Letting agents are being urged to thoroughly review and update their online content to ensure compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act, which has now entered its first phase across England. This call to action comes from Propertymark, an industry body highlighting the risks posed by outdated information remaining accessible on websites and through search engines.

Urgent need to audit website content

With the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, Propertymark advises letting agents to conduct a comprehensive audit of all consumer-facing materials published online. This includes legal statements, terms and conditions, guidance notes, and any other relevant documents hosted on agency websites. The organisation warns that even when outdated content is removed from live pages, it can still be indexed by search engines, potentially misleading landlords and tenants.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, emphasised the importance of these checks, stating: “The preparation on the lead up to phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force across England has been incredible. It has required immense dedication and planning to ensure the new legislation has been smoothly implemented, and that agents can fully support landlords and tenants across the transformation.”

He added, “It now remains essential that agencies perform a full set of ‘safety net’ checks on all available information across all communication channels to ensure compliance. A key area of concern is the complexities of how many website content management systems work, and the fact that outdated information remains live and accessible in search engine results.”

Risks of outdated information

Propertymark highlighted that some agencies may still have references to abolished practices, such as Section 21 notices and fixed-term tenancy rules, appearing online as if they remain valid. Such inaccuracies can cause confusion among landlords and tenants, increasing the likelihood of complaints or breaches of compliance.

Mr Emerson explained, “To ensure compliance, it is important to fully audit website content and remove not only redundant information on potential physical webpages, but also previous linked PDF files, for example, which now contain either wrong or misleading information, inaccurate terms and conditions and outdated consumer advice.”

Fines for landlords over information sheet

In addition to website content concerns, landlords face penalties if they fail to provide tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet by 31 May 2026. The fine for non-compliance can be as high as £7,000.

Mr Emerson stressed the role of letting agents in this process: “With the publication of the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, letting agents across England will be required to ensure that all tenants named on a tenancy agreement receive this information, regardless of whether the landlord has provided it. Failure to provide each tenant with the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 could result in fines of up to £7,000.”

He further clarified the delivery requirements: “The Information Sheet must be provided either as a physical hard copy or electronically, such as via email. It is important to note that simply sharing a web link to the information sheet will not meet the required communication standards.”

To support compliance, letting agents are advised to keep detailed records of all communications relating to the provision of the information sheet. This documentation will be crucial in the event of complaints or audits.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should be aware that failure to provide the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet to tenants by the deadline could lead to substantial fines. They should work closely with their letting agents to ensure this legal obligation is met promptly and accurately. Additionally, landlords should verify that any advice or documentation they rely on is up to date, as outdated information may no longer reflect current legislation, potentially exposing them to compliance risks.

By collaborating with agents who maintain current, accurate online content and communication practices, landlords can better protect themselves and their tenants during this period of legislative change.

Source: Based on reporting from Propertymark

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/