## NRLA calls for balanced dialogue on Renters’ Rights Act

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has urged the government to avoid unhelpful and divisive rhetoric when discussing the Renters’ Rights Act with landlords and tenants. Speaking to the London Assembly Housing Committee, NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle stressed the importance of balanced communication that recognises the role of good landlords alongside tenant rights.

Mr Beadle criticised previous comments from renter groups accusing landlords of “conning renters,” stating: “There is a school thought out there that good landlords are getting hammered and everybody gets tarnished with the same brush.” He added, “We need to be very careful with our language… we need supply and need good landlords stay in the market.” This highlights the NRLA’s concern that negative generalisations could discourage responsible landlords from continuing to provide quality housing.

## What it means for landlords

For UK landlords, this call for balanced communication means that the government is being encouraged to present the Renters’ Rights Act as a fair reform benefiting both tenants and landlords, rather than framing landlords as adversaries. This approach could help maintain confidence in the private rented sector and support the retention of good landlords, which is crucial for housing supply.

## Selective licensing schemes questioned under new legislation

Mr Beadle also questioned the continued need for selective licensing schemes, given that the Renters’ Rights Act will introduce a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database to register all rental properties. He told the committee: “If you don’t register your property, you will face a fine. With this system in place, you don’t need the duplication of selective licensing.”

He criticised local authorities for becoming “addicted” to the revenue from selective licensing, calling for simplification of licensing processes, particularly urging the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to streamline property licensing. The PRS Database is expected to enable targeted enforcement and provide renters with better information, reducing the need for multiple licensing schemes.

## What it means for landlords

Landlords should prepare for the introduction of the PRS Database as a centralised registration and enforcement tool. This may reduce the administrative burden and costs associated with multiple selective licensing schemes, although landlords will need to ensure compliance with the new database requirements to avoid fines.

## Court system concerns ahead of Act’s implementation

The NRLA has also raised concerns about the capacity of the court system to handle possession cases once the Renters’ Rights Act abolishes Section 21 notices. Mr Beadle referenced warnings from the Master of the Rolls about an expected increase in contested possession cases and stressed the need for greater investment in courts.

He said: “The court system is on its knees… it currently takes an average of nine months to regain possession, it is difficult to see how that timeline will improve under the new system without further investment.” The NRLA is calling on the government to provide clarity and resources to ensure both landlords and tenants have access to timely justice.

## What it means for landlords

Landlords should be aware that possession proceedings may become more complex and time-consuming under the new legal framework. The NRLA’s call for court investment aims to mitigate delays, but landlords may need to plan for longer timelines when seeking possession after the Act’s implementation on 1 May 2026.

## Conclusion

The NRLA’s interventions highlight the need for balanced government messaging, simplification of licensing, and court system investment as the Renters’ Rights Act approaches. These factors will be critical to supporting landlords in providing quality housing while safeguarding tenant rights.

Suggested internal link anchors
– Renters’ Rights Act
– Private rented sector database
– Selective licensing schemes
– Landlord registration requirements
– Court possession proceedings
– Section 21 abolition
– Housing supply and landlords
– Tenant rights and landlord responsibilities
– London Assembly Housing Committee
– Property licensing in London
– Renters’ Rights Act implementation
– NRLA guidance for landlords

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/