Small landlords need support to adapt to Renters’ Rights Act – The Property Ombudsman

With the Renters’ Rights Act just a day away, an organisation has urged the government to support small landlords.

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has warned that small landlords will need support in adapting to the extensive changes to make the new protections a working reality.

The TPO say good landlords have nothing to fear from the reforms, but urges the government to give more support to the private rented sector.

Vital that landlords are supported

Lesley Horton, the chief ombudsman at TPO, says many small-scale landlords would benefit from additional guidance on how best to maximise their new obligations.

She said: “It is vital that landlords are supported through this process, which means a sensible, phased implementation that gives everyone in the private rental sector time to get ready. There will inevitably be changes needed implemented, particularly for landlords.

“Professional letting agents will also be instrumental in bridging this gap, providing the expertise and practical support that landlords need to navigate the new regulatory landscape.

“With proper support and guidance, we’re confident that all parties will adapt successfully to these changes.

“The reforms present an opportunity to strengthen the sector, and by ensuring landlords have access to professional advice and a clear implementation timeline, we can maintain a healthy supply of quality rental properties. This stability benefits everyone, landlords, tenants, and the broader rental market.”

She adds: “Now that the initial roadmap has been released, there is more clarity about the immediate amendments. Some of the more fundamental changes, such as the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard, are projected to take years to implement.

“There will have to be a lot of consultation, as we can’t have people losing their homes because they are deemed sub-standard, during the process of improvement. That would be a perverse, unintended consequence.”

Good landlords have nothing to fear

Ms Horton also says landlords and tenants both want the same things, and good landlords have nothing to fear.

She explains: “There’s often a misconception that what’s good for tenants must be bad for landlords, or vice versa. However, we’ve found that in many cases, their interests align.

“Tenants want secure homes where they can settle, and landlords want reliable tenants who will stay long-term. The Renters Rights Act has the capacity to addresses these shared goals.

“Good landlords have nothing to fear from this. They already keep their properties in good repair and are responsive to tenants. Yet they’ve got people in the same market that frankly operate like slum housing, that’s not a fair playing field.

“Good landlords don’t want those bad actors in the sector. They want everyone to operate to the same high standards as they do, so moving towards that professionalisation of landlords, is good for everyone.”