What Just Passed the House of Lords? Rental Reform, Landlord Exodus & What It Means for Renters
- Milton Jannusch
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
The Renters’ Rights Bill has just cleared the House of Lords, sweeping in major reforms and finally adding clarity to a sector that desperately needed it. But on the other side of this legislative shift lies a troubling trend: landlords are selling up — fast. What does that mean for renters already squeezed by scarcity?
At Pro Property London, we believe understanding both sides is essential: knowing what’s legally clearer now — and what challenges still lie ahead for renters and agents alike.
What’s Now Concrete: Key Reforms from the Lords
The Renters’ Rights Bill cleared its Third Reading in the House of Lords on 21 July, tightening legislation before proceeding to the Commons The Times+15Big Issue+15tuckermanresidential.co.uk+15.
Key developments include NRLA+13Local Government Association+13Parliament News+13:
Clearer rules around rent increases, limiting them to once annually with tenants able to challenge them via the Ombudsman.
New Decent Homes Standard and enforcement of Awaab’s Law, setting legal timeframes for landlords to address hazards like mould.
Introduction of a national landlord database and redress scheme, improving accountability and transparency.
A move to ban rental bidding wars and backdated rent hikes.
These amendments bring clarity and enforceability to rental standards and tenant protection — reducing ambiguity for both agents and landlords.
Landlords Are Heading for the Exit: The Numbers Tell the Story
Clarity doesn’t always translate to comfort. In fact, many landlords feel cornered — and are acting accordingly.
According to the NRLA, a record 26% of landlords sold properties in the final quarter of 2024 — up from 25% the previous quarter planetrent.co.uk+13Moore Barlow LLP+13House of Lords Library+13UK ParliamentWikipedia+1NRLA.
A SpareRoom survey reports around 1.5 million landlords (two-thirds of those polled) plan to sell or exit the sector The Times+3Big Issue+3SpareRoom+3.
Pegasus Insight research shows 37% plan to sell in the next 12 months, while only 6% intend to buy Property Reporter+1.
Saddest of all: suburban rental stock has dropped by 31% since 2018–19 NRLA+7landlordtoday.co.uk+7The Times+7.
Add in proposed policy changes, rising taxes, and fatigue, and the result is clear: rental supply is shrinking fast — even as tenant demand remains strong.
What This Means for Renters & the PRS
Increased Competition & Higher RentsFewer properties means a rental market where supply consistently lags behind demand — a recipe for bidding wars, rising rent, and fewer options.
Vulnerability in Essential HousingWith landlords leaving, more renters face uncertainty. The transitional properties diminish, risking stability and displacement.
Greater Discovery & Compliance PressureWhile reforms bring clearer enforcement, underfunded local authorities mean enforcement remains patchy — an expensive burden often shifted to agents.
Bottom Line for Agents & Pro Property London
The Renters’ Rights Bill has brought much-needed clarity. Enforcement, safety, rights — they all have clearer legal footing now. But with landlords increasingly exiting the market, the stark reality is this: reform will only benefit renters if supply holds — and agents can help bridge that gap.
For letting agents, this is a moment to lead — not retreat. It’s a time to:
Educate landlords about the cost of exit vs. compliant partnership
Streamline inspections and inventories to support compliant landlords
Help tenants too, by mitigating disruption and stabilising tenancy experience
Would you like to discuss how Pro Property London can support your agency in navigating this post-reform landscape? Let's talk.
📞 02038663808
Comments