The number of tenancy disputes in England and Wales has risen 6% over the past year, with around one in five professionals reporting costs of more than £5,000 per dispute. The trend is expected to continue once the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) comes into effect on 1 May 2026.
Analysis of Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) data by LegalforLandlords shows disputes have grown steadily in recent years, increasing by 17.1% in 2023, 15.4% in 2024, and 11.1% in 2025, when the total reached an estimated 46,950.
While disputes currently represent just 1% of the roughly 4.7 million deposits under protection, a survey of more than 1,000 UK property professionals suggests landlords may face a higher likelihood of disputes under the new regulations.
The survey found that 35% of respondents have experienced a tenancy dispute, with 16% reporting multiple disputes.
Among those who have faced disputes, the most common causes are rent arrears (21%), property damage (16%), and end-of-tenancy property condition (16%). Disputes related to anti-social tenant behaviour were reported by 14% of respondents.
Dispute duration varies: 32% say disputes typically last one to three months, 40% report disputes extending beyond three months, and 26% say they last more than six months.
Court action is the most common method of resolution, cited by 20% of respondents, followed by tenants leaving the property before resolution (19%) and intervention by a deposit scheme (18%).
Tenancy disputes can also involve significant costs. Thirty-six percent of respondents report disputes typically cost between £1,000 and £5,000, 21% report costs over £5,000, and 9% say costs have exceeded £10,000.
Nearly half of respondents (47%) believe tenancy disputes are becoming more common, while 15% think they are becoming less frequent.
Sim Sekhon, Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, said: “Tenancy disputes are rarely straightforward and they can quickly become both time-consuming and expensive for landlords. As our research shows, even a single dispute can run into thousands of pounds, while the time involved in resolving issues can stretch into months and create significant uncertainty for property owners.
“With the Renters’ Rights Act set to reshape the private rental sector from May, it’s likely we will see disputes become more common. Tenants will understandably feel more confident and empowered by the additional protections available to them, which could mean that disagreements that may once have been resolved informally are increasingly escalated through formal channels.
“For landlords and letting agents, this makes preparation and professional support more important than ever. Having clear processes in place, robust tenancy agreements, and access to experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference when issues arise. By taking a proactive approach and ensuring they have the right expertise on their side, landlords can navigate disputes far more effectively while protecting both their investment and their peace of mind.”