Rental Bidding Wars Are Banned: How to Price and Advertise Your Let Correctly This Summer

From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents in England must follow the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 rules on rental bidding. A written advert or offer must state a proposed rent. You must not invite, encourage or accept an offer above that figure, if a tenant volunteers to pay more.

Avoid wording such as “offers over”, “best and final offers” or ranges encouraging higher bids.

What the Ban Means

The advertised figure is the maximum rent you can agree when granting the tenancy.

A local authority can impose a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a rental-bidding breach. A repeated breach of the same provision within 5 years can also lead to an additional civil penalty. The £40,000 maximum for certain housing offences does not normally apply to rental bidding.

Price Carefully Before Advertising

Listing below market value and relying on competing offers is no longer compliant. Set a realistic asking rent using comparable properties, condition, location and demand.

Pricing too low can reduce income. Pricing too high can create a void. At £2,400 per calendar month, a 3-week vacancy represents approximately £1,662 in lost rent.

A free letting valuation can help establish an achievable figure. You can also review properties to let for local comparisons.

Advertise and Record Offers Properly

State one clear monthly rent in every written advert and offer. Avoid language suggesting applicants should compete. Keep records of enquiries, offers and responses, particularly if someone proposes paying above the advertised amount.

Good photography, an accurate description and a floor plan can attract suitable applicants.

Review Rent Correctly

From 1 May 2026, rent increases for assured periodic tenancies must use the Section 13 process. Landlords must use form 4A, give at least 2 months’ notice and cannot increase rent more than once in 12 months. Rent cannot be increased during the tenancy’s first year.

The proposed rent should reflect the open-market level and can be challenged at the First-tier Tribunal. A rental yield calculator and the updated guide to letting can support planning.

Choosing the Right Service

Lets Find A Home’s full management service is advertised at 13%, with no VAT charged. Other charges may apply, as explained on the additional fees page. Landlords retaining day-to-day control can consider the letting only service.

Visit the landlords page, blog and testimonials page. Lets Find A Home has operated since 2004.

Book your free, no-obligation letting valuation or call 020 8870 5800 to set an appropriate rent and advertise compliantly.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Matt, founder of Lets Find A Home