Awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act is high – but understanding of what it will actually change in practice remains low across the lettings sector.
New research from LRG shows that 44% of landlords and 64% of tenants say they are not confident about what the legislation will mean once it comes into force, despite widespread recognition of the reforms.
The findings, published in LRG’s latest Lettings Report and based on a survey of landlords and tenants across England and Wales, highlight a clear gap between awareness and comprehension. While the Act is intended to reshape parts of the rental market and strengthen tenant protections, many respondents appear uncertain about how the changes will be implemented day-to-day.
Only 5% of landlords describe themselves as “very confident” in their understanding of the reforms, with most falling into the “not very” or “somewhat” confident categories. Among tenants, confidence is even lower: just 9% say they are very confident, and only around a quarter feel fairly confident overall.
The results suggest that, although the legislation has been widely discussed, its practical implications are still not fully landing with those most affected. For tenants—who the reforms are designed to benefit through greater security and stronger rights—the level of uncertainty is particularly pronounced, raising questions about how effectively the changes have been communicated ahead of implementation.
When asked about their biggest concerns around the transition, landlords and tenants highlight very different pressures.
Nearly half of landlords (48%) say their main worry is losing control over outcomes, reflecting unease about how periodic tenancies could affect their ability to manage and plan around their properties.
For tenants, affordability sits at the top of the list, cited by 50%, while 41% also say they are concerned about navigating and understanding the new processes.
Despite being affected by the same set of reforms, the findings suggest the two groups are interpreting the changes through very different lenses, with each focused on distinct risks as the legislation approaches implementation.
The Act is already beginning to influence tenant behaviour. Around 24% say they now expect to stay in their current home for longer as tenancies shift towards a periodic model, while 50% say the new rules will affect how they choose their next property. Among landlords, two-thirds say they want their agent to manage the changes required ahead of the move to periodic-only tenancies, underlining where responsibility for compliance is being placed.
This is all taking place against a backdrop of constrained supply. The English Housing Survey 2024 shows that 19% of households in England now rent privately, while nearly two-thirds of landlords expect availability to tighten further over the next 12 months.
The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in July 2025, with Phase 1 due to come into effect in May 2026. With both landlords and tenants still working through what the reforms mean in practice, levels of preparedness on either side are likely to play a significant role in how smoothly the transition unfolds.
