Letting agents unprepared for Renters’ Rights Act

One in three letting agents has admitted they have taken no steps to prepare for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to new research.

Data from Goodlord, based on a survey of 700 letting agents, shows that while more than 69% say they have taken concrete steps to get ready for the changes, 31% admit they have yet to begin preparations.

The government has confirmed that the Renters’ Rights Act will come into force on 1 May 2026, when Section 21 will be abolished and all fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic agreements on that date.

Too many agents are far from Renters’ Rights Act-ready.

William Reeve, CEO of Goodlord, said: “Our research shows that too many agents are far from Renters’ Rights Act-ready. Given the volume of changes that are happening, from the end of fixed-term tenancies and the ban on over-bidding, to the scrapping of Section 21 and the introduction of new rules around pets, there’s a vast amount for letting professionals to get their heads around.

“Not only is there a lot of knowledge building to be done across teams, but also a huge number of processes, paperwork and systems that need updating. It’s disconcerting to see that such a significant number of agents haven’t yet got into gear. Agents shouldn’t leave it any longer, time is not on their side and the penalties for inaction could be crippling.”

According to the survey, 16% of agents aren’t confident they will be ready by the implementation deadline, and nearly half (45%) of all agents surveyed said tenants or prospective tenants have already asked questions or raised queries relating to the Renters’ Rights Act since it was passed last month.

Property118 commercial reality check

Legislative shifts test every landlord–agent relationship. The Renters’ Rights Act will reward portfolios where both parties prepare with discipline, structure and full operational clarity.

What landlords should do next

Start a structured briefing with your letting agent. Request a precise update on their readiness: workflow changes, staff training, document updates and software configuration. Ask for timelines and evidence of completion so you manage from certainty, not assumption.

Set shared performance standards. Agree written expectations on communication speed, document accuracy, compliance checks and tenant guidance. Clarity protects your portfolio from operational drift and ensures your agent aligns with your commercial priorities.

Build a joint readiness plan. Walk through each stage of the tenancy lifecycle together. Map how advertising, onboarding, rent reviews and renewals will work under the new rules. A joint plan removes friction and gives both sides predictable processes.

Use data to inform your approach. Model how periodic tenancies and new procedural requirements affect cash flow, renewal timing and holding costs. Share your projections with your agent so their operational setup reinforces your numbers, not undermines them.

Expect proactive action from agents. Competent agents should already be updating onboarding packs, revising tenancy templates, producing clear tenant FAQs, training staff, stress-testing systems and preparing scripts for anticipated tenant questions. Their readiness strengthens your position and reduces last-minute pressure.

Create a disciplined communication cycle. Agree monthly or quarterly check-ins, compliance summaries and early-warning markers for any unresolved regulatory interpretation issues. Predictable communication keeps your portfolio on the front foot.

Advantage through professionalism

Commercial calm comes from preparation, not hope. Landlords and agents who coordinate early will absorb regulatory change with confidence and outperform those who react late.