Landlord online searches spike ahead of Renters’ Rights Act reforms

Landlord online search activity tied to the Renters’ Rights Act has climbed in recent months as May’s implementation date draws closer.

An analysis from Dwelly, based on Google search trends, shows a clear increase in queries over the past three months when compared with the previous quarter.

The lettings agency acquisition platform says searches for ‘Renters’ Rights Act’ rose by 86.4% in the latest three-month window.

At the same time, queries for ‘landlord ombudsman’ increased by 157.5%, pointing to rising interest in oversight and redress.

Landlords prepare for RRA

The firm’s Sam Humphreys said: “The spike in search activity shows that landlords are actively trying to understand what the Renters’ Rights Act will mean for them and their portfolios and, with the most significant reforms arriving in May, it’s clear that many are now starting to prepare for the practical implications.

“For letting agents, this creates both a responsibility and an opportunity.”

He added: “Landlords are looking for clear guidance on what the changes mean and how they should respond, whether that’s adapting tenancy structures, understanding the removal of Section 21, or preparing for the introduction of the landlord ombudsman and new pet rules.”

Understanding the end of Section 21

The Renters’ Rights Act is being rolled out in stages and includes the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and a move to periodic tenancies across the PRS.

There’s also a ban on bidding above asking rent, and rules allowing tenants to keep pets.

The last issue has seen searches linked to pet rules increased by 111.8%.

Dwelly also says that searches on understanding the abolition of Section 21 rose by 13.1%.

Searches tied to the Decent Homes Standard fell by 11.5%, and interest in fixed-term tenancies slipped by 2.8% over the same period.