Angela Rayner's reappointment as Housing Secretary has sparked renewed concerns among landlords, with many fearing that her return will bring stricter regulations and dwindling profitability to the sector. Just ten months after resigning from the role due to a breach of the ministerial code related to an underpayment of stamp duty on her own property, Ms Rayner is now back at the helm as the government grapples with the cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Rayner's reappointment comes amidst speculation that the new administration may consider introducing a rent freeze, a policy that was not part of Labour's previous manifesto. This has raised eyebrows among landlords, who are concerned about the potential long-term consequences for the private rented sector. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, when questioned by journalists, said they were "looking at all those things," fuelling anxieties within the landlord community.
Industry figures warn that a rent freeze could lead to reduced investment in rental properties, delayed maintenance, and even more landlords choosing to exit the market altogether. Data from Savills revealed that 254,000 previously rented homes were listed for sale between April 2025 and March 2026, with only a small percentage returning to the rental sector through new landlords.
Landlords are already facing significant challenges, including the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, which has made regaining possession of properties more complex. A recent Panorama investigation also highlighted issues faced by landlords regarding criminal exploitation of properties through false identities. The prospect of introducing rent controls on top of these existing hurdles is seen as a further blow to the viability of being a private landlord.