The number of complaints from tenants in the UK has surged due to the “Renters’ Rights effect”, as new private renting laws are set to come into effect from May 2026.
This is according to data from the UK Property Ombudsman, which received 58% more complaints between November 2025 and January 2026 than the same period a year earlier.
It attributed this surge in tenant complaints to what it calls the “Renters’ Rights effect”, alluding to increased awareness of tenants’ rights thanks to the upcoming legislation.
The Renters’ Rights Act is set to take effect from May and will significantly change how private renting works in the UK, offering renters better protections and putting an end to ‘no-fault’ evictions.
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will also be abolished and converted to new assured tenancies without fixed terms and with built-in protection against irregular rent hikes.
Read more about how the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act will affect tenancies in the UK.
Damp and disrepair a common complaint
The ombudsman reported that damp and disrepair were amongst the most common complaints received by tenancts, including concerns related to mould.
Last year, the organisation fielded 23,987 enquiries from tenants, with 7,861 disputes resolved.
It said that poor communication remains the most common underlying reason for disputes, with many escalating unnecessarily.
The Renters’ Rights Act, along with legislation such as Awaab’s Law, has significantly raised awareness over tenant protections in the UK, and this has led directly to more complaints to the ombudsman.
This “Renters’ Rights effect” is only expected to intensify once the new rental protections take effect in May.
“The Renters’ Rights Act is changing how people think about renting and their ability to challenge poor practice,” said Chief Property Ombudsman Lesley Horton.
“We are already seeing unprecedented demand, and we expect that to continue as the new rights begin to take effect.”
“This act and other proposed changes to the private housing sector will raise awareness of rights and obligations among consumers, influencing both the volume and nature of disputes through 2026,” Horton said.
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