Advice for private rented sector landlords
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act introduces new rules for private tenancies in England.
Find out what we can and cannot help with, and what you should do if you have complaints about a letting agent.
Official guidance for landlords is available on the Government website.
How we can help
When to contact us
We can help with complaints about how a letting agent has acted, particularly where their actions or advice may have led to problems for you. For example:
- “The agent’s actions led to the council or another authority becoming involved”
- “I received a negative tribunal outcome due to the agent’s actions”
- “My possession claim failed because the agent got the notice or process wrong”
- “The agent missed deadlines or failed to follow procedures, causing a dispute with my tenant”
If you are claiming that an agent’s actions caused you to break the law, we will need to see any relevant communications from enforcement agencies or decisions from the court or tribunal.
What we cannot do
We cannot tell you whether the agent’s advice or actions breached the law.
If your complaint is about your suspicion that your agent has broken the law or caused you to break the law, you will need to seek independent legal advice. We cannot say whether the actions you take based on advice from an agent are legal or valid.
Who you may need to contact instead
It is important to seek independent legal advice if you have reason to believe that certain actions may be against the law.
This is important because many of the new tenant rights under the Renters’ Rights Act are enforced by the local council, who can fine you for breaches. In some cases, tenants can also approach the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge rent or recover money.
Do you need to register with The Property Ombudsman?
Membership of The Property Ombudsman is currently voluntary for private landlords.
The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce two new requirements for private landlords:
- A mandatory Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- A Private Rented Sector Database
The database is expected to launch before the Ombudsman and may begin to be introduced during 2026, although the exact timetable has not yet been confirmed.
Once fully implemented, landlords in the private sector letting residential properties will be required to register with the new database and join the new Landlord Ombudsman scheme.
How can you prepare for the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman and Database?
Landlords can start preparing now by:
- Developing a complaints procedure
- Creating complaint acknowledgement and response templates
- Keeping clear written records of communications, decisions and actions
- Retaining copies of key tenancy documents
- Reviewing how complaints are escalated and resolved, especially where an agent is involved
- Understanding responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act
Good record keeping and complaint handling will help you comply with future requirements and may prevent issues escalating to an Ombudsman, tribunal or court.