The new Renters’ Rights Act promises safer homes and stronger protections for tenants, but accountants warn it could place heavy financial pressure on smaller landlords trying to keep up with the new standards.

The cost of compliance is likely to hit one-property and small-portfolio landlords hardest. The new Decent Homes Standard will mean many landlords have to carry out insulation, heating and energy-efficiency improvements.

A significant number of UK homes will need work to meet the new rules. For those with only one or two properties, the cost of getting compliant will feel much higher, especially when you add in the registration and administrative requirements.