What does the Renters’ Rights Act Mean for Acoustics in the Private Rented Sector
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks one of the most significant overhauls of the private rented sector in decades. With the end of fixed-term tenancies, greater landlord accountability, and a renewed focus on housing quality, the Act is reshaping expectations for both landlords and tenants.
While the legislation does not explicitly introduce new acoustic requirements, its wider push for improved housing standards and tenant wellbeing has clear implications for noise and vibration management in rental properties. As urban density grows and complaints about noise remain among the most common issues in the rented sector, acoustics is becoming an increasingly relevant part of the compliance and tenant-experience discussion.
At KP Acoustics Group, we believe landlords and property managers should understand the emerging acoustic considerations, and how early action can enhance compliance, reduce complaints, and increase rental value.
A New Emphasis on Housing Quality
Although the Renters’ Rights Act itself does not detail acoustic criteria, it paves the way for a strengthened Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector. This standard is expected to align more closely with requirements already applied in social housing, where noise is recognised as a potential hazard under the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
If similar principles are extended to private rentals, landlords may be required to demonstrate that:
- Excessive noise does not pose a health or wellbeing risk to tenants
- Poor sound insulation does not result in persistent nuisance
- Internal building services (e.g., HVAC, plant) do not generate disruptive noise or vibration
- External noise exposure (traffic, rail, commercial activity) is appropriately mitigated
These expectations align closely with issues our consultancy team resolves every day.
Why Acoustics Matters More Than Ever
Noise complaints are consistently among the top reasons for disputes between tenants and landlords. Under the new Act, increased tenant protections, including ombudsman oversight, may make these complaints more consequential for landlords who fail to address them.
The combination of:
- heightened scrutiny on housing standards
- increased powers for local authorities
- mandatory registration for landlords
- clearer routes for tenants to raise issues
creates a landscape where proactive noise management becomes an advantage, not just a formality.
For many landlords, especially those managing large portfolios, build-to-rent schemes, or mixed-use developments, acoustic performance will soon be a measurable part of tenant satisfaction and regulatory confidence.
Where Acoustic Consultants Add Immediate Value
Even before acoustic requirements become formalised under secondary regulations, landlords and property managers can benefit from acting early. Our team at KP Acoustics Group supports the sector through:
Pre-Compliance Acoustic Assessments
We conduct detailed sound insulation and noise-intrusion surveys to identify potential risks before they escalate into complaints or enforcement issues.
Retrofit and Upgrade Strategies
Older and converted properties often fall short of modern acoustic expectations. We provide actionable recommendations to improve separating walls/floors, glazing, ventilation noise, and plant vibration.
Noise and Vibration Monitoring
With our IoT monitoring platform, eNView, landlords can continuously track noise or vibration concerns, demonstrating due diligence and providing real-time insight into tenant welfare.
Documentation for Landlord Registration and Inspections
As new compliance frameworks develop, acoustic reports will help landlords evidence that their properties meet the performance criteria expected by local authorities or the future Decent Homes Standard.
Resolving Tenant Complaints Effectively
Objective acoustic measurement removes ambiguity, allowing landlords to address issues quickly and transparently, and helping prevent escalation to the new ombudsman.
Looking Ahead and Preparing for Secondary Regulations
Much of the practical detail of the Renters’ Rights Act will be set out in secondary legislation. This is where we expect clearer reference to housing hazards, environmental noise exposure, and minimum acceptable living conditions, all of which have acoustic implications.
By preparing now, landlords can stay ahead of compliance and ensure their properties continue to offer high-quality, comfortable living environments.
How KP Acoustics Group Can Help
As the regulatory landscape evolves, we are already working with landlords, developers, and managing agents to future-proof their properties. Whether you’re looking to audit your current portfolio, assess upcoming developments, or address noise issues in your existing stock, our consultancy and UKAS-accredited testing services are here to support you.
If you would like to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Act may affect your property portfolio, or explore our acoustic assessment and monitoring services, please get in touch with our team: info@kpacoustics.com | 0208 222 8778