Renters’ Rights Act pushes up letting costs
Wednesday 26th August, 2026
A Goodlord survey found higher agent fees, heavier compliance work and stricter tenant checks among UK landlords since the Renters’ Rights Act began.
This gives Rightmove a natural chance to comment on how rising costs and tougher rules are affecting renters’ access to homes.
4 Sources:
Why have we flagged this?
The survey highlights rising costs and compliance pressures for landlords, giving Rightmove an opportunity to share rental market data on landlord and tenant behaviour.
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Thinking...
These are starting points for inspiration, not finished ideas.
Expert comment
Warn that stricter checks could shrink rental supply
Argue that heavier compliance and slower possession proceedings may make some landlords leave the market rather than improve renting standards.
Expert comment angle: Have a Rightmove property expert tell consumer press that better regulation must be matched by faster courts and clearer processes, or renters will face fewer homes and higher costs.
Why: It gives journalists a specific consequence of the Act beyond higher fees, from a credible housing-market voice.
Data idea
Measure how often rental listings request guarantors
Show the proportion of rental listings mentioning guarantors, minimum incomes or enhanced tenant checks, and how that has changed over time.
Data to investigate: Analyse your rental listing data as one source to measure changes in wording around guarantors and tenant requirements.
Why: It turns an abstract concern about tougher checks into a tangible picture of what renters are now seeing in adverts.
Newsjack
Create a plain-English renter checks guide
Publish a practical guide explaining lawful tenant checks, likely documents, upfront costs and what renters can challenge.
Newsjack angle: Create the guide within days and offer it to consumer and regional press as a free resource for renters navigating the Act.
Why: It gives journalists a useful, impartial-looking service story while directly addressing the confusion and anxiety behind the fee rise.