On 1 May 2026, the Renters Rights Act 2025 came into force, introducing significant changes to the private rented sector. Among these changes, local authority enforcement of landlord legislation is now a statutory duty, marking a major shift in how housing standards will be upheld across England.

Local Authorities’ New Legal Duty

Previously, enforcement of housing standards largely depended on local authorities’ discretion, with many councils reluctant or unable to take robust action against landlords failing to meet legal obligations. This reluctance stemmed from limited funding, lack of mandatory enforcement duties, and the challenges associated with prosecuting landlords, including low fines.

Section 107 of the Renters Rights Act 2025 now places a clear legal obligation on every local housing authority to enforce landlord legislation within their jurisdiction. This means councils must actively ensure landlords comply with laws designed to protect tenants and maintain property standards.

Failure to fulfil this duty could expose local authorities to judicial review claims from tenants’ organisations, a prospect that is likely to encourage more proactive enforcement. Many councils are already responding by recruiting enforcement officers and providing training to meet their new responsibilities.

Background: Enforcement Challenges

Before this Act, tenants often faced intimidation or eviction threats under section 21 when seeking to enforce their rights, such as requesting repairs or ensuring properties were fit for habitation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Other legislation, including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System under the Housing Act 2004 and HMO Management Regulations, depended heavily on local authority intervention.

However, austerity measures led to significant cuts in enforcement teams, leaving many local authorities without the resources or legal compulsion to act. This lack of enforcement allowed some landlords to neglect their responsibilities, to the detriment of tenants and communities.

Implications for the Private Rented Sector

The new enforcement duties aim to tackle the longstanding issue of rogue and criminal landlords who fail to maintain safe, decent homes. Poorly maintained properties not only harm tenants’ health but also impose wider social costs, including increased strain on the National Health Service and the degradation of neighbourhoods.

By empowering local authorities to take consistent and effective action, the Act seeks to improve housing conditions and create a fairer rental market. This will benefit responsible landlords by levelling the playing field, as those who previously cut corners will be held accountable for maintenance and safety compliance.

What this means for landlords

For landlords who manage their properties well and comply with all regulations, the changes should bring reassurance rather than concern. Full compliance offers protection from enforcement action, as the new rules are primarily designed to address the minority of landlords who neglect their duties.

Responsible landlords can expect a more professional and regulated sector, where good practice is recognised and rogue behaviour is curtailed, ultimately enhancing the reputation and stability of the private rented sector.

Further details on local authority fines and enforcement measures will be discussed in upcoming updates.

Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog

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/