Portsmouth & District Private Landlords Association: Four Decades of Dedication and Determination

Monday, 31 March 2025

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This month marks an incredible milestone: 40 years since the formation of the Portsmouth & District Private Landlords Association (PDPLA). Reflecting on the journey, members may be surprised to learn that being a landlord today is far simpler than it was back then. While we often lament the regulations introduced over the years, many have actually made letting safer for landlords—though they've undeniably made life tougher for tenants. Add to that the ban on student lets, broken meters and the infamous tenant blacklist, and it's clear how much the landscape has shifted.

The Birth of the PDPLA

In the vibrant coastal city of Portsmouth, a remarkable journey began in March 1985. Two enterprising brothers, Keith and Malcolm Atkins, proprietors of an estate agency on Albert Road in Southsea, recognized the pressing need for a unified voice among private landlords. Gathering approximately fifteen like-minded individuals, they established the Portsmouth & District Private Landlords Association (PDPLA), with Keith assuming the role of Chairman and Malcolm as Vice Chairman and Secretary. Their modest office became the cradle of this burgeoning association, where early meetings were held, laying the foundation for a legacy of advocacy and support

The Ban on Student Lets

At the PDPLA's 3^rd meeting in May 1985 Mr Brother, a senior lecturer of accommodation Studies at Portsmouth Polytechnic as it was then called, proposed a meeting between our members, a representative of the local hoteliers Association and the accommodation officer of the Polytechnic to discuss the problems of housing the student body.

The discussion on students continued at the October 1985 meeting with Item 4 from the minutes reading: "The Secretary advised of the meeting with representatives of the Students Union. It is obvious that they cannot or will not accept that landlords need to let economic rents to service the capital that is invested in their properties. The argument being that students only have available some £15 per week for accommodation. It would appear their general attitude is that students are poor, landlords are rich - therefore it must be the latter who should suffer. They further argue that they cannot advise their membership not to apply to the rent officer for registered rents as they would effectively be giving up their statutory rights. The Secretary reiterated his belief that further negotiation with the Student Union would be futile and the ban on student lets must continue."

Navigating Legislative Labyrinths: The Late 1980s

As the association gained momentum, the landscape of the rental market was shifting. In 1988, Nick Hall of Sabre Sales in Castle Road, Southsea, took the helm as Chairman. His tenure coincided with the introduction of the Housing Act 1988, a pivotal piece of legislation that brought "The Protection from Eviction Act" into force. This act extended protections to tenants in bed and breakfast accommodations, amending previous eviction laws from 1977. Under Nick's leadership, the PDPLA endeavored to guide landlords through these complex legal changes, ensuring they remained informed and compliant

Addressing Housing Challenges: The Early 1990s

The early 1990s presented new challenges. In 1990, Bill Thomas assumed the Chairmanship during a period when the local authority sought landlords' assistance in housing homeless individuals receiving benefits. This initiative, though well-intentioned, led to significant issues: rents were often paid directly to tenants and were frequently delayed by several weeks. Some tenants absconded without settling their dues, leaving landlords in financial distress. Additionally, incidents of vandalism, such as tampering with gas and electric meters, and severe property damage, like a tenant igniting a wood fire directly on floorboards, exacerbated the situation. Bill's leadership focused on addressing these grievances, engaging in dialogues with Portsmouth City Council's Housing Benefit departments, and even lobbying the Prime Minister to advocate for direct rent payments to landlords. These relentless efforts eventually led to policy changes that allowed landlords to receive payments directly, mitigating some of the financial risks involved.

Mobilizing for Change: The Mid-1990s

In 1992, Irene Strange was elected Chairwoman, marking the beginning of a four-year term characterized by proactive advocacy and growth. Under her guidance, membership swelled to approximately 70 landlords. Meetings were relocated to the Pendragon Hotel on South Parade, Southsea, providing a more accommodating venue for the expanding group. However, the period was marred by administrative inefficiencies within the Housing Benefits system, leading to payment delays of up to 20 weeks. This financial strain prompted Irene to orchestrate a demonstration on June 23, 1993, where landlords and tenants united in a march around Guildhall Square. Dubbed an "Unholy Alliance" by the Portsmouth Evening News, this protest highlighted the severity of the issue. Approximately a month later, the delayed payments were disbursed, underscoring the impact of collective action. Irene's unwavering dedication earned her the distinction of being the only constant member over 25 years, culminating in her recognition as an Honorary Member in 2005

The Tenant Blacklist

One of the more controversial practices of the time was the tenant blacklist—a monthly hardcopy list identifying problematic tenants. At its peak it reached 9 or 10 pages and though proposals were made to rename it the "Tenant Referencing List," the majority voted to keep the original title, and thus avoid any confusion. Today, online referencing tools have largely replaced such lists, making it easier for landlords to screen tenants.

Evolving with the Times: The 21st Century

It seems from our earliest days we have been in debate with local MP's, councillors and council officers – the first reference I can find is May 85 (our 3^rd meeting) when it was agreed that we needed to sit down with the two local MP's at that time: Messrs. Griffiths and Hancock, which resulted in a meeting with Mike Hancock on 28^th June 1985 – he must have been fed up of us by the time our current chairman first met him representing the PDPLA nearly 30 years later.

Transitioning into the new millennium, the PDPLA continued to adapt and evolve. The association underwent incorporation, becoming a limited company, and affiliated with national organizations to keep members abreast of regulatory changes. These included mandates for deposit protection schemes and stringent gas and electrical safety checks. Membership flourished, surpassing 250 by 2015, coinciding with the celebration of the association's 30th anniversary. The PDPLA's commitment to education and advocacy remained steadfast, offering seminars, training sessions, and a platform for landlords to share knowledge and experiences

A Legacy Of Leadership

Over the years, the PDPLA has been steered by a succession of dedicated individuals, each contributing to its enduring success. Following Irene Strange, leaders such as Alan Dines, Tony Hamlett, Julian Cloakie, and Martyn Winfield took on the mantle of Chairmanship. As of 2025, the association is chaired by Martin Silman, supported by a committee of experienced landlords committed to upholding the organization's mission

And Some Things Do Not Change

We bemoan the impact on the sector today of Additional Licensing, quoting the number of rooms lost yet back in 1990 when we had a committee member responsible for bed and breakfast letting, we complained the council was causing homelessness due to the bed spaces disappearing from DSS Hostels because of late payments from the city council and fears about the forthcoming Poll Tax.

One other thing has has not changed for a very long time - confirming our sentiment shared at our 2024 Christmas Do,:

It was 14th May 1990 when (item 3 of the minutes of that meeting stated) NEW MEMBERS - Mr Malcolm Drew and another were proposed and welcomed by the chair. So if he is not lying about his age, he must have been about 14 then....

Looking Ahead: The Future of the PDPLA

With a rich history behind it, the PDPLA remains dedicated to its core objectives: representing local landlords, providing education and information, and promoting best practices within the private letting industry. As the rental market continues to evolve, the association stands ready to navigate new challenges, advocate for fair policies, and support its members in fostering safe and well-maintained housing for tenants. The journey of the PDPLA exemplifies the power of collective effort and the enduring impact of a community united by common goal

About the author

Martin Silman

Martin began his landlord journey 30 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 12 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.

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