Most landlords intend to introduce a more stringent tenant selection process to counter the tougher eviction rules coming next month. 

Paragon’s survey of 500 landlords found that 69% will introduce more in-depth checks for prospective tenants to reduce their risk of having to go down the eviction process, with 70% also stating they will also become more selective about where they advertise their properties.

Although three quarters feel prepared for the Renters Rights Act commencement day on May 1, some 42% said the end of Section 21 evictions will have the greatest impact on their business.

Some 43% are concerned about the risk of problematic tenants, such as those in rental arrears or demonstrating anti-social behaviour.

In the past 12 months, over half of landlords (51%) said they had experienced at least one incidence of rent arrears or a late rental payment. 

Additionally, 27% had dealt with anti-social behaviour from tenants, 22% experienced tenants staying in the property longer than intended and 18% suffered damage caused by pets.

Nearly two thirds of landlords (65%) called on the government to implement faster court processes to minimise delays in the eviction process under the new Section 8 regime. 

Additionally, 39% said that the number of mandatory grounds for possession needs to be increase.

With just over one third (35%) of landlords expecting the Renters Rights Act to impact them financially, they are also planning for the costs of compliance to remain profitable. 

Over half, 53%, say they will consider increasing rent, 37% plan to review pricing more frequently and 18% will look to make cost savings across their portfolios, potentially changing the level or frequency of maintenance and white goods replacement.

Lisa Steele, Paragon Bank Mortgage Lending Director, says: “The Act represents a major policy shift, and landlords are adapting their approach accordingly. 

“Given the pressures expected on the courts through the change to the eviction process, landlords are understandably planning to make more expansive checks on prospective tenants as they don’t want the cost and time involved in a lengthy eviction process.

“This creates challenges for those new to the rental market who have not yet built-up a tenant reference history, as well as those with infrequent income schedules. 

“This was always the challenge for the RRA; while in brings in extra protections, it could exclude some of those tenants at the periphery of the market.”