Propertymark has warned that London faces significant implementation challenges as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into force and is urging policymakers to account for the capital’s distinct rental market pressures.
In its formal response to the London Assembly Housing Committee’s Call for Evidence, the organisation said that while it supports higher standards and greater tenant security, reforms must reflect London’s scale, complexity and existing enforcement landscape.
London’s private rented sector operates differently to the rest of England, with supply still below pre-pandemic levels and demand remaining elevated.
Propertymark members managing hundreds of thousands of tenancies across the capital report continued strain in the market.
CLEAR GUIDANCE
The body has stressed that clear guidance, careful phasing and consistent enforcement across boroughs will be critical to avoiding disruption as the new framework beds in.
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), CEO of Propertymark, says: “We support measures to improve standards and provide greater security for renters.
“However, London’s rental market has distinct characteristics that require careful consideration.
“Higher demand, significant student populations, longer court timelines and existing licensing schemes mean implementation in the capital will present specific challenges.
“Our focus is on working constructively with policymakers to ensure the Renters’ Rights Act is delivered in a way that protects tenants, supports responsible landlords and maintains much-needed rental supply.”
COURT CAPACITY
With the removal of Section 21, landlords will rely on Section 8 grounds for possession, placing greater pressure on a court system where London already experiences some of the longest possession timelines in the country.
Propertymark is calling for coordinated work with the Ministry of Justice and local courts to ensure cases can be processed efficiently and fairly.
Student housing is another flashpoint. London is home to more than 400,000 university students, and while new Ground 4A provides a route to regain possession in HMOs, smaller student properties fall outside this provision.
Propertymark says the interaction between the reforms and the academic calendar must be closely monitored, particularly given the capital’s large international student cohort.
OVERSEAS LANDLORDS
The organisation also points to the challenges of engaging overseas landlords, many of whom rely on managing agents.
The introduction of a PRS Database and mandatory Landlord Ombudsman membership will require clear communication and streamlined systems to support compliance.
Enforcement consistency across London’s 32 boroughs remains a further concern. With a patchwork of licensing schemes already in place, Propertymark is recommending a London-wide framework or shared guidance, an education-led approach for compliant landlords and agents, targeted action against rogue operators and closer collaboration with professional bodies.
It warns that resource pressures within local authorities could hamper effective rollout without coordinated planning.
CONSISTENT COMPLIANCE
The organisation is urging the Greater London Authority and London Councils to develop a consistent compliance approach, back professional standards for letting agents, update homelessness guidance following the removal of Section 21 and closely monitor rental supply, court performance and market trends as the reforms take effect.
Emerson adds: “London’s rental market is complex and fast-moving. By recognising the capital’s specific pressures and planning accordingly, policymakers can help ensure the reforms deliver improved standards and security without unintended disruption.
“We stand ready to work with the London Assembly and boroughs to support a smooth and balanced transition.”
Propertymark’s full written evidence can be read HERE.
