A survey of over 1,100 tenants has found widespread uncertainty about whether landlords and managing agents have fully complied with the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force earlier this year.
The research by property management firm Rushbrook & Rathbone found that only 32% of tenants living in managed properties believe their landlord or property manager is fully compliant with the new legislation.
Of the 1,105 tenants surveyed, 42% believe there are at least some gaps in compliance, while a further 26% do not know whether their landlord or managing agent has met the new requirements.
Communication gaps identified
Half of the tenants surveyed said they had received no communication explaining how the legislation affects them, with just 29% reporting that the changes have been fully explained to them.
Only 40% of respondents believe their home meets the Act’s requirements relating to hazards, while just 19% say their landlord or managing agent has proactively addressed problems within the property.
The findings highlight potential transparency gaps in the rental sector, with 59% of tenants reporting that their tenancy agreement has not been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the Act.
Limited change reported
More than nine in 10 tenants – 91% – say they have seen no noticeable change since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, with only 7% reporting improvements.
Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “With the implementation period now behind us, tenants should have confidence that their property manager has taken the necessary steps to comply with the new legislation and communicate any relevant changes.”
She added: “However, our findings suggest that many tenants remain uncertain about what has changed, what protections are now in place, and whether their property manager has fully adapted to the new requirements.”
Sharma noted that the results present “a clear moment of accountability” for property managers, stating that those who fail to communicate transparently and act decisively risk falling short of both their legal obligations and tenant expectations.
The survey results come amid broader concerns about regulatory compliance in the property sector, with ongoing discussions about rental market reform and landlord obligations continuing to shape the buy-to-let landscape.
