The private rental landscape in the UK has changed significantly following the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For many landlords, a long-term lease with a professional provider is now a more attractive and commercially sound arrangement than ever before. This guide explains exactly what a long-term property lease is and how it works.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 — which received Royal Assent on 20 February 2025 — has fundamentally changed the private residential rental market in England. Among its most significant reforms is the abolition of fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), the introduction of Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) as the standard residential tenancy, and the removal of Section 21 no-fault evictions. For many landlords, these changes have prompted a serious reconsideration of how they let their properties.
A long-term lease with a professional provider — such as a housing association, supported living operator or serviced accommodation company — offers an alternative that is increasingly attractive in this new legislative environment.
What is a Long-Term Property Lease?
A long-term property lease is a formal, legally binding agreement between a landlord and a professional organisation — such as a housing association, supported living provider or serviced accommodation operator — whereby that organisation takes on responsibility for the property for an agreed period, typically ranging from 3 to 25 years.
In exchange, the landlord receives a guaranteed, fixed rental income throughout the entire lease term — regardless of whether the property is occupied at any given time. This is the fundamental distinction from any residential tenancy arrangement: the income is contractual, not occupancy-dependent.
How Has the Renters' Rights Act Changed Things?
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, fixed-term tenancy agreements — the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) — have been abolished. All new residential tenancies in England are now Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), which are open-ended rolling agreements with no fixed end date.
Under an APT, a tenant may give two months' notice to leave at any time. Landlords, meanwhile, can no longer serve a Section 21 'no-fault' notice to end a tenancy — they must rely on specific grounds under Section 8, such as rent arrears or breach of tenancy conditions. This represents a significant shift in the balance of the landlord-tenant relationship.
What This Means in Practice
Under the new legislation, a tenant on an Assured Periodic Tenancy can vacate your property with two months' notice at any point. You cannot recover possession without a valid Section 8 ground. For landlords who relied on the certainty of fixed-term agreements or the availability of Section 21, this creates significant new uncertainty.
Why Long-Term Leases Are More Attractive Post-RRA
A long-term lease with a professional provider sits entirely outside the residential tenancy legislation framework. It is a commercial lease arrangement — not subject to the Housing Act 1988 provisions that govern APTs and Section 8. This means the protections and certainties embedded in the lease are those you negotiate and agree contractually, rather than those set by statute.
- Income is guaranteed for the full lease term — not dependent on a tenant choosing to stay.
- No risk of a two-month notice to vacate from your lease partner — commercial lease terms apply.
- No Section 21 or Section 8 proceedings to navigate — possession and management is handled by the provider.
- No exposure to the increasing regulatory burden on private landlords under the new legislation.
- The lease is with a regulated, accountable professional organisation — not an individual.
How Does It Work in Practice?
A landlord submits their property to Housing and Property Solutions. The property is assessed against the requirements of our provider network — which includes social housing providers, supported living operators and professional serviced accommodation companies. Where there is a suitable match, a formal lease proposal is presented on behalf of the relevant provider.
Once agreed and signed, the provider assumes day-to-day management responsibility for the property. The landlord receives their agreed monthly rent on the contracted date, every month, for the full duration of the lease. Ownership of the property remains with the landlord throughout.
What Compliance is Required Before a Lease Can Be Agreed?
Before any lease can be agreed, landlords are required to confirm that relevant property compliance is in place — including a valid EPC certificate, Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable), and an up-to-date EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). Proof of ownership or legal control of the property is also required. Where compliance has not yet been established, a compliance assessment visit can be arranged at a fee of £200.
Important Notice
This article references provisions of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice regarding your specific circumstances.
If you would like to explore whether your property is suitable for a long-term lease, our team at Housing and Property Solutions can assess your asset and present a formal proposal from our provider network.
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