Landlords and letting agents are increasingly seeking information about the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) reforms, with online search activity rising sharply as the May implementation date approaches. This surge reflects growing awareness and preparation for significant changes affecting tenancy agreements and landlord responsibilities.

Rising interest in Renters’ Rights Act

Data from Dwelly, a lettings agency acquisition platform, reveals a notable increase in Google searches related to the Renters’ Rights Act over the past three months compared to the previous quarter. Searches for the term ‘Renters’ Rights Act’ climbed by 86.4%, while queries for ‘landlord ombudsman’ surged by 157.5%, indicating heightened landlord concern about regulatory oversight and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Sam Humphreys of Dwelly commented, “The spike in search activity shows that landlords are actively trying to understand what the Renters’ Rights Act will mean for them and their portfolios and, with the most significant reforms arriving in May, it’s clear that many are now starting to prepare for the practical implications.” He also noted the dual role for letting agents, describing it as “both a responsibility and an opportunity.”

Key changes landlords are researching

Landlords are seeking clear guidance on various aspects of the RRA, including adapting tenancy structures, understanding the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, and preparing for the introduction of the landlord ombudsman and new pet-related rules. Searches related to pet rules have increased by 111.8%, while those concerning the end of Section 21 have risen by 13.1%, according to Dwelly’s analysis.

The Renters’ Rights Act will be introduced in stages and brings several significant reforms across the private rented sector (PRS). These include the removal of Section 21 evictions, a shift towards periodic tenancies, a ban on bidding above the asking rent, and new provisions allowing tenants to keep pets. Conversely, interest in the Decent Homes Standard and fixed-term tenancies has declined slightly, with searches falling by 11.5% and 2.8% respectively.

What this means for landlords

The increased search activity suggests landlords are proactively seeking to understand how the RRA will impact their management practices and legal obligations. The removal of Section 21 evictions will require landlords to adjust their approach to tenancy terminations, while the introduction of a landlord ombudsman signals a new era of accountability and dispute resolution.

Landlords will also need to familiarise themselves with the new pet policies, which may affect property maintenance and tenant relations. Letting agents have a critical role in guiding landlords through these changes, ensuring compliance and helping to implement practical solutions that align with the new legal framework.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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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.

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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/