Righting Wrongs or Creating Problems for Decent Landlords?

Date Published 08 June 2026

Everyone involved in the rental sector knows that there have always been some landlords who gave others a bad name. The Renters' Rights Act (RRA) was intended to make life difficult for these rogue operators and introduce changes to make tenants more secure.

Thankfully the percentage of 'bad actors' has always been low, although as with everything else it's the few rotten apples that can ruin things for everyone.

So while there definitely was a need for new safeguards to ensure tenants are treated fairly, the question remains whether the new laws risk harming decent and honest landlords along the way.

Unexpected consequences

Sometimes it seems recently owners who rent out property have been portrayed as something of a burden on society, instead of actually providing a much needed resource when it comes to housing.

An estimated 4.7 million of all households fall under the umbrella of the UK's private rental sector (PRS), which is almost one in five of the total, according to Office for National Statistics figures.

This figure has remained relatively stable since 2017 and if the current high demand for rental properties is anything to go by it doesn't look like it will be going down any time soon.

With so many changes already in effect and others waiting to be introduced, the Renters' Rights Act really has been a transformative initiative. However, some landlords are right to be concerned that the measures will affect them negatively without due cause.

For example, rent increases are a fact of life. Under the new laws there are now strict rules as to how much and how often these can be initiated, as well as abolishing the 'no fault' evictions that unscrupulous owners may have used unethically in the past.

However, most landlords appreciate having good tenants and understand that in the current economic climate there has to be a degree of leeway and 'give and take'.

Matthew Anthony Lettings Director Ian Colban comments: "If the landlord or letting agent takes the time to have proper, up-front conversations with their tenants, one of the unexpected consequences of the RRA will be better communication between all parties."

"Rent increases and ending tenancies by mutual agreement in this way will be the way forward," he explains.

Red tape

Even so, the fact is that other 'unexpected consequences' are also being introduced. The setting up of the PRS database is just one example of even more complications for landlords. This is also one of the main areas where potential financial penalties for non-compliance could be extremely costly.

As lettings and property management professionals it's our job to make sure our clients are fully compliant will all the rules and regulations that govern the sector, both new and old. It also falls to us to make sure everything is done with a minimum of fuss and stress, which includes having those discussions with tenants that will be even more important moving forward.

If you'd like to know more about exactly what we do and how we can help you call 01903 608 080 or email us today.