Rent reviews can feel like a thorny subject—for landlords, for tenants, and for the relationship between them. It’s sometimes tempting, especially when you have long-standing, reliable tenants, to leave things be. After all, stability feels like a good thing. But there’s a risk in avoiding rent reviews altogether—and it’s not just financial.
Over time, if rents are left untouched, the property may gradually fall well below market value. This might sound like a good deal for the tenant—and in the short term, it can be. But what happens when that same tenant needs to move? Or when the landlord needs them to?
Suddenly, the tenant is facing a market they’ve lost touch with. Rents everywhere else feel shockingly high by comparison, and they’re left in a difficult situation—not because the market changed overnight, but because their own rent didn’t keep pace with it. They may feel trapped in a home that no longer suits their family or lifestyle, not because of lack of choice, but because they were never gently moved with the market. That’s not really fair on them.
On the other side, landlords may need to reclaim the property for sale, refurbishment, or a family member—only to discover the tenant can’t afford to leave. The rent is now so far below market that they can’t find a comparable home without facing a huge financial jump. No one wins.
Regular rent reviews—especially when communicated transparently and with fairness—can avoid this trap. They help keep tenants familiar with the true cost of living in the area. They give landlords a chance to maintain the value of their asset. And most importantly, they prevent either party from ending up in a corner, forced into decisions they didn’t see coming.
Market rents aren’t just about profit—they’re about sustainability. For everyone.
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