NRLA partners with council to brief landlords on Renters Rights Act
Cheshire West and Chester council is hosting a forum with the National Residential Landlords Association to explain the new Renters Rights Act and related landlord obligations, including a new landlord database and inspection regime.
Cheshire West and Chester council will hold a briefing session for private landlords on 24 September 2026 to discuss the implications of the Renters Rights Act. The event is organised in partnership with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), which will provide expert input on key aspects of the legislation.
The session will feature Samantha Watkin from the NRLA, who will explain how the new landlord database will operate. Council officers will also present details on the revised Housing and Health Safety Rating System and the council’s approach to inspections under the Private Rented Sector Service.
Details of the landlord briefing and new regulatory tools
The Renters Rights Act introduces several new requirements for landlords, aiming to improve safety and management standards in the private rented sector. One significant change is the establishment of a landlord database, designed to enhance transparency and enable better enforcement of housing standards.
According to the council, the database will collect information on landlords and their properties, allowing local authorities to identify non-compliant landlords more effectively. The NRLA’s involvement is intended to help landlords understand their responsibilities and how to comply with the new system.
The revised Housing and Health Safety Rating System (HHSRS) will be a key tool for the council’s Private Rented Sector Service when conducting property inspections. This updated framework assesses hazards and risks in rental properties, influencing enforcement actions where necessary.
A council spokesperson said the briefing will be “invaluable” for landlords, providing a forum to discuss new legislation and safety requirements directly with sector experts. The council emphasised its commitment to working with responsible landlords while taking action against those failing to provide safe, well-managed homes.
Context of the Renters Rights Act and sector impact
The Renters Rights Act represents a significant step in the ongoing reform of the private rented sector, focusing on tenant protections and landlord accountability. It builds on previous legislation by introducing new registration and inspection mechanisms, alongside enhanced safety standards.
For landlords, the Act signals a shift towards greater regulatory oversight. The landlord database is expected to become a central feature in local authorities’ enforcement strategies, making it essential for landlords to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Local authorities are increasingly empowered to inspect properties and take enforcement action where hazards are found. The updated HHSRS will guide these inspections, with a focus on identifying risks that affect tenant health and safety.
Practical implications for landlords and agents
Landlords should prepare for the new obligations by reviewing their property records and ensuring all safety certificates and maintenance logs are up to date. Registration on the landlord database will likely require submission of detailed information about properties and management practices.
Letting agents managing portfolios will need to support landlords in meeting these requirements, including facilitating inspections and responding promptly to any identified hazards. The increased scrutiny means that previously tolerated issues may now trigger formal enforcement action.
Communication with tenants will also be important, as the Act aims to improve transparency and tenant confidence. Landlords should be ready to demonstrate compliance and respond to tenant concerns regarding safety and property management.
Outstanding questions and areas to monitor
While the briefing will clarify many aspects of the Renters Rights Act, some details remain to be confirmed, particularly regarding the operation of the landlord database and the frequency and scope of inspections. Landlords should watch for official guidance and updates from both the NRLA and local authorities.
There may also be regional variations in how councils implement the new powers, so landlords should check the specific approach in their area. The impact on smaller landlords and those with limited resources is yet to be fully understood, raising questions about support and compliance costs.
Steps landlords should take now
- Register for the Cheshire West and Chester council briefing if operating in that area or check for similar sessions locally.
- Review property safety documentation and ensure compliance with the revised Housing and Health Safety Rating System.
- Prepare to provide accurate property and landlord information for the new landlord database.
- Engage with tenants proactively to explain new rights and safety measures under the Act.
- Monitor communications from the NRLA and local authorities for further guidance and updates.
Supporting landlords through regulatory change with TLA
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to tailored compliance resources and practical guidance to help manage the requirements introduced by the Renters Rights Act. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can access up-to-date information on regulatory developments and best practice advice on property safety and tenant management.
TLA is currently developing ORBIT, a property management and compliance platform available in BETA testing. ORBIT aims to assist landlords in organising property records, managing inspection documentation, and recording communications related to compliance activities. This platform could be particularly useful for landlords needing to prepare for the new landlord database and inspection regimes.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with tools to stay informed and organised as the sector adapts to these legislative changes.
Looking ahead, landlords should remain vigilant for further announcements and ensure they are ready to meet the evolving standards set by the Renters Rights Act to avoid enforcement action and maintain good tenant relationships.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association