The Build to Rent Alliance has launched a code of practice in a bid to position the BTR sector as the “rental destination of choice”.

The code for England and Wales aims to set the gold standard for BTR as signatories will pledge to deliver homes and communities that “enrich lives, strengthen society, address the housing crisis, and minimise environmental impact”.

The Alliance, formed last year between the Association for Rental Living and Real Estate:UK, wants to provide residents with a clear, verifiable standard of accommodation, amenity provision and lifestyle experience significantly above the statutory minimum so they are living “in the most rigorously accountable homes and communities within the private rented sector”.

For operators, investors, regulators and key stakeholders, the code will ensure that they each have confidence in the sector’s ability to deliver high standards, self-regulate and hold itself to account. The Alliance believes this is critical to differentiate BTR from the wider PRS in terms of its ability to be scrutinised and measured to drive higher standards.

Charter

Central to the new code is the charter of commitments which include fair and reasonable renting – providing transparent terms, limiting deposits, ensuring quick returns and supporting residents; and professional, accountable service – ensuring responsive repairs, respectful notice before entry, and dedicated, qualified teams supported by inclusive hiring and ongoing training.

Firms including Grainger, Quintain, Legal & General, and Moda Living, have already expressed support.

Milestone

Danny Pinder, director of policy at Real Estate:UK, says it’s a “milestone moment” for the sector. He adds: “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.”

It comes as leading real assets investment manager, CBRE Investment Management announced the launch of CBRE UK Single Family Housing Partners, a new open-ended residential fund focused on the development and operation of single-family housing, backed by an initial £400 million of available capital in an exclusive partnership with Moda, which will co-invest in the platform.

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