Tenants are unconvinced that landlords and managing agents have adapted to the Renters’ Rights Act despite the legislation now being in force, research by Rushbrook & Rathbone reveals.

The property management specialist found that only 32% of tenants living in managed properties believe their landlord or property manager is fully compliant with the new rules.

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.

No communication

Half of tenants also said they had received no communication explaining how the legislation affects them, and just 29% said the changes have been fully explained.

Only 40% 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.

More than nine in 10 tenants – at 91% – say they have seen no noticeable change since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, with only 7% reporting improvements.

Another 59% of tenants say their tenancy agreement has not been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the Act.

For property managers, this is a clear moment of accountability.”

Roma Sharma (pictured), Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, says: “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.

“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.”

She adds: “For property managers, this is a clear moment of accountability. Those who fail to communicate transparently and act decisively risk falling short of both their legal obligations and tenant expectations.”