There is plenty for landlords to keep track of at the moment. Changes to legislation, property costs and the everyday work of managing a tenancy all compete for attention. So it seems only fair to give some space to encouraging news too.
Research published in August 2026 reported a fall in the proportion of landlords experiencing rent arrears, alongside strong levels of reported profitability.
It offers a useful perspective on the rental sector, while leaving plenty of reason to keep a close eye on your own property.
What the research actually found
The Q2 2026 Landlord Trends research, conducted by Pegasus Insight for Paragon Bank, found that 26% of landlords had experienced rent arrears in the previous 12 months. That was down from 30% in the previous quarter and was the lowest proportion recorded by that survey.
It also found that 86% of landlords described their lettings activity as profitable. Separately, Paragon’s rental yields analysis reported average gross yields of 7.02% in the second quarter.
The distinction matters: 26% refers to landlords who experienced arrears, rather than the percentage of tenants in arrears or rent left unpaid. These are research findings, not figures for True North’s portfolio or a forecast for Blackpool.
Gross yield is a starting point
Gross rental yield compares annual rent with the property’s value, before expenses. For illustration, £9,600 annual rent on a property valued at £150,000 gives a gross yield of 6.4%.
That number does not show what is left after finance costs, insurance, repairs, management fees, voids or tax. Two properties with the same gross yield can therefore produce quite different financial outcomes.
For a landlord reviewing performance, it helps to look at rent actually received and the costs actually incurred, alongside the headline yield. Planned work should feature in the conversation too.
Lower reported arrears still leave work to do
A positive survey result does not settle an overdue payment on an individual tenancy. Prompt, accurate follow-up remains important.
Before chasing, the account should be checked. Was the payment received with a different reference? Has it been sent to an old account? Is there a genuine shortfall, and has the tenant explained it?
Good records make that conversation clearer. If further action becomes necessary, the history should show what was due, what was received and what communication took place.
Look closely at your own rental property
For landlords in Blackpool and across the Fylde Coast, the useful question is how their property is performing. Is rent being collected consistently? Are repeat repairs increasing costs? Has a prolonged void reduced the year’s income?
At True North Property Partners, those everyday details are part of protecting the investment. If you would like to discuss your property management arrangements, call 01253 486 996 or email
Sources
- Paragon Bank research release, published by Cherry, 19 August 2026
