Buy-to-let lender, Landbay, has today (30th October 2026) released further findings from its latest landlord survey, revealing how landlords have been adapting their approach in response to the Renters' Rights Act, while also preparing for the introduction of the new national registration requirements.
The Q3 survey, which was sent to over 2,000 landlords, found more than half (53%) believed the legislation had negatively affected their buy-to-let business since its main measures came into force in May this year, with 31% describing the impact as 'somewhat negative' and a further 22% saying it had been 'very negative'.
However, the findings also highlighted the practical changes landlords are making, with 36% having increased rents, 34% changing their tenant referencing or affordability requirements, and 16% increasing their use of letting agents and/or other professional support.
Landbay said the results, published in the week of the first anniversary of the Renters' Rights Act, demonstrated how landlords were responding to the new legislation while considering the additional costs and responsibilities associated with it.
Landlords changing rents and investment plans
When asked what changes they had made as a result of the Renters' Rights Act, almost a third (33%) said they had decided to sell or were considering selling properties, while 29% had reduced plans to purchase additional rental properties, suggesting the legislation is already influencing investment decisions among a number of respondents.
Other changes included 13% setting aside more money to cover costs, although 28% reported making no significant changes to their businesses, highlighting the different experiences of landlords as they adjust to the new requirements.
The survey also asked landlords which individual elements of the Act had, or were expected to have, the greatest impact on their businesses, with the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions cited by 32%.
Changes to possession grounds were highlighted by 14%, while 15% pointed to the introduction of periodic tenancies and the end of fixed-term tenancies, demonstrating the range of practical concerns landlords have been considering as the legislation takes effect.
Landbay said the results reflected a sector continuing to adjust to the new rules, with the impact varying depending on landlords' individual circumstances, portfolio structures and future investment plans.
Landlord registration expected to increase costs
The survey also examined landlords' knowledge and views on the forthcoming national landlord registration requirements, with more than 90% saying they were aware that a registration service was being introduced.
However, awareness did not necessarily mean landlords fully understood their obligations, with 17% saying they were aware of the register but did not fully understand the requirements, while a further 17% knew a register was being introduced but did not know the details.
When asked about the likely impact on their businesses, almost two-thirds (65%) expected the new registration system to increase costs, while 44% anticipated spending more time managing their properties.
More than a third (38%) believed the requirements could lead them to increase rents where possible, while 33% said they could make them less likely to purchase additional properties and 26% believed they could make them more likely to sell.
Only 12% expected the registration requirements to have little or no impact on their businesses, suggesting landlords anticipate further changes to their costs and the way they manage their rental properties.
Preparation remains mixed ahead of registration
The survey also highlighted differences in how prepared landlords feel for the new requirements, with 59% describing themselves as either ‘very’ or ‘quite prepared’ for the introduction of landlord registration.
However, 24% said they were either not very prepared or not prepared at all, while a further 17% said they did not yet know enough about the requirements to assess their level of preparation.
Landbay said the findings demonstrated the importance of clear information and practical support for landlords as further elements of the legislation are introduced, particularly given the potential impact on property management costs and future investment decisions.
Rob Stanton, Sales and Distribution Director at Landbay, said:
“One year on from the Renters' Rights Act becoming law, we are beginning to understand how landlords have responded to the changes, with more than half reporting a negative impact on their businesses. Perhaps more telling is the number who have already increased rents, changed tenant requirements or reconsidered their plans to buy and sell properties.
“These are not simply concerns about what might happen in the future. Landlords are already making practical decisions based on the requirements they now face, although the impact will inevitably differ depending on individual circumstances and portfolio structures.
“The findings around landlord registration are also interesting, particularly given the high level of awareness but the more mixed picture when it comes to understanding and preparation. Many landlords expect the new requirements to increase both the costs and time involved in managing their properties, adding to the pressures they are already facing.
“This week's Budget announcement of a further increase in income tax on property income for landlords holding properties in their personal names across England, Wales and Northern Ireland adds another financial consideration, particularly for those already reviewing the viability of their existing portfolios and future investment plans.
“Landlords need clear guidance about their responsibilities and sufficient time to prepare for the changes still to come. At Landbay, we recognise the importance of supporting landlords with their existing borrowing and future investment plans, while ensuring the introduction of further requirements does not unnecessarily discourage investment or reduce the supply of homes available to tenants."
Landbay will continue to run its landlord survey to track landlord sentiment, behaviour and market trends over time.
