"The launch of the new Build To Rent Alliance Code marks a milestone moment for the sector where we see a transformational shift towards greater verifiable accountability and a conscious desire to significantly exceed minimum regulatory standards"
- Danny Pinder - Real Estate:UK
The Build to Rent Alliance has launched what it describes as an industry-first code of practice for England and Wales, setting out voluntary standards for accommodation quality, tenant experience and governance across the build-to-rent (BTR) sector.
The alliance, formed between the Association for Rental Living (ARL) and Real Estate:UK (RE:UK), published the code following nearly four years of development. It will continue to be refined through consultation and testing during 2026 before formally coming into force.
Sixteen firms have already expressed support, including Grainger, Greystar, Get Living, Quintain, Legal & General, Long Harbour, Colby River, Moda Living, Packaged Living, Placefirst, Thriving Investments, Apache Capital, Touchstone, Vertus, VervLife and Way of Life. Formal signatory status will apply once the final operational code goes live.
The code's stated purpose is to give residents within BTR communities a clear, verifiable standard of accommodation and lifestyle experience that goes well above the statutory minimum. For operators, investors and regulators, it is designed to demonstrate the sector's capacity to self-regulate transparently and drive continuous improvement, differentiating BTR from the broader private rented sector.
At its core is a Charter of Commitments, developed through consultation with operators, owners, investors and residents. The seven commitments cover:
- Fair and reasonable renting, including transparent terms, limited deposits and prompt returns
- High-quality, safe homes maintained above national standards, without passing on safety-related costs by default
- Sustainability and decarbonisation, including a net zero target by 2050 and a minimum EPC C rating
- Professional, accountable service, with responsive repairs and qualified, inclusively hired teams
- Community and wellbeing, through resident engagement, social impact measurement and respect for local heritage
- Transparency and governance, covering fair employment, responsible supply chains and a culture of continuous improvement
- Championing the code, by embedding standards across organisations and advocating for consistent, high-quality practices sector-wide
A structured verification process will sit alongside the charter, combining self-assessment with third-party reviews of sample properties. Verification visits will take place when operators join the code and at regular intervals thereafter. This mechanism is still being developed and will be completed before the full code becomes operational.
"The launch of the new Build To Rent Alliance Code marks a milestone moment for the sector where we see a transformational shift towards greater verifiable accountability and a conscious desire to significantly exceed minimum regulatory standards," said Danny Pinder, director of policy at Real Estate:UK.
"This not only reflects the ambition of BtR to be seen as the consumer destination of first choice, but also in playing a leading, industry-led role in driving up standards and outcomes across the whole sector. This new Code is more than just a set of measures for technical compliance; it is about shaping the culture of the industry to deliver excellence for residents while also setting and leading high standards across the housing sector."
The code also sits within a broader regulatory context. All BTR operators are already expected to meet existing legislative requirements, and the code is intended to build on that baseline rather than replace it. Signatories must ensure relevant personnel are aware of and actively maintain statutory compliance.
"The launch of this new Code comes at a pivotal time for the Build To Rent sector as it continues to mature and attract more and more consumers who wish to experience the unique benefits BtR living provides, along with the quality of provision that the sector is now becoming known for," said Brendan Geraghty, chief executive of the Association for Rental Living.
"Central to this growth is the continuation of the upward trajectory in terms of quality and standards we have come to expect from the sector, which is why this Code provides a framework that will not only effectively measure excellence, but ensure that the industry strives for it."
The alliance says the code forms part of its wider effort to establish BTR as a housing tenure of choice, alongside advocacy for the policy and regulatory changes needed to improve investor confidence and address current delivery challenges, given the sector's role in housing supply and urban regeneration.
