Landlord Law Newsround #432

The government has recently allocated significant funding to local councils in preparation for the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into effect on 1 May 2026. This move aims to bolster enforcement capabilities and support tenants facing eviction, while property experts and councils offer guidance to landlords navigating new regulations.

Government Funding Boosts Council Enforcement

In anticipation of the Renters’ Rights Act, the government has distributed £41 million to 317 councils across England to assist with their enhanced enforcement responsibilities. This funding supplements the £18.2 million allocated last autumn, reflecting the government’s commitment to preparing councils for their new duties.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the importance of this support, stating, “We’ve been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.”

Additional investment includes £50 million dedicated to modernising the civil courts and £5 million annually for the housing legal aid sector. This funding aims to provide free advice and support to tenants facing eviction, ensuring access to legal assistance during challenging times.

Despite these measures, leading lawyer David Smith has expressed concerns about the adequacy of the funding. He highlighted chronic shortages of enforcement staff within local authorities, suggesting that the current financial support may not be sufficient to meet the increased demands.

Property Expert Defends Landlords Amidst Section 21 Debate

As the 1 May deadline approaches, the use of section 21 notices has come under scrutiny. Housing Secretary Steve Reed condemned landlords issuing these notices before the Act takes effect, describing it as “disgraceful behaviour.” According to the Renters Union Acorn, section 21 notices accounted for 22% in 2024 but have risen to 31% in 2026.

However, property expert Kate Faulkner has defended landlords’ decisions to use section 21 notices before the new rules apply. She pointed out that some tenants pay rent in cash upfront—a practice banned from 1 May—prompting landlords to ask such tenants to leave before the change. Faulkner also noted that many landlords are retiring or reconsidering their involvement in the rental market due to increased compliance burdens and the risk of hefty fines.

Faulkner further highlighted challenges posed by new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements. Properties that are difficult to improve may prompt landlords to evict tenants and sell before the Act’s full implementation, as this may be simpler than complying with the new standards later.

Wiltshire Council Offers Free Damp and Mould Training

Wiltshire Council is providing landlords and letting agents with a free course focused on tackling damp and mould issues. This training aims to improve understanding of legal responsibilities and raise standards in rented homes by offering practical advice on prevention, identification, and treatment.

The course also addresses effective management of damp and mould in collaboration with tenants. It is available online to all interested parties, with an in-person event scheduled for next month covering essential landlord topics such as tenancy agreements, deposits, and certificates.

The council stated, “By offering clear, practical guidance, from tackling damp and mould to understanding the Renters Rights Act, we’re helping landlords continue to provide safe homes while meeting their duties with confidence.” This initiative sets a positive example, and there is hope that more councils will follow suit with similar training opportunities.

Spring Sees Surge in Large-Scale Landlord Repairs

Data from property management specialists Rushbrook & Rathbone reveals that landlords tend to undertake more complex maintenance tasks during spring. Although the number of maintenance jobs in April is lower compared to other months, the average cost per job reaches £797, the highest annual figure.

Sarah Rushbrook explained, “Whilst the number of maintenance jobs carried out in April is lower than in many other months, the average spend per job is the highest of the year. Landlords are using the spring period to get their properties back to full working order by tackling fewer, but more substantial, tasks.”

What this means for landlords

Landlords face a period of significant change as the Renters’ Rights Act introduces new enforcement mechanisms and tenant protections. The government’s funding boost aims to strengthen council enforcement, but concerns remain about resource shortages, which may affect the speed and effectiveness of regulatory actions.

The rise in section 21 notices ahead of the Act’s commencement reflects landlords’ attempts to adapt to new restrictions, especially where tenants pay rent in now-banned cash upfront. Additionally, increased compliance costs and EPC requirements may influence landlords’ decisions to exit the market or sell properties sooner rather than later.

Training opportunities like Wiltshire Council’s damp and mould course provide valuable support, helping landlords meet their legal obligations and maintain property standards. Planning maintenance during spring, when repair costs tend to be higher but fewer jobs are undertaken, can help landlords manage their portfolios proactively.

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/