As the Renters’ Rights Act approaches implementation, a significant number of landlords are considering exiting the private rented sector. Agent Rainmaker urges letting agents to evolve their services and strategies to support landlords better, aiming to prevent a further decline in rental property supply.

Pressure on letting agents as landlords consider selling

Recent data from Simply Business indicates that over a third of landlords may leave the private rented sector within the next year due to uncertainties brought about by the Renters’ Rights Act. This potential exodus is placing considerable pressure on letting agents, as the supply of rental properties continues to diminish.

Ali Durrant of Agent Rainmaker highlights the need for letting agents to reassess their approach. He states, “If letting agents want to truly thrive in this industry, you need to stop your landlords from selling. And that means taking a good, hard look at what you’re doing to help them, offering new services so that they aren’t left with the only option to sell up, and evolving your approach to keep that stock in the market.”

Understanding landlords’ reasons for selling

Mr Durrant emphasises the importance of letting agents understanding the underlying reasons why landlords choose to sell. Rising costs such as mortgage rates, maintenance expenses, and taxes, combined with increasing regulation—particularly energy efficiency standards and the Renters’ Rights Act—are making property ownership and letting more challenging.

He adds, “Add to these the stresses of day-to-day management and it’s easy to see why some landlords, particularly smaller landlords, consider selling up.” Other factors include landlords reviewing their investment strategies, seeking to simplify their lives, or planning for retirement, all of which can lead to portfolio reductions or market exits.

Proactive support to retain landlords

Agent Rainmaker advocates for letting agents to move beyond a purely transactional role. By offering reassurance, guidance, and long-term strategic planning, agents can help landlords see the ongoing potential of their investments. Mr Durrant suggests practical measures such as regular check-ins with landlords, reviewing market trends, and exploring alternative strategies before landlords contemplate selling.

“By proactively addressing their concerns and showing them the long-term potential of their investments, agents can make selling feel unnecessary,” he explains.

Going beyond basic property management

Mr Durrant stresses that the new generation of landlords expects more than routine property management. They seek partners who help maximise returns, navigate regulatory changes, and develop robust long-term plans. Letting agents who offer services that reduce risk, save time, and enhance income become indispensable to landlords.

He outlines that this might involve supporting landlords to increase rental income, plan refurbishments, manage compliance, or develop growth strategies. “Letting agents who do this don’t just manage properties – they become a landlord’s trusted and valued partner who they simply can’t imagine running their portfolio without,” he says.

Internal changes within letting agencies

To effectively retain landlords and attract new ones, letting agencies must also focus on internal improvements. Mr Durrant advises training teams to confidently discuss compliance, profitability, and long-term strategy. Embracing technology to streamline operations and adopting targeted marketing ensures agents communicate effectively with landlords at the right time.

He concludes, “There’s a crucial mindset shift for letting agency owners, stepping out of the day-to-day operations and into a growth-led, business leader role.”

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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/