Not long ago, buying a house to rent out seemed like a solid way to earn money and build long-term wealth. But in today’s climate, more and more landlords are discovering that the game has changed—and not in their favour.

The number of homes available to rent has dropped to a record low of 284,000, according to analytics firm TwentyEA. It’s no surprise when you look at what landlords are up against: rising costs, heavier taxes, and new rules that make it harder to manage a rental property. For many, it simply doesn’t add up anymore.

Rules That Keep Changing

One of the biggest issues landlords face today is the growing list of regulations. Laws around rental properties are changing fast. Fixed-term contracts are on the way out, meaning tenants can now leave with just two months’ notice. At the same time, it’s getting harder for landlords to reclaim their property, even when tenants stop paying rent.

There are also plans to force all rental homes to meet stricter energy efficiency rules. Making these upgrades doesn’t come cheap—and it’s just one more cost to add to the list.

The Hidden Costs Mount Up

Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent each month. There are plenty of hidden expenses that eat into profits:

• Letting agents take their cut
• Insurance, repairs and regular maintenance aren’t optional
• Lost income during gaps between tenants
• Legal fees if things go wrong

And let’s not forget taxes. Landlords now get less relief on mortgage interest, and capital gains tax could go up too. All of this means that many are yielding far less than they expected—or even losing money.

Less Control, More Stress

With so many new rules and rising costs, landlords are finding it harder to stay in control. Tenants now have more power than ever, and landlords are expected to act more like full-time managers than part-time investors.

Even with help from a letting agent, many landlords still find themselves chasing rent, fixing problems, and dealing with rule changes they don’t fully understand. It’s no longer a set-and-forget type of investment—it’s a demanding second job.

There’s a Better Way to Invest in Property

The good news is: owning property doesn’t have to mean becoming a landlord. There are now far better ways to invest in bricks and mortar—ways that don’t involve dealing with tenants, repairs, or rules that change overnight.

Some property investment options give you regular rental income, without any of the day-to-day stress. They take care of everything—from finding tenants and managing repairs, to meeting legal requirements and keeping things up to standard. You just earn the income.

This hands-off approach is growing fast, especially among smart investors who’ve seen how tough traditional renting has become. It offers peace of mind, steady returns, and lets you enjoy the benefits of property without the pressure.

Lee-Ann Berry, Consultant at Find UK Property knows a lot about this approach:

“There is another way, if you shift your mindset just a little bit. Ordinary investors can, and do achieve guaranteed rental income from rental property, whilst avoiding landlord costs and liabilities. 

We’ve been offering clients a reliable path to consistent returns from UK rental property for 16 years – and we are busier than ever. The answer is simple – just don’t go it alone or use a letting agent – seek guarantees instead. It’s your capital and you’ve worked hard for it – you need stronger assurances than the usual options can offer.”