A Code of Practice has been launched for the Build To Rent (BTR) sector.
It’s described as marking an industry first and follows nearly four-years of development. Its authors say It will continue to be developed and refined during 2026 through further consultation and testing, ahead of it formally coming into force.
Its purpose is to provide residents within Build to Rent communities with a clear, verifiable standard of accommodation, amenity provision and lifestyle experience significantly above the statutory minimum.
A statement from Build To Rent support organisation Real Estate:UK says: “For operators, investors, regulators and key stakeholders, the Code will ensure that they each have confidence in the sector’s ability to deliver high standards, self-regulate and hold itself to account in an effective, transparent and self-improving manner.
“This is viewed as critical in seeking to differentiate BTR from the wider PRS in terms of its ability to be scrutinised and be measured to drive an improvement in standards.”
From an operational perspective, the Code establishes a voluntary framework that enables operators, owners, and residents to engage effectively and fairly, and sets a new benchmark for service, quality, sustainability, security, and good governance.
It has received an expression of support from sector-leading firms including Grainger, Greystar, Get Living, Quintain, Legal & General, Long Harbour, Colby River, Moda Living, Packaged Living, Placefirst, Thriving Investments, Apache Capital, Touchstone, Vertus, VervLife and Way of Life.
Central to the new Code is the Charter of Commitments which it will enshrine. Seven core commitments include:
- Fair and reasonable renting – providing transparent terms, limiting deposits, ensuring quick returns and supporting residents.
- High-quality, safe homes – delivering and maintaining properties above national standards, never directly passing on safety-related costs by default wherever appropriate.
- Sustainability and decarbonisation – committing to measurable goals, including net zero by 2050, improving efficiency, minimising resource use, upgrading and maintaining homes to EPC C or higher.
- Professional, accountable service – ensuring responsive repairs, respectful notice before entry, and dedicated, qualified teams supported by inclusive hiring and ongoing training.
- Community and wellbeing – fostering vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods by engaging residents and locals, supporting social and economic opportunities, respecting heritage, and measuring social impact.
- Transparency and governance – upholding accountable practices, fair employment, responsible supply chains, and a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
- Championing the Code – embedding these standards across our organisations and advocating for consistent, high-quality practices across the rental sector and to support the transparent governance of this Code so that our commitment can be independently verified.
This verification process will be developed throughout 2026, following which the full, operational Code will be active and open for full operator sign-up. Until this point, the Code is not yet live and no formal signatory status applies.
From a regulatory perspective, the Code is intended to augment existing legislation already in place, which all BTR operators are expected to have processes in place in order to meet the requirements of.
A key part of the Code is that all signatories are mandated to ensure that all relevant personnel are aware of, and actively maintain, statutory compliance in accordance with their legal obligations.
The Code forms part of the BTR Alliance’s wider work on improving the consumer experience and perception of BtR as a housing tenure of first choice.
