Only 15% to 20% of Essex landlords are prepared for Renters’ Right Act: "The risks are huge"
ONLY 15% to 20% of Essex landlords are prepared for the forthcoming Renters’ Right Act, with industry experts in the county warning “the risks are huge” ahead of sweeping changes coming into force on 1 May.
From 1 May, the Renters’ Rights Act will see the abolition of section 21 evictions, ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties and convert shorthold tenancies in the private rented sector to periodic assured tenancies with no end date.
Additionally, it will provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction, introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, create a Private Rented Sector Database and give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property.
The warning comes ahead of the upcoming Landlord Roadshow in Shenfield on 4th March, which is designed to help landlords understand the new legal landscape and protect their investments — as the clock is ticking and many could be left legally exposed.
Only a small proportion of landlords in Essex are prepared for the reforms, says Zaman Sheikh, Director of Northwood Chelmsford and WN properties estate and lettings agents in Shenfield and Chelmsford.
He added: “In my experience, less that one in five Essex landlords are prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act. That leaves a significant majority exposed to serious financial and legal risks.”
"We're hosting the event, which is free to all landlords, to help them get ahead of the changes before it's too late. And Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action, will also be sharing his own valuable insights.
He continued: “The risks are huge. Failure to prepare for and understand the changes could lead to significantly longer eviction delays, financial penalties, enforcement action and rent repayment orders. In some circumstances, landlords could be required to refund up to 12 months’ rent."
Riz Malik, Director at Southend-on-Sea-based R3 Wealth, agreed that many landlords in Essex simply have not heard of the changes.
He said: "Among the landlords I speak to, those with smaller portfolios are often less aware of the forthcoming changes than larger operators. Essex is home to many long-standing property investors who play a crucial role in meeting demand in the private rental sector.
“However, the new requirements will come at a cost, and a lack of awareness will offer no defence against non-compliance.”
Justin Moy, Managing Director at Chelmsford-based EHF Mortgages, said landlords need to be clued up on the reforms.
He added: "Many of the landlords who are not aware will be those we identify as 'accidental' landlords or who have only a small number of buy-to-let properties, so they may be blissfully unaware of the changes, as they may not even consider themselves true landlords.
“In my experience, those with larger portfolios have responded better to the changes in the Renters' Rights Act.
"Reaching out to reputable letting agents and mortgage brokers will ensure any landlords who are still unaware of the impact can get up to speed quickly, and take note of the upcoming changes.”
The Landlord Roadshow will take place at the Mount Avenue Banqueting Suite, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2NS, on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 at 6:00pm. It is free to attend and drinks and canapés will be served to guests.
