New research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) indicates that hostility towards landlords is becoming a significant factor for some who are reconsidering their involvement in the private rented sector.
Negative portrayals of landlords by politicians, campaigners, and the media have climbed from the eighth to the fourth most-mentioned issue impacting landlord confidence. Comments regarding landlords' treatment and public portrayal have also doubled as a proportion of responses since early 2025.
Lewisham Council has launched an 'intelligence-led Rogue Landlords Taskforce' to identify landlords suspected of breaking housing rules. The council has already issued 153 enforcement notices and collected £160,875 in fines since April, with further enforcement expected.
Bristol City Council has consulted on increasing financial penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act, including proposals to raise penalties by 20% for breaches affecting vulnerable tenants. Local authorities now have substantially larger penalties available to them, following government encouragement to make greater use of enforcement powers.