Worried about compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act?
Renters’ Rights Act Now in Force: Why More Landlords Are Turning to Letting Agents
As of today, the Renters’ Rights Act has officially come into force, introducing major changes to the private rental sector across England. While much of the focus has been on increased tenant protections, one of the most noticeable early trends is a shift in landlord behaviour—particularly among those who have historically managed their properties themselves.
A Market Already Reacting
Since details of the legislation became clear, we have seen a growing number of self-managing landlords choosing to instruct letting agents. The reason is simple: the new rules significantly increase the level of compliance, administration, and legal understanding required to successfully manage a tenancy. For many landlords, the time, risk, and complexity involved in self-management now outweigh the cost of professional management.
Key Changes Driving This Shift
1. Section 21 Abolished The removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions means landlords must now rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession of their property. This places far greater importance on: Correct documentation, Proper processes, Evidence-based decision making, Mistakes can lead to delays, legal costs, or failed possession claims.
2. Periodic Tenancies as Standard With fixed terms replaced by periodic tenancies, landlords must be prepared for more fluid tenancy arrangements. Managing notice periods, rent reviews, and tenant turnover now requires a more hands-on and legally compliant approach.
3. The Written Statement and Information Requirements The Written Statement forms a key part of the new tenancy structure. Alongside this, the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet must be correctly served to existing tenants. Getting this wrong could impact a landlord’s ability to enforce terms or regain possession. For self-managing landlords unfamiliar with these requirements, this represents a significant risk.
4. Increased Tenant Rights and Expectations Tenants now have stronger protections and are more aware of their rights than ever before. This is likely to lead to: More challenges to rent increases, Greater scrutiny of property standards, Increased formal complaints if processes aren’t followed correctly.
Why Landlords Are Turning to Agents
We are already seeing landlords who previously managed their own portfolios now seeking professional support.
Key reasons include: Compliance confidence – Ensuring all legislation and documentation is correct. Time saving – Avoiding the day-to-day demands of management. Risk reduction – Minimising the chance of costly legal errors. Tenant management – Handling negotiations, disputes, and communication professionally. In short, the role of a letting agent has shifted from being a convenience to, for many, a necessity.
What This Means for the Rental Market
This shift is likely to have several knock-on effects:
A rise in demand for fully managed services.
Greater professionalisation of the sector.
Potential consolidation, with less experienced landlords stepping back or exiting.
Well-informed landlords who adapt quickly are still in a strong position—but the margin for error is now much smaller.
Our Advice to Landlords
If you are currently self-managing, now is the time to review whether that approach is still right for you. Ask yourself:
Are you fully up to date with the latest legislation?
Are your tenancy documents compliant?
Do you have the time to manage ongoing legal obligations?
If the answer to any of these is “no”, seeking professional guidance could save significant time, stress, and cost in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act marks a turning point for the lettings industry. While it brings improvements in standards and tenant protection, it also raises the bar for landlords. As a result, many are recognising the value of experienced letting agents to help navigate this new landscape.
If you’d like advice on switching to a fully managed service or ensuring your property is compliant under the new legislation, our team is here to help. Get in touch today.