What Could the New Prime Minister Mean for Lancaster and Morecambe Landlords?

Andy Burnham has entered Downing Street, and landlords across Lancaster and Morecambe are asking the same question: what could the new Prime Minister mean for the local rental market?

The short answer is that very little will change overnight.

There has been plenty of political noise, but landlords should be careful not to make decisions based on headlines alone. We know housing is high on the new government’s agenda. What we do not yet have is a complete picture of its longer-term plans for private landlords.

Here is what we know so far.

Will the new Prime Minister change landlord rules?

Andy Burnham used his first speech as Prime Minister to promise more council housing and a renewed effort to end rough sleeping. He has also spoken about giving local areas more power to make decisions for themselves.

For Lancaster and Morecambe, that local focus could become important. More responsibility may eventually pass to councils and regional leaders, particularly in areas such as housing standards, regeneration and homelessness.

However, these are early announcements. We have not yet seen enough detail to say exactly how private landlords will be affected.

What happens to the Renters’ Rights Act?

This is the most important point for landlords: the change of Prime Minister has not cancelled or paused the Renters’ Rights Act.

The main tenancy reforms came into force on 1 May 2026. Section 21 evictions have ended, assured shorthold tenancies have become rolling periodic tenancies, and landlords must now follow the revised rules on rent increases, pets and advertising rental properties.

Further measures are expected, including the introduction of a private rented sector database and a landlord ombudsman.

For landlords in Lancaster and Morecambe, this means paperwork and good management matter more than ever. Tenancy records, deposit protection, safety certificates and evidence of communication all need to be accurate and easy to find.

The government may change, but your legal responsibilities remain.

Could landlord tax change?

Tax is always one of the first concerns when a new Prime Minister takes office.

Successive governments have changed the way rental income and property investment are taxed, so further changes cannot be ruled out. At the moment, however, there is little value in trying to predict what may appear in a future Budget.

A property investment should work on realistic figures now. If the sums only make sense when based on hoped-for tax cuts or constant rent increases, I would be cautious.

Good landlords tend to take a longer view. Governments and policies change, but a well-maintained property in the right location can remain a sound investment for many years.

Will building more council homes affect local landlords?

The Prime Minister has promised to build more council homes. In the longer term, an increase in housing supply could give tenants more choice and ease pressure in some parts of the rental market.

That does not mean demand for good private rented homes will disappear.

Lancaster and Morecambe have a varied rental market. We have students, young professionals, families, NHS employees and people moving into the area for work. Different tenants want different types of homes, and well-presented properties in sensible locations are still likely to attract interest.

The landlords who may find things harder are those offering tired properties while expecting premium rents.

Should landlords continue increasing rents?

There is nothing wrong with charging a fair market rent. Landlords have rising costs too, including mortgages, insurance, repairs and compliance.

However, the highest possible rent is not always the most profitable option.

A reliable tenant who looks after the property and stays for several years can be worth far more than a short-term rent increase followed by an empty period. I would always look at the whole tenancy, not just the monthly figure.

What should Lancaster and Morecambe landlords do now?

For now, I would concentrate on the things you can control:

• Keep your property safe and well maintained.

• Make sure your paperwork reflects the current law.

• Review the rent fairly and with local evidence.

• Respond quickly when tenants report a problem.

• Take advice before serving notice or changing a tenancy.

There will undoubtedly be more housing announcements from the new government. Some may affect landlords directly, while others will take years to make any noticeable difference.

My advice is simple: stay informed, avoid reacting to speculation and keep looking after your property and tenants properly. That remains the best foundation for successful letting, whoever happens to be in Downing Street.

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If you own a rental property in Lancaster or Morecambe and would like straightforward advice about the changing rules, please get in touch.

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