The lettings market enters a pivotal moment as the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, marking a significant structural shift for both landlords and renters. April therefore provides the final snapshot of market conditions ahead of implementation, offering a clear benchmark for how the sector is positioned entering this new regulatory environment.
"The Renters' Rights Act has landed in a busy season with momentum unimpeded by the new legislation. Applicant numbers have spiked, supply is strong and budgets are holding firm. The more interesting shift is behavioural: renters are moving earlier and acting more decisively, but they're also more discerning about where they spend their time..."
Gareth Atkins
Managing Director - Lettings
Read the full quote in the Lettings Market Report - April 2026
📈 Key rental market numbers from the April 2026 report
• Applicant demand continued its seasonal recovery in April, with registrations rising 9.5% month on month.
• Compared with March, listings declined 6.0% following the early spring peak in activity.
• Renters continued to spend 99% of their budgets. This was unchanged year on year, highlighting consistent affordability conditions.
🎬 Watch: Protecting your asset in 2026
Fran Giltinan, Managing Director - Property Management & Customer Experience shares expert insight on what's ahead for London landlords:
The 2026 London rental market outlook so far...
Activity strengthened through the month, with applicant demand recovering and supply remaining ahead of last year, while affordability metrics stayed stable with rents flat year on year. Overall, the data suggests the market was already moving towards more balanced conditions, with improving supply easing competitive pressure as demand continues to rebuild
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Choosing Foxtons, the UK's and London's number 1 lettings agent,* means you can collect Avios from the UK's leading frequent flyer programme. A smooth tenancy here becomes the start of something enjoyable up there, leaving only one question to consider: window seat or aisle?
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Source:
• Market data: Foxtons Business Analytics produces our monthly Lettings Market Report, leveraging cutting-edge technology and our exclusive database, one of the largest for London's property market, to provide unparalleled insights for our landlords each month.
• Expert insight: To provide you with the most value, this article features our leading lettings experts. Our team's hands-on experience comes from many years in the industry with London's leading lettings agency, so you can rely on our practical, market-tested insight.
This blend of data-driven analysis and expert commentary offers a comprehensive view of the market, helping landlords navigate any market conditions with confidence. For any questions on the report or insight, ask a Foxtons expert.
Video Transcript
With the Renters’ Rights changes now in force, our Tenancy Review Team is proactively aligning rents with current market values. We use clear, evidence-based comparables to support any increases. This puts landlords in a strong position if a tenant chooses to challenge the change at the First-tier Tribunal.
As possession claims now sit fully under Section 8, we also recommend landlords take out Rent Protection cover. Aside from rent arrears, Foxtons Rent Protection includes legal expenses where tenants do not vacate following notice expiry. It also covers S13 rent increases where they are unnecessarily challenged, giving you that added layer of certainty in this new landscape.
In response to this increased complexity, we are seeing more landlords move to full property management, placing both the operational and regulatory aspects into our expert hands. To support that, we are currently offering an additional incentive. If you upgrade to Foxtons Property Management, you can collect 20,000 Avios to use towards your next trip.
