Tenancy disputes in England and Wales have been rising steadily over the past decade and could increase further when the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force later this year, according to new research from LegalforLandlords.
Analysis of data from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme shows the number of disputes has increased by an average of 6% annually over the past 10 years.
The pace of growth has accelerated in recent years, rising by 17.1% in 2023, 15.4% in 2024 and a further 11.1% in 2025.
An estimated 46,950 disputes were recorded last year. While this represents around 1% of the 4.7 million tenancy deposits currently protected, industry professionals say disputes are becoming more common.
TENANCY DISPUTES
A survey of more than 1,000 UK property professionals by LegalforLandlords found that 35% have experienced a tenancy dispute, with 16% reporting multiple cases.
The most common cause of disputes is rent arrears (21%), followed by property damage (16%), end-of-tenancy property condition (16%) and anti-social behaviour (14%).
Many disputes also take months to resolve. Around 40% of respondents said cases typically last more than three months, while 26% said they can extend beyond six months.
The financial impact can also be significant. More than a third of professionals said disputes typically cost between £1,000 and £5,000, while 21% reported costs exceeding £5,000 and 9% said they had faced costs of more than £10,000.
TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE
Sim Sekhon (main picture, inset), Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, says: “Tenancy disputes are rarely straightforward and they can quickly become both time-consuming and expensive for landlords.
“As our research shows, even a single dispute can run into thousands of pounds, while the time involved in resolving issues can stretch into months and create significant uncertainty for property owners.
“With the Renters’ Rights Act set to reshape the private rental sector from May, it’s likely we will see disputes become more common.
“Tenants will understandably feel more confident and empowered by the additional protections available to them, which could mean that disagreements that may once have been resolved informally are increasingly escalated through formal channels.”
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
He adds: “For landlords and letting agents, this makes preparation and professional support more important than ever. Having clear processes in place, robust tenancy agreements, and access to experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference when issues arise.
“By taking a proactive approach and ensuring they have the right expertise on their side, landlords can navigate disputes far more effectively while protecting both their investment and their peace of mind.”
