Renters Rights Act detailed in East Midlands housing conference
Bolsover council is hosting a conference on October 20 to explain the Renters Rights Act to landlords, letting agents and housing professionals, focusing on practical guidance and legislative impact.
The East Midlands Housing Conference 2026 will take place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Tuesday, October 20. It is organised by DASH Services, which specialises in support and expertise for the private rented sector. The event aims to provide landlords, letting agents and housing professionals with practical advice on the implications of the Renters Rights Act.
Keynote speakers include housing law specialist David Smith and Suzanne Smith, author of The Good Landlord Handbook. They will be joined by a range of experts leading interactive workshops throughout the day. An exhibition featuring organisations that support landlords and housing professionals will run alongside the conference.
Understanding the Renters Rights Act and its significance
The Renters Rights Act represents one of the most significant changes to housing legislation in recent years. It introduces a range of reforms intended to improve tenant protections and clarify landlord obligations. The Act impacts tenancy agreements, possession procedures, rent regulation, and safety and property standards.
For landlords and agents, the Act requires adjustments to tenancy management, documentation, and compliance practices. It may also affect eviction processes and dispute resolution. The reforms reflect government efforts to balance tenant security with landlords’ operational needs, aiming to create a fairer rental sector.
While the Act’s provisions are comprehensive, many landlords remain uncertain about how to implement them effectively. The upcoming conference is designed to address these uncertainties by providing clear, actionable guidance from legal and sector experts.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
Landlords with small portfolios and letting agents must review their current tenancy agreements and procedures to ensure compliance with the Renters Rights Act. This includes revising tenancy terms to align with new legal standards, updating safety checks and documentation, and preparing for changes in possession rules.
Agents should consider training their staff on the Act’s requirements to provide accurate advice and support to landlords and tenants. The conference workshops will likely cover these practical aspects, helping attendees understand how to adapt their operations and minimise legal risks.
Additionally, landlords may need to engage more proactively with tenants to manage expectations and maintain good communication, given the enhanced tenant rights under the Act. Keeping detailed records of inspections, repairs, and communications will be increasingly important.
Areas of ongoing uncertainty and what to monitor
Despite the clarity provided by the Act, some details remain subject to interpretation or future guidance. For example, the exact scope of certain tenant protections and the enforcement mechanisms may evolve as case law develops. Landlords should monitor official updates and legal commentary closely.
The government may also introduce secondary legislation or codes of practice that further clarify landlord and tenant responsibilities. Keeping abreast of these developments will be essential for ongoing compliance and risk management.
Landlords should also watch for local licensing changes or additional regulatory requirements that may interact with the Renters Rights Act provisions.
Steps landlords should take now to prepare
- Review existing tenancy agreements and update them in line with the Act’s requirements.
- Ensure all safety certificates and property standards meet current legal obligations.
- Train staff and advisers on the new legislation and its practical effects.
- Maintain comprehensive records of tenant communications, repairs and inspections.
- Engage with professional bodies and attend events such as the East Midlands Housing Conference for expert guidance.
- Monitor government websites and trusted legal sources for updates and clarifications.
Supporting landlords through the Renters Rights Act changes
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to detailed compliance resources and practical guidance tailored to the Renters Rights Act. Through TLA membership, landlords and letting agents can benefit from up-to-date information on legislation, tenancy documentation support, and regulatory developments.
TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is being developed to help landlords organise their portfolios and manage compliance efficiently. ORBIT aims to assist with record-keeping for inspections, repairs and communications, and provides access to TLA’s compliance resources relevant to the Act. While still in testing, ORBIT represents a promising tool for landlords preparing for ongoing regulatory changes.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with practical support during this period of legislative transition.
Looking ahead, landlords who engage proactively with the Renters Rights Act’s requirements and seek expert advice will be better placed to manage their properties effectively and maintain positive tenant relationships.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association