Landlords urged to prepare ahead of new council powers coming into force

A lettings agency is warning landlords may face “an unexpected Christmas surprise” as councils gain new investigatory powers.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, councils will, in certain circumstances, have the authority to enter premises where tenancy records are kept and request paperwork or any documents related to the tenancy.

Cavendish estate agents say the new council powers, coming into force on 27 December, couldn’t come at a worse time for landlords.

A level of investigatory reach that many landlords have never experienced before

Phil Turtle, compliance director from Landlord Licensing & Defence, explains the new investigatory powers councils will have from 27 December.

He said: “Councils will be able to demand information from landlords, agents, banks and contractors. They will be permitted to enter business premises and, in specific situations, homes to check compliance.

“They will also have the authority to seize documents and computers if they ‘suspect’ wrongdoing. This represents a level of investigatory reach that many landlords have never experienced before. Powers in many cases greater than the police and frankly with little or no accountability.”

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, councils will also be able to issue fines of up to £40,000, and the government has released new civil penalty tables. These include a £12,000 fine for operating a property in a selective licensing area without the correct licence.

The December 27th date comes at the worst possible time

David Adams, managing director of Chester-based estate and lettings agent Cavendish, warns the new powers come at a difficult time.

He said: “December is already traditionally a busy time of the year for landlords with a rush to ensure last minute completions and tenancy renewals. Now they face the very real possibility of local authorities flexing their new muscles during festive period.

“The December 27th date comes at the worst possible time, somewhere between the Christmas leftovers and New Year’s resolutions, but those who act now and take all the necessary steps to protect themselves and their portfolios will enter 2026 with confidence and peace of mind that they are fully compliant.”

Landlords should start preparing now

Mr Adams recommends landlords start preparing now before the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May.

He said: “When the Renters Rights Act became law a few weeks ago, there was a lot of focus on landlords having to be ready for an implementation from May 1st next year.

“We have always advised landlords not to wait for the May 1st deadline and, instead, ensure all their processes and systems are fully compliant as soon as possible. The best approach is to see December 27th as the true deadline rather than delaying until May.”

Mr Adams says landlords should prepare by making sure every tenancy file is complete and fully compliant. They should double-check deposit protection, prescribed information, and evidence of service, and pull together all certificates, safety checks, and licensing documents into one watertight folder.

He adds landlords who use a letting agent should also check that the agent has done everything they claim, and make sure they have proof.

Share This Article