The Property Ombudsman has reported an “unprecedented demand” for its services ahead of the Renters Rights Act implementation in May.
In the four months between November 2025 and February 2026, the Ombudsman received 58% more complaints than in the same period a year earlier.
This is down to increased consumer awareness of their rights across the board, but particularly from tenants.
The Ombudsman describes it as the “Renters’ Rights effect”.
As such, the group has been strengthening how it handles enquiries and disputes, including earlier professional judgement at triage, clearer evidence gathering and stronger quality assurance.
As such, the Ombudsman has reported it resolved 54% more cases in 2025 than the year before.
The group’s annual review for 2025 shows the scale of demand across the year, with 23,987 calls and email enquiries received and 7,681 disputes resolved, including 4,552 resolved through early resolution.
“The Renters’ Rights Act is changing how people think about renting and their ability to challenge poor practice,” said Lesley Horton, chief property ombudsman.
“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.”
