Letting agents may find themselves with their hands full as new research highlights huge uncertainty among tenants ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force this week.

Most renters are aware of the Act, but more than a third say they are not confident that they understand what the changes mean for them.

Almost three quarters – 73% – know about the Act, yet 37% say they are unsure what it means in practice, according to research by Rightmove.

Frustration

The findings show that younger tenants aged 18-34 are particularly uncertain, with many describing their experience of renting as frustration, at 39%, or stressful, at 31%.

And almost half – at 47% – of younger tenants say they have previously chosen not to report an issue in a rental property, as it is ‘too much of a hassle’.

The findings come as Rightmove’s latest Rental Trends Tracker shows how the 2026 market has entered a more balanced position, with improved supply and demand conditions.

Rightmove has launched a new hub on its website to help support renters with guidance around what the new rules could mean for them.

Many renters know changes are coming, a significant number are still unsure what the new rules mean for them in practice.”

Colleen Babcock at Rightmove, says: “As the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, this research highlights a clear gap between awareness and understanding, particularly among younger renters.

“While many renters know changes are coming, a significant number are still unsure what the new rules mean for them in practice,” she says.

“At the same time, our rental market data shows the market entering a more balanced position, making it especially important that renters, landlords and agents feel confident and informed as the new changes bed in.”

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