we can for our members providing clear advice, credible representation, and practical support when it matters most.

Even if you don’t currently need our services, your membership still matters. Simply being a member strengthens our work and when you do need support, we’ll be here for you.

Thank you for being part of the ELA.

Automatic Membership Status Updates – Please Don’t Worry!

Some members may notice that their membership status temporarily shows as “cancelled” on our website. These emails will come from WIX this is our website host and not Spam.

This is simply an automatic system step that occurs when we issue invoices for the new membership year. It allows the system to generate the correct renewal invoice and apply the appropriate membership category for 2026.

Your renewal invoice will accompany this process, When this is paid membership will continue as normal

Renewal Pricing Reassurance for Existing Members

We want to be very clear and fair with our existing members.

• Existing members who pay their renewal invoice within 7 days may remain on the single‑member rate

• There is no requirement to move to a higher tier unless you wish to upgrade to joint or company membership

• Members who choose to upgrade can, of course, do so at the new published rates

  
  

In addition, for our existing members, the tax investigation cover will continue to apply to individuals and their partners, exactly as it has done previously.

Why We’re Making These Changes

ELA now supports around 1,400 members across the region.

Historically, renewals involved a significant amount of manual processing and individual phone calls, which is no longer practical if we are to continue providing timely advice, legislative updates, events, and representation.

By modernising our systems, we aim to:

• Reduce unnecessary administration

• Improve accuracy and record‑keeping

• Ensure invoices and renewals are handled consistently

• Avoid calling 1,400+ members every year purely to manage renewals

• Spend more time supporting members and less time on avoidable admin

  
  

Please Bear With Us During This Transition

System changes are never perfect on day one, and we recognise that this transition may cause some temporary confusion.

We ask for your patience while we:

• Complete the system upgrades

• Refine automated processes

• Improve member communications

  
  

If you receive something that doesn’t look right, or if you’re unsure which membership category applies to you, please contact the office and we will be happy to help.

Our Commitment to Members

While we modernise how we operate, our purpose remains exactly the same.

We remain committed to:

• Keeping you informed with the latest information you need to know

• Providing clear, practical guidance in a changing regulatory environment

• Representing landlords firmly, calmly, and credibly

• Ensuring ELA remains strong, independent, and effective for the long term

  
  

Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and patience as we move through this transition together.