In this month's episode of Listen Up Landlords presenters NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle (@BeadleBen) and Richard Blanco (@richardblanco_) discuss the issue of affordability in the private rented sector – and challenge of finding the right tradesperson when you need them.

Ben and Richard are joined by Doug Hall, director of mortgage brokers 3MC and Freddie Bloor senior director of property investment platform and NRLA partner GetGround.

They talk interest rates, examine the current start of the mortgage market and explore the impact of increased costs on the sector – asking whether these pressures are forcing landlords to reconsider their future in the market.

Hannah Kenyon, representing the NRLA support team, talks about the calls coming into the phone lines this month, focussing on the impact of proposed changes under the Renters' Rights Bill.

The team is also joined by Emma Grant, head of trade experience & commercial partnerships at new NRLA partner Checkatrade.

She shares her tips on getting the right person for the job and – with a 166,000 shortfall in qualified tradespeople across the country – discusses what needs to happen to fill the skills gap, not least with new minimum energy efficiency standards set to increase demand exponentially.

If you enjoy the show, please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords.

For all podcast enquiries email [email protected]

ACCREDITATION: You can now pick up a CPD point to be used towards NRLA accreditation by listening to the podcast. To log your point, visit the accreditation dashboard in the 'Your Account' section of the NRLA website. Select 'Other' then 'NRLA Podcast' from the dropdown menu.

More information

To download a transcript of the podcast click here.

If you would like further details on how to become accredited with the NRLA click here.

For more information on NRLA partner GetGround click here.

For more details on NRLA partner Checkatrade click here.