Renting Reforms ‘Won’t Stop Bad Landlords Being Bad Landlords’

Summary: Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly has expressed doubts that the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act will effectively tackle rogue landlords. He warns that while good landlords will face increased burdens, bad landlords are unlikely to be deterred by the new regulations.

Introduction: Concerns Over Effectiveness of Renting Reforms

James Cleverly, the Shadow Housing Secretary, has stated that the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act will not prevent rogue or criminal landlords from operating under the radar. Speaking at The Negotiator Conference & Expo on 29 November 2025, Cleverly emphasised that the legislation is more likely to burden responsible landlords rather than eliminate bad actors from the private rented sector.

Good Landlords Facing Increased Burdens

Cleverly, who was once considered a potential Conservative Party leader, highlighted that the new rules will impose significant responsibilities on good landlords. From 1 May 2026, landlords in England will be required to join a new national database and face substantially higher fines for non-compliance. However, despite these measures, many councils lack the necessary resources and funding to effectively enforce the regulations and pursue rogue landlords.

Challenges in Enforcement and Local Authority Resources

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) reinforced this concern during a parliamentary session on 29 November 2025. Four environmental health practitioners urged the Government to increase funding for housing enforcement, warning that without adequate support, councils will struggle to identify and sanction landlords who flout the rules.

Disagreement Among Industry Stakeholders

Not all industry voices share Cleverly’s scepticism. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and prominent lettings agency Andrews have recently expressed confidence that the Renters’ Rights Act will help prevent bad landlords from operating within the sector. They argue that the new powers and enforcement mechanisms will improve standards and protect tenants.

Implications for Landlords

For landlords, the Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift in regulatory expectations. Responsible landlords will need to ensure compliance with the new database registration and be prepared for increased scrutiny and potential penalties. However, the concerns raised about enforcement capacity suggest that rogue landlords may continue to operate with relative impunity unless further measures are taken to support local authorities.

Conclusion

While the Renters’ Rights Act aims to improve conditions in the private rented sector, James Cleverly’s comments highlight ongoing challenges in balancing regulation with practical enforcement. Landlords should stay informed about the new requirements and engage with industry bodies to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.

Photo credit: The Negotiator

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Renters’ Rights Act, rogue landlords, private rented sector, landlord compliance, housing enforcement, national landlord database, landlord fines, James Cleverly, NRLA, local authority funding

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Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly warns that the Renters’ Rights Act will impose greater burdens on good landlords but is unlikely to stop rogue landlords. Enforcement challenges remain a key concern for the private rented sector.

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Renting Reforms ‘Won’t Stop Bad Landlords Being Bad Landlords’ – James Cleverly