Landlord Advice
Is it still worth being a landlord after the Renters' Rights Act?
Quick answer
For some landlords, yes. For others, honestly, no. It depends on your margins, your tenants and how much control you want. Many landlords aren't choosing between staying or selling, they're changing how the property is let, often by switching one property to short lets.
Written by Guy, Director at Renzo · Published · Last updated · 5 min read
Why are so many landlords asking this?
Because the job has changed. No Section 21, rolling tenancies, tenants able to leave on two months' notice, a landlord database and a new ombudsman. If you've got a few properties and a busy life, it can feel like more admin and less control for the same rent. Our summary of the Renters' Rights Act explains the main changes.
When is it still worth it?
If you've got a good tenant who pays on time and looks after the place, and the numbers work, I'd keep them. A reliable tenant is worth a lot, and the new rules mostly matter when things go wrong.
It's also worth it if you see property as a long term wealth builder and you're happy for someone else to deal with the day to day. That part hasn't changed.
When might selling make sense?
If a property has thin margins, needs a lot of work, or you simply don't want to be a landlord any more, selling can be the right call. There's no shame in it. Take tax and mortgage advice first, because the costs of selling can be bigger than people expect. Our guide on whether to sell your buy to let walks through the questions to ask.
What about changing how the property is let?
This is the middle option a lot of landlords miss. You don't have to choose between keeping a tenancy and selling up. A short let isn't a tenancy, so you keep control. You can block dates for family, and if you change your mind, the property comes back empty.
With Renzo, we handle all guest calls, messages, bookings, cleaning, maintenance and pricing, and you get a monthly payment and statement. Landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let, without extra work. Our fee is 14% plus VAT.
Who shouldn't switch to short lets?
If you need an identical amount every month, if your lease or mortgage bans short lets, or if your property sits somewhere with almost no visitors, it's probably not for you. Same if any wear at all would keep you up at night. We'd rather say that now. Check our guide on whether your property is suitable.
So what's the honest answer?
Being a landlord is still worth it for plenty of people, just not in exactly the same way as before. My advice: don't make a permanent decision in a panic. Try a short let on one property first. That's exactly what one of our landlords, John, did. You'll know within a few months whether it suits you. For a fair look at every route, read the best alternatives to buy to let.
Find out what your property could earn
Get a free income projection with local comparables before you commit to anything.
FAQs
Should I sell because of the Renters' Rights Act?
Not automatically. Look at each property's numbers and your plans, and take tax advice before selling.
Is there a middle option?
Yes. Many landlords switch one property to short lets, which gives more control without selling.
How much could a short let earn?
Renzo landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let. Ask us for a free income projection for your property.
Which areas does Renzo cover?
Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Newark on Trent.