Leading experts to guide landlords on Renters Rights Act at conference

Leading experts to guide landlords on Renters Rights Act at conference

A major East Midlands housing conference on October 20 will offer landlords and letting agents detailed guidance on the Renters Rights Act 2025, featuring keynote speakers and workshops from rental sector specialists.

North East Derbyshire council is promoting the East Midlands Housing Conference 2026, which will take place at the East Midlands Conference Centre on October 20. The event aims to provide landlords, letting agents and housing professionals with practical advice on complying with the Renters Rights Act 2025.

Keynote presentations will be delivered by housing law expert David Smith and Suzanne Smith, author of The Good Landlord Handbook. The conference will also include interactive workshops led by a range of specialist speakers and an exhibition showcasing organisations supporting landlords and housing professionals.

Conference details and focus on Renters Rights Act compliance

The East Midlands Housing Conference 2026 is designed to help landlords understand the practical implications of the Renters Rights Act, which has introduced significant changes to tenancy law and landlord obligations. The Act, which came into force in 2025, has reshaped aspects of possession procedures, rent regulation, and tenant protections.

By bringing together leading experts, the conference aims to clarify complex legal requirements and provide actionable guidance. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in workshops covering topics such as tenancy agreements, possession claims, rent setting and increases, deposit handling, and safety compliance under the new legal framework.

The event also features an exhibition area where landlords and agents can connect with organisations offering support, resources and services tailored to the private rented sector. This includes compliance tools, legal advice, and property management solutions relevant under the Renters Rights Act regime.

Context of the Renters Rights Act and ongoing sector reforms

The Renters Rights Act 2025 introduced a range of reforms aimed at enhancing tenant security and improving standards in the private rented sector. Key measures include extended notice periods for possession, restrictions on rent increases, and stricter requirements for landlord licensing and property condition.

These reforms have increased the regulatory burden on landlords and letting agents, requiring more rigorous documentation, compliance checks and tenant engagement. The Act also established new dispute resolution mechanisms and strengthened enforcement powers for local authorities.

Since its commencement, landlords have faced challenges adapting to the new rules, particularly in relation to possession proceedings and rent management. The conference provides an important forum to address these challenges and share best practices as the sector adjusts to the evolving legal landscape.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords managing small portfolios, the Renters Rights Act means reviewing tenancy agreements to ensure they reflect new legal requirements and updating rent setting practices to comply with restrictions on increases. Documentation of all tenant communications and compliance actions has become more critical to defend against potential disputes.

Letting agents must enhance their advisory role, guiding landlords through the complexities of the Act and helping implement compliant procedures. This includes managing deposit protections, conducting safety checks in line with updated standards, and preparing accurate records for any possession claims.

The conference workshops will offer practical tools and checklists to assist landlords and agents in these areas, helping reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and improve tenant relations under the new regime.

Remaining uncertainties and areas to monitor

Although the Renters Rights Act has been in force since 2025, some aspects remain subject to further clarification or local interpretation. For example, the precise application of possession grounds in complex cases and the interaction between rent control measures and market conditions continue to evolve through case law and regulatory guidance.

Landlords should monitor ongoing government updates and legal developments to stay informed. The conference will address some of these uncertainties by providing current interpretations and anticipated future changes, but attendees must remain vigilant as the regulatory environment continues to develop.

What landlords should consider now

• Review all tenancy agreements and rent policies to ensure compliance with the Renters Rights Act.
• Maintain thorough records of tenant communications, repairs, inspections and compliance actions.
• Check local licensing requirements and ensure all properties meet updated safety and condition standards.
• Engage with professional advice and training opportunities, such as the East Midlands Housing Conference, to stay up to date on legal obligations.
• Prepare for potential changes in possession procedures and rent regulation by establishing clear, documented processes.

Supporting landlords through regulatory change with TLA

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to comprehensive compliance resources and practical guidance tailored to the Renters Rights Act and other regulatory changes. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise property records, manage rental documents, and keep evidence of compliance activity together in one place.

ORBIT’s developing features include tools for recording inspections, repairs, and communications, which are particularly useful under the Renters Rights Act’s enhanced documentation requirements. Membership also provides access to up-to-date legal information and support to help landlords prepare for new obligations and monitor ongoing regulatory developments.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can assist landlords in managing the complexities of the Renters Rights Act more effectively and maintaining compliance as the sector continues to evolve.

Looking ahead, landlords and agents should consider attending events like the East Midlands Housing Conference to deepen their understanding of the Act and network with experts. Staying informed and proactive will be essential to managing rental properties successfully in this changing legal environment.

Sources: Landlord Today