Devon’s rental market is facing growing strain, with demand for homes still far greater than supply — and local agents say things are unlikely to improve any time soon.
The situation comes as the Renters Rights Act, which aims to give tenants stronger protection, officially became law this week. While ministers say the reforms will make renting fairer, many landlords fear they could push more property owners to sell up, further reducing the number of homes available to rent.
In Teignmouth, finding an affordable flat has become nearly impossible. Penny Lloyd, who has rented in the town for over a decade, said prices have “gone up all the time.”
“You can’t get a one-bed flat for under £750 a month,” she said. “When you add bills and council tax, it’s a huge amount. There’s so much demand that many homes are gone before you even view them.”
Emma Foreman, lettings director at Complete Estate Agents, said her office is “inundated with calls” each time a property becomes available.
“We’re not seeing it getting any better,” she said. “Stock is tight, and more landlords are selling because they’re nervous about what the new rules will mean.”
The Renters Rights Act bans so-called “no-fault evictions,” meaning landlords can no longer remove tenants without a valid reason. It also changes most tenancies to open-ended agreements, allowing renters to leave with two months’ notice.
The government insists landlords will still be able to reclaim their homes in cases of rent arrears, property damage or anti-social behaviour. But small landlords, like Clive Wetton, who rents flats above his Teignmouth Bake House, say the extra regulation is driving them away.
“If you didn’t have to rent, you wouldn’t bother,” he said. “A lot of people I know are selling up because it’s just become too much hassle.”
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the new law was “the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation” and promised that responsible landlords “have nothing to fear.”
However, with rents climbing, supply falling, and landlords quitting the market, renters in Devon — and across the UK — are bracing for an even tougher year ahead.
