The Intermediary –- May 2026 - Flipbook - Page 52
BUY-TO-LET
Opinion
Brokers can lead
through rental
reform
W
ith the Renters’
Rights Act now
in effect, the
private rental
sector (PRS) is
entering one of
its biggest periods of change in recent
years. The question for landlords
and brokers alike is a simple one: are
you prepared?
The Act represents a major shi
in how the PRS operates, with the
clear aim of giving millions of renters
stronger rights and greater security.
While much of the conversation
has understandably focused on what
this means for tenants, there are
important implications for landlords
and for the brokers who support them.
The most significant headline is
the removal of so called ‘no fault’
evictions. Under the new legislation,
landlords will no longer be able to end
a tenancy without a valid, evidenced
reason. This places a greater emphasis
on clear documentation and good
tenancy management from day one.
We’re also expecting to see the end of
fixed term assured shorthold tenancies
(ASTs), replaced by a more flexible
rolling arrangement, operating on
a month-to-month or week-to-week
basis with no fixed end date. Renters
will be able to end their agreement
by giving two months’ notice, giving
them greater freedom to move when
their circumstances change.
Rent rules will also become fairer
and more transparent. Landlords
will need to advertise a clear and fixed
rent to discourage bidding wars and
ask for no more than one month’s
rent upfront. They will also need to
limit rent increases to a maximum
of one per year. Importantly, tenants
will also have the right to challenge
rent increases if they believe they
are unfair.
50
The Intermediary | May 2026
LOUISE DRUMMOND
is intermediary
development manager
at Leeds Building Society
The Act also introduces stronger
protections around discrimination.
Landlords will no longer be able to
refuse tenants simply because they
have children or receive benefits, and
requests from renters who want to live
with a pet must be fairly considered.
New normal
So, what does this mean for landlords?
Well, there’s no doubt this creates
a more regulated environment.
Compliance, record keeping and
property standards all come under
sharper focus, and some may feel
that flexibility has been reduced,
particularly when it comes to
regaining possession.
For many, this is a chance to
professionalise portfolios further and
focus on sustainable, long-term rental
strategies that work for both landlords
and tenants.
During this period of change, the
broker’s role has never been more
important. These changes are likely
to shape client conversations over
the coming months and years, and
brokers may be approached for advice
around portfolio structuring and risk
management.
They also need to be well equipped
to support first-time landlords
navigating a more complex
regulatory landscape.
Staying informed and proactive is
key, and the role of the broker will
inevitably evolve to that of a trusted
adviser for landlords
Careful communication
The broker is key to navigating through change
That said, there are also clear
opportunities. Landlords may need
to maintain higher property and
management standards and plan for
longer-term tenancies as the norm,
rather than the exception.
As the landscape shis, lenders like
us must stand by our intermediary
partners to help lead the way in this
evolving market.
We are commied to supporting
brokers with ongoing insight into
market and regulatory developments
via our communications, flexibility
and a common-sense approach to
underwriting, and a dedicated BDM
network to help support a smooth
application process.
The Renters’ Rights Act marks
a major change for the private
rental sector. While it introduces
new challenges, it also creates
opportunities for landlords and
brokers to adapt, strengthen their
approach and focus on long-term
sustainability. ●
