Landlords brace for uncertainty as Renters’ Rights Bill looms

Landlords are concerned over the Renters’ Rights Bill as pressure mounts over when the bill will pass, claims an industry body.

Propertymark’s Housing Insight report reveals challenges and uncertainties remain in the private rented sector.

The report reveals demand continues to outstrip supply, with the average number of applicants per member branch around seven per available property.

Losing large amounts of properties

According to Propertymark’s Housing Insight report, rents continue to rise, with rents 7% higher in May 2025 compared to last year, and 23% of Propertymark agents reported they felt rents had increased.

The report also reveals that rent arrears increased slightly to 2.9%, up from 2.2%.

A Propertymark agent from the South West told the report that letting agents are losing properties in large numbers: “We continue to lose large amounts of properties to the sales market, with landlords now getting concerned about the Renters’ Rights Bill coming in the next few months.”

Uncertainty for landlords

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, warns many landlords remain uncertain over the future.

He says: “Within the lettings sector, many challenges and uncertainties remain. Over the coming months, it is braced for change with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

“While the new legislation aims to provide better protection for tenants across England and Wales, it also brings considerable uncertainty for many landlords regarding how they can successfully provide and maintain sustainable, high-quality accommodation under the proposed framework going forward.”

Phil Spencer, founder of Move iQ, echoes Mr Emerson’s concerns, describing the bill as the biggest change in the private rented sector for more than 30 years

He says: “When looking at the lettings market, we are finally starting to see a slowing of rental price inflation, which is welcome news. However, it remains fair to say there are still many challenges to overcome regarding the balance between rental supply and demand.

“The lettings market is about to undergo its biggest evolution in over thirty years with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, and there may be a period of adjustment in how the  market functions following its planned implementation.”

More incentives needed to revive sales market

The sales market saw a dip in new prospective buyers due to the stamp duty changes in April.

According to Propertymark’s Housing Insight report, the average number of new prospective buyers registered per member branch fell to 75, but this figure is expected to rise in the summer months.

A Propertymark member agent from the Home Counties says more incentives are needed to revive the sales market.

The Home Counties agent told the report: “The market shows apathy, with only competitively priced properties attracting viewings and offers. Many properties have seen price reductions, and only those needing to sell are committing. Further incentives are needed to stimulate the market.”