New research from the Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) indicates that approximately two-thirds of landlords intend to raise rents following the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. A survey of over 1,000 landlords, conducted in May 2026, found that 68% plan to increase rents on some or all of their properties.
The Renters' Rights Act, which came into force shortly before the survey, ended Section 21 evictions, introduced rolling tenancies, and limited rent increases to once annually. Landlords cited legislation as the main reason for planned rent increases, followed by maintenance costs and associated risks. However, only 19% stated they would automatically raise rents annually.
The proportion of landlords intending to sell some or all of their portfolio has also increased, rising from 53% in October 2025 to 56% in May 2026. Factors contributing to these sales include legislation, returns, mortgage costs, and retirement. Among small portfolio landlords with one to two properties, 31% intend to sell everything, while 23% aim to offload portions of their holdings.
Matt Trevett, Managing Director at The DPS, noted that landlords had been in a 'wait and see' mode before the Act's enforcement. He suggested that most landlord respondents will either maintain or raise rents, utilising the rent-raising mechanisms specified by the Act due to mortgage and other costs.