Chestertons reports lettings activity rise and appoints new short lets chief

Chestertons reports lettings activity rise and appoints new short lets chief

Chestertons has announced a 7% increase in tenant demand and a 3% rise in move-ins since May, alongside appointing Jordana Miles as Head of Short Lets to lead growing demand for furnished accommodation in London.

Chestertons, a major London estate agency, has reported strengthening activity across its lettings division, reflecting shifts in tenant demand and landlord instructions since the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect in May 2026. The agency recorded a 7% increase in tenant enquiries and a 3% rise in move-ins over this period, with new landlord instructions up by about 6%. Responding to this growth, Chestertons has appointed Jordana Miles as Head of Short Lets, nearly a year after she joined as Business Development Manager in the division.

Miles will lead the short lets team amid rising demand for furnished properties from corporate clients, international tenants relocating to London, and individuals needing temporary accommodation between moves. Short lets arranged through the team typically last around two and a half to three months. The agency is working to integrate short lets as a flexible solution for landlords whose properties have not sold quickly, offering income generation while maintaining the sales strategy.

Details of lettings market trends and short lets expansion

Chestertons’ lettings division has seen a notable uplift in activity since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which has altered the rental sector landscape. Tenant enquiries increased by 13% year on year in August, indicating sustained interest in rental properties. The agency also noted a rise in new landlord instructions by approximately 6%, suggesting that more property owners are entering or re-entering the rental market.

Jordana Miles, with over five years’ experience in short lets across prime London areas such as Sloane Square, Notting Hill, and Fulham, is tasked with expanding the agency’s short lets offering. She emphasises that properties unsold in the sales market can still be productive through short-term lets, helping owners avoid vacancy costs and maintain income. The team’s approach involves careful tenant assessment and management to ensure smooth tenancy experiences.

Miles plans to visit Chestertons’ 35 London branches to collaborate with local sales and lettings teams, identifying suitable properties for short lets and advising owners on maximising rental appeal through furnishing and presentation. She highlights the opportunity to grow short lets services across the branch network, meeting the needs of tenants seeking flexibility and quality while offering landlords an alternative route during challenging sales periods.

Context of lettings market activity amid rental reform

The Renters’ Rights Act, which commenced in May 2026, has introduced significant changes to tenancy law and tenant protections in England. These reforms have influenced tenant behaviour and landlord strategies, with some landlords adjusting portfolios or exploring different rental models. Chestertons’ reported increases in tenant demand and landlord instructions suggest that the market is responding dynamically to the new regulatory environment.

Short lets have become an increasingly relevant segment, particularly in London, where corporate relocations and transient populations create demand for flexible accommodation. The ability to offer short lets allows landlords to adapt to market conditions, balancing income generation with longer-term sales objectives. This approach also aligns with the growing preference among tenants for furnished, flexible-term rentals.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords, the expansion of short lets as promoted by Chestertons offers a practical option to mitigate vacancy risks during slow sales periods. Furnishing and presenting properties effectively can enhance rental appeal and support income continuity. Landlords considering this route should ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, tenancy agreements, and local licensing requirements for short-term lets.

Letting agents may find opportunities to diversify services by developing expertise in short lets management, tenant vetting, and property presentation. Coordination between sales and lettings teams is essential to balance rental income with sales strategies. Agents should monitor tenant demand trends and regulatory developments to advise landlords appropriately and manage lettings portfolios effectively.

Remaining uncertainties and considerations

While the Renters’ Rights Act has been in force since May, its full impact on landlord behaviour and lettings market dynamics continues to evolve. The extent to which short lets will expand across London and other regions depends on factors such as regulatory clarity, local authority licensing policies, and market demand fluctuations. Landlords and agents should stay informed about any forthcoming changes in tenancy law or short lets regulation.

The integration of short lets within broader property management strategies also raises questions about tax treatment, insurance, and compliance obligations. Practical guidance and clear communication with tenants remain critical to avoid disputes and ensure smooth tenancy experiences. The sector awaits further data and official guidance to clarify these issues.

What landlords should consider now

• Review property suitability for short lets, including furnishing and presentation standards.
• Check compliance with safety regulations and local licensing requirements for short-term rentals.
• Assess tenant demand trends and consider diversifying lettings options to include short lets.
• Coordinate with letting agents to align rental and sales strategies effectively.
• Monitor updates on tenancy law and regulatory changes affecting short lets and tenant rights.

Supporting landlords through lettings changes with TLA

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical information relevant to adapting lettings strategies amid evolving market conditions. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing and aims to assist landlords and letting agents in organising portfolios, managing tenancy documents, and recording key actions such as inspections and communications. ORBIT’s tools can help landlords prepare for new obligations arising from tenancy law reforms and maintain evidence of compliance.

Membership also provides access to expert guidance on safety standards, licensing, and tenancy procedures, supporting landlords in making informed decisions about short lets and other rental options. Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can be valuable for landlords seeking to stay ahead of regulatory developments and optimise their property management practices.

Looking ahead, the lettings sector is likely to see continued shifts in tenant preferences and landlord strategies as reforms settle in. Keeping abreast of market data and regulatory updates will be essential for landlords and agents aiming to maximise portfolio performance and ensure compliance.

Sources: Letting Agent Today