Since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026, landlords across England have found themselves operating in a very different regulatory environment.
The changes have created greater protections for tenants, but they have also increased the importance of compliance, documentation and professional property management.
The question every landlord should be asking is simple:
Is my property actually ready?
Compliance Is No Longer Optional
The days of taking a reactive approach to rental property management are rapidly disappearing.
Landlords now need to be able to demonstrate compliance across multiple areas, including:
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- Deposit protection requirements
- Right to Rent checks
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Property repair records
- Tenant communication records
With possession now relying more heavily on Section 8 grounds, maintaining accurate documentation has become increasingly important.
Property Standards Are Under Greater Scrutiny
Housing standards continue to be a major focus across the sector.
The tragic case that led to Awaab’s Law brought national attention to issues surrounding damp, mould and property condition standards. While initially focused on social housing, there is growing expectation that similar standards and enforcement approaches will increasingly influence the private rented sector.
Landlords should therefore ensure they are responding quickly to maintenance issues and keeping clear records of actions taken.
Rent Increases Have Changed
The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced new rules around rent reviews.
Rent increases must now follow a formal process and tenants are given greater opportunity to challenge increases they believe are unfair.
This means landlords should ensure that any proposed increases are supported by genuine market evidence rather than assumptions.
Professional valuation advice and market knowledge are becoming increasingly valuable when reviewing rental levels.
Documentation Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest risks we see is incomplete paperwork.
A property may be perfectly maintained, but if documentation is missing or outdated, landlords can still face problems.
Key areas to review include:
- Tenancy agreements
- Prescribed information
- Safety certification
- Inspection reports
- Repair logs
- Inventory documentation
In a more regulated market, good record keeping is often just as important as the physical condition of the property itself.
A Simple Review Can Prevent Bigger Problems
Many landlords assume they are compliant because they have managed properties successfully for years.
However, legislation has changed significantly, particularly over the last 12 months.
A professional review can help identify issues before they become costly problems.
At Oakwood, our Landlord Review service has been designed to assess compliance, identify potential risks and provide practical recommendations for landlords navigating the new rental landscape.
If you are unsure whether your property is fully prepared for the new rules, our team would be happy to help.
