Renters’ Rights Act is already driving a surge in tenant complaints

It’s not due to take effect until 1 May, but one organisation is claiming that the Renters’ Rights Act is already driving a surge in tenant complaints.

Figures published by The Property Ombudsman show a big rise in enquiries and complaints from tenants increasingly wanting independent support when disagreements with agents and managers arise.

It says that between November 2025 and February 2026 the redress scheme recorded 58% more complaints than during the same four-month period a year earlier.

The organisation links the increase to rising awareness of tenant rights, calling it the ‘Renters’ Rights effect’.

Seeing ‘unprecedented demand’

Lesley Horton, the chief property ombudsman, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is changing how people think about renting and their ability to challenge poor practice.

“We are already seeing unprecedented demand, and we expect that to continue as the new rights begin to take effect.”

She added: “This act and other proposed changes to the private housing sector will raise awareness of rights and obligations among consumers, influencing both the volume and nature of disputes through 2026.”

The Ombudsman provides an independent and impartial dispute resolution service for consumers and property businesses.

Common tenant complaints

The most common complaint from tenants is over housing disrepair claims.

Cases involving damp and mould also remain prominent within disputes brought to the scheme.

Elsewhere in the review, poor communication emerges as the most common underlying cause of disputes between consumers and agents.

Situations where clear information is not provided, or responses are delayed, often develop into formal complaints.

Ms Horton said: “Our role is to be transparent, trustworthy and fair.

“For both consumers and agents, we are here to help.

“If you’ve dealt with an agent, and feel they have provided a poor service, our website includes lots of information that help you decide whether to raise a complaint, and what to do if you decide to.”

How disputes are handled

The Ombudsman also sets out in its latest report of adjustments to the way enquiries and disputes are handled.

These include earlier professional judgement during triage, clearer evidence gathering and strengthened quality assurance checks.

The changes coincided with a substantial increase in completed cases.

Last year, the organisation resolved 54% more disputes than in 2024, with waiting times reduced while decisions continued to be made independently.

Across the year, the service handled 23,987 calls and email enquiries.

It also resolved 7,681 disputes, including 4,552 settled through early resolution.