Renters’ Rights Act will push up rents as regulation tightens
6 months ago | 17 comments
More than a third of landlords plan to sell amid RRA turmoil – Simply Business
12:01 AM, 6th November 2025, 6 months ago
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More than a third of landlords could quit the private rented sector within the next year as the Renters’ Rights Act creates uncertainty, research reveals.
Simply Business says that 39% of landlords are considering selling up because of the RRA and other regulatory reforms.
Its 2025 Landlord Report reveals that a quarter of landlords said the Act is their biggest concern.
While 38% are most worried about the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
More than half (56%) of landlords fear eviction processes will become slower and more expensive.
Landlords need time
The firm’s chief executive, Julie Fisher, said: “There’s a sense of trepidation amongst the nation’s landlords.
“The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act is set to drastically change the rental market in the next 12 months.
“But many landlords (76%) fear the new regulations won’t increase standards in the market the way the government hopes.”
She added: “With the biggest changes to tenancy law in a generation almost here, alongside several other regulation changes, landlords are asking for clarity.
“It’s vital they’re given the time and guidance needed to continue to provide much-needed housing for almost five million households nationwide.”
Letting is still worthwhile
The insurance provider’s report that most landlords maintain long and stable tenancies.
More than 70% have never used a Section 21 notice and 97% have housed the same tenants for more than a year.
Plus, almost one in three (31%) have kept the same renters for more than five years.
The report shows that 39% still consider letting property worthwhile, though 26% are undecided.
Not raised rents
While rent rise limits are among the new measures, only 8% identified them as a pressing issue.
More than half (54%) haven’t raised rents in the past year.
Two-thirds (67%) said they won’t alter their approach once the restriction of rent rises to once annually comes into force.
EPC costs for landlords
However, landlords face an additional financial burden from upcoming energy efficiency targets which sees a minimum EPC rating of C being imposed.
Simply Business estimates the sector will need to invest around £9 billion to meet this standard.
However, 13% of landlords expecting costs to exceed £10,000 per property.
One in five (21%) landlords admitted they were unsure what the changes are or how to comply.
MTD causes concern
The government’s Making Tax Digital initiative will replace annual self-assessments with quarterly submissions from April 2026 for those earning £50,000 or more.
Nearly seven in 10 landlords (68%) say they feel unprepared for the change, while only 5% expect the system to make their tax management easier.
Many fear higher costs, with 41% predicting increased accountancy fees, 45% expecting to spend more time on tax, and 35% citing added complexity.
Tags:
EPC rules, Landlord Regulation, Landlords, Making tax digital, renters rights bill, section 21 ban, Simply Business Landlord Report
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Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 333
9:22 AM, 6th November 2025, About 6 months ago
Prior to the RRB I hadn’t planned to sell anything. Now I don’t plan to evict anyone in order to sell but equally I don’t plan to relet any of my self contained properties when the existing tenants move out or die.
The current tenants are good as gold. Long term decent people who look after their homes, pay their rent and report maintenance issues appropriately.
Who knows what replacement tenants may be like? If we get a wrong ‘un the RRB makes it incredibly difficult to rectify the situation. It is a risk many of us don’t need.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2197 - Articles: 2
9:25 AM, 6th November 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 06/11/2025 – 09:22
The government has effectively put up the “No DSS” signs.
Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 15
10:07 AM, 6th November 2025, About 6 months ago
I have already sold 4 of my props and the other 4 will be sold off over the next 12/18 months period.
I’m Out!!!!!
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1446 - Articles: 1
10:55 AM, 6th November 2025, About 6 months ago
That’s 1/3rd of those left.
Many of us saw the light when the Renters Reform Bill rose its head and started the process of leaving the PRS.
Personally, the best decision.
Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 333
12:15 PM, 6th November 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 06/11/2025 – 09:25
Not sure how many families don’t qualify for benefit top ups.
I ran a few scenarios through a benefit calculator this morning and apparently a single parent with a son and daughter aged 5 and 12 living in a 3 bedroom rental property can earn over £64K gross and still be entitled to a UC payment of about £22 per month plus Child Benefit.
I guess a two parent household could earn slightly more, as the second adult has a miniscule UC allowance.
If the same single parent worked about 12 hours a week for minimum wage they would have a total net income of around £27K when wages, UC and CB are included. In addition any child support they receive is all theirs.
I have several benefit claiming tenants and they certainly aren’t living in poverty or in any way deprived. The fact they receive child support or only have their kids half the week helps. A single, elderly chap receives PIP and another one who’s children have left home now has a lodger with my permission.
Member Since November 2025 - Comments: 1
8:59 AM, 8th November 2025, About 5 months ago
I have just ended my last tenancy. I wasnt paid for months and the tenant thought I owed him. Had to get a possession order and even after that he wouldn’t budge. I went the section 21 route as the property was sold. This took me a total of 8 months. The whole process was so stressful it started affecting my health. We have to follow the laws to regain our properties but tenants disobey the law and stay.
Renters reform bill will be a total nightmare for landlords as i can see. It is to support councils and tenants, hardly anything that really is a major win for landlords.
I am out of the landlords game !!!
Member Since November 2025 - Comments: 2
12:24 PM, 8th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 06/11/2025 – 09:22
Yeah
Same here. I had tenants for years and they look after the properties better then my own.
So why evict them .
As they became vacant perhaps the rra is live and gives a indication of how bad is the damage, and i will act accordingly.
No need to panic.
Just get a legal insurance with your building insurance so at lest you are half way there should you need .
Member Since August 2025 - Comments: 41
8:14 PM, 9th November 2025, About 5 months ago
If there are no changes made to be fair for landlord’s also where tenants are also held accountable for damages then the results will be no more labour government, they are forgetting it took them decades to win and nation expected them to bring in order for all ? Not everything for good or bad tenants .
Joe