The New Landlord Ombudsman: What It Means for Tenants and How It Will Help

What Is the Landlord Ombudsman Scheme?

The landlord ombudsman is a new service designed to resolve rental disputes quickly and fairly. Under the proposed legislation, all private landlords in England must legally register with a government-approved ombudsman. If you're renting from a private landlord - directly or through a letting agent - and something goes wrong, you'll have a clear and independent route to raise your concerns. The ombudsman will have the power to investigate complaints, make legally binding decisions, and even require landlords to pay compensation or take specific actions to put things right.

Why It's Being Introduced Under the Renters (Reform) Bill

The ombudsman scheme is one of the central pillars of the Renters (Reform) Bill - a piece of legislation currently progressing through Parliament that aims to rebalance the rental market in favour of fairness, accountability, and tenant rights. The Bill also proposes scrapping Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and introducing a new standard periodic tenancy. Still, the ombudsman is particularly significant because it gives tenants more power to resolve day-to-day issues. Until now, tenants with problems have often been left to deal with landlords who are unregulated and unreachable. The ombudsman will change that by giving every tenant the right to independent redress.

Current Status: What's in Place Right Now?

As of June 2025, the Renters (Reform) Bill has not yet been passed into law, meaning the landlord ombudsman does not exist. However, the Government has committed to making it a legal requirement as soon as the Bill comes into force. In the meantime, tenants can still raise issues through the existing Housing Ombudsman (if renting through a housing association) or take legal action via the courts for unresolved problems. If your landlord uses a letting agent, you may also be able to complain to an existing redress scheme like The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme. But private landlords themselves are not currently subject to any mandatory ombudsman - a gap the new system is designed to fix.

How Will This Help You as a Tenant?

When the scheme becomes law, you will no longer face disputes alone. Whether your landlord has failed to carry out repairs, refused to return a deposit, or is acting unreasonably over tenancy terms, you'll have a structured process to raise a complaint and seek a decision without expensive legal advice. The ombudsman's role is to assess the facts, act impartially, and ensure that the tenant and the landlord are treated fairly. This will reduce stress, speed up resolutions, and help keep tenants in safe, secure homes.

Faster, Cheaper, and Fairer Than Going to Court

One of the biggest benefits of the ombudsman model is accessibility. Court proceedings are costly, time-consuming, and intimidating, especially for tenants who may already feel vulnerable. The new scheme is designed to be free for tenants and will work through written evidence, mediation, and investigation. This means you won't need to appear in court or spend money on solicitors to resolve your issue. It also creates accountability for landlords and encourages them to act quickly and fairly, knowing tenants have a way to challenge poor practice.

Protection for All Renters - Not Just the Loudest Voices

One of the problems with the current rental landscape is that only the most determined tenants pursue complaints. Many more give up, fearing eviction or being ignored. The landlord ombudsman is designed to protect all renters, especially those who don't know their rights or feel anxious about raising concerns. With every landlord required to join the scheme, tenants will no longer have to rely on whether their landlord is a good communicator or part of a professional network. Instead, they'll be legally protected, with equal access to resolution and redress.

What to Expect as a Renter Moving Forward

Once the scheme launches, we expect to see an improvement in landlord standards and tenant confidence. It's a positive step towards a more balanced rental market, where poor practice is held to account and tenants are no longer left in the dark. However, the rollout will take time, and in the meantime, it's essential to keep raising repair issues in writing, maintaining records, and speaking to your local council or agent if you need to. If you rent through a letting agent, it's worth checking which redress scheme they belong to and using that route for support if the landlord is unresponsive.

How Farrell Heyworth Can Support You

At Farrell Heyworth, we take tenant concerns seriously and work hard to resolve issues quickly, fairly and professionally. Whether renting with us or needing advice about your tenancy, our local teams across the North West are always here to help. From repairs and rent queries to more complex issues, we believe in clear communication and fair treatment, and we welcome the introduction of the landlord ombudsman as a vital new protection for renters everywhere.

A Fairer Future for Renters

Introducing a landlord ombudsman under the Renters (Reform) Bill marks a turning point in tenant rights. While not yet law, it signals a shift toward a more transparent and accountable rental sector. It will provide tenants with a powerful new tool to challenge unfair treatment, resolve repairs, and feel more secure in their homes when it comes into effect. Until then, staying informed, keeping written records, and working with trusted letting agents like Farrell Heyworth is the best way to protect your interests and prepare for a fairer rental future.