New marketing and onboarding rules under Renters Rights Act

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What day-to-day changes should landlords and agents make under the Renters Rights Act?

Short answer: Build compliance into marketing and onboarding from the first contact. Under the Renters Rights Act, ads should be accurate, backed by proof, and match the final rental agreement.

Set up one documented move-in process for every property. Update listing templates with the right disclosures, remove or explain fee wording, and standardise the tenant information pack. Also tighten digital signing with one locked template and change history. Add right to rent checks, deposit steps, and prescribed information to one workflow. This keeps rental agreements clear and supports tenant rights.

Question:

What specifically must be disclosed in a compliant rental listing?

Short answer: A clear listing should show the rent and how often it is due, the deposit amount and protection scheme once it is taken, the tenancy type, and any minimum term or break clause. It should also explain who pays utilities and council tax, give honest broadband and mobile notes, and set out lawful limits such as pets or smoking. Include how rent can change.

Keep the same facts across portals, your site, and brochures. Be ready to support each claim with photos, certificates, or written proof.

Question:

How should we fix historic or non-compliant adverts before the next wave of enquiries?

Short answer: Review all templates and auto messages, remove vague or unproven claims like “luxury,” “soundproof,” and “bills included,” and align each advert with the draft tenancy terms. Do not suggest that pets are allowed if they are not.

Also standardise fee wording so it matches the prohibited tenant fees guidance, and use version control so you can show what was live when someone enquired. Move fast, but keep records to avoid early disputes.

Question:

What belongs in the tenant move-in information pack to stay compliant and reduce disputes?

Short answer: Give a clear, consistent pack on day one, either digital or printed. Include the signed rental agreement, deposit protection details and prescribed information if needed, the inventory and condition schedule with photos or links, repairs and emergency contact routes with response times, waste and recycling rules, meter readings and supplier details where known, relevant building safety information, and any house rules that can be enforced.

Use one tenant information pack template across your portfolio. It keeps onboarding simple and helps rental agreements work in practice.

Question:

How do tenancy structures (AST vs periodic) affect marketing and onboarding?

Short answer: Advertise exactly what you are offering, and keep the listing, viewing, and contract in step. If more homes are marketed as rolling or periodic, make rent review terms and notice rules clear, and explain how the tenancy works in practice. This supports tenant rights and avoids confusion.

Do not market one set of rental agreements, promise another at the viewing, and sign a third. Use one source-of-truth template, and put every pre-contract promise in writing.