Straight-talking guides on the Sussex coast rental market — written by the people who let properties for a living, not content marketers.
From your first let through to compliance, tax, and switching agent — the practical stuff we get asked weekly.
What you need to know before letting a property for the first time: legal obligations, financial considerations, choosing a letting agent, and timelines.
How gross yield is calculated, what's realistic for the Sussex coast, and how to interpret the figures on a property listing.
We have been using Phillip James Lettings since 2008 to help us with 2 flats we rent out. Prior to that we used a couple of the bigger names out there but I'm so glad we made the change — and stuck to it!
Notice periods, paperwork transfer, talking to your existing agent, and how to time the move to avoid disrupting your tenant.
Gas safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection, Right to Rent, smoke + CO alarms — when they're due, what fines look like.
How to handle arrears compassionately but firmly, when to escalate, and how Section 8 grounds actually work under the post-2026 regime.
Periodic tenancies by default, no-fault eviction gone, pet requests with a 28-day clock, Section 13 the only route for rent increases, plus the new Property Portal — the headline changes and what you need to do now.
Decoration, furnishing decisions, what's worth fixing before marketing, photography, and the small details that swing offers.
Income tax on rent, allowable expenses, mortgage interest restriction, capital gains tax. When you need an accountant, when you don't.
Which neighbourhoods make sense for buy-to-let in 2026, yield trade-offs, capital growth, and the regulatory backdrop.
For landlords
Free, no-obligation rental valuation from the people who let properties on your street every week.
What to expect when you rent from us, and the practical stuff worth knowing if you’re new to the area or to renting.
Deposits, holding deposits, referencing, the tenancy agreement, your rights — everything a first-time tenant needs to know.
Due to the fact that the property is no longer suitable, I have recently ended my tenancy with Phillip James Letting Agents. Throughout the four years I was renting with them I found them to be helpful, approachable and very friendly.
Our standards for property condition, maintenance response times, communication, and end-of-tenancy fairness.
Periodic tenancies from day one, no more no-fault evictions, a 28-day clock on landlord pet decisions, a clearer route to challenge rent rises, and a new Ombudsman — what the Act means in plain English.
