The Renters' Rights Act must finally give tenants the service they pay landlords a premium for

The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act marks a turning point for England’s private rented sector.

For too long, the experience of renting has depended heavily on luck: in finding a responsible landlord, in securing a safe and decent home, and in being treated fairly. From a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) perspective, the act represents a vital step toward introducing a more consistent level of professionalism across renting tenures – bringing the private rented sector closer in line with the standards expected in social housing.

At its core, the act recognises a simple truth: renters are not passive occupants, but consumers paying significant sums for a service. According to the Office for National Statistics, private renters now spend, on average, over a third of their income on housing costs. In London it is more than 40%. In many parts of the country, rents rival or exceed mortgage payments. Yet unlike other sectors where consumers pay a premium, the quality and consistency of service in renting have too often fallen short.

Read more:

• The Renters’ Rights Act is finally here. Here’s what is changing for tenants and landlords
• Surge in renters losing their homes due to no-fault evictions ahead of ban: ‘This is frightening’
• Why renters are protesting against the housing crisis: ‘People are neglected for profit’

This inconsistency has been one of the defining features of the private rented sector. While most landlords provide a good service and take their responsibilities seriously, the absence of clear, enforceable standards across the board has allowed poor practice to persist. This has created an uneven playing field – both for tenants and for responsible landlords who find themselves undercut by those willing to cut corners.

The Renters’ Rights Act begins to address this imbalance. By strengthening security of tenure, improving routes to redress, and introducing clearer expectations of landlord behaviour, it sets a new baseline for what renters should expect. Importantly, it shifts the culture of the sector. Renting should no longer feel precarious or transactional; it should feel professional, accountable, and fair. A significant change is the move away from no-fault evictions. Landlords being able to end tenancies without a reason has long contributed to a sense of instability among renters. This has made it difficult for people to put down roots, challenge poor conditions, or plan for the future. Removing this power sends a clear message: renting is not a short-term or second-class option, but a legitimate, secure form of housing.

Professionalism is also about transparency and accountability. The act’s measures to strengthen complaints processes and introduce clearer routes for tenants to challenge poor practice are crucial. In social housing, tenants have access to defined standards, regulatory oversight, and formal mechanisms for redress. Extending similar principles into the private rented sector ensures that all renters can expect a minimum level of service and recourse.

Another important aspect is the emphasis on property standards. Renters paying high prices rightly expect homes that are safe, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. The act reinforces this expectation, making it harder for substandard properties to remain in the market. This is not about penalising landlords; it is about ensuring that the service provided reflects the price charged. In any other sector, consumers would not tolerate paying premium rates for poor quality. Housing should be no different.

From a CIH perspective, professionalism is not just about compliance – it is about culture, competence, and commitment to tenants. The act provides the framework, but its success will depend on how it is implemented and enforced. There is a real opportunity here to elevate the status of being a landlord, recognising it as a role that carries responsibilities as well as rewards.

This is also good news for the many landlords who already operate to high standards. A more consistent regulatory environment helps level the playing field, ensuring responsible practice is the norm rather than the exception. It supports a sector where quality is recognised and valued, and where tenants can have confidence in the service received.

Legislation alone is not enough. To truly embed professionalism across renting tenures, there must be continued investment in enforcement, guidance, and support. Local authorities need the resources to uphold standards effectively. Landlords need access to clear information and, where necessary, training to meet new expectations. And tenants need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities.

There is also a broader point about how we view renting in England. For too long, policy and public discourse have treated homeownership as the default aspiration, with renting seen as a temporary or less desirable alternative. But the reality is that millions of people rent long-term, whether by choice or necessity. A professional, well-regulated rental sector is therefore not a niche concern – it is central to the functioning of our housing system.

The Renters’ Rights Act moves us closer to that vision. By establishing clearer standards, strengthening tenant protections, and promoting accountability, it helps ensure that renters receive a service that reflects what they pay. In doing so, it brings greater alignment between the private rented sector and other tenures, where expectations of professionalism are more firmly embedded.

Ultimately, this is about fairness. If renters are paying a significant share of their income for a home, they deserve consistency, quality, and respect. The act lays the groundwork for achieving that – but it requires collective effort from government, landlords, housing professionals, and tenants alike to make it a reality.

Rachael Williamson is the director of policy, communications and external affairs at Chartered Institute of Housing.

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