Landlords are much more selective about which tenants they take on after the Renters’ Rights Act came into force this month.

That’s the evidence from the NRLA, which polled 630 landlords about their attitude just before the Act came into place.

Many warnings

It follows many warnings that some renters would find it harder to secure tenancies.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA (pictured) – who told The Negotiator conference last year that landlords would become more “hard-nosed” – says now: “Today’s findings paint a worrying picture for many renters and serve as an important reminder that reforming the private rented sector comes with considerable risk.

Responsible landlords need confidence that tenants can sustain a tenancy.”

“Responsible landlords need confidence that tenants can sustain a tenancy. If the system makes it harder for them to seek those assurances, the result will be fewer options for those on the financial margins.

“Likewise, the Government’s failure to publish a clear plan to ensure the courts process legitimate possession cases far quicker than at present is causing considerable concern in the sector.”

More selective

The NRLA research points to renters with poor credit histories, fluctuating incomes or limited access to guarantors as the ones who are finding it difficult.

Eight in 10 landlords – at 78% – say the Act is likely to make them more selective about who they rent to.

Measures in the Act include restrictions on the amount of rent that can be charged in advance. This will make it more difficult for those with poor, or no, credit history to prove their ability to sustain a tenancy, NRLA says.

Open ended

Alongside this, the Act makes the vast majority of rental agreements open ended. This will make it harder for many tenants to secure guarantors.

The poll also found that 90% are concerned about the impact of court backlogs when seeking to repossess properties.

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