Labour’s groundbreaking Renters’ Rights Act was designed to give power back to tenants.
By banning landlords from issuing Section 21 “no fault” evictions, increasing rents more than once a year and accepting offers above the asking price, renters would finally be given the security and stability they needed.
But 100 days after the act took effect in England, the reality is very different. Rents are up, the supply of properties has slumped and many tenants feel worse off than they were before.
Since May 1, when the reforms were introduced, a third of tenants have seen their rents increase, according to lettings agency Goodlord. Average prices on new tenancies in England jumped from £1,211 a month in May to £1,309 in June. Annual rent inflation rose to 6.5pc – the highest level since August 2024, according to the agency.
A decade-long tax and regulatory squeeze on buy-to-let investors had already driven thousands from the sector by the time the Renters’ Rights Act kicked in. But now the exodus is accelerating. More than one in 10 landlords with prime properties (£1m-plus) said they had sold a rental since the act kicked in, according to a survey by estate agency Savills.
With champion of the rent reforms Angela Rayner back in charge of the housing department, and a landlord tax increase starting from April 2027, investors who have decided to stick around will be wondering what the future holds.
Just 100 days in, Labour’s reforms are already reshaping the rental market. We examine their impact so far – and what landlords and tenants can expect next.
