The private rental sector has changed considerably in 2026, and growing numbers of landlords are turning to professional letting agents to help manage their properties, tenants and regulatory responsibilities.
New research commissioned by the National Residential Landlords Association, or NRLA, found that 66% of private rental properties in England and Wales are now administered by a letting agent in some capacity. This is the highest proportion recorded for at least two years.
For landlords in London and East London, the findings are particularly relevant. The rental market remains active, but managing a property now involves far more than finding a tenant and collecting the monthly rent.
Why Are More Landlords Turning to Letting Agents?
The research comes after significant changes to the private rental sector under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The Act introduced major changes in England from 1 May 2026, including the move from assured shorthold tenancies to assured periodic tenancies, new rules around rent increases, changes to possession procedures, restrictions around rent in advance and additional requirements affecting how properties are marketed and managed.
The increasing regulatory burden means landlords need to keep up with tenancy documentation, property standards, maintenance, inspections and changing legal requirements.
This helps explain why more landlords are choosing to work with professional letting and property management companies rather than handling every aspect of a tenancy themselves.
Landlords can read the official Renters’ Rights Act guidance for landlords for the Government’s current guidance.
66% of Rental Properties Now Have Letting Agent Involvement
The NRLA research, conducted by Pegasus Insight, surveyed 567 NRLA members between 21 June and 10 July 2026.
It found that letting agents are involved in the administration of 66% of privately rented properties in England and Wales.
The findings have also been reported by The Negotiator and Property Industry Eye, reflecting a wider shift towards professional support within the rental sector.
However, simply appointing an agent is not enough. The NRLA has also highlighted the importance of choosing knowledgeable and properly experienced agents, particularly as landlords remain responsible for meeting their legal obligations.
What Should a Good Letting Agent Do for a Landlord?
Professional property management should go well beyond advertising a property.
For London landlords, a comprehensive management service can include:
- Finding and referencing suitable tenants
- Preparing and managing tenancy documentation
- Rent collection
- Property inspections
- Repairs and maintenance
- Tenant communication
- Check-in and check-out arrangements
- Keeping property records organised
- Helping landlords stay informed about regulatory requirements
- Managing day-to-day issues throughout the tenancy
At Prime Land Property, landlords can choose from different levels of support depending on how much involvement they want to retain.
You can explore our Landlord Services and Property Management in London to learn more.
Why Professional Property Management Matters More in 2026
Property management has always involved responsibility, but the consequences of getting important processes wrong are becoming more significant.
Government guidance confirms that both landlords and people acting on their behalf, including letting agents, can face enforcement action for certain breaches of the Renters’ Rights Act.
For landlords managing several properties, or those who do not have the time to follow every regulatory development, professional management can therefore provide valuable day-to-day support.
It can also help ensure that repairs are dealt with efficiently, tenant communication is properly recorded and important documentation does not get overlooked.
Prime Land has been providing lettings, property management and landlord services in London since 2005.
Property Management for East London Landlords
Prime Land Property is based in Whitechapel, E1, and works with landlords throughout East London and wider London.
Our landlord services include property management, rent collection, tenant management, inspections and repairs and maintenance.
Landlords who prefer a more predictable rental arrangement can also explore our Guaranteed Rent Scheme in London.
Under the scheme, Prime Land manages the day-to-day letting responsibilities while providing landlords with an agreed rental arrangement, subject to the terms of the service.
Choosing the Right Letting Agent Is Becoming More Important
The latest statistics do not mean every landlord automatically needs full property management.
Some experienced landlords may continue to manage their own properties successfully. Others may only require tenant finding or rent collection.
What the figures do show is that professional letting agents are becoming an increasingly important part of the private rented sector as regulation becomes more complicated.
Landlords should therefore look beyond the cheapest management fee and consider an agent’s experience, knowledge of current legislation, maintenance systems, tenant management processes and local market expertise.
You can also review Prime Land’s current letting and property management fees before deciding which service is appropriate for your property.
Looking for a Letting Agent or Property Management Company in London?
If you own a rental property in Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Mile End, Stepney, Bow, Stratford or elsewhere in East London, Prime Land Property can help you manage the letting process and reduce the amount of day-to-day administration involved in running your property.
Whether you have one investment property or a larger portfolio, our team can discuss:
Property Management | Lettings | Rent Collection | Repairs & Maintenance | Landlord Support | Guaranteed Rent
With more than 20 years in the London property market, Prime Land provides professional support for landlords looking for a more straightforward approach to managing their rental properties.
