Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, looks at how investor support and the Rental Living Code of Practice will redefine rental living.
The UK housing market is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation lies a growing demand, and commitment, to redefine rental living. We believe that build to rent (BTR) is not a niche subsector but a cornerstone of modern housing strategy, one that’s fit for the future. And with strong institutional-investor backing for Building Safety Act compliance and the imminent launch of the Rental Living Code of Practice, the sector is poised for a new era of collaboration, quality, and long-term value creation.
The Building Safety Act has introduced rigorous standards designed to protect residents and ensure accountability throughout the lifecycle of a building.
Far from viewing these requirements as a burden, institutional investors have embraced them as a framework for trust and transparency. Compliance with the Building Safety Act signals a commitment to safety and quality, two factors that resonate deeply with investors seeking sustainable returns.
Investors understand that robust safety measures reduce risk, enhance reputational value, and ultimately strengthen the appeal of rental assets. A recent ARL-hosted roundtable event with 30+ leading BTR investors and Dame Judith Hackitt, former chair of the Health & Safety Executive and author of the Hackitt Report on Building Safety, saw this sentiment voiced, with investors supporting Hackitt’s long-standing principle that “a safe building is a sound investment”.
By supporting developers and housebuilders in meeting these standards, investors are helping to create homes that tenants can trust and communities that thrive.
The upcoming Rental Living Code of Practice represents another milestone for the sector. Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, the Code sets out clear principles for design, management, and customer experience. Not just a checklist, the Code is a cultural shift toward professionalism and consistency.
For developers and housebuilders, the Code offers clarity and confidence, and for investors, it provides assurance that their capital is aligned with best-in-class practices. Together, these frameworks will elevate the perception of rental living, moving it away from outdated stereotypes and toward a model that prioritises customer service, sustainability, and community.
For too long, renting in the UK has long been associated with short-term solutions and variable quality. The BTR sector actively challenges this narrative with purpose-built rental homes offering flexibility without compromise, combining high-quality design with professional management, catering to a diverse demographic from young professionals to families and downsizers who value convenience, amenities, and a sense of belonging.
Our membership is passionate about redefining rental living, creating environments where people choose to live, not because they have to but because they want to. This requires a holistic approach with thoughtful design, integrated technology, and customer-centric services. It also demands collaboration across the value chain, from land acquisition to long-term asset management.
Institutional investors are not looking for quick wins. They’re seeking stable, inflation-linked income streams and assets that appreciate over time. This long-term perspective aligns perfectly with the ambitions of developers and housebuilders who want to build enduring communities rather than transient projects.
This is where partnership is key. Investors bring financial strength and strategic vision; developers bring local expertise and delivery capability. Together, they can unlock sites, overcome planning challenges, and deliver schemes that meet commercial and social objectives. These collaborations are not transactional but rather relationships built on shared values and mutual trust.
The Association for Rental Living stands at the forefront of this movement, championing collaboration and advocating for excellence through the Code of Practice. Together, we can redefine rental living, not as a fallback option, but as a first-choice lifestyle for millions of people in the UK today and tomorrow.
This article was first featured in Show House Magazine. Read more like this and the latest industry insight here.
