At the same time, whispers of potential changes to capital gains tax, council tax, and inheritance tax have emerged, often through strategic government leaks believed to be testing the waters of public opinion.
The Renters Rights Bill, expected to gain Royal Assent this autumn and come into force in early 2026, will usher in sweeping reforms to rental legislation — including stricter controls on rent hikes and enhanced standards for rental accommodation.
As part of a broader government push to strengthen tenant protections, landlords are bracing for a wave of regulatory shifts. Chief among their concerns is the proposed abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, cited by 38% of landlords as a major issue.
Additionally, 56% worry about the prospect of more complex and expensive eviction procedures.
Despite these anxieties, data suggests that most landlords already foster long-term tenancies. A substantial 71% have never resorted to a Section 21 notice, 97% have retained the same tenants for over a year, and nearly one in three have rented to the same individuals for more than five years.
Speaking on the Section 21 notice, a North West based landlord said: “I have never actually used a section 21 but I have used the threat of it when a tenant seriously breached the Tenancy Agreement.?
“Having it available ensures better compliance from tenants and less risk for landlords. I have never had to call the Police to my own home, but the fact that I can do it makes us all safer and provides re-assurance to those doing no wrong.”
Concerns over rent control measures appear limited among landlords, with just 8% identifying the proposed regulations as a major issue. The majority seem unaffected by the annual rent increase cap, and few intend to shift additional costs onto tenants. In fact, 54% have kept rents unchanged for existing tenants over the past year, and 67% say they won’t alter their approach once the new legislation is in place.
A more pressing challenge may lie in the bill’s energy efficiency mandates. Starting in 2030, all rental homes must meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C which is a notable jump from the current minimum of E. The upgrade is designed to cut tenant energy bills by an average of £240 annually, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The sector could face up to £9 billion in total investment, with 13% of landlords anticipating costs exceeding £10,000.
Compounding the challenge, new data from an insurance provider shows that more than one in five landlords (21%) remain unclear about the specifics of the upcoming EPC requirements and how to comply, underscoring a pressing need for clearer guidance and support across the sector.
A Nottingham landlords also shared their apprehension: “I might have no option but to sell one of my properties. The EPC system lacks clarity. There is a mismatch in ratings of similar properties on my street, therefore there appears to be an element of subjectivity to ratings.”
The spokesperson for the insurance provider “There’s a sense of trepidation amongst the nation's landlords. The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) is set to drastically change the rental market in the next 12 months. But many landlords (76 per cent) fear the new regulations won’t increase standards in the market the way the government hopes.?
“Insuring more than 300,000 landlords allows us to gain first-hand insight into the integral role they play in the housing market. What’s clear is their desire to continue providing quality housing while maintaining viable businesses. With the biggest changes to tenancy law in a generation almost here, alongside several other regulation changes, landlords are asking for clarity. It’s vital they’re given the time and guidance needed to continue to provide much-needed housing for almost five million households nationwide.”