As well as reshaping tenancy structures and possession rules, the Renters’ Rights Act is raising the bar for property standards across the private rented sector. For landlords, this means a renewed focus on condition, compliance, and ongoing maintenance. For tenants, it brings clearer expectations around the quality and safety of their home.
In this next article in our Renters’ Rights series, we explore how minimum property standards are evolving, highlight common compliance issues landlords often overlook, and explain how Durrants supports landlords in preparing for, and maintaining, compliant rental homes.
How minimum property standards are evolving
The direction of travel is clear: higher standards, faster response times, and greater accountability. While many of the requirements build on existing legislation, the Renters’ Rights Act strengthens enforcement and formalises expectations around how quickly issues must be addressed.
A key development is the extension of stricter timelines for dealing with serious hazards, particularly issues such as damp and mould. Landlords are expected to investigate problems promptly and take appropriate action within defined timeframes. This removes the ambiguity that previously allowed issues to persist for longer than they should.
Alongside this, there is increased emphasis on ensuring properties are safe, energy efficient, and always fit for occupation—not just at the start of a tenancy. This includes maintaining compliance with:
- Gas and electrical safety requirements
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards
- Fire safety obligations
- General repair and maintenance responsibilities
Rather than a one-off checklist, compliance is now an ongoing process. Landlords must be able to demonstrate that their property is consistently well managed and maintained throughout the tenancy.
Common compliance issues landlords overlook
Even experienced landlords can fall short when it comes to the detail of compliance. In a more regulated environment, small oversights can have significant consequences, particularly where possession or disputes are involved.
Some of the most common issues include:
- Incomplete or outdated documentation
Failing to keep safety certificates, tenancy documents, or prescribed information up to date can create risk. Missing paperwork can invalidate notices or delay legal processes. - Delayed response to maintenance issues
Damp, mould, leaks, or structural concerns are often reported early but not always resolved quickly. Under the new expectations, delays can lead to formal complaints or enforcement action. - Lack of regular property inspections
Without routine inspections, issues can go unnoticed until they become more serious and more costly to fix. - Poor record keeping
Verbal agreements or undocumented communication can create disputes. A clear, written audit trail is now essential. - Misunderstanding tenant responsibilities
While tenants have obligations, landlords remain responsible for the condition of the property. Relying too heavily on tenants to report or manage issues can lead to gaps in compliance.
Identifying and addressing these areas early is key to avoiding complications later.
What this means for landlords in practice
For landlords, the evolving standards do not necessarily mean significant additional cost, but they do require a more structured approach to property management. Planning, organisation, and proactive maintenance are now central to successful letting.
Practical steps landlords can take include:
- Scheduling regular inspections and acting promptly on findings
- Keeping all documentation organised and accessible
- Working with trusted contractors to address issues quickly
- Reviewing properties periodically to ensure they meet current expectations
These steps not only support compliance but also contribute to better tenant relationships and longer tenancies.
How Durrants helps landlords stay compliant and protect their investment
At Durrants, we take a proactive approach to property standards and compliance. Our lettings team works closely with landlords to ensure that properties are not only legally compliant, but also well-presented and maintained to a high standard.
We support landlords by:
- Coordinating regular property inspections and reporting findings clearly
- Managing maintenance through trusted local contractors
- Ensuring all safety certificates and documentation are up to date
- Keeping detailed records of communication, works and compliance
- Advising on improvements that enhance both compliance and long-term value
By handling these processes professionally, we reduce the risk of issues escalating and provide landlords with confidence that their property is being managed correctly.
Linking compliance with long-term success
We have always encouraged landlords to maintain their properties to a high standard. As well as meeting legal requirements, well-maintained properties are closely linked to long-term performance. They attract better tenants, reduce void periods, and help preserve capital value.
As the rental market continues to evolve, landlords who take a proactive and professional approach will be best placed to succeed. The Renters’ Rights Act reinforces this by setting clear expectations for everyone involved.
If you would like to understand how your property measures up, or how Durrants can support you in meeting the new standards, our lettings team would be pleased to help.
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