Build To Rent sector promotes rental choices with annual event

Build To Rent sector promotes rental choices with annual event

Love to Rent Week returns from September 28 to October 4, aiming to boost awareness of professionally managed rental homes and career opportunities in the Build To Rent sector.

Love to Rent Week, a dedicated marketing campaign for the Build To Rent (BTR) sector, is scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 4, 2026. The event is designed to highlight the range of rental options available through professionally managed developments and to promote the quality and community aspects of BTR homes.

Organisers report that last year’s campaign generated a 56% increase in website leads, indicating strong interest from renters and stakeholders. The event brings together consumers, operators and industry partners to showcase the expanding Build To Rent market, which is distinct from traditional buy-to-let housing due to its scale, management standards and community focus.

Event details and sector focus

Love to Rent Week is organised by Love to Rent, a platform dedicated to the Build To Rent sector. The campaign aims to promote resident experiences, operator insights and the communities being created in professionally managed rental developments. This year’s event will also include a new element called “Have a Career in BTR” to highlight the variety of roles within the sector and the career pathways available.

Anne-Marie Brown, founder of the event, emphasises the importance of giving the professionally managed rental sector a stronger voice and helping potential tenants understand their choices and the standards they can expect. The inclusion of career-focused content reflects the sector’s growth and the increasing need for skilled professionals to support Build To Rent operations.

Context within the UK rental market

The Build To Rent sector has been growing steadily in the UK as an alternative to traditional private rented housing. It typically involves large-scale developments owned by institutional investors and managed by professional operators, offering tenants longer tenancies, better maintenance and community facilities. This contrasts with the fragmented buy-to-let market, which often involves smaller landlords and less standardised management.

Events like Love to Rent Week serve to raise the profile of Build To Rent properties among renters who may be unfamiliar with the sector. They also help clarify the benefits of professionally managed rental homes, which can include enhanced security of tenure, dedicated management teams, and communal amenities. For landlords and agents, understanding the Build To Rent model is increasingly relevant as it influences market expectations and standards.

Practical implications for landlords and agents

While Love to Rent Week primarily targets renters and industry professionals within the Build To Rent sector, its impact extends to private landlords and letting agents. The campaign’s emphasis on quality standards and resident experience sets a benchmark that smaller landlords may need to consider as tenant expectations evolve.

For letting agents, the event highlights the importance of professional management and the value of offering well-maintained properties with good tenant services. Landlords with smaller portfolios might find it useful to review their property management practices in light of the standards promoted by Build To Rent operators. This includes ensuring clear communication, timely repairs and fostering a positive rental experience.

The career focus of the event also signals growth in professional roles related to property management, compliance and tenant engagement. Agents and landlords might consider how their teams can adapt to meet rising expectations for service quality and regulatory compliance in the private rented sector.

Uncertainties and future considerations

Although the Build To Rent sector continues to expand, it remains a relatively new model within the UK rental market. The extent to which it will influence broader private rented sector standards is still unfolding. Regulatory changes, such as those introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act and evolving safety and licensing requirements, may further shape the sector’s development.

Landlords and agents should monitor how Build To Rent operators respond to these changes and whether their approaches become industry benchmarks. It is also unclear how the sector’s growth will affect rental supply and affordability in different regions, given its focus on professionally managed, often higher-specification homes.

Key considerations for landlords and agents

• Review property management practices to align with rising tenant expectations around service and community engagement.
• Stay informed about Build To Rent developments and their standards, as these may influence market norms and regulatory scrutiny.
• Consider the implications of career opportunities in the sector for recruitment and staff development within letting agencies and landlord teams.
• Prepare for potential shifts in tenant demand towards professionally managed rental homes and the impact on portfolio strategy.
• Keep abreast of regulatory updates affecting tenancy management, safety, and licensing that intersect with Build To Rent practices.

Supporting landlords through TLA membership and ORBIT

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers resources that can help landlords and letting agents understand and adapt to evolving rental sector standards highlighted by initiatives like Love to Rent Week. Through TLA membership, landlords gain access to compliance guides, tenancy management advice and property record-keeping tools tailored to professional standards.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing and aims to assist landlords and agents in organising property portfolios, managing rental documentation and recording key compliance actions. Features relevant to the Build To Rent context include maintaining detailed records of tenant communications, inspections and repairs, which support transparency and regulatory adherence.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with practical support to meet the expectations of a professional rental sector and keep up with regulatory developments. This is particularly useful as the Build To Rent model influences broader market practices and tenant demands.

Looking ahead, the Build To Rent sector’s promotional efforts and career initiatives suggest continued growth and professionalisation. Landlords and agents who engage with these trends and maintain high standards may find opportunities to enhance their portfolios and service delivery.

Sources: Letting Agent Today