Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Two-thirds of landlords plan rent rises following Renters' Rights Act implementation
Around two-thirds of landlords are planning to raise rents in the wake of the Renters' Rights Act, according to a poll of more than 1,000 landlords conducted by the Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). Taken just days after the Act came into force in May, the survey found 68% of respondents intend to increase rents on some or all of their properties.
Timing remains uncertain, though: only 19% said they would raise rents automatically each year. Under the reformed regime, which has abolished Section 21 evictions, introduced rolling tenancies and capped rent increases at once per year, landlords cited legislation as the primary driver of planned rent increases, followed by maintenance costs and risk.
Growing intention to sell
The same report indicates a rising appetite to exit the sector. Landlords intending to sell some or all of their portfolio increased from 53% in October 2025 to 56% in May 2026. Respondents pointed to legislation, returns, mortgage costs and retirement as key reasons for leaving.
Among smaller operators holding one to two properties, 39% said they plan no changes, 31% want to sell everything and 23% wish to offload part of their portfolio. Larger portfolio holders differ: 48% aim to sell some properties, 16% plan to sell everything, and 23% expect to make no changes.
Fewer bids above asking rent
With the new rules prohibiting charges above market rents, the proportion of tenants offering above the asking rent fell to 13%, down three percentage points since the October 2025 survey.
Matt Trevett, Managing Director at The DPS, said landlord respondents had been in "wait and see" mode ahead of the Act's enforcement date, adding that the latest data suggest most will keep or raise rents going forward. He noted that landlords facing mortgage and other costs are looking to use the rent-raising mechanisms set out under the Act.
For letting agents and inventory clerks, the findings point to continued movement in the private rented sector, with both rent adjustments and disposals likely as the reforms bed in.
Source: The Negotiator