A critical imbalance is becoming visible within the private rented sector, and it is not just about how many landlords are leaving, but how few are replacing them. According to the Property118 Landlord Sentiment Survey Q1 2026, the rate at which landlords are reducing or exiting portfolios is not being matched by new or expanding […]

The Guardian is reporting that the Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering imposing a year-long rent freeze on landlords as a special measure to alleviate the cost of living crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This will be debated by the government as a package of measures to reduce inflationary pressures on […]

Most renters report positive or neutral relationships with their landlord ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act taking effect this week. According to Hiscox, just 5% of tenants describe their experience as negative. Nearly a quarter say their relationship is friendly, with another 24% calling it professional. Around 30% report neutral feelings, according to the survey. […]

Landlords could soon be dealing with tenant requests to install plug-in solar panels, The i Paper reports. It says that ministers are considering changes that may limit refusals as the technology reaches UK shelves this summer. The proposals would give renters greater scope to fit the £400 systems. Climate Minister Katie White has signalled legal […]

Landlords are being warned to expect tighter margins as new rules increase the risks around regaining possession and setting income levels. The prediction from property consultancy Knight Frank also warns tenants that rents will rise because of growing landlord costs. The firm’s forecasts for rents have been trimmed slightly, and it adds that the direction […]

The housing minister has claimed, “responsible landlords have nothing to fear from the Renters’ Rights Act”. Writing in the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) magazine in an effort to reassure landlords ahead of the act coming into force this week, Matthew Pennycook said the government “is committed to supporting landlords through the transition”. Under the […]

Hello, My daughter’s flat sale in London has fallen through. She had quite a few viewings but only one offer which was considerably under the asking price. The tenants have given notice. She’s reluctant to put it back on the market at the moment and is considering running it as an Airbnb for a few […]

A common assumption is that rental prices and availability are driven primarily by tenant demand. The latest data suggests that supply-side changes may play an equally important role. According to the Property118 Landlord Sentiment Survey Q1 2026, landlord behaviour alone has the potential to tighten the market, even if demand remains stable. Based on 2,380 […]

Rent controls are not the solution to rising rents in Northern Ireland, claims the Communities Minister. In a heated debate between politicians, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (DUP) pointed out that rent controls do not work. The news comes after Northern Ireland landlords could soon face some of the longest Notice to Quit periods in the […]

A journalist at The Times would like to hear from landlords who have had a negative and prolonged experience of evicting a tenant through the court system. The government promised reforms to help reduce backlogs in the courts, but little progress has been seen ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on Friday. […]

An organisation is urging councils to actively promote selective licensing schemes after a council introduced six new schemes but failed to put them on its website. London Property Licensing has warned Harrow Council plans to introduce six new selective licensing schemes over the next four months. The news comes as a landlord branded a council’s […]

Houses are attracting the strongest demand at the moment, particularly in the North West and the Midlands. Demand among both first time buyers and new investors is highest at the lower end of the market. Examples include: • North West – Typically £80k–£130k houses (Liverpool, Chester/Wirral, Manchester-type stock) • North East / Yorkshire – Typically £50k–£100k houses (Sheffield, Doncaster, Newcastle) • Midlands […]

With the Renters’ Rights Act just around the corner, the UK’s largest professional membership body for letting agents warns new legislation will have two distinct effects. In an exclusive video interview with Property118, Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said many landlords will be considering whether to move to full management or […]

The government claims “there is no need for landlords to evict tenants” ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act. In a written question, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage claims landlords “should give tenants the housing security they deserve”. Despite the government’s claims, tenant groups claim landlords are rushing evictions ahead of the legislation. Prevent unnecessary evictions In […]

Several lenders have cut buy to let mortgage rates and expanded product ranges, with changes spanning five-year fixes, trackers and short-term let deals. Fleet Mortgages has reduced pricing by 20bps on its 3% fee, 75% LTV five-year fixed products across standard, limited company and HMO and MUFB ranges. Rates now stand at 5.04% for standard […]

Rental scams are on the rise as supply dwindles ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act, claims an estate agent. Essex and Suffolk estate agents Boydens warn that rental scams have become more widespread as landlords sell up ahead of the Act coming into force. The estate agents urge tenants to look out for warning signs […]

HM Revenue & Customs is apparently stepping up scrutiny of residential property valuations in inheritance tax returns, with referrals to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) rising 23.5% over the past year. That’s according to research from TWM Solicitors which says that referrals to the VOA climbed from 11,845 to 14,631 in the 12 months to […]

A subtle but important shift is emerging in how landlords view the purpose of their portfolios. According to the Property118 Landlord Sentiment Survey Q1 2026, many landlords are now focusing less on expanding capital values and more on maintaining stable, reliable income. Based on 2,380 completed responses, with an average portfolio size of 9.7 properties […]

Hello everyone, I have already sent my tenants the ‘original’ ‘Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026′ and got them to sign an acknowledgement as proof. However, the Government’s ‘Daily update from GOV.UK for: Changes to private renting’ email on Thursday 23rd April now tells me that it has been updated with a link to a […]

Landlords considering selling up appear to be stepping back from their exit plans, with fewer former rental homes being listed for sale ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act changes. According to TwentyCi, the proportion of homes coming to market that were previously rented has dropped over the past year, based on analysis of the last […]

I am trying to understand the precise scope of section 213 Housing Act 2004 as amended by section 184 Localism Act 2011. Section 213 (1) requires that any tenancy deposit paid in connection with a shorthold tenancy must be dealt with in accordance with an authorised scheme. Section 212 (8) defines a tenancy deposit as […]