Landlords will need to adapt quickly to a more compliance-led rental market following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Saffron for Intermediaries says the reforms mark a significant shift in how tenancies are managed, with greater emphasis on documentation, processes and long-term planning.
The move to periodic tenancies and increased tenant flexibility is expected to change how landlords manage occupancy, with a greater focus on property standards and location to minimise void periods.
At the same time, the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions introduces a more structured framework for possession, requiring landlords to rely on specific grounds and follow stricter processes.
MORE SCRUTINY
Changes to rent setting, including limits on increases to once per year, are also expected to bring greater scrutiny to pricing decisions, particularly in a market where costs remain elevated.
The reforms come alongside broader shifts in tenant expectations, including increased demand for flexibility and changing attitudes towards issues such as pets.
Lee Williams, national sales manager at Saffron for Intermediaries, says: “These reforms place greater emphasis on landlords understanding and adapting to a more structured, compliance-led environment, and will require careful navigation as the market adjusts.
“There are three areas where the impact is likely to be most significant.
“The move to periodic tenancies, combined with increased tenant flexibility to leave with two months’ notice, signals a shift towards longer-term rental arrangements.
“For landlords, this places more focus on maintaining well-presented properties in strong locations to support consistent occupancy and manage the risk of void periods.
NEW FRAMEWORKS
And he adds: “The removal of Section 21 represents one of the most significant changes, with possession now reliant on clearly defined grounds. This increases the importance of documentation, compliance and understanding the correct processes.
“At the same time, limiting rent increases to once per year introduces a more structured approach, with greater scrutiny on how rents are set and justified in line with market conditions.
“A broader tenant base, alongside evolving expectations around issues such as pets, reflects a changing rental landscape, but also one that brings additional operational and compliance considerations.
“Increased regulation may place additional pressure on some landlords, particularly smaller operators, and could influence how portfolios are managed or expanded over time.”
