Setting the standard for build-to-rent and beyond

UKREiiF saw the launch of the BTR Alliance’s Code of Practice for Build-to-Rent, intended to provide residents with confidence in what they can expect when renting a property and setting the standard for the sector as it matures.

Who?

So, what is the BTR Alliance and what gives the Alliance the credibility to try to bring a set of standards to this sector?

The BTRA was formed in 2025 between the Association for Rental Living and Real Estate:UK and is chaired by Clive Betts MP, former Sheffield City Council leader and chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee between 2010 and 2024.

What?

The code is the product of nearly four years of development (its genesis being well before, but aligning with, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 reforms) with contributors from major operators and investors in the sector, residents and the Housing Ombudsman amongst others. Supporters include Grainger plc, Allsop, Packaged Living and Legal & General.

The code will apply to operators of purpose-built residential properties designed exclusively for rental, operating across self-contained developments in England and Wales, focussing on apartments. This means that operators taking multiple units within a block that doesn’t meet these criteria wouldn’t, on the face of it, be able to sign up to the Code. The BTRA does however encourage such operators to discuss how the code could be applied to their operating model to maximise its reach and also intends to publish supplements tailored to other BTR stock, such as BTR houses.

The stated intention is to provide a clear, verifiable standard of accommodation, amenity provision and lifestyle experience significantly above the statutory minimum. The code comprises a set of commitments that all BTR code members will endeavour to meet, and which are intended to be clearly measurable. These are known as the Charter of Commitments covering:

• Fair and reasonable renting – transparent terms, limiting deposits and committing to return within 10 days and supporting residents
• High-quality, safe homes – exceeding national standards and minimising resident’s contributions to safety related costs
• Sustainability and decarbonisation – achieving EPC C as a minimum and committing to measurable goals including net zero by 2050
• Professional, accountable service – responsive, respectful, fully trained
• Community and wellbeing – resident engagement, supporting social and economic opportunities, respecting heritage and measuring social impact
• Transparency and governance – accountability, responsible supply chains and a culture of inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement
• Championing the code – embedding and advocating

But this is just the beginning. The code as launched establishes the benchmarks and principles to which its subscribers will adhere and in Q4 2026, the full operational structure will be published including an independent verification framework, graded signatory status, the BTRA kitemark scheme and compliance model.

Why?

There is a myriad of legislative requirements to be complied with in connection the delivery and management of housing, so why does the BTR Alliance believe that there is both a need and a place for a code of practice?

Whilst the code will be a voluntary framework, the Alliance states that it reflects, and, in many cases, exceeds the legal requirements. Those that subscribe will be making a public commitment against which they can measured, which is intended to inform residents and create a benchmark to improve delivery standards. Signatories will take reputational accountability enabling positive differentiation within the sector.

If a signatory fails to meet the required benchmarks, the framework will include a process for residents to raise concerns, but the Housing Ombudsman will remain the body to which unresolved complaints will be referred. For the operator, the verification framework will include graded signatory status and a process for dealing with compliance failures, ultimately resulting in the ability to carry the kitemark being removed.

Will it work?

The property industry has seen a variety of codes of practice over the years. In many cases these have been adopted selectively, even by the signatories to the code; picking and choosing elements and “having regard” rather than full adoption.

There was a real sense of purpose and positivity evident at the launch. It’s to be hoped that the balance of investor/operator/resident input will result in the full adoption of the code by the signatories, and that the very public sanction of removal of the kitemark and the publication of the outcome of a failed verification, will be a sufficient stick, alongside the carrot of the kitemark badge of excellence, to give this code real value and force.

How we can help

If you would like to discuss how this may affect you, please do contact our commercial real estate team.

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