A leading national lettings agency is raising concerns that many landlords are unaware of just how much the upcoming Renters Rights Bill could affect them when it becomes law this September.
LSL Estate Agency Franchising recently carried out a survey among landlords and uncovered what they describe as a significant “knowledge gap” between what landlords understand and what the Bill actually entails.
According to LSL, the Renters Rights Bill marks one of the most substantial reforms to the private rental market in England for decades. The changes include scrapping Section 21 “no fault” evictions, switching to rolling tenancies, compulsory registration through a new property portal, stricter property standards, and new powers for tenants to dispute unfair rent hikes.
Despite the scale of these proposed reforms, the survey revealed that 27% of self-managing landlords don’t expect the Bill to impact them much, while 10% believe it won’t affect them at all. Another 25% admitted they didn’t know enough about the legislation to gauge its effect.
LSL sees this as a chance for lettings agents to take on a more proactive role in informing and supporting landlords before the rules come into force.
The agency points out that most rental homes in the UK are managed directly by landlords themselves. Without a full understanding of key aspects of the legislation—like the automatic shift to periodic assured tenancies and the introduction of Section 13—they risk taking on more administrative work or even breaking the law unintentionally.
An LSL spokesperson acknowledged that many landlords may not yet be fully engaged with the coming changes, largely because the law hasn’t been finalised and is still a few months away. However, they emphasised that now is the time for landlords to begin preparing, since some of the changes will need to be implemented immediately.
The spokesperson also noted that the new rules will require landlords to adapt to legal obligations swiftly—some even overnight—so being unprepared could lead to difficulties down the line.
Lettings agents and property experts are expected to play a bigger role than ever, guiding landlords through the unfamiliar regulations and ensuring they remain compliant.
The agency encourages open communication between agents and landlords to debunk any misinformation and provide reassurance that their properties will be well-managed under the new system.
To help landlords navigate the upcoming changes, LSL has been running support webinars and organising local events for landlords, particularly those connected with its franchise network.
These initiatives aim to give landlords the knowledge and tools they need to adjust smoothly to the new legal environment.
With the Renters Rights Bill soon to reshape the sector, preparation will be key to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a successful transition.
Landlords who take action now—by seeking expert advice and attending educational sessions—will be in a stronger position when the changes are introduced.
In the months ahead, staying informed and supported will be vital for anyone letting property in England’s private rental market.