Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings: the position in 2026
Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings is a platform where tenants can review and rate their landlords and properties, building transparency and accountability within the private rental sector (PRS). Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings This website provides an avenue for tenants to voice concerns about their living conditions and landlord responsiveness. In 2026, this service has become even more critical as it offers detailed insights into the quality of tenancies across the UK, highlighting common issues such as mould and damp, unresponsive landlords, and unfair deposit refund processes.
Since its inception in 2024, Asktenants.co.uk has grown to include thousands of reviews that paint a full picture of the PRS situation. The platform not only helps tenants by giving them a voice but also aids potential renters in making informed decisions about where they live. Landlords are given the opportunity to respond and address any issues raised. Building dialogue and potentially resolving problems before they escalate.
What the law says
Several statutes provide the legal framework for tenant-landlord relationships, including the Housing Act 1988 (s.8, s.13, s.21), which governs the terms of tenancy agreements and eviction notices. The Housing Act 2004 (s.213-215) addresses disrepair issues and ensures that landlords maintain their properties to a certain standard. Additionally, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (s.11) sets out landlords' responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.
The Deregulation Act 2015 (s.33) introduced changes to the Section 21 notice process, making it harder for landlords to evict tenants without a reason. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords from charging certain fees to tenants, such as tenancy agreement renewal charges.
These laws collectively aim to protect tenants' rights and ensure that their living conditions meet basic standards of habitability and safety.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 significantly alters the situation for tenant-landlord relationships in several key ways. One major change is the abolition of Section 21 notices, which previously allowed landlords to evict tenants without cause after a fixed-term tenancy expired. Now, landlords can only serve notice under specific conditions outlined by the new legislation.
The Act also mandates that all private rental agreements automatically become periodic from day one unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing. This shift ensures greater stability and security for tenants who are no longer at risk of sudden eviction.
Another significant provision is the introduction of an annual rent cap, limiting how much landlords can increase rents each year based on the Decent Homes Standard. At Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings, the Decent Homes Standard itself has been extended to apply comprehensively to the PRS, ensuring that all rented properties meet minimum quality and safety criteria.
Awaab's Law, which previously only applied to social housing tenants, is now extended to cover private renters as well. This law requires landlords to adhere to stricter health and safety standards, particularly in relation to carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms.
The Act also establishes a new Private Rental Sector (PRS) Ombudsman and mandates that all PRS properties be registered on the PRS Database. These measures are designed to provide tenants with additional avenues for recourse when disputes arise.
What this means for tenants
With the Renters' Rights Act 2025 in place, tenants now have more strong protections against unfair eviction practices and arbitrary rent increases. Tenants may be entitled to challenge any attempt by a landlord to evict them without just cause, as Section 21 notices are no longer available. Additionally, they can expect their landlords to maintain properties up to the Decent Homes Standard.
Tenants should also be aware of their rights regarding deposit refunds and ensure that these processes adhere to legal requirements. If tenants encounter issues with mould or other health hazards, they may be entitled to take action through local environmental health departments or housing ombudsmen.
In summary, tenants in this situation typically have a range of options available to them for addressing landlord non-compliance and can seek support from organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice when needed.
What this means for landlords
Landlords now face stricter compliance obligations under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. They must ensure that all properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, which includes regular maintenance checks and adherence to health and safety regulations. Landlords are expected to respond promptly to tenant complaints regarding property conditions.
If a landlord fails to address issues like mould or damp, tenants may have grounds for legal action through various channels such as the PRS Ombudsman or local environmental health departments. At Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings, landlords should familiarise themselves with these new requirements and make any necessary adjustments to their properties and practices accordingly.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: Mould Issues
Tenant A rents a property that has persistent mould problems despite repeated complaints to the landlord. The landlord is unresponsive, leading Tenant A to post negative reviews on Asktenants.co.uk detailing the issues faced. This prompts other tenants in similar situations to share their experiences and seek collective action through the PRS Ombudsman.
Scenario 2: Unfair Rent Increases
Tenant B finds that their rent has been increased by a significant amount, well above the legal cap set forth in the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Tenant B consults with a solicitor to dispute the increase and lodges an appeal through the relevant council department.
Scenario 3: Deposit Refund Disputes
Tenant C leaves their rental property but finds that the deposit is withheld despite no damages beyond normal wear and tear. Tenant C seeks advice from Shelter and files a claim with the tenancy deposit scheme, which may result in mediation or arbitration to resolve the dispute fairly.
Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants should maintain thorough records of all relevant documentation, including lease agreements, correspondence with landlords regarding repairs or issues, payment receipts, and any communication via email or letter. Keeping detailed logs of dates when problems were reported can help establish a timeline if legal action becomes necessary.
Photos documenting the condition of the property at move-in and ongoing issues like mould growth are also valuable evidence. Tenants may want to take pictures immediately after reporting an issue to show that it was brought to the landlord's attention but not addressed promptly.
It's advisable for tenants to keep copies of complaints made to environmental health departments or housing ombudsmen, along with any responses received. These records can serve as important evidence in support of their claims should disputes arise later on.
What to do if things go wrong
If a tenant encounters problems such as unaddressed repairs or unfair treatment from the landlord, they should first send a formal complaint letter outlining the issues and requesting resolution. If this doesn't yield results within a reasonable timeframe, tenants may wish to contact their local council's environmental health department for further intervention.
For deposit disputes, tenants can seek assistance through the tenancy deposit scheme associated with their agreement. This process often involves mediation or arbitration to reach an amicable solution. Should these avenues fail, tenants may escalate their case to the Housing Ombudsman or the new PRS Ombudsman established under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
In cases where all else fails and legal action is deemed necessary, tenants can file a claim with a first-tier tribunal for disputes concerning deposits or other tenancy matters. For more serious issues involving property condition, tenants may pursue action through the county court system to enforce their rights under housing law.
Common mistakes to avoid
Tenants often make the mistake of not documenting their complaints and lack of landlord response properly, which can weaken their case if they need to escalate the issue further down the line. At Asktenants.co.uk - Landlord ratings, another common error is failing to understand their legal rights regarding rent increases or deposit refunds, potentially leading to disputes that could have been avoided with proper knowledge.
Landlords may also fall short by not keeping up-to-date on new regulations and standards set forth in acts like the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This oversight can result in non-compliance issues that leave them open to complaints from tenants or even legal action if they fail to meet required maintenance and safety criteria.
Both parties should be cautious about relying solely on verbal agreements rather than having everything in writing, as this can lead to misunderstandings and disputes over terms like rent prices or maintenance responsibilities. Ensuring all arrangements are documented clearly helps prevent ambiguity later on.
Where to get help
Tenants facing issues with their landlords or property conditions have several resources available for support. Shelter offers full advice through its helpline and website, providing guidance on a wide range of housing-related topics. Similarly, Citizens Advice can offer tailored assistance based on individual circumstances.
Local councils typically house dedicated teams focused on housing matters, where tenants can seek help regarding repairs and safety concerns. Housing solicitors specialising in tenant rights provide legal representation for more serious disputes or cases requiring formal litigation.
Legal aid may be available to those who qualify financially under specific criteria, offering free advice and representation for housing-related issues. Tenants should check with their local authority or a specialist legal organisation like the Law Society to determine eligibility.