Recent developments in the private rented sector highlight key issues for landlords, including tenant retention, enforcement challenges, and the introduction of a new registration database. These updates reflect ongoing changes in legislation and market conditions affecting landlords and tenants alike.

Tenant-Landlord Relationship Crucial for Retention

A recent survey by the Lettings and Residential Group (LRG) reveals that 68% of tenants consider a good landlord-tenant relationship the primary reason for remaining in a property. This factor ranks higher than prompt maintenance and repairs, cited by 44%, and feeling settled in the local area, at 50%.

From the landlord perspective, 72% prefer tenants to stay longer, with 28% favouring fixed-term tenancies to allow for rent reviews. However, the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act is expected to increase the number of tenants on periodic tenancies, with 24% anticipated to remain in their rental homes for longer periods.

Allison Thompson of LRG commented that tenants are increasingly seeking “somewhere to settle, not just live,” reflecting a shift towards longer-term occupancy amid a reduced supply of rental properties compared to previous years.

Uncertainty Surrounds Council Enforcement Data

The government currently lacks comprehensive data on the number of civil penalties issued to landlords or the amounts actually collected by councils. This information is critical for assessing the enforcement capacity required under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests covering 285 councils between 2023 and 2025, sourced by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), showed that 3,695 civil penalties totalling £30 million were issued, but only £7.5 million was paid.

Concerns have been raised about inconsistent penalty amounts for similar offences and the unknown number of council staff dedicated to enforcement within the private rented sector. Despite £68 million in government funding to support councils’ new responsibilities, doubts remain over whether this will be sufficient.

In response, the campaign group Justice for Tenants is reportedly planning to establish a debt enforcement legal service to assist councils in recovering unpaid penalties.

PRS Database Registration Promises to Minimise Burden

The new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, which landlords must register with later this year, has raised concerns about administrative burdens, especially for those managing large portfolios. MP Gareth Bacon queried whether “block registrations” would be permitted to ease this process.

Matthew Pennycook, speaking in Parliament, assured that efforts are underway to “minimise administrative requirements on private landlords.” He added that fees for registration will be set out in secondary legislation, taking into account the burden on landlords.

Once the Renters’ Rights Act is enacted, landlords face fines up to £7,000 for advertising properties without registration and up to £40,000 for submitting fraudulent information. The exact fees for registration have yet to be announced.

Eviction Rates Rise Sharply Over Five Years

Analysis by county court bailiffs indicates that repossessions in the private rented sector have surged by 562% over the past five years, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In 2024 alone, there were 27,117 evictions, contributing to a total of 93,000 tenants displaced during this period.

The age group most affected by repossession orders is 25 to 34-year-olds. In London, eviction rates are particularly high, with eight in ten renters facing repossession. Newham recorded 737 repossessions, highlighting acute pressure in certain boroughs.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should recognise the importance of maintaining positive relationships with tenants to encourage longer tenancies, which can provide greater stability and reduce turnover costs. The anticipated shift towards periodic tenancies under the Renters’ Rights Act may require adjustments in tenancy management and rent review strategies.

Enforcement uncertainties and potential financial penalties underscore the need for landlords to ensure compliance with new regulations, including timely registration on the PRS Database. Staying informed about evolving legal requirements will be essential to avoid significant fines and administrative complications.

The rise in eviction rates signals ongoing challenges within the rental market, particularly in high-demand areas like London. Landlords may need to balance enforcement of tenancy agreements with sensitivity to market conditions and tenant circumstances.

Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/