England rental market shifts following Renters’ Rights Act

The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act is driving significant changes across the English rental sector. A new national landlord registration service will be introduced in stages, beginning in the West Midlands on 15 December 2026. All landlords actively letting property in England must be registered by November 2027, with an annual fee of £65 per property.

Market data indicates that rent growth has accelerated in five of England’s nine regions since the Act took effect in May. While the national average monthly rent rose by 0.6% to £1,451—matching previous growth rates—regional increases have spiked. Notable rises include the West Midlands at 0.8%, the North West at 1.2%, and London at 1%.

In response to the regulatory shift, property platforms are updating their services. Rightmove has introduced a Section 13 rent review tool to help letting agents manage rent increases more efficiently. Additionally, experts note that the clarity provided by the new rules has led to a return of pent-up tenant demand, contributing to increased competition for limited rental stock.