Landlords risk blocking good tenants
Summary
The article reports that landlords are becoming more cautious in tenant selection following the Renters’ Rights Act, with more requiring guarantors and tighter affordability checks. It argues this may exclude otherwise suitable tenants, particularly those without access to family financial support, and suggests modern guarantor solutions as a possible response.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential lettings and valuation should note the potential knock-on effects of changing landlord risk appetite on tenant access and rental market dynamics. The piece also highlights how new legislative constraints on upfront rent may increase the importance of affordability assessment and tenancy risk management.
Key points
- 32% of surveyed landlords said they introduced guarantor requirements where they previously had not.
- 39% reported tightening tenant referencing or affordability checks.
- The Renters’ Rights Act limits landlords’ ability to request large amounts of rent upfront.
- Tenants without access to a guarantor may face additional barriers despite having sufficient income.
- Flatfair argues that modern guarantor solutions could help balance landlord protection and tenant access.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
