Renters Rights Act backfires as landlords reject more tenants
Summary
The article reports that, four months after the Renters Rights Act came into force, letting agents are seeing landlords become more cautious about tenant selection. The main drivers cited are reduced confidence in the courts, concerns about possession under the new regime, and the removal of Section 21, with many agents also reporting falling rental supply as landlords sell properties.
Why it matters
Residential surveyors involved in valuation, lettings, and investment advice should note the potential for tighter rental supply and changing landlord behaviour. These shifts can affect rental market evidence, asset liquidity, and assumptions around voids, tenant risk, and future income.
Key points
- 80% of letting agents say landlords are more cautious when selecting tenants.
- 95% of letting agents lack confidence in the courts under the new regime.
- Court delays are identified as the biggest concern, alongside the removal of Section 21.
- Nearly two-thirds of letting agents report reduced rental supply.
- 91% of agents attribute the supply fall to landlords selling properties.
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