Renters Rights Act event invites landlords and agents in November

Renters Rights Act event invites landlords and agents in November

A free event in Exeter on 3 November will offer landlords and letting agents practical guidance on the Renters Rights Act and other private rental sector issues, featuring expert speakers and trade stands.

Letting agents and landlords are invited to attend Rent Smart Devon, a teach-in event organised by Exeter City Council. It will take place at Exeter Racecourse on Tuesday 3 November 2026, with doors opening at 2pm and sessions starting at 3pm. The event aims to address the fast-evolving regulatory environment affecting the private rented sector, including the Renters Rights Act.

The event will bring together property professionals, support organisations, and expert speakers to provide practical insight into current tenancy management challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and engage directly with exhibitors specialising in various aspects of property management and tenant support.

Details of the Rent Smart Devon event and speakers

The free event is organised by Exeter City Council and will feature more than 20 trade stands. Participants include local councils such as Exeter City Council and East Devon District Council, property management firms like Rosewood Property letting agents, insurers such as Howden Insurance and NFU Mutual, legal experts from Simpkins Edwards LLP, and support organisations including Citizens Advice and South West Landlords Association Landlord Advice & Training.

Four bite-sized sessions will cover practical issues facing landlords and agents, with expert speakers available to answer questions specifically about the Renters Rights Act. The event also offers a chance to meet representatives from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant bodies.

Registration is free but encouraged in advance via the Exeter council website, reflecting the event’s focus on providing accessible, up-to-date information to those managing or letting private rental properties.

The Renters Rights Act’s impact on landlords and agents

The Renters Rights Act, which has introduced significant changes to tenancy law and landlord obligations, continues to reshape the private rented sector. It imposes new duties on landlords and agents regarding tenant rights, possession procedures, rent regulation, and property standards. However, many details and practical interpretations remain evolving, making events like Rent Smart Devon valuable for clarifying compliance requirements.

For landlords and agents with small to medium portfolios, understanding the Act’s nuances is critical to avoid penalties and maintain good tenant relationships. The Act’s provisions affect how notices are served, how deposits are handled, and how disputes are resolved, among other areas. The presence of legal and advisory experts at the event will help attendees grasp these complexities.

Practical considerations for landlords and letting agents

Attending such an event offers landlords and agents a chance to update their knowledge on regulatory changes and network with peers and service providers. It also provides an opportunity to review current tenancy management practices against the latest legal standards. For example, landlords should ensure their tenancy agreements comply with the new Act and that their procedures for handling repairs, deposits, and rent increases are aligned with updated rules.

Letting agents can use the event to gather information on compliance tools, insurance products, and legal services tailored to the new regulatory environment. The inclusion of local councils and support organisations also means attendees can learn about available tenant support schemes and how to manage vulnerable tenants effectively within the new legal framework.

Uncertainties and ongoing developments in rental regulation

While the Renters Rights Act has been enacted, some operational details and enforcement mechanisms are still being clarified. The government and local authorities continue consultations and pilot projects to refine how the Act will be implemented in practice. This means landlords and agents must stay alert to updates and guidance changes.

Events like Rent Smart Devon help bridge the gap between legislation and day-to-day application but cannot answer every question due to ongoing policy development. Landlords should therefore maintain regular contact with official sources and consider professional advice to navigate any ambiguities.

What landlords should do now to prepare

Landlords and letting agents should register for the Rent Smart Devon event to gain direct access to expert guidance on the Renters Rights Act and related tenancy issues. Ahead of the event, reviewing current tenancy agreements, deposit handling procedures, and property management practices against the Act’s requirements will help identify areas needing attention.

It is also advisable to compile questions or scenarios encountered in practice to discuss with experts during the event. Keeping abreast of local council licensing rules and any regional variations in enforcement will further support compliance efforts.

Supporting landlords with TLA membership and ORBIT BETA

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that includes access to compliance resources and practical information relevant to the Renters Rights Act and other regulatory changes. Members can benefit from document templates, guidance notes, and updates that help maintain compliance with evolving legislation.

TLA is currently developing ORBIT, a property management and compliance platform available in BETA testing. ORBIT aims to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property records, managing tenancy documentation, and recording key compliance actions such as inspections and repairs. This platform could prove useful for landlords preparing for new obligations under the Renters Rights Act by keeping all relevant information in one place and providing reminders for legal requirements.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can support landlords and agents in staying informed and organised as the private rental sector undergoes ongoing reform.

Looking ahead, landlords should monitor further government announcements and local authority guidance to ensure their practices remain compliant and to mitigate risks associated with the changing regulatory environment.

Sources: Letting Agent Today