Headlines scream about the end of landlord rights and the death of buy-to-let investing.
But hang on a minute – what if we told you that this legislation might actually work in favour of ethical, professional landlords?
We know, it sounds mad when all you're hearing is how Section 21 is being scrapped and rent increases are being limited further. But stick with us here, because there's another side to this story that's not getting nearly enough airtime.
Getting Rid of the Problem Landlords
Let's talk about Section 21 first. Yes, landlords won't be able to evict tenants without giving a specific legal reason anymore. But think about this - if you're a decent landlord who keeps your property in good condition and treats tenants well, how often do you actually need to use Section 21?
The landlords who rely heavily on Section 21 are typically the ones who let their properties fall apart, ignore tenant complaints, or use eviction threats to avoid fixing problems. These are the landlords who give the whole industry a bad reputation.
The new rules will push these problem landlords out of the market. Less competition from poorly run properties means your well-maintained rental can command better rent and attract better tenants.
Better Tenant Selection Becomes Essential
With tenancies now continuing indefinitely unless there's a valid reason to end them, finding the right tenant becomes crucial. You can't just take anyone and hope it works out.
This is great news for professional landlords. When you know you're potentially in a long-term relationship with your tenant, you'll naturally be more selective and do thorough checks on employment and previous rentals.
The result? Better quality tenants who pay on time, look after your property, and want to stay long-term. It's a win-win that leads to more stable income and fewer headaches.
This is where good letting agents really prove their worth - they have the experience to find the right tenants and avoid the problematic ones.
Stability Benefits Everyone
Moving from fixed-term tenancies to periodic ones might seem scary but think about how much tenant turnover costs you - empty periods, advertising costs, cleaning, repairs, and time spent finding new tenants.
When good tenants can settle in properly without worrying about being asked to leave every year, they're more likely to:
• Stay longer (reducing your void periods)
• Take better care of the property
• Build a proper home (which they'll want to maintain)
Yes, you lose some flexibility, but you gain stability and lower costs. For most landlords, that trade-off makes financial sense.
Professional Landlords Will Thrive
These changes will separate the professional landlords from those who've been cutting corners. If you already maintain your properties well and treat tenants fairly, you'll barely notice the difference.
But landlords who've been relying on poor practices will struggle with the new requirements. This creates a competitive advantage for those who've been doing things properly all along.
Why Letting Agents Matter More Now
With all these changes, experienced letting agents become more valuable than ever. They can help with finding and screening quality tenants, understanding the new legal requirements, setting the right rent from day one, and keeping you compliant with changing regulations.
But here's something else to consider. Just because one thing has changed doesn't mean it will go quiet from there. The next thing we can expect is the introduction of RoPA (Register of Property Agents) - already in place in Scotland. This means landlords must have a qualification to operate… unless using a fully-managed letting service.
Rather than trying to navigate all these changes alone, it makes sense to work with letting agents who understand both the new rules and how to make them work for you.
The Bottom Line
If you're already a good landlord who's been doing things properly, these changes could work in your favour. You'll have less competition from problem landlords, better quality tenants, more stable rental income, and a market that rewards professional standards.
The key is to embrace the changes rather than fight them. If you're ethical and professional in your approach, you may have less to worry about than you think.
Need help navigating these changes? Don't go it alone - speak to our experienced letting agents who can turn these challenges into opportunities for your rental business.
Author
Chris Kirkwood
