Nick Bano’s latest article in The Guardian is a shining example of why housing debates in this country remain so divisive and ineffective. His tirade against landlords is packed with selective anecdotes, economic illiteracy, and a refusal to grapple with the complexities of England’s housing market. While it’s easy to whip up outrage with tales of cruel landlords and downtrodden tenants, such simplistic narratives ultimately do more harm than good. They alienate responsible landlords, fail to propose realistic solutions, and distract from the real issues: housing supply and poorly designed policies.
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Landlords Strive to Keep Rents Down for Loyal Tenants
A reality often overlooked by critics is that many landlords go out of their way to keep rents affordable for long-term tenants. Stability benefits everyone:
Landlords avoid turnover costs such as property marketing, void periods, and wear and tear from frequent moves.
Tenants enjoy predictable housing costs, which fosters trust and long-term relationships.
Yet, as Chris Norris, policy director of the National Residential Landlords’ Association, has pointed out, new regulations will bring "fairly significant" costs that landlords will have to “price in.” Measures like abolishing fixed-term tenancies and ending no-fault evictions create uncertainty for landlords, which could lead to a rise in rents as they prepare for the potential risks of unstable tenancy agreements.
Rising Rents Are a Consequence of Policy, Not Greed
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows private rental prices increased by 9% in the year to December 2024.. While housing campaigners often attribute these increases to landlord greed, the reality is more complex.
The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill introduces several reforms that, while well-intentioned, will inevitably add to landlords’ operating costs:
Legal compliance costs: Meeting stricter tenancy rules, such as prohibiting no-fault evictions, requires landlords to absorb additional legal and administrative expenses.
Uncertainty in rental income: Abolishing fixed-term tenancies creates unpredictability, as tenants could leave earlier than expected, forcing landlords to manage frequent turnovers and lost income.
Potential for expensive disputes: Empowering tenants to challenge rent increases or demand compensation for repairs introduces greater financial risk.
As Norris rightly notes, these pressures mean landlords will have to adjust rents to account for the increased complexity and uncertainty of managing properties under the new system. Far from exploiting tenants, this is a necessary adaptation to ensure landlords can continue to offer high-quality housing in an increasingly challenging regulatory environment. Making all tenancies periodic is frankly a stupid decision as it means landlords have no certainty of income or commitment from a tenant. The rents on long-term assured tenancies are substantially cheaper than short-term leases precisely because they offer a level of certainty on both sides.
The Risk of Landlord Exodus
The Renters’ Rights Bill could exacerbate an already pressing issue: the declining number of private landlords in the market. Norris estimates that around 30% of landlords in the National Residential Landlords’ Association are considering reducing their portfolios due to the anticipated burdens of the Bill.
Fewer landlords in the market will result in:
Reduced supply: Fewer properties available for rent, leading to increased competition among tenants.
Higher rents: Limited supply invariably drives up prices, putting further pressure on renters already struggling to meet housing costs.
Pro-renter groups argue that this shift will empower tenants, but the unintended consequence may be fewer affordable homes for those most in need.
The Hypocrisy of the Anti-Landlord Movement
It’s telling that anti-landlord crusaders, including Shelter, rarely mention the role of housing supply in the crisis. It’s far easier to vilify landlords than to confront the real problem: successive governments have failed to build enough homes to meet demand. Empty homes and high rents are not the result of landlord greed but of a planning system that stifles development and discourages investment in affordable housing.
Moreover, their rhetoric ignores the efforts of landlords who genuinely care about their tenants and provide safe, stable homes. Many landlords go above and beyond to accommodate tenants in financial difficulty, often negotiating payment plans or holding off on rent increases. But under Labour’s reforms, these same landlords will be forced to raise rents to cover the additional costs and risks imposed by the new rules. Once again, it’s tenants who will bear the brunt of these misguided policies.
A Smarter Path: Collaboration, Not Crusades
Rather than vilifying landlords, policymakers and campaigners should focus on solutions that address the root causes of the housing crisis. These include:
Increasing Housing Supply: The most effective way to reduce rents is to build more homes, both social and private. Expanding supply will alleviate pressure on the rental market and provide tenants with more choices.
Incentivising Stable Rents: Offering tax breaks or grants to landlords who keep rents stable for long-term tenants could encourage affordability without discouraging investment.
Supporting Vulnerable Tenants: Direct subsidies or housing vouchers would help tenants struggling with rising costs without penalising landlords.
Collaboration between landlords, tenants, and policymakers is the only way to create a fair and sustainable rental market. Demonising landlords may make for good headlines, but it’s a dead-end strategy that does nothing to solve the housing crisis.
Stop the Scapegoating, Start Solving the Crisis
The anti-landlord crusade of Nick Bano and others may win applause from those looking for a scapegoat, but it ultimately distracts from the real issues. Landlords are not the enemy; they are an essential part of the housing system, many of whom work tirelessly to provide affordable, stable homes for their tenants. By piling on regulations and driving landlords out of the market, Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill risks making the housing crisis even worse.
It’s time to move past the divisive rhetoric and focus on real solutions. England’s housing market needs more collaboration, less scapegoating, and a commitment to tackling the root causes of the crisis. Let’s stop vilifying landlords and start building a system that works for everyone.
There Is Still Money to Be Made in Property
Despite the challenges posed by new regulations, property remains a solid investment opportunity. The demand for rental housing continues to grow, particularly in urban areas where supply is constrained. Smart landlords who adapt to the changing landscape can still see strong returns by focusing on the fundamentals: selecting good tenants, maintaining high-quality properties, and leveraging expert guidance.
At Clarice Carr & Co, we specialise in helping landlords navigate the complexities of the rental market. From legal compliance and portfolio management to maximising rental yields, our team provides the expertise you need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio, streamline operations, or adapt to new regulations, we’re here to ensure that your property investments remain profitable and secure.
Want to know more? Check out our website or get in touch.
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