The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 is now in force, bringing a historic shift in the lettings market.
It changes how tenancies are structured, how rents are reviewed and how landlords regain possession. While this has raised concerns for some, the underlying fundamentals of the market remain robust.
Data from Zoopla shows demand is outstripping supply, with rental growth moderating rather than reversing across much of the UK. This pattern is echoed in South West London, where we are seeing well-presented properties let quickly when priced correctly.
As some buyers delay purchases, more tenants are staying in the rental market for longer, increasing competition for available homes.
Across Twickenham, Hampton Hill, Isleworth, Richmond, St Margarets and Teddington, activity remains consistent, particularly for well located family homes close to good schools.
For landlords, the message is simple. The structure may have changed, but the opportunity is still there for those who are well prepared and well advised.
Modernising the Rental Market
To understand the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act, it is important to look at what has changed.
The previous system, built around fixed term tenancies and Section 21, has been replaced with a more open-ended approach designed to give tenants greater stability.
From today, tenancies move onto a rolling basis and Section 21 has been removed. Landlords must now rely on clearly defined legal grounds if they need to regain possession.
This moves the focus away from fixed end dates and towards ongoing management. Clarity and consistency now matter more than ever.
What Changes in Practice
With the new system in place, there are a few key changes to how lettings work in practice:
• Tenancies are open ended, removing fixed renewal points and requiring more proactive management.
• Possession relies on defined legal grounds, making process and documentation critical.
• Rent increases are limited to once per year through a formal route, so pricing strategy from day one is key.
• Offers above asking rent are no longer permitted, reinforcing the importance of getting the launch price right.
• Tenants can request pets, which must be considered reasonably, adding a more case by case approach.
Overall, this shifts lettings from a set process into a more ongoing, managed relationship.
For landlords, performance will come down to how well the property is handled from the start. Pricing, presentation, communication and compliance all need to be right.
With Chase Buchanan, this means clear, straight-talking advice you can actually use, proactive updates so you’re never left guessing about what’s happening, and practical next steps at every stage.
The Political and Economic Backdrop
The Renters’ Rights Act is landing at a time when the wider direction of the housing market is still being shaped.
Interest rates remain higher than many landlords have been used to over the past decade, with the Bank of England taking a cautious approach to cutting them.
While there is an expectation that rates will ease, it is unlikely to be a sharp shift. For now, borrowing costs are still influencing decisions, with some buyers choosing to wait and remain in the rental market for longer.
At the same time, the political tone around housing is becoming more interventionist. Rachel Reeves has already indicated a willingness to go further on tenant protections, including proposals such as rent controls or freezes in certain parts of the market.
While none of this is in force here, it reflects a clear direction of travel.
For landlords, this creates a more structured and more closely watched market.
However, it also reinforces something important. With buyers holding off and supply still tight, demand for rental property remains strong.
A More Competitive Rental Market
Although the legislation strengthens tenant rights, it is also changing tenant behaviour.
In high demand areas, applicants are moving quickly and coming better prepared. This creates intense competition for the best properties.
For landlords, this is a big opportunity. Where a property is well presented and priced correctly, there is a strong pool of motivated tenants ready to act.
It also reinforces the importance of choosing an estate agency like Chase Buchanan with detailed local knowledge to manage tenancies.
Understanding how demand plays out street by street, combined with a motivated and supportive team, makes a meaningful difference to the outcome.
Myles Moloney, Regional Director at Chase Buchanan, comments:
“With the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, success for landlords comes down to being proactive, organised and getting the detail right from the start.
Across South West London, demand is still strong, particularly for well presented family homes, but there is less room for error than before.
“We are also seeing more of our single property and multi property landlords choosing to move onto a managed service, allowing Chase Buchanan to take on the day to day admin and legislative requirements while they navigate the changes.
“It is very much a make it happen approach for our clients. We take on the detail, keep them compliant and moving forward, so they can focus on the performance of their investment with confidence.”
What This Means for Landlords
There is no one size fits all approach under the new system.
Some landlords will prioritise flexibility, others long term income stability. Most will need to balance both within a more structured and regulated environment.
What matters is having a clear plan and the right step by step support in place.
The process may be more detailed, but it does not need to feel uncertain. With the right advice, it becomes clear, manageable and ultimately more consistent.