As May draws to a close, landlords and letting agents face key deadlines and ongoing challenges in the private rented sector. From calls to raise the Local Housing Allowance to compliance with the Renters’ Right Act, this month’s developments highlight the evolving landscape for UK landlords.

Calls to Increase the Local Housing Allowance

The number of older renters in the UK continues to rise, with many facing significant financial pressure. Independent Age has highlighted that this demographic spends over a third (35%) of their income on housing, with those on the lowest incomes spending as much as 48%.

This charity is urging the government to raise the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), which has been frozen for two years despite rents increasing by 10.5% during that period. Independent Age emphasises that for those on the lowest incomes, current rent levels are officially classified as ‘unaffordable’. They point out that the Renters’ Right Act does not address rent costs, making an increase in the LHA essential to support vulnerable renters.

Urgent Reminder: Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet Deadline

Landlords must ensure their tenants have received the new Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 to avoid potential fines of up to £7,000. This deadline is fast approaching, and compliance is critical.

Richard Offenbach, founder of Leasesafe, notes that many landlords are not intentionally neglecting their duties but are instead applying old practices to new legal requirements. He said, “The three patterns we keep seeing aren’t bad-faith landlords cutting corners. They’re good landlords applying the old playbook to a new framework.”

Who Is Responsible for Serving the Information Sheet?

There remains confusion over whether landlords or letting agents are responsible for serving the Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet to tenants as of 1 May 2026. Government guidance states that if a letting agent manages the property, the agent must provide the Information Sheet, even if the landlord has also done so.

However, the guidance does not require landlords to serve the Information Sheet if the agent has already done so. The practical advice for landlords is as follows:

• If you self-manage your property, you must serve the Information Sheet yourself. If you have not done so yet, you should act immediately.
• If you use letting agents, it is their responsibility to serve the Information Sheet. Landlords should confirm with their agents whether this has been completed.
• If the agent has served the Information Sheet, landlords do not need to take further action.
• If you cannot get a clear answer from your agents or suspect they have not served the document, it is advisable to serve it yourself. This ensures you are not held liable for non-compliance, and any fines would fall on the agents instead.

Further guidance on this topic is available in detailed landlord resources.

Government Data Gathering and Enforcement Plans

The government is undertaking a significant data collection exercise to evaluate the impact of recent reforms in the private rented sector and to monitor court and tribunal activity. This initiative aims to provide better insight into disputes, possession proceedings, and rent challenges over time.

According to reports, these data sources will help the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities identify pressures within the tribunal system and assess whether reforms are improving access to justice and delivering fairer outcomes.

This move follows criticism that the government previously lacked sufficient information about the sector and court operations, hindering effective decision-making. The introduction of a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database and requirements for local authorities to submit enforcement data will further enhance oversight.

Historically, renting was not a priority for government policy, with owner-occupiers receiving more attention. This shift towards data-driven monitoring signals a more focused approach to the PRS, although it is anticipated that some information may also be shared with HM Revenue & Customs for tax compliance purposes.

Recent Sector Headlines

Several notable developments have emerged recently, including a landlord losing an appeal and facing a £9,000 fine, a court ruling that challenges the validity of late-served Section 21 notices, and discussions about the balance between enforcement and income generation by local authorities.

Additionally, many landlords are closer to meeting Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets than they realise, while cash-strapped tenants face risks linked to the Renters’ Right Act, according to recent polls.

What this means for landlords

Landlords must be vigilant in meeting their new legal obligations, particularly regarding the Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet. Confirming that agents have served the document or serving it personally is essential to avoid substantial fines.

Awareness of the government’s increasing data collection and enforcement activity should encourage landlords to maintain thorough records and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. The call to raise the LHA also highlights the ongoing affordability challenges faced by tenants, which landlords should consider when setting rents and managing tenancies.

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/