By There was a palpable buzz surrounding the first seminar of the day at the final National Landlord Investment Show in London on 29th October 2025.
The high attendance at the show and the fully packed auditorium underscored that, while the landscape is changing, the commitment of landlords to the Buy-to-Let (BTL) market remains firm.
A quick show of hands revealed a striking statistic: only one member of the large audience indicated a plan to leave the market specifically due to the impending Renters’ Rights Act (RRA).
With hundreds of landlords in the audience, this clear signal suggests that far from a mass exodus, landlords are focused on learning, adapting, and finding new strategies to maintain their BTL portfolios.
The overall consensus was one of ‘how to adapt,’ not ‘how to leave,’ which is where the expert panel of industry professionals stepped in to help attendees navigate the new regulatory environment.
The Expert Panel: Navigating Change
The first session, ‘Navigating Change: The Future of UK Landlords,’ brought together a high-energy conversation led by Ian Collins (TalkTV). The panel featured a selection of high-profile experts, including Kate Faulkner OBE (Leading UK Property Analyst), Rachel Knight (TitleSplit.com), Eddie Hughes (Former Housing Minister), Allison Thompson (LRG), and Naomi Jackson (GetGround).
Key Takeaways for Landlords
‘Knowledge is Not an Option Anymore’
When it comes to operating a property portfolio, Allison Thompson from LRG stressed that ‘knowledge is not an option anymore’ when navigating the future of the lettings market.
Landlords must take ownership of their new responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act and treat their Buy-to-Lets more like a business operation than ever before. This involves moving away from casual management towards a structured, professional approach.
Echoing the sentiment, Naomi Jackson from GetGround said, “Landlords should understand their portfolio more like a business and treat it like a business.”
Renters’ Rights Act – An Opportunity for Change?
While the Renters’ Right Act presents challenges, it also presents a pivotal moment for the Buy-to-Let sector. Ask Kate Faulkner OBE, who explained ‘the tides will change’, and the RRA provides a genuine opportunity for landlords to showcase that they are not the problem but are instead a key part of the solution to the UK’s housing crisis.
By fully embracing the higher standards and compliance requirements of the RRA, dedicated landlords can unequivocally demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality, secure homes, thereby showcasing their dedication to the sector and its tenants.
While the sector is often subject to negative press, the RRA provides compliant landlords with an opportunity to unequivocally showcase their adherence to the rules, helping to shift public sentiment away from negative stereotypes.
Positives of a National Landlord Database
With the introduction of the new National Landlord Database, Eddie Hughes (Former Housing Minister) noted that the measure “opens up communication between landlords and the government” in ways which have not been available before. This ‘vital communication’ could lead to more positive industry shifts and collaboration in the future.
The Need for Professional Expertise
It is undeniable that there is a lot to navigate ahead. The complexities introduced by the RRA mean that landlords cannot afford to rely on outdated practices or informal advice. With hefty fines on the line, landlords must take steps towards full compliance.
To ensure adherence to the new legislation, landlords are strongly advised to seek professional advice from knowledgeable service providers. Whether it’s legal experts, property management specialists, or tax accountants, relying on expert guidance will be crucial for landlords to successfully operate within the new legal framework and thrive in the future of the private rented sector.
Rachel Knight suggested that landlords should ‘seek help from a good agent for the first year or two’ to help ensure all the right boxes have been ticked. There are plenty of services and experts available across the country; there is no need for landlords to go into this alone.
Embracing Technology
While the expert panel advised against using Artificial Intelligence for complex legal tasks like drafting contracts, GetGround’s Naomi Jackson did highlight the immense potential for technology to “bridge the gap” in skills and significantly streamline business processes moving forward.
This transition involves shifting from outdated, manual methods to professional software solutions. Whether this takes the shape of moving to Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliant software or maintaining a comprehensive digital footprint of all aspects of a property business, landlords should seriously consider making the shift from basic spreadsheets to technology that provides them with better, more time-efficient tools.
As landlords enter this new era of BTL, it is clear they are rising to the occasion, highlighting their dedication to the industry and the private rental sector. While the transition will likely feel bumpy over the next year or so as landlords adopt these new operating practices, the long-term future of UK landlords remains positive.
Missed the show? Join the free LIS Community Hub today here for exclusive market reports, Renters’ Rights Act training, Making Tax Digital Tools- all essential resources and insights to keep you ahead of your property investment journey. Also, check out the 2026 National Landlord Investment Show dates and secure your free ticket today.
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