What landlords really think about the UK rental market right now

We asked nearly 1,000 landlords how confident they’re feeling about the rental market and whether they’ve started preparing for the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill.

Here’s what you told us…

Landlord confidence falls as the Renters’ Rights Bill approaches

Only 15% of landlords say they feel confident in the rental market right now, meaning 85% aren’t feeling optimistic about where things are heading.

Back in May 2025, 76% said they weren’t confident, so landlord confidence has dropped even further since then.

Here’s what landlords are doing right now:

32% are reducing their portfolios
27% say they’re leaving the rental market altogether
Just 6% are expanding their portfolios
And 5% are moving into holiday/short-term lets

That last one might sound small, but it could become a big problem for an already under-supplied rental market.

Small landlords are more likely to be leaving the rental market: 31% of those with 1-2 properties say they’re in the process of doing just that vs 22% of those with 10+ properties.

Awareness of the Renters' Rights Bill

Awareness of the Renters' Rights Bill has increased since May. Back then, 7% of landlords hadn’t heard of it. Now, just 1.5% say they aren't aware of it.

Overall, 72% of landlords say they’re following its progress with interest. Larger landlords are much more likely to be keeping a closer eye on the Bill as it passes through Parliament:

84% of landlords with 10+ properties are keeping a close eye on the Bill
Compared to 60% of those with just one or two properties

Even though the new rules will apply to everyone in England, smaller landlords are more likely to be taking a wait-and-see approach.

How are landlords preparing for the Renters' Rights Bill?

Just over half of landlords (52%) have made some preparations for when the Bill passes. Of those:

52% are researching as much as they can on the subject
29% have increased rents
21% are looking at how to cover themselves financially against legal claims/unpaid rent
18% have used an agent to ensure they’re compliant
15% have updated tenancy agreements
10% have improved property standards

Among the 48% who haven’t done anything yet, the main reasons are:

82% are waiting to see what actually passes
13% don’t know where to begin

Many landlords are waiting to see what happens with the Renters’ Rights Bill before making any big changes, but with around 60% already reducing their portfolio or leaving the market, change is definitely on the way.

Find out more about the Renters' Rights Bill here.