Awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) is steadily increasing among UK landlords as the first phase of the legislation approaches implementation on 1 May. Recent research reveals that three-quarters of landlords are now familiar with the reforms, signalling a shift in how landlords assess risk and plan their lettings activity.

Growing Awareness Among Landlords

According to Pegasus Insight’s Landlord Trends survey, 75% of landlords report being aware of the Renters’ Rights Act, marking an 8% increase from the previous quarter. Awareness is notably higher among landlords with larger portfolios, with 88% of those managing more than 20 properties acknowledging familiarity with the legislation. Within this group, 28% say they are fully aware of the details.

Similarly, limited company landlords show strong awareness levels, with 84% recognising the reforms and 32% fully understanding them. In contrast, smaller and long-established landlords tend to have lower awareness and are less likely to follow regulatory changes closely.

Landlords Are Planning Ahead

Mark Long, founder and director of Pegasus Insight, commented on the findings: “The level of awareness we’re now seeing means the Renters’ Rights Act is no longer a future consideration for most landlords, it’s becoming part of how they assess risk and plan ahead.”

He added that many landlords appreciate the intent behind the legislation, particularly its aim to improve security and consistency for tenants. However, Long highlighted ongoing concerns about the practical operation of the Act, especially given the lengthy average time of over 50 weeks for possession cases to be heard in county courts. This delay raises questions about the effectiveness of possession processes under the new rules.

Concerns Over the Act’s Impact

As landlords become more familiar with the Renters’ Rights Act, expectations about its effects are shifting. Approximately three-quarters of landlords anticipate that the legislation will negatively impact their lettings activity. Moreover, 84% expect it to have a broader adverse effect on the private rented sector (PRS) as a whole.

Mark Long emphasised an important awareness gap that remains: “While three-quarters of landlords are now familiar with the proposals, a significant minority remain less engaged, often smaller or long-established landlords who may not follow regulatory changes as closely as their larger counterparts.”

This gap presents an opportunity for brokers and intermediaries to play a greater role in keeping landlords informed, particularly during financing discussions which provide natural points of contact.

What this means for landlords

The increasing awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act among landlords means that compliance and risk management are becoming integral to property management strategies. Larger landlords and limited companies appear better prepared, but smaller landlords may need additional support to fully understand and adapt to the new legal landscape.

Given the anticipated negative impact on lettings activity and the wider PRS, landlords should consider reviewing their portfolios and tenancy management practices to mitigate risks. The lengthy court processes for possession cases suggest that landlords must plan carefully for potential delays in resolving disputes.

Engagement with professional intermediaries and staying informed about regulatory developments will be crucial for landlords to navigate the changes effectively and maintain sustainable lettings operations.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/