Reform UK’s Pledge to Abolish the Renters’ Rights Act

Reform UK has pledged to abolish the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) if it wins the next general election, describing the legislation as “well-intentioned” but damaging to rental supply. Deputy leader Richard Tice argues that removing Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and tightening rent controls is already discouraging landlords from staying in the market, ultimately pushing rents higher.

The Act, which received Royal Assent last October and begins implementation on 1 May, introduces significant changes: the abolition of Section 21, limits on rent increases to once per year, restrictions on bidding wars, and new protections designed to strengthen tenant security. It follows years of cross-party debate and previous reform attempts dating back to 2019.

The political dividing lines are clear. Supporters argue that the Act enhances stability and fairness for 11 million private renters, while reform advocates contend it skews the risk-reward balance for landlords. But beyond the headlines, the pressing question remains: what would abolition look like in practice?

Is Scrapping the Renters’ Rights Act Good for the Rental Market?

The Ringley Group’s view is that abolishing the Renters’ Rights Act outright would not be beneficial for either landlords or tenants.

Providing a property is not simply asset ownership; it is the delivery of a service. In 2026, any professional landlord should see residents as customers. That means fairness, transparency and consistency in landlord-tenant relationships should sit at the heart of the sector.

The principle behind reform - greater clarity of rights, reduced arbitrary eviction, and improved standards - aligns with how professional operators already function. Removing those principles risks reintroducing uncertainty and undermining confidence in the sector as a whole.

Landlord Risk, Supply Concerns and Market Reality

Reform UK argues that the Act is reducing supply because landlords feel unable to regain possession easily, particularly if they wish to sell or respond to non-payment.

It is true that regulation affects risk. Every legislative change recalibrates the balance between flexibility and security, and some smaller landlords may indeed reconsider their position. However, housing supply dynamics are rarely shaped by a single policy lever; taxation changes, interest rates, energy efficiency requirements, and broader economic conditions all play a role.

The claim that the Act alone is driving rent inflation remains contested. Data cited by tenant advocacy groups suggests rental growth has moderated compared to previous peaks. The market is complex, and simple cause-and-effect narratives rarely tell the full story.

Fairness and Transparency Must Remain Central

Our position is clear: the principles of landlord and tenant fairness and transparency should not be up for repeal.

Professional rental management is built on predictability, communication and structured governance. The days of viewing tenancies as short-term, disposable arrangements are long gone - particularly in the build-to-rent and institutional sectors.

Strong frameworks benefit landlords as well. Reduced tenant churn, clearer notice procedures, defined rent review structures, and improved dispute resolution mechanisms all contribute to long-term income stability. After all, stability not volatility is what preserves asset value.

Scrapping the framework entirely risks destabilising that progress.

Removing Red Tape Without Removing Protections

That said, not every aspect of implementation has been flawless. There is a legitimate debate to be had around administrative burden, planetrent.co.uk/blog/could-a-tax-tribunal-ruling-mean-btl-investors-avoid-3-stamp-duty-surcharge'>tribunal processes, and regulatory layering.

Where calls for reform become a smoke screen for broader policy failings - whether in housing supply, planning constraints, or economic management - it is right to question them. Overregulation without clarity can create friction rather than fairness.

The answer, however, lies in refinement, not removal. Streamlining red tape while preserving core protections offers a more measured response than wholesale abolition.

The Future of Rental Reform and Professional Landlordism

The private rented sector has evolved significantly over the past decade. Institutional investors, build-to-rent operators and professional managing agents now play a far larger role. This professionalisation has raised standards and shifted the culture toward service delivery rather than short-term yield extraction.

The conversation should not be framed as landlords versus tenants. It should be about building a rental market that is investable, transparent and stable.

For operators navigating regulatory change - whether tightening or loosening robust data, clear processes and professional management remain essential. The Ringley Group works at the intersection of policy, governance and operational delivery, helping landlords adapt without compromising either compliance or resident experience.

Abolishing reform may grab headlines. But improving the rental market demands more than spectacle - it requires deliberate balance.