Self-managing landlords turn to letting agents after Renters’ Rights Act

An industry body has warned that self-managing landlords are increasingly turning to letting agents to manage their properties in the wake of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Propertymark’s latest Housing Insight Report includes feedback from member agents across England, painting a stark picture of continued pressure in the rental market.

According to the report, demand continues to far outstrip supply, with the average member branch reporting seven prospective tenants competing for every available rental property.

Never used a letting agent before

A Propertymark member agent from Staffordshire said: “We have found that for as many managed landlords who have left us to sell up in March and April, we have replaced that managed stock with more landlords who have previously self- managed and, in some cases, have never used an agent before, who have come to us to take over the management of their property(s)”.

Another member agent from the South West said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is now really making the landlord reconsider letting when a notice is received from the tenants, the automatic relet is now not automatic.

“Landlords are fed up with the constant changes to legislation and are concerned by comments made by government ministers in the media when the Renters’ Rights Act became law.”

Affordability pressures are unlikely to disappear anytime soon

The report also reveals a mixed picture on rental prices, with 59% of member agents reporting that rents had remained largely unchanged, while 29% said rents had continued to rise.

Phil Spencer, founder of MoveiQ, said that competition for renters still remained intense in the market.

He said: “Demand continues to far exceed the number of properties available, so being organised, having finances in place, and responding quickly to suitable properties can make a real difference.

“While rental price growth appears to be moderating, the underlying shortage of homes to rent means affordability pressures are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.”

Affordability pressures

In the residential housing market, the average UK house price stood at £268,000.

The average number of viewings per available property in April 2026 dipped to 2.4 viewings in comparison to the previous month.

Propertymark CEO Nathan Emerson explains affordability still remains a challenge for many buyers.

He said: “Despite wider economic uncertainty and inflation remaining above target, the housing market continues to demonstrate resilience. While viewing levels softened during April, buyer registrations and sales agreed remained broadly stable, suggesting that committed purchasers are still actively progressing transactions.

“It’s encouraging to see new sales instructions and overall stock levels increase, providing buyers with greater choice. However, affordability challenges remain a key consideration, particularly as higher borrowing costs continue to influence budgets and purchasing decisions.

“With a significant proportion of transactions still taking more than 17 weeks to reach exchange, there remains a clear need for continued improvements to the home buying and selling process.”