By Bruce Evans, Chief Commercial Officer, RentGuarantor
At a recent Propertymark webinar, I joined Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, to explore a timely question: can the Renters’ Rights Bill work for landlords?
It was a practical conversation — not defensive, not doomsaying. Just two people immersed in the sector, trying to make sense of how the landscape is shifting and what landlords can do to adapt and while the Bill brings complexity, it also sharpens the focus: landlords need clarity, confidence, and the right professional support more than ever.
Three interesting themes emerged from the discussion — each with real implications for agents.
1. Some landlords may turn to social housing
One potential shift on the horizon: a small but meaningful move toward social housing partnerships.
Faced with new rules, compliance burdens, and increasing tenant rights, some landlords are exploring local authority leasing schemes or working with housing associations. These routes offer stability — guaranteed rent, long-term occupancy, and fewer day-to-day decisions.
It won’t suit everyone. But for landlords looking to stay in the market while reducing involvement, this model may offer a structured, lower-risk alternative.
2. Sales might spike — but not stick
Yes, more rental stock is hitting the sales market. But as we discussed, that doesn’t mean it will sell.
Many landlords are listing properties with unrealistic expectations, hoping to exit cleanly. But with buyers becoming more price-sensitive and mortgage costs still high, not every listing will convert.
The likely outcome? A portion of that stock returns to the rental market, either out of necessity or realism. That’s an opportunity for agents to re-engage with lapsed clients and help them re-enter the market with better-informed strategies.
3. Self-management: tempting, but risky
With margins under pressure, some landlords are considering managing tenancies themselves. But this route isn’t without risk.
Regulatory requirements are increasing. Licensing schemes are expanding. The penalties for getting it wrong are significant and most landlords know: it only takes one dispute, one compliance breach, or one misstep to feel exposed.
That’s why professional letting agents remain crucial. Not just as service providers, but as compliance partners and risk managers. The agents who can demonstrate this value — clearly and confidently — will build deeper loyalty, even in a tighter market.
Where does RentGuarantor fit in?
Our conversation wasn’t about solutions in isolation. It was about creating frameworks that help landlords stay resilient. And that includes having the right support services in place.
Professional guarantor services aren’t just for tenants without personal guarantors — they’re a tool for agents to support deals that might otherwise fall through. In a post-fixed-term landscape, they help give landlords confidence in income continuity, even when tenant circumstances change.
The agent’s moment
The Renters’ Rights Bill changes the game — but it doesn’t remove the need for agents. In fact, it sharpens it.
Agents who act as educators, navigators, and trusted partners will thrive. Those who offer clients access to professional services — from guarantors to legal advisors — will prove their worth not just once, but repeatedly.
RentGuarantor provides fast, compliant protection, trusted by over 1,700 agents and covering 5,000+ tenancies across the UK.
Let with confidence. For fast, flexible guarantor cover, contact rentguarantor.com or call 0208 161 0141.
