As May draws to a close, landlords and letting agents face important deadlines and ongoing challenges in the private rented sector. Recent calls to raise the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) highlight affordability issues for older renters, while compliance with the Renters’ Right Act remains a pressing concern ahead of the 31 May deadline. Meanwhile, government efforts to gather data on the sector signal a shift towards more informed regulation and enforcement.
Calls to Increase Local Housing Allowance Amid Rising Costs
The proportion of older renters in the UK continues to grow, with many facing significant housing cost burdens. Research shows that older tenants spend over a third (35%) of their income on rent, rising to 48% for those on the lowest incomes. Independent Age has urged the government to increase the Local Housing Allowance, which has been frozen for two years despite rents rising by 10.5% during that period.
The charity emphasises that for those on the lowest incomes, current rent levels are officially classified as ‘unaffordable’. They criticise the Renters’ Right Act for failing to address rent costs and call for an LHA increase to help make renting more sustainable for vulnerable groups.
Urgent Reminder: Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet Deadline Approaches
Landlords must ensure that all existing tenants have received the new Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 to avoid fines of up to £7,000. Richard Offenbach, founder of Leasesafe, notes that many landlords are inadvertently applying outdated practices to new legal requirements rather than acting in bad faith.
Clarifying Responsibility for Serving the Information Sheet
There remains confusion over whether landlords or letting agents are responsible for serving the Information Sheet to tenants. Government guidance states that if a letting agent manages the property, the agent must provide the Information Sheet, even if the landlord has already done so. However, it does not require landlords to serve the document if the agent has fulfilled this duty.
Landlords who self-manage must serve the Information Sheet themselves without delay. Those using letting agents should confirm with their agents whether the document has been served. If agents have not done so or landlords cannot obtain a clear answer, it is advisable for landlords to serve the Information Sheet themselves to avoid penalties.
Government Data Gathering to Monitor Sector Reforms
The government is undertaking a significant data collection initiative to evaluate the impact of recent reforms in the private rented sector and monitor court activity. This includes tracking disputes, possession proceedings, and rent challenges to assess pressures on tribunals and the effectiveness of reforms in improving access to justice and fairness.
Criticism has been levelled at the government for previously lacking comprehensive data on the sector and courts, which hindered informed decision-making. The introduction of a new Private Rented Sector Database and requirements for local authorities to report enforcement activity will provide greater transparency and oversight.
Historically, renting was deprioritised in government policy, with a focus on owner-occupiers perceived as more politically influential. This renewed attention to the private rented sector marks a notable shift, although some of the collected data may also be shared with HM Revenue & Customs for tax compliance purposes.
What this means for landlords
Landlords should be aware of the growing affordability challenges facing tenants, particularly older renters, which may influence demand and rental income stability. Staying compliant with the Renters’ Right Act by serving the required Information Sheet is essential to avoid substantial fines. Clear communication with letting agents about compliance responsibilities is crucial.
The government’s increased data monitoring may lead to more targeted enforcement and regulatory changes, so landlords should prepare for greater scrutiny of their practices. Engaging proactively with these developments will help landlords manage risks and maintain good standing in the evolving regulatory landscape.
Recent Sector Highlights
Recent news includes a landlord losing an appeal and facing a £9,000 fine, a court ruling that challenges late-served Section 21 notices, and discussions around the balance between enforcement and income generation by authorities. Additionally, many landlords are closer to meeting EPC targets than expected, while cash-strapped tenants face risks linked to the Renters’ Right Act, according to recent polls.
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/
Source: www.landlordlawblog.co.uk
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