The Renters’ Rights Act has been described as the sector’s biggest shakeup in 40 years. Will it punish landlords, or just hold rogue ones to account? Read what the experts say in this week’s Debate

Yes: Smaller landlords are being forced to sell up under yet more red tape

Landlords have been punished for a long time. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is just the latest in a long line of legislative and financial blows that have continually eroded the incentives to provide rental housing in the UK.

Over the past decade, landlords have faced an almost constant barrage of new obligations and rising costs. From the Deregulation Act in 2015 and Right to Rent checks in 2016, through to the Tenant Fees Act of 2019 and tightening energy efficiency rules, the list keeps growing. Each reform brings more red tape, more administration and more cost – all while returns are squeezed by tax restrictions introduced from 2017 onwards that removed mortgage interest relief for many.

More recently, landlords have also been hit by higher buy-to-let mortgage rates, rising maintenance and service charges, and even a higher rate of stamp duty for additional dwellings. The Renters’ Rights Act adds yet another layer of compliance and enforcement risk. Its sweeping reforms may be well intentioned,........

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