Half of agents more cautious recommending tenants
Summary
Goodlord’s early findings suggest the Renters’ Rights Act is already making agents and landlords more cautious about tenant selection, with many landlords more likely to reject applicants or leave homes vacant while seeking lower-risk tenants. The report also indicates a widening sentiment gap, with tenants becoming more optimistic while landlords remain largely pessimistic, though less so than last year.
Why it matters
Changes in landlord behaviour can affect rental supply, tenant demand patterns and the pace of lettings activity, all of which are relevant to residential property surveyors working in the private rented sector. The article also highlights how recent legislative reform may be influencing market sentiment and decision-making around occupancy and risk.
Key points
- 51% of agents say they are more cautious recommending tenants than last year.
- 26% of landlords are more likely to reject applicants they would previously have accepted.
- 31% of landlords would prefer to keep a property vacant rather than accept a higher-risk tenant.
- The article links this caution to the Renters’ Rights Act, including the end of Section 21 and restrictions on rent in advance and over-bidding.
- Goodlord’s sentiment data shows tenants are more optimistic, while landlords remain predominantly pessimistic.
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