A Goodlord snap poll suggests landlords are finding it harder to regain possession since Section 21 evictions were abolished under the Renters Rights Act in May. The article says Section 8 is now the only route to possession, with longer notice periods and court delays adding to the time and administrative burden, alongside rising compliance costs and more cautious tenant vetting.
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.
Agents are being reminded to understand the new Ground 4A mandatory possession ground for qualifying student HMOs. The article explains the eligibility conditions, notice requirements and transitional arrangements under the Renters Rights Act, noting that the standard four-month notice period now applies to new notices.
The article explains that the first academic year under the Renters’ Rights Act is creating practical issues for student landlords, particularly around possession timing for Houses in Multiple Occupation. Propertymark says the temporary transitional arrangements for Ground 4A have now passed, so landlords and agents who did not act within the 2026 window are unlikely to secure possession under that route for the remaining year.
Latest Scottish rental market data indicates continued stability, with Scotland’s three largest cities showing almost no annual rent movement and national rental growth recorded at -0.2% in Q2 2026. The article suggests this calm is likely to persist into 2027, while local authority market assessments will need to account carefully for distortions caused by the 2020-24 rent control period and emergency legislation.
The article argues that lettings businesses may be focusing too narrowly on the Renters Rights Act, while overlooking the compliance risk posed by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. It highlights that the DMCCA gives the Competition and Markets Authority direct enforcement powers, including significant financial penalties, which may create broader exposure for operators than tenant-by-tenant disputes under rental reform.
Recent analysis of residential property tribunal decisions suggests that most rent dispute outcomes have favoured tenants, with many landlord-proposed increases reduced or left unchanged. The article also highlights that rent increase challenges can take several months to resolve, increasing the financial risk for landlords where evidence for the proposed rent is weak.
The government says it is expanding court and tribunal capacity in anticipation of higher possession case volumes under the Renters Rights Act, including recruitment of around 1,000 judges and tribunal members. It also plans new digital services for possession and the Residential Property Chamber, with full end-to-end digitisation of court processes expected by May next year.
Propertymark has warned that many landlords in Wales may misunderstand the Rent Smart Wales licensing regime, with most fixed penalty notices linked to failures to register or obtain the correct licence. The guidance stresses that registration and licensing are separate requirements, and that agents should verify both landlord and property status before marketing or managing a let.
Propertymark says many Welsh landlords receiving fixed penalty notices have failed to complete the correct Rent Smart Wales registration and licensing steps. The article stresses that registration and licensing are separate obligations, and that agents should verify both status and keep records up to date before undertaking regulated work.
New government figures show UK private rents continuing to rise, with the article attributing part of the pressure to the Renters Rights Act and its effects on landlord behaviour and supply. Commentary from market participants suggests reduced stock, stronger tenant demand and more cautious landlord referencing are all contributing to firmer rents across the UK.
The article reports that tenant demand in the private rented sector has strengthened, with Pegasus Insight data showing more landlords describing demand as strong. However, this is set against continued pressure on supply, as landlords consider exiting the sector amid concerns about profitability and regulatory change linked to the Renters’ Rights Act reforms.
