Renters’ Rights Act: What’s Actually Happened Since 1 May 2026? A Landlord Q&A
The intention behind the Renters’ Rights Act was understandable: to provide greater security for tenants and improve standards across the private rented sector.
Now that we’ve had a little time to see it in practice, here are the questions I’m being asked most often.
Business legal document concept : Pen and glasses on a lease agreement form. Lease agreement is a contract between a lessor and a lessee that allow lessee rights to use of a property owned by lessor
Q: Have landlords rushed to sell?
A: Not immediately.
Many individual landlords are reviewing their position, and some are planning to exit over the next 12 months. However, if the sales market were stronger, I suspect many would have already sold.
Q: Has rental supply improved?
A: No.
Supply remains extremely limited, which continues to put upward pressure on rents.
Q: Are professional investors still buying?
A: Yes.
Institutional investors and experienced landlords continue to acquire rental properties. They clearly believe the fundamentals of the UK rental market remain strong despite increased regulation.
Q: Did tenants rush to give notice when the legislation changed?
A: Surprisingly, no.
There wasn’t the wave of tenants leaving that many predicted.
Q: What’s happened to rents?
A: They’re continuing to rise.
With fewer properties available and demand remaining high, rental values have continued to increase. Unfortunately, it’s tenants who ultimately bear much of the additional cost created by increased regulation and reduced supply.
Q: Has anything improved for tenants?
A: Yes.
Tenants now have greater flexibility, with the ability to leave by giving just two months’ notice, making moving home much easier.
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge for landlords?
A: Administration.
The legislation has introduced more compliance requirements, tighter timescales and greater documentation. For landlords trying to self-manage, it’s become significantly more time-consuming.
Q: So what’s your advice to landlords?
A: Either become exceptionally organised or appoint a professional managing agent.
The days of managing a rental property with a few emails and a spreadsheet are disappearing.
Successful landlords will either:
- Invest time in understanding the legislation, maintaining meticulous records and staying ahead of compliance; or
- Work with an experienced managing agent who can ensure everything is handled correctly, reducing risk and allowing them to focus on the investment rather than the administration.
The fundamentals of property investment haven’t changed. Good properties in good locations will always attract tenants. The difference today is that successful landlords need to be far more professional in how they manage them.