More than three quarters of landlords would consider selling up over rental reform plans

More than three quarters of landlords say they could leave the sector as a result of the Government's Rental Reform plans - something that could have a signifiant impact on the number of homes to let across England and Wales. 

Landlords were asked how would they respond to the changes in the sector should the proposals in the Government's White Paper 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector' be fully implemented and how likely they were to adopt a particular strategy.

A third of landlords, 33.6% said its “highly likely” they will leave the sector with a further 42.3% saying they will consider doing so - deferring their decision until the effects of any legislation change.  

The implications of the findings are profound.

Even options which fewer landlords see as 'highly likely', for example moving to the holiday let market (15.5%), once the 'wait and see' element is factored in, the potential impact is highly significant. 

The survey found almost one in four (23.4%) are giving the option consideration, meaning almost 40% of landlords move at least some of their portfolio to the holiday/short term let market.  

The four bars on the right-hand side of the graph reflect the plans of landlords who operate in specific markets.

The Rental Reform White Paper includes proposals to axe the fixed term, something that would hit students landlords particularly hard. This is reflected in the findings, with 55% of landlords who presently let to students stating it is “highly likely” they will sell up and exit the market.  

For the complete discussion on the White Paper consultation, please watch out for the NRLA’s forthcoming research report “A Fairer Rented Sector?” which will be uploaded onto the NRLA website and keep an eye on our social medai channels.