Landlords seek ‘one off payments’ to beat Renters Rights Act – claim
Summary
The article reports claims that some landlords and letting agents are attempting to work around the Renters Rights Act by seeking one-off payments or by advertising rents above market levels and then inviting lower offers. It argues these practices may be designed to offset restrictions on fixed-term tenancies and bidding wars under the new regime.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors involved in valuation, rental evidence, and landlord/tenant advice should be aware of potential distortions in advertised and achieved rents. The reported tactics may affect comparables, market interpretation, and compliance risk in the private rented sector.
Key points
- Claims are made that some landlords want one-off payments to cover an entire tenancy.
- The article says this may be an attempt to sidestep rolling tenancy arrangements under the Renters Rights Act.
- It alleges some agents are advertising rents well above expected levels and then accepting lower offers.
- The piece suggests this creates an 'inverse bidding war' despite the ban on tenant competition.
- The claims are based on a blog report and cited agent comments, not on verified enforcement findings.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
