That’s why our recent conversation with Nicola Thivessen, Chair of the Zoopla Lettings Advisory Board and active member of The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC), resonated so deeply. Her insights into the evolving compliance landscape, licensing inconsistency, and rising regulatory pressure confirmed something we’ve known for years:
Good compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines - it’s about building better businesses and long-term asset performance.
The Licensing Maze: What Landlords Must Know
From borough to borough, licensing rules vary wildly - with different schemes, fees and standards. For landlords operating in multiple postcodes or across mixed-use portfolios, this can be a nightmare.
Nicola was frank: the current system is confusing even for experienced operators, and the inconsistency punishes good landlords while letting poor performers slip through the cracks.
At base, we stay on top of every local licensing requirement. Our clients don’t get caught out - because we act before issues arise. And in London, that’s a real differentiator.
Property MOTs: The Future of Compliance
One of the most exciting ideas Nicola shared is a potential “Property MOT” - a universal, digital compliance certificate that would simplify safety checks and standardise expectations across the PRS.
For Build-to-Rent (BTR) providers, PBSA operators, and institutional landlords, this could streamline internal audits and reporting. For smaller landlords, it would reduce admin and increase transparency.
At base, we support this direction and our Co-Founder, Kristjan Byfield, also worked on a 'Property MOT Action Group' with Nicole on behalf of TLIC- in fact he even developed a working prototype of what this platform might look like! It reflects the way we already manage properties: holistically, proactively, and with a digital-first approach that gives our landlords peace of mind.
Compliance Builds Trust - and Trust Builds Value
Nicola made it clear: compliance isn’t just legal protection. It’s brand positioning.
• Tenants trust compliant landlords more
• Investors value well-run portfolios higher
• Local authorities cooperate better with transparent operators
And when it comes to operating in London’s ultra-competitive rental landscape, those advantages matter.
Why This Matters to Our Clients
Whether you’re a buy-to-let investor with two units in Islington, a BTR provider managing hundreds of apartments, or a PBSA operator overseeing student communities - the direction of travel is the same:
• More rules
• More scrutiny
• More demand for operational excellence
At base, we’re not afraid of that future. We’re ready for it. And we help our clients turn compliance into a strategic edge.
Final Thought: Do It Right, or Risk It All
Nicola Thivessen’s candid take on compliance is a wake-up call - and an opportunity.
Landlords who cut corners might save in the short term. But those who invest in professional management, clear processes and strong systems will see the returns — financially and reputationally.
And in a city like London, where tenant expectations are high and enforcement is increasing, that difference can define your success.
If you're ready to align with a lettings and management partner who makes compliance work for your portfolio - not against it - we’re here to help.
