Smaller landlords are reportedly exiting the private rented sector, but an analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) indicates that this is not reducing the overall number of homes available to rent. The JRF argues that claims of the private rented sector shrinking are not supported by evidence and has called for rent controls to be introduced without delay.
According to the JRF, England now has a broadly flat or modestly growing number of privately rented homes, which are owned by a smaller number of larger landlords. The private rented sector surpassed five million homes in 2025.
Around 45,000 homes a year have been added to the sector since 2021. In June 2026, landlord purchases accounted for 10% of purchases, exceeding sales listings at 9.2% for the first time since 2019.
JRF's senior analyst, Joseph Elliott, stated that claims of the sector shrinking have been used to argue against legislation protecting renters. He added that rent controls would offer security and stability to tenants and should be implemented immediately.