Renters’ Rights Act searches increased by 600% ahead of reforms, study finds
Coventry for intermediaries found searches for “renters rights act 2026” rose by 600% between 1st January and 1st May 2026.
Searches relating to the Renters’ Rights Act surged in the months leading up to the legislation coming into force, with new analysis from Coventry for intermediaries revealing a sharp increase in online activity from both landlords and tenants.
Analysis of Google Trends data found searches for “renters rights act 2026” rose by 600% between 1st January and 1st May 2026, reaching peak popularity immediately before the legislation came into effect.
The largest increase was seen in searches for “renters rights information sheet”, which rose by 2,250% during the period.
The information sheet became a legal requirement under the new rules, with landlords facing potential fines of up to £7,000 for failing to provide it to tenants by 31st May.
Coventry for intermediaries said the continued rise in searches for the term suggests many landlords were still seeking guidance as the compliance deadline approached.
Tenant-related searches also increased significantly.
Searches for “what is a tenancy agreement” rose by 190%, while “assured tenancy” searches increased by 110%.
The analysis also found a 70% rise in searches for “limited company”, indicating some landlords may be considering changes to the way they structure and manage their property portfolios in response to the new legislation.
Jonathan Stinton, head of intermediary relationships at Coventry for intermediaries, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act was clearly front and centre for landlords and tenants earlier this year. The scale of search activity shows just how many people were turning to Google for answers on what the changes mean in practice.
“But it’s concerning that one of the sharpest rises is for a legal requirement carrying a fine of up to £7,000 – that suggests the guidance landlords needed wasn’t reaching them clearly enough, or in time.”
He added: “A strong private rental sector has to work for both sides. Tenants need confidence in their rights, and landlords need confidence to stay in the market and plan for the long term.
“The rise in ‘limited company’ searches suggests many are already weighing up how to restructure for it and make sure their property investments are economically viable.
“This is where brokers can make a real difference. By helping landlords and tenants navigate the detail behind the headlines, brokers can build the trust and give the expertise that a search engine can’t provide, and strengthen relationships that last well beyond a single conversation.”
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