Lettings Market Shrugging Off Renters’ Rights Act, Foxtons Claims

Why It Matters

The data suggests the Renters’ Rights Act has not dampened rental activity, reinforcing confidence for landlords and investors in a market that remains supply‑rich yet demand‑responsive.

Key Takeaways

• April new listings rose 3.7% YoY, indicating landlord confidence.
• Applicant registrations increased 9.5% MoM, though 6% below 2025.
• Renters per instruction fell 6.5% YoY, easing competition.
• Month‑on‑month renters per instruction rose 15.6%, demand rebounding.
• Foxtons advises landlords to launch lets like sales.

Pulse Analysis

The Renters’ Rights Act, introduced to strengthen tenant protections, was expected to reshape the UK rental landscape. Analysts feared tighter regulations could slow lease turnovers and compress rents, especially in high‑cost markets like London. Early data, however, shows the legislation coinciding with a robust spring season, suggesting that the market’s fundamentals—strong landlord supply and resilient applicant pools—are outweighing regulatory headwinds.

Foxtons’ April figures illustrate this balance. New listings grew 3.7% year‑on‑year, a clear sign that landlords remain confident in pricing and occupancy prospects. Applicant registrations surged 9.5% month‑on‑month, even as overall demand lagged 6% behind 2025 levels, indicating a seasonal rebound rather than a permanent upswing. Notably, the number of renters per instruction fell 6.5% year‑on‑year, easing competition, while a 15.6% month‑on‑month rise points to renewed momentum as renters act earlier and more decisively.

For investors and property owners, the takeaway is clear: the rental market’s elasticity is intact. Landlords who position properties with accurate pricing, ready‑to‑show units, and professional marketing are likely to capture the more discerning renter segment. The continued supply advantage, combined with stable affordability pressures, suggests rental yields will remain attractive, even as tenant rights expand. Monitoring subsequent months will reveal whether this resilience persists or if the Act eventually reshapes pricing dynamics.