Leeds Lettings Update: Renters Rights' Changes

Leeds Lettings Trends: A Shift Toward Fully Managed Services

Over recent months, we've seen a marked increase in the number of Leeds landlords opting for fully managed lettings services, rather than the traditional Let Only option. This change appears to be driven largely by growing legislative complexity, including updates introduced under the Renters' Rights Bill.

To recap, a Let Only service involves the letting agent sourcing a tenant and managing the initial move-in process. After this, all day-to-day tenancy management becomes the landlord’s responsibility. In contrast, a Fully Managed service provides landlords with comprehensive support—this includes conducting inventory reports prior to move-in, regular inspections (typically after the first three months and every six months thereafter), rent collection, deposit handling, coordination of maintenance and repairs, and a thorough end-of-tenancy check-out process.

The growing preference for fully managed services reflects landlords’ desire for peace of mind and legal compliance in a regulatory environment that is becoming increasingly detailed and tenant-focused.

Renters' Rights Bill: What’s Changing?

The Renters' Rights Bill continues to be a major talking point in the UK property sector, especially in Leeds where the rental market remains highly active. Two recent legislative updates are especially relevant to landlords:

1. Pet Damage Deposits Now Allowed

A significant win for landlords comes in the form of an approved change allowing landlords to request a pet damage deposit equivalent to three weeks' rent. This replaces the previous reliance on pet insurance, which many found impractical and unworkable in real-life situations.

This move provides landlords with better financial protection when letting to pet owners, while still allowing more flexibility for renters who wish to keep animals in their homes.

2. Reletting Ban Reduced from 12 Months to 6 Months

Another important change is the reduction of the reletting ban period from 12 months to 6 months in cases where a property sale has fallen through. Under the updated rules, landlords must provide evidence that the property was fairly marketed and that no reasonable offers were refused.

This change is designed to help minimise void periods and ensure that valuable rental properties are not unnecessarily withheld from the market for extended periods. For Leeds landlords, this is a particularly welcome adjustment, given the consistently high demand for rental homes across both North and South Leeds.

Local Impact in Leeds

These changes are already making an impact on the Leeds lettings market. Both our North and South Leeds branches have seen strong activity levels in recent months, with a consistent flow of new listings, tenant move-ins, and high volumes of rental enquiries.

The shift in legislation has clearly influenced landlord behaviour. Many are responding proactively, opting for professional management to ensure compliance and reduce administrative burdens. As these laws continue to develop, it’s likely that even more landlords will move away from self-management in favour of full-service solutions that can help them navigate the legal landscape with confidence.

Looking Ahead: Staying Compliant and Informed

As further details of the Renters' Rights Bill are clarified, we’ll continue to monitor the impact on landlords, tenants, and the broader lettings market in Leeds. For now, it’s clear that preparation and adaptability are key.

If you’re a landlord in Leeds and want to ensure you're up to date with current requirements, or you're considering switching from Let Only to a fully managed service, our team is here to help. Staying ahead of legal changes is no longer optional; it’s essential for long-term success and peace of mind in the lettings sector.