Digital billboards offer landlords a new revenue stream

With the Renters’ Rights Act set to take effect from May 2026, more and more landlords seeking additional, long-term income are turning to Wildstone – a leading owner of outdoor media infrastructure.

Following the recent passing of the Renters’ Rights Act, the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in decades, many landlords are reassessing how they can protect the value and viability of their portfolios. The legislation’s sweeping changes – including the end of Section 21, strict limits on rent increases, and the transition to open-ended tenancies – are already beginning to reshape landlord economics.

With margins squeezed by rising interest rates, reduced tax relief and now with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Acts, landlords are increasingly searching for new, predictable revenue streams that strengthen their financial position without adding operational burden. One solution experiencing rapid adoption is the installation of digital billboards through Wildstone.

Wildstone partners with landlords by leasing the exterior brickwork or a small section of land to install digital advertising screens. In return, landlords receive a fixed annual rental payment — typically £4,000 to £6,000 per year for residential properties — usually over long-term agreements.

Wildstone handles the entire process from start to finish, including:

• Free site valuation
• Planning consent
• Construction
• Ongoing maintenance

Landlords receive guaranteed income, with no investment required from their side.

Mike Duty, head of development at Wildstone, said: “Following the former government’s white paper on rental reform three years ago and with the recent passing of the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords are operating in an increasingly constrained environment. The need for predictable and stable income has never been more apparent. It’s no surprise that enquiries to us have tripled in this time.

“Our partnerships provide a dependable long-term revenue stream, independent of regulatory pressures and tenancy changes. We are effectively an additional tenant. The property owner still has their residential tenants inside, but Wildstone leases the space for digital advertising purposes. That income is predictable, usually for 16 to 20 years, which can make a critical difference to landlords struggling with yields.

“For many landlords, this income is being used to pay off mortgages, cover maintenance or reinvest in other properties. We’ve even had cases where the addition of digital billboard income has been a key factor in a mortgage being agreed as lenders recognise it as guaranteed income.  In the current climate, outdoor advertising leases are becoming a highly effective way to maximise the value of residential assets.”

Wildstone assesses every enquiry carefully. Only around 5–10% of sites are viable based on visibility, traffic volume, planning constraints and local development. When suitable, the process from application to installation typically takes around six months, depending on planning approvals.

With the changes associated with Renters’ Rights Act set to be introduced in just a few months, Wildstone expects interest to rise even further as landlords evaluate their position under the new legislation.

To find out more, visit Wildstone’s website to request a free site valuation.

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