April is the final window for landlords in England to prepare for the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act. With the new tenancy regime starting on 1 May 2026, now is the time to review paperwork, processes and whether self-management still feels realistic.

For tenants, April is a useful point to pause and plan. With rents still rising across the UK and the first phase of rental reform approaching in England, this is a good time to review your budget, renewal options and next move.

The rental market remains active in May 2026, but conditions are changing. Demand is still strong, rent growth has eased, and tenant expectations are rising. Here is what landlords should be thinking about now.

The latest figures from UK Finance offer a fascinating snapshot of the UK’s buy-to-let sector as we moved through the final quarter of 2025. On the surface, the numbers paint a picture of growth and resilience—but as with much of today’s property market, the reality is more nuanced. Activity is up, but confidence remains cautious.