A quarter of landlords remain unaware of the Renters’ Rights Act just one month before it takes effect, according to new research that highlights a significant awareness gap in the sector.
The Pegasus Insight survey found that 75 percent of landlords are now aware of the forthcoming legislation – an increase of 8 percentage points on the previous quarter – but leaves one in four potentially unprepared for the changes coming on 1 May.
Large portfolio landlords most engaged with RRA
The data reveals a clear divide between professional and smaller landlords. Those with more than 20 properties show the highest engagement, with 88 percent describing themselves as aware of the Act and 28 percent saying they are fully aware of its implications.
Limited company landlords follow closely behind, with 84 percent aware and 32 percent fully aware – reflecting the more active approach typically taken by incorporated investors who often engage more closely with regulatory changes.
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s February report on landlord preparation levels, which found three in four landlords felt unprepared for the changes. The latest figures suggest awareness is improving, though concerns about implementation remain widespread.
Courts remain the chief concern
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, with 84 percent anticipating wider harm to the private rented sector.
Concerns focus primarily on possession processes and court capacity. With cases already taking an average of more than 50 weeks to be heard in county courts, many landlords question whether the system can cope with the changes.
Mark Long, founder and director of Pegasus Insight, said: “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.”
Long added: “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.”
Smaller landlords risk being caught out
The research points to an important awareness gap among smaller or long-established landlords who may not follow regulatory changes as closely as their larger counterparts.
“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,” Long said.
What this means for landlords
- If you’re still unclear on RRA requirements: Review the government’s published guidance and consider attending industry webinars or seeking professional advice before 1 May.
- Watch for: Updated tenancy agreement templates and the new prescribed information requirements that must be provided to tenants.
- Bottom line: With just four weeks to go, landlords who haven’t engaged with the changes risk being caught out by new compliance requirements and potential fines of up to £7,000.
Editor’s view
The gap between large portfolio landlords and smaller operators is telling. Professional landlords treat regulatory change as business-as-usual; accidental landlords often discover new rules only when something goes wrong. With one in four still unaware, expect a spike in compliance issues come May.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 1 April 2026
Sources: Pegasus Insight
Related reading: Two thirds of London renters unaware of Renters’ Rights Act
📘 Renters’ Rights Act: Complete Landlord Guide
Everything you need to know about the new rules – 1 May 2026
