The “significant minority” who have yet to engage with the incoming laws are typically smaller or long-established landlords who may not follow regulatory changes as closely as their larger counterparts, according to Pegasus Insight.
Speaking of the findings, Mark Long (pictured), founder and director of Pegasus Insight, said: “That creates an opportunity for brokers and other intermediaries to play a greater role in keeping landlords informed, particularly where financing conversations provide a natural point of contact.
“Where uncertainty persists, it is likely to influence how landlords approach future investment and portfolio strategy.”
The first phase of Renters’ Rights Act, such as the abolition of no-fault evictions and the introduction of fixed-term tenancies, is due to come into effect from 1 May 2026.
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Bracing for negative impact
Pegasus Insight’s latest Landlord Trends Q4 2025 data shows that 75% of landlords are now aware of the forthcoming legislation, an increase of 8% on the previous quarter.
Landlords with more than 20 properties are the most engaged. Almost 90% describe themselves as being ‘aware’ of the act, including 28% ‘fully aware’. Limited company landlords are close behind them, with 84% stating they are ‘aware’ and 32% being ‘fully aware’.
The majority of landlords surveyed expect the act to have a negative impact on their lettings activity and on the private rented sector more broadly. Concerns are primarily focused on the operation of possession processes and the capacity of the courts to handle cases efficiently.
Long said: “Many landlords recognise the intent behind the legislation, particularly in improving security and consistency for tenants. However, confidence in how it will operate in practice remains critical. With cases already taking an average of more than 50 weeks to be heard in the county courts, concerns about the effectiveness of possession processes are clearly front of mind.”
