Seven in ten landlords are preparing to introduce stricter tenant vetting procedures as the abolition of Section 21 evictions approaches, new research reveals.
A survey of 500 landlords by buy-to-let lender Paragon Bank found that 69 percent will apply more rigorous checks on prospective tenants from 1 May, when the Renters Rights Act takes effect. The findings highlight growing concern about the difficulty of removing problem tenants once Section 8 becomes the only route to possession.
Section 21 concerns dominate landlord thinking
While three quarters of landlords said they feel prepared for the new legislation, 42 percent identified the end of no-fault evictions as the change that will have the greatest impact on their business. A further 43 percent expressed concern about the risk of problem tenants – whether through rent arrears or anti-social behaviour – given the longer court processes they will face.
The survey found that 65 percent of landlords want the Government to implement faster court processes to reduce delays in possession cases. Courts currently take an average of 25 weeks to process claims, according to recent data from Legal for Landlords.
In addition, 39 percent said the number of mandatory grounds for possession should be increased beyond what the Act currently provides.
Rent rises likely as landlords absorb costs
Just over a third of landlords – 35 percent – expect the Act to have a direct financial impact on their business. More than half – 53 percent – said they will consider increasing rents as a result.
Lisa Steele, Mortgage Lending Director at Paragon Bank, said landlords are understandably looking to reduce risk at the outset of a tenancy rather than deal with costly eviction proceedings later.
“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,” she said.
Steele added that this shift creates challenges for those new to the rental market who have not yet built up a tenant reference history, as well as those with irregular income patterns.
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s April report showing a quarter of landlords remain unaware of the RRA despite just four weeks until implementation. The latest data suggests those who are aware are actively preparing defensive strategies.
What this means for landlords
- If you are letting a property after 1 May: Invest in thorough referencing now – credit checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references will become more valuable than ever.
- Watch for: Increased competition for well-referenced tenants, particularly in high-demand areas. Properties may take longer to let as landlords become more selective.
- Bottom line: The days of relying on Section 21 as a safety net are over. Front-loading your due diligence at the start of a tenancy is now the most effective risk management strategy.
Editor’s view
The shift to stricter vetting is a predictable – and arguably rational – response to the loss of Section 21. Landlords are simply adapting to new rules. But the unintended consequence is clear: tenants without pristine references will find it harder to secure housing. First-time renters, those with gaps in employment, and anyone who has previously struggled with arrears face an increasingly selective market. Ministers promised tenants more security; they may have delivered more gatekeeping instead.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 2 April 2026
Sources: Paragon Bank
Related reading: Quarter of landlords still unaware of RRA with one month to go
📘 Renters’ Rights Act: Complete Landlord Guide
Everything you need to know about the new rules – 1 May 2026
