Letting agents are being urged to help private landlords navigate the new legal framework coming into force under the Renters Rights Act, with industry warnings that smaller landlords in particular will need support to adapt to the changes.

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has cautioned that the scale of reform will require practical guidance to ensure the new protections are effectively implemented in the private rented sector.

Lesley Horton, chief ombudsman at TPO, said support will be needed not only for landlords but also within the court system to prevent unintended pressure points emerging as the legislation takes effect.

She said: “This Act has the potential to positively transform the private rental sector for both tenants and landlords. It is once in a generation legislation with real scope. In particular, the protections that will be offered to those renting homes are genuinely ground-breaking and we absolutely welcome them.

“There’s often a misconception that what’s good for tenants must be bad for landlords, or vice versa. However, we’ve found that in many cases, their interests align.

“Tenants want secure homes where they can settle, and landlords want reliable tenants who will stay long-term. The Renters Rights Act has the capacity to addresses these shared goals.”

Horton said the reforms represent a significant change to the private rented sector, aimed at improving fairness and stability. She noted that the legislation also places an important role on professional letting agents in helping landlords adjust to the new requirements.

She said Property Ombudsman-registered agents will be well placed to support landlords in meeting new obligations, including updated notice requirements and revised grounds for possession under the new framework.

Other measures in the legislation include restrictions on discrimination against tenants with children, pets or those receiving benefits, limits on rent increases, and a ban on landlords requesting more than one month’s rent in advance.

The reforms also extend notice periods, remove so-called “no fault” evictions, and restrict the circumstances in which landlords can require tenants to leave a property.

TPO, which has provided independent dispute resolution services since 1990, reported a 58% increase in complaints between November 2025 and February 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, attributing the rise to greater awareness of tenant rights, described as the “Renters’ Rights effect”.

Horton said the changes are intended to improve outcomes for both tenants and landlords, but added that smaller landlords may require additional guidance as the new system is introduced.

She continued: “It is vital that landlords are supported through this process, which means a sensible, phased implementation, that gives everyone in the private rental sector time to get ready. There will inevitably be changes needed implemented, particularly for landlords.

“Professional letting agents will also be instrumental in bridging this gap, providing the expertise and practical support that landlords need to navigate the new regulatory landscape.

“With proper support and guidance, we’re confident that all parties will adapt successfully to these changes. The reforms present an opportunity to strengthen the sector, and by ensuring landlords have access to professional advice and a clear implementation timeline, we can maintain a healthy supply of quality rental properties. This stability benefits everyone – landlords, tenants, and the broader rental market.”

“Now that the initial roadmap has been released, there is more clarity about the immediate amendments. Some of the more fundamental changes, such as the introduction of a decent homes standard, is projected to take years to implement.

“There will have to be a lot of consultation, as we can’t have people losing their homes because they are deemed sub-standard, during the process of improvement. That would be a perverse, unintended consequence.”

She also insisted that most landlords operate with integrity and want to provide a good experience for tenants. As such, the sweeping improvements of their sector will be a boon to good landlords. Robust enforcement will be needed to ensure that bad landlords are dealt with appropriately.

Horton added: “Good landlords have nothing to fear from this. They already keep their properties in good repair and are responsive to tenants. Yet they’ve got people in the same market that frankly operate like slum housing, that’s not a fair playing field.

“Good landlords don’t want those bad actors in the sector. They want everyone to operate to the same high standards as they do, so moving towards that professionalisation of landlords, is good for everyone.”