Buy-to-Let: the landlord trap tightens

For the best part of three decades, any idiot could make money in UK property. And, for a while, this one certainly did. September 2025 Agent: “It’s rent review time. The current rent is £740 pcm. We’re proposing £850.” Me: “No. I really don’t want to go into the new rent control regime on an under-market rent. Let’s ask for £880–£890. Comparables are £1,000, but I acknowledge starting with a nine might cause sticker shock.” Agent: “We don’t recommend that large an increase.” Me: “Tell them £880. Doubtless they’ll negotiate down to £850 anyway.” The agent tells the tenant we are going up to £880. Agent: “She says she can’t afford that. She could do £777?” Me: “WTF? Housing benefit, which I’m pretty sure she’s on, is £825. FFS. Counteroffer £810.” Agent: “£790 is the best they can do.” Me: “Okay then. Whatever.” This is not a masterclass in rent optimisation. This is the tenant whose rent I went roughly 20 years without raising. I changed it once. Downwards. The tenant has paid on…