The professional body
for the property sector

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. Much of the coverage has focused on the big, visible changes: the end of Section 21, the shift to periodic tenancies, and the ban on rental bidding wars. These are significant, but they are not, on their own, what will squeeze landlord margin. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Homebox, explains the potential impact of the less headline-grabbing changes in the legislation.

Propertymark has highlighted the challenges property agents face when identifying the hidden influence of Designated Persons in transactions. The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) is examining how the rules are applied in practice, and we’ve been clear that whilst agents are committed to preventing financial crime, the current expectations are often difficult to meet.

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, MP, has categorically stated that the UK Government will not introduce rent controls in England after reports emerged that the Chancellor was considering them as a short-term measure to ease the cost of living. Propertymark recognises the financial pressures facing tenants and the need for the UK Government to act to support households. However, rent controls risk producing unintended outcomes that disadvantage both tenants and landlords.