The Guild of Property Professionals has rolled out a comprehensive six-week training programme to prepare members for the Renters Rights Act, which comes into force on May 1, 2026.
The structured programme begins on February 12, 2026 and will be led by Paul Offley, compliance officer at The Guild, supported by Tanya Pearson, senior account manager, who brings extensive lettings knowledge and frontline experience to the initiative.
The training addresses the most critical operational and commercial impacts of the legislation, giving agents clear, practical guidance they can implement immediately. One webinar will be delivered each week, supported by written guidance and practical tools via The Guild's members' hub.
Each session follows a consistent format, focusing on change, impact, action and scenario. This ensures members understand what is changing, how it affects their business, what they need to do next, and how the legislation will apply in real-world situations.
The weekly webinar schedule runs as follows: February 12 covers the end of fixed-term tenancies, February 19 addresses gaining possession, and February 26 examines possession grounds. March 5 focuses on managing rent increases, March 12 looks at payments in advance, and March 26 concludes with rental bidding, discrimination and pets.
Each webinar will be accompanied by a topic-specific checklist, providing members with a clear, step-by-step action plan to work through in the week following each session. Advance guidance and bullet-point summaries will also be published on the members' hub, enabling agents to prepare ahead of time if they wish.
Rent protection will be a consistent theme throughout the programme, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding landlords as legislative changes are introduced and highlighting the operational and commercial value of robust protection measures.
Members who complete the six-week programme will have implemented the core operational changes required ahead of the legislation. The Guild will use the five-week period leading up to May 1, 2026, to reinforce learning, refine processes and address any remaining questions.
The Guild will host weekly drop-in support sessions throughout April 2026, providing agents with direct access to guidance, clarification and practical advice as they finalise their preparations.
"Preparation is absolutely critical with legislation of this scale," said Offley (pictured). "The Renters Rights Act represents a fundamental shift in how lettings businesses operate, and agents who leave preparation too late risk disruption to both their compliance and commercial performance. Our six-week programme is designed to remove uncertainty, prioritise what matters most, and give members the confidence to make changes as they go, rather than all at once."
He added that The Guild's role is to support members through change, not just explain the law. "This programme provides practical actions, real-life scenarios and ongoing support, ensuring our members are not only compliant by May 1, 2026, but operationally strong and commercially protected," he explained.
