Awareness and support for the Renters’ Rights Act has risen sharply among tenants since the legislation passed last year though concerns are also growing over the long-term impact on rental supply and affordability.
Barclays’ latest Property Insights report found that 60% of renters now say they are aware of the legislation and its objectives, up from just 19% in October before the Act came into force on 1 May 2026.
The report also found that 62% of renters believe the reforms will improve housing protections and living conditions, while 61% feel the legislation will make it easier to challenge unfair treatment from landlords.
The findings suggest the reforms are already influencing tenant behaviour, with almost one in five renters saying they are now more likely to remain in their current property.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
However, the research also highlights mounting concern about the unintended consequences of the reforms, particularly around future rental supply and affordability.
Some 45% of renters now believe restrictions around evictions and bidding wars could contribute to rising rents, almost double the level recorded last October. The same proportion fear landlords may leave the market, reducing the supply of rental homes.
The report also points to growing caution among homeowners considering second-home ownership or buy-to-let investment.
Only 11% of homeowners said they were considering purchasing an additional property within the next two years, while 69% said they would not want to become landlords due to the costs and complexity involved.
Barclays found that the average upfront cost of purchasing a second property now stands at almost £86,000 once deposits, stamp duty and associated expenses are included.
Meanwhile, the report suggests many older homeowners remain reluctant to use property wealth to fund retirement. Three quarters of Baby Boomers surveyed said they do not intend to release equity from their home in retirement, while 31% said they view their property primarily as a legacy asset for family members.
Barclays mortgage data also showed that buyers aged over 60 continue to favour larger detached and semi-detached homes rather than downsizing into smaller properties.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
Jatin Patel (main picture, inset), head of mortgages, savings and insurance at Barclays, says: “As deposit challenges persist, the measures of the Renters’ Rights Act to curb steep rent increases could give tenants more scope to save, and in turn widen access to the property ladder.
“However, the longer-term impacts on rental housing remain to be seen, as homeowners weigh up investment in bricks and mortar against other asset classes.
“For most, property is about far more than finances. It provides stability and plays a key role in family legacy, and many retirees do not need to supplement their income through property.
“‘Right-sizing’ still has an important part to play in unlocking housing supply, but it will only gain traction if there are clear and meaningful incentives.”
Julien Lafargue, chief market strategist at Barclays, said: “The interest rate environment remains challenging, with domestic political uncertainty compounded with the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“Even so, the UK economy continues to demonstrate resilience, suggesting that once these headwinds ease, conditions should improve.”
