Are Guaranteed Rent Schemes Dead After the Renters' Rights Act? Here's What London Landlords Need to Know

London landlord reviewing a guaranteed rent agreement with a property management specialist

The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the private rented sector in England.

From 1 May 2026, most private rented tenancies moved to assured periodic tenancies. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions were abolished. Rent increases are subject to tighter rules. Landlords must also follow new requirements around rent in advance, rental bidding, pets and tenant protections.

Understandably, many London landlords are asking an important question:

Are guaranteed rent schemes still worthwhile after the Renters’ Rights Act?

The answer is clear. Guaranteed rent schemes are not dead. They are more valuable than ever.

The Act changes how tenancies are managed. It does not remove the need for reliable rental income, professional property management or dependable tenant support. In fact, the increased focus on compliance and ongoing management makes the right guaranteed rent partner even more important.

At RNS Homes, we help landlords across London secure fixed monthly income while our team handles the day-to-day responsibilities of letting and managing the property.

What Changed On 1 May 2026?

The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act introduced several major changes for most private rented sector properties in England.

According to the government’s Renters’ Rights Act implementation roadmap, the key changes include:

  • Section 21 notices are no longer available.
  • Most fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have become assured periodic tenancies.
  • Tenants can generally remain in their homes unless a valid legal ground for possession applies.
  • Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months.
  • Landlords must use the correct Section 13 process and provide at least two months’ notice.
  • Rent increases can be challenged by tenants.
  • Landlords cannot request more than one month’s rent in advance for new assured periodic tenancies.
  • Rental bidding is prohibited.
  • Discrimination against applicants because they have children or receive benefits is prohibited.
  • Landlords must consider requests from tenants to keep a pet.

These changes mean that landlords need reliable processes, accurate records and a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

They do not mean that a guaranteed rent scheme has stopped working.

What Is A Guaranteed Rent Scheme?

A guaranteed rent scheme provides a landlord with an agreed monthly rent for a set contract period.

With the right arrangement, you receive the agreed payment whether the property is occupied or experiencing a void period. The provider manages the property and takes responsibility for agreed operational tasks, such as tenant sourcing, rent collection, inspections and maintenance coordination.

At RNS Homes, our guaranteed rent arrangements can provide:

  • Fixed monthly income for up to five years.
  • No loss of rent because of ordinary void periods.
  • £0 management fees, subject to the agreement.
  • Tenant screening and placement.
  • Day-to-day tenant communication.
  • Maintenance coordination and property inspections.
  • Support with property standards and compliance.
  • A property condition guarantee on return, in line with the agreed terms.

This gives you a more predictable relationship with your property. Instead of managing changing tenant circumstances every month, you have one clear agreement with an experienced housing partner.

Why Guaranteed Rent Is More Valuable After The Act

The Renters’ Rights Act increases the importance of consistent management.

A landlord managing a property independently may now need to monitor:

  • The correct tenancy structure.
  • Written information requirements.
  • Rent increase dates and notices.
  • Tenant requests and communications.
  • Repair reporting and response times.
  • Property safety and maintenance standards.
  • Possession procedures where required.
  • Evidence of compliance and responsible management.

These responsibilities can be time-consuming. Mistakes can also create avoidable delays, disputes or financial pressure.

A guaranteed rent scheme does not remove your legal obligations as a property owner. However, working with a professional partner can give you a reliable management structure. The right provider can help ensure that the property is occupied appropriately, maintained properly and managed in line with the agreement and applicable requirements.

The government’s official information sheet for landlords and tenants also confirms that landlords and agents must understand how existing tenancies have changed. Professional support can be particularly valuable while new processes become established.

Property manager carrying out a careful inspection in a well-maintained London rental home

Section 21 Abolition Makes Income Certainty More Important

Before the changes, some landlords relied on Section 21 as a relatively straightforward way to recover possession at the end of a tenancy.

That route is no longer available for new notices. Landlords now need to rely on valid statutory grounds and follow the correct process.

This gives tenants greater security. It also means landlords need to plan more carefully when circumstances change.

A guaranteed rent arrangement can reduce your exposure to some of the financial uncertainty associated with changing tenancies. If a tenant leaves, the agreed income can continue under your arrangement, subject to the contract terms. You do not need to find a replacement tenant immediately to protect your monthly cash flow.

This can be particularly helpful if you have:

  • Mortgage payments to maintain.
  • Several properties in your portfolio.
  • Limited time for tenant management.
  • Previous experience with long void periods.
  • Concerns about unexpected repair or re-letting costs.
  • A preference for long-term financial planning.

Periodic Tenancies Do Not Remove The Need For Professional Management

Assured periodic tenancies may continue without a fixed end date. Tenants can usually give notice when they want to leave, while landlords must rely on a valid possession ground when seeking to recover a property.

This creates a greater need for responsive management.

Your property still needs to be:

  • Maintained to a good standard.
  • Inspected appropriately.
  • Managed in line with safety requirements.
  • Supported by clear communication.
  • Re-let or allocated efficiently when a tenancy ends.
  • Connected to reliable contractors when repairs arise.

At RNS Homes, we manage these practical responsibilities for landlords through our full property management service. Our team handles tenant sourcing, rent collection, maintenance coordination and inspections, so you do not have to manage every issue personally.

Why Choose RNS Homes For Guaranteed Rent In London?

RNS Homes works with London landlords, local councils and public sector organisations to provide dependable housing solutions.

Our role is to bridge the gap between landlords who want secure income and organisations working to meet local housing demand.

When you work with us, you can benefit from:

Fixed Monthly Income

Receive an agreed monthly payment for up to five years, regardless of ordinary occupancy or void periods.

£0 Management Fees

The rent we offer is the rent you receive, subject to the terms of your agreement. There are no standard management fees deducted from your agreed rent.

Complete Property Management

We handle tenant screening, tenant communication, maintenance coordination and day-to-day management.

Long-Term Planning

A longer agreement can give you greater visibility over your income and reduce the uncertainty of frequent re-letting.

Property Condition Protection

We guarantee the agreed property condition on return, subject to the conditions set out in your contract.

Established Experience

Since 2020, we have managed more than 300 properties. Our team understands the operational standards required to manage homes responsibly.

Housing Partnership

We work with councils and public sector organisations to help provide quality social housing across London.

Professionals reviewing a London housing portfolio and partnership plan

Is Guaranteed Rent Right For Your Property?

A guaranteed rent scheme may be suitable if you want to:

  • Reduce the risk of void periods.
  • Avoid tenant management.
  • Receive predictable monthly income.
  • Reduce the administration associated with renting.
  • Work with a professional housing partner.
  • Support the delivery of quality homes in your local community.

Every property and landlord has different requirements. The agreed rent will depend on factors such as location, size, condition, property type and suitability for the scheme.

We recommend discussing your circumstances before making a decision. Our team can review your property, explain the agreement and outline what is included.

What Should You Check Before Signing?

Not every guaranteed rent scheme operates in the same way. Before signing, ask the provider to explain:

  • The monthly rent and payment date.
  • The length of the agreement.
  • What happens during a void period.
  • Which maintenance costs are included.
  • How inspections are arranged.
  • How tenant issues are handled.
  • What condition the property must be in at the start.
  • How the property condition is assessed on return.
  • Whether any fees or deductions apply.
  • How the arrangement supports Renters’ Rights Act compliance.

Clear terms matter. A professional provider should answer your questions directly and give you time to review the agreement.

Guaranteed Rent Schemes Are Not Dead

The Renters’ Rights Act has made responsible property management more important.

It has not removed the value of guaranteed rent.

For London landlords, a guaranteed rent scheme can provide financial stability, professional support and a simpler way to manage property in a changing regulatory environment. You can receive fixed monthly income while an experienced team handles tenants, maintenance and day-to-day responsibilities.

RNS Homes is here to guide you. We provide tailored guaranteed rent and full property management solutions for landlords across London, while supporting councils and public sector partners with dependable housing.

Ready to find out whether your property is suitable?

Contact RNS Homes today for a clear, no-pressure discussion. Tell us about your property and your goals, and our team will be in touch promptly to explain your options.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. The Renters’ Rights Act applies differently depending on the type of tenancy and property. Obtain appropriate professional advice about your individual circumstances.

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