Are small landlords being driven out of the rental market?

The private rented sector is changing. Whilst much of the public discussion surrounding the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has focused on tenants, less attention has been given to the position of landlords.

The reality is that most landlords are not large property companies.

According to the English Private Landlord Survey 2024:

• 45% of landlords own a single rental property.

• 83% own four properties or fewer.

Many landlords are therefore individuals and families who have invested in residential property as part of their long-term financial planning. Recent research undertaken by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and published in March 2026 suggests that many landlords remain concerned about the future of the sector following implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Common concerns include:

• The abolition of Section 21

• Increased regulation

• Compliance obligations

• Recovering possession

• Managing risk

Whether landlords ultimately choose to remain in the sector is a decision for them. However, what is clear is that the legal landscape has changed significantly. In our experience, many landlords are not seeking to avoid their responsibilities. They simply want clarity regarding:

• Their rights

• Their obligations

• Their ability to recover possession

• The documentation they should have in place

The most successful landlords are often those who take proactive steps to understand the new rules and ensure their arrangements remain fit for purpose.

Book a Fixed Fee Landlord Review with Rebecca Liney and the Property Litigation Team today.

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