The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest shift in the private rental sector in a generation.
Even though the first phase was only implemented at the start of May, much of the uncertainty around its passage is now behind us. I believe the Act will raise the bar across the sector and should be welcomed, not feared.
It’s a chance to reinforce professionalism, build stronger tenancies and supportresidential landlords and tenants alike through the period of adjustment and into a new era for our sector.
While some of the reforms may initially seem challenging, and despite some of the noise around the Act, it will provide legislative clarity and potential opportunities for landlords to refine their investment strategies.
In fact, we aren’t seeing a landlord exodus as predicted by many, but we are seeing landlords bracing for the change by leaning on added support and expertise.
For landlords who already go above and beyond to provide safe, well-maintained homes and fair tenancy terms, the Act will help formalise the standards that many of them already meet, offering well-deserved recognition and reinforcing the value of professionalism in the industry.
To welcome the changes brought about by the Act, landlords and agents should prioritise managing relationships with tenants, rather than rushing to re-let.
Evidence shows most tenants prioritise stability and continuity in their housing; average tenancy lengths in the UK are around 20 months, with short tenancies remaining uncommon.
The most important thing for residential landlords is to avoid reactive decisionmaking. The incoming changes are not about penalising responsible ownership, but about raising standards and providing clarity across the sector.
In fact, in Scotland, they have already welcomed the move to periodic tenancies, and our agents there successfully supported residential landlords through the transition, with many now reporting an average tenancy length of 28 months, demonstrating that these changes don’t need to be something to fear.
Our Lomond Quarterly Insights report found that, in 2025, lettings activity increased, and average rents rose 6%, underlining the ongoing competition for well-managed homes and hinting at the increased confidence that has begun to redefine the market – and something I believe will continue as the lettings market remains not only resilient, but recalibrates in light of the changes.
Also, let’s not forget that alongside the broader reforms, there are administrative responsibilities th must be prioritised. By 31st May, tenants should receive the prescribed government information explaining the new Act.
Where a property is managed by an agent, responsibility for issuing this rests with the agent, regardless of whether the landlord has already provided it.
Whilst it’s undoubtedly a big change for the sector, residentiallettings remains a stable, long-term income stream and investment. While public narratives have sometimes cast the sector unfavourably, it remains a market of genuine opportunity for those who understand its complexities.
We do not anticipate further transformational legislation of this scale for many years, allowing the sector to move from anticipation to adaptation.
Neil McGimpsey is Group Chief Operating Officer at Lomond
