By Hamza Behzad, Business Development Director at Finova
The private rental sector is moving through one of its most significant periods of change in recent years. With the Renter’s Rights Bill becoming law, landlords are facing new expectations around tenant security, property standards, and compliance. These aren’t minor adjustments, and the ripple effects will be felt across the mortgage market too.
For lenders, the focus is widening. It is no longer only about rates or product choice, but about how we support landlords as they adapt to a rental market where their responsibilities are increasing and income may feel less predictable. Now is the moment for lenders to offer clarity, reassurance and practical guidance.
A new rhythm for rental income
One of the most significant changes is the shift to rolling tenancies. With tenants able to give shorter notice, rental income could become less consistent. That stability, which many landlords have relied on for years, may now look different.
This is an essential point for lenders. Many landlords will need help planning for periods where their property may be unoccupied for a short time. Flexible repayment options, more transparent communication, and tools that help landlords understand different income scenarios will play a key role in assisting them to feel more confident about their portfolio.
Reframing risk and reassurance
Another significant change is the end of “no-fault” evictions. While this strengthens protections for tenants, it also creates more uncertainty for landlords who need to regain possession of their property, as the process may take longer and come with additional cost.
Here, lenders have an opportunity to be proactive. Support could come through mortgage products that include legal assistance, partnerships that offer rent protection, or guidance to help landlords prepare for unexpected challenges. These solutions provide reassurance at times when landlords may feel exposed, and they help ensure mortgage payments stay on track.
Fair letting practices and income planning
The Bill also introduces new rules around rent increases and fair access to housing. Limiting rent adjustments to once a year and removing the practice of rental bidding will have a visible impact on how landlords plan their income.
For lenders, this calls for a shift in approach. Affordability models may need to evolve, and product design may move towards more stability-focused solutions. In many cases, longer-term fixed rates or portfolio products could help landlords feel more secure in a landscape with less room for sudden adjustments.
Meeting higher expectations on property standards
The extension of the decent homes standard into the private rented sector, alongside the repair expectations under Awaab’s Law, brings a renewed focus on the quality and safety of rental homes. For landlords with older properties, these changes may require meaningful investment.
Lenders can support this transition through more tailored financing that helps landlords bring their properties up to standard. Whether through green improvement loans, renovation funding or streamlined capital release processes, lenders can help ensure landlords remain compliant while protecting the long-term value of their portfolio.
A market adjusting to change
These reforms will not be felt evenly across the landlord community. Some may decide this is the right moment to step back from the market. Others, particularly professional landlords, may see this as an opportunity to modernise their portfolio and grow. Lenders will need to support both groups. That means clear exit options for those looking to sell, and thoughtful, well-designed financing for landlords who want to take the next step.
Looking ahead
The Renter’s Rights Bill signals a fundamental shift in how the rental sector will operate in the coming years. For lenders, it is an opportunity to move beyond transactional relationships and offer a genuine partnership. Guidance, education and proactive support will matter just as much as competitive products. By helping landlords stay resilient, informed and prepared, lenders can play an essential role in shaping a more stable and confident rental market for the future.
