Housing Ombudsman Service to run the new private landlord ombudsman, minister confirms

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The government intends the existing Housing Ombudsman Service to set up and operate the new ombudsman for private landlords created by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, housing minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed. The statement came in a written parliamentary answer published on 26 October 2026.

Landlords Portal news graphic: Housing Ombudsman to run the new private landlord ombudsman under the Renters' Rights Act
17 Sep 2026
Redress scheme regulations came into force
26 Oct 2026
Minister names Housing Ombudsman Service as operator
Not yet
Landlords do not have to join a scheme immediately
Source: Hansard written answer, HC Deb 26 October 2026; legislation.gov.uk

What the minister said

Answering questions from MPs Kim Leadbeater and Becky Gittins, Mr Pennycook said regulations came into force on 17 September 2026 allowing the Secretary of State to designate or approve a private landlord redress scheme, which will give private tenants free and impartial access to redress. Those regulations are the Private Landlord Redress Schemes (Approval and Designation) Regulations 2026.

The Housing Ombudsman Service already provides mandatory redress for social housing tenants. The minister said the government’s intention is that it will set up and operate the private rented sector service.

What it means for landlords

  • No action needed yet. The minister said the regulations “do not require landlords to join a scheme immediately”.
  • The scheme will first be prepared for designation and its digital and operational systems built.
  • Further regulations will then set out which landlords must join and when. We will report the sign-up date once it is announced.

In the meantime, good records of repairs, communications and complaints handling will put landlords in a stronger position once tenants can take complaints to the ombudsman.

Sources

This article is general information for UK landlords, not legal advice. Check the current position or take professional advice.

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