Landlords ‘running scared’ of Renters’ Rights Bill

A Propertymark member agent warns, “landlords are running scared of the Renters’ Rights Bill.”

Propertymark’s Housing Insight Report reveals member agents are worried about the bill as landlords look to leave the market.

The report also shows that, despite a drop in rent arrears and a steady return of available rental properties, this is still not enough to close the widening gap between supply and demand.

Landlords are running scared of the Renters’ Rights Bill and potential implications

A Propertymark agent in the South West warns tenants are worried about the supply of rental properties.

The agent told the report: “Tenants are also worried as the number of properties available is reducing due to the Renters’ Rights Bill, as the lack of longer-term tenancy periods is making them feel insecure.”

Another Propertymark agent in the Home Counties says the Renters’ Rights Bill and the upcoming Autumn Budget rumours of property tax changes are causing landlords to leave the market.

The agent said: “Landlords are running scared of the Renters’ Rights Bill and potential implications, and now the threat of National Insurance due on rental income is just the last straw for many.”

Another agent adds: “Landlords are looking at the changes and the uncertainty of the Renters’ Rights Bill, lack of detail, and landlords are looking at leaving the market.”

General lack of stock against a backdrop of increasing demand

According to Propertymark’s Housing Insight Report, rent arrears saw a welcome drop in August 2025 to an average of 2%, and more than of agents (56%) reported that rents remained generally static, with 10% reporting they had seen an overall fall, and 38% reporting they felt rents had increased.

However, demand still far exceeds supply, with member branches reporting just over eight applicants for every available property.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “In the rental market, the pace of rent growth is slowing, and arrears are starting to fall. In some areas, demand has softened, particularly where more rental stock is returning to the market, giving some tenants a bit more breathing room.

“However, the general lack of stock against a backdrop of increasing demand is still an ongoing concern, and without a boost, long-term sustainable rent levels will not be achievable.”

Buyers are becoming more cautious

In the residential sales market, the number of sales agreed drop with The average number of sales agreed per member branch saw a decline in August 2025 to an average of 7.2 and the average number of new prospective buyers registered per member branch fell to an average of 53.

Phil Spencer, founder of Move iQ, says buyers are becoming more cautious.

He said: “In the sales market, unlike the boom years, it’s no longer a seller’s playground. Rising living costs and tighter lending conditions mean buyers are being more cautious, and that’s starting to shift the balance.

“If you’re looking to buy, you might notice that properties are staying on the market longer and sellers are more open to discussion. Many are adjusting their expectations, especially if they’re under pressure to move. In some cases, it’s not just about the price; buyers are successfully negotiating extras like fixtures, flexible move-in dates, or repairs before completion.”