Landlords are rushing to sell ‘entire portfolios’ ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force this week, according to a leading law firm.

Thackray Williams says its litigation team has been instructed by landlords seeking possession of properties so they can exit the sector, including those selling entire buy-to-let portfolios.

The firm also reports last-minute Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices for both flats and houses before the deadline.

Tipping point

Mustafa Sidki (main picture), Contentious Construction Litigation Partner at Thackray Williams, says landlords are reaching a tipping point.

“Our clients are all saying the same thing: the new liabilities and reduced flexibility being introduced by The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 from 1st May is the final straw in making their property investments no longer commercially or practically viable, particularly in a challenging economic climate and with other changes also in the pipeline.”

He adds that the changes mean “it will take longer and cost more for a landlord to regain possession of a rental property.”

The firm also reports that many landlords are now choosing to divest, with some only deciding to act at the last minute.

The reduced flexibility being introduced by The Renters’ Rights Act is the final straw in making their property investments no longer commercially viable.”

Claire Josef, Conveyancing Partner, says this could have wider market implications.

She says: “We’re anticipating increased instructions for our conveyancing team as these landlords put their properties on the market as soon as they are able, which in turn could negatively impact property prices, particularly in areas that have traditionally had a strong rental sector.”