Why it matters
What Property Redress Scheme means for a landlord
Redress scheme membership has been compulsory for letting agents for years, and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 allows a separate Landlord Ombudsman that private landlords will have to join, giving tenants a route to complain without going to court. It is not open yet, and the Government expects it in 2028, so a private landlord cannot join today and is not in breach for not joining.
Worked example
How it plays out
Nicola, a tenant in Bournemouth, complains to her letting agent that part of her deposit was held back for months with no explanation. The agent’s own complaints process ends without an answer, so she takes it to the agent’s redress scheme, which can require the agent to apologise, put things right and pay compensation. Agents must show which scheme they belong to, so she finds it on the agency’s website.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Assuming private landlords must join a redress scheme today, when the Landlord Ombudsman is not open.
- 02Using an agent that does not show its redress scheme membership.
- 03Ignoring a complaint until it reaches the scheme.
What to do
A short checklist
- Check your agent’s redress scheme and client money protection.
- Keep a written complaints process with dates.
- Watch GOV.UK for the Landlord Ombudsman launch.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
