UK Property Market Steady Despite Renters’ Rights Bill Shake-Up, Experts Say
Property may be facing a new era of regulation, but experts insist it remains a robust investment, even after the Government’s landmark Renters Rights Act was passed into law last night.
According to leading property consultancy Knight Frank, landlords should stay calm. The fundamentals, they say, are as solid as ever.
Beverley Kennard, Head of Lettings Operations at Knight Frank, explained: “The fundamentals of the sector remain strong, and the keys to successfully letting a property are unchanged: thorough tenant referencing, good landlord-tenant relationships, professional management, and trusted advice.
In short, this is not cause for alarm: with the right preparation and advice, the private rented sector will continue to be a stable and worthwhile place to invest.”
Kennard added that while landlords await more clarity, implementation is expected within six months. The purpose of the Bill is not to punish, but to protect.
“While we await clarity on implementation, expected to take effect within the next six months, it’s worth remembering that the Bill is designed to tackle rogue practices, not penalize responsible landlords.”
The Renters Rights Bill, dubbed one of the biggest overhauls of the private rented sector in nearly four decades, introduces sweeping changes for landlords and tenants alike.
From the abolition of “no-fault” evictions to strict limits on rent increases, the legislation aims to strengthen renters’ rights while demanding higher standards across the board.
Lettings firms, though cautious, see opportunity. Lucy Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Lomond, believes the shake-up could usher in a fairer, more professional market.
“These reforms bring greater clarity and protection for landlords and tenants while also encouraging higher standards and consistency across the industry.
As letting agents who already operate at the highest standard, we see this as a positive opportunity to support both landlords and tenants through a period of adjustment to the new legislation.
For landlords, this legislation introduces new responsibilities, and many may be daunted by the evolving landscape.
With many changes coming into practice around tenancy agreements, possession, rent increases, and property standards, expert guidance will be critical to navigating the new status quo.
We believe this Act will help raise the bar across the sector, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting a more professional and fair rental market.”
Landlords Adapting to New Realities
For many landlords, the passing of the Bill ends years of uncertainty, but introduces a new level of complexity.
Marc von Grundherr, Director at Benham and Reeves, said: “This brings to an end years of uncertainty, but in doing so it opens a new chapter of compliance and complexity for landlords. While it’s positive that we now have clarity, the path to full implementation will not be a straightforward one.
Many landlords will be wary of further administrative burden and reduced flexibility, but at least they now know where they stand and can begin to plan accordingly.
Once the dust settles and the finer details are clear, we expect the sector to stabilize and confidence to return.”
Balancing Protection and Supply
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has urged the Government to ensure the reforms don’t damage supply in an already strained housing market.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, commented: “This is the most significant shake-up of the rental market in almost 40 years, and the new systems must work for both tenants and responsible landlords.
The NRLA stands ready to work with the Government to ensure the reforms are implemented in a way that is fair, proportionate, and deliverable.
The Government now needs to engage meaningfully with those providing the homes so desperately needed, to ensure implementation of the Bill is realistic and aligns with the practicalities of the market, not least the need for clarity well in advance of the next academic year for student housing.
At a minimum, the sector needs six months’ notice before implementation to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, and the Government must provide certainty on this as soon as possible.
The Government must also recognize the vital importance of a thriving private rented sector not only to meet tenant demand but also to the national economy.
The Government’s reforms mustn’t worsen the supply crisis by discouraging long-term investment in the homes to rent that so many rely on.
As the changes bed in, the Government should commit to ongoing monitoring of their impact and ensure its findings are published.”
What does the Renters’ Rights Bill mean?
The Renters Rights Act marks a fundamental shift in how the UK rental market operates. Key provisions include:
- End of ‘no-fault’ evictions – Section 21 is abolished, meaning landlords must give valid reasons to regain possession.
- Rolling tenancies – All tenancies move to a flexible, ongoing basis, giving tenants more freedom to leave with two months’ notice.
- Ban on rent bidding – No more rent auctions above the advertised price.
- Rent increases capped – Only one increase per year, with two months’ notice required.
- Protection from discrimination – Landlords can’t reject tenants due to children or benefit status.
- Decent Homes Standard – Private rentals must meet minimum quality benchmarks.
- New landlord register – A national database will bring transparency to the sector.
- Pet-friendly policy – Tenants gain the right to request pets, which landlords can’t refuse without good reason.
Implementation details are expected soon, but insiders suggest a staggered rollout to allow agents, tenants, and landlords to adapt.
Despite tighter rules and rising compliance pressures, analysts argue that property remains a secure, long-term investment.
With steady demand, low supply, and increasing professionalization of the sector, UK property continues to attract investors, albeit more cautious ones.
