75% aware of Renters’ Rights Act as concerns focus on possession and courts
Awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act is rising steadily across the Private Rented Sector (PRS) as implementation approaches, with the first phase of the legislation due to come into effect from 1 May 2026, new research from Pegasus Insight reveals.
The latest Landlord Trends Q4 2025 data shows that 75% of landlords are now aware of the forthcoming legislation, an increase of 8% on the previous quarter. Landlords with more that 20 properties are the most engaged (88% describe themselves as being ‘aware’ of the Act, including 28% ‘fully aware’), with limited company landlords are close behind them (84% aware, 32% fully aware).
As understanding of the proposals grows, landlords are increasingly forming views on how the changes may affect their businesses. Around three quarters expect the Act to have a negative impact on their lettings activity and 84% on the PRS more broadly, with concerns primarily focused on the operation of possession processes and the capacity of the courts to handle cases efficiently.
Mark Long, founder and director of Pegasus Insight, commented: “The level of awareness we’re now seeing means the Renters’ Rights Act is no longer a future consideration for most landlords, it’s becoming part of how they assess risk and plan ahead.
“Many landlords recognise the intent behind the legislation, particularly in improving security and consistency for tenants. However, confidence in how it will operate in practice remains critical. With cases already taking an average of more than 50 weeks to be heard in the county courts, concerns about the effectiveness of possession processes are clearly front of mind.
“There is also an important awareness gap to address. While three quarters of landlords are now familiar with the proposals, a significant minority remain less engaged, often smaller or long-established landlords who may not follow regulatory changes as closely as their larger counterparts.
“That creates an opportunity for brokers and other intermediaries to play a greater role in keeping landlords informed, particularly where financing conversations provide a natural point of contact.
“Where uncertainty persists, it is likely to influence how landlords approach future investment and portfolio strategy.”